For the designer-obsessed fashionistas,

Clearing out your closet to find items to resell is sometimes like giving up your first child. It’s filled with guilt (I can’t sell this, it’s a gift!), indecisiveness (yes, sell it! No, put it back!), and fear of missing out on a fashion revival (what if this becomes trendy again?). Given all the emotional roller coaster that comes with downsizing and reselling, the obvious question is: Where do you start? vino Overcome the frustration and find quick and easy tips for selling designer items.

1. Learn the skill of emotional detachment.

No matter how hard it may be, the only way to clear out your closet and completely give up designer labels for resale is to evaluate your items objectively. Ask yourself the following questions to help you put your personal feelings aside:

• When was the last time you wore or used this?

If you've answered this question less than once in the past six months, it's time to give up.

• Is this product still right for me?

No matter how gorgeous your Stella McCartney or Alexander McQueen dress is, if it no longer fits you, there's no point in keeping it.

• This is “so What was “last season” to me?

If you’re the type of person who always wants to be on top of fashion trends, last year’s collection may no longer fit your style preferences. If you’re ready to move on to the next trend, it’s time to sell.

2. Find a reputable resale designer store.

Since counterfeit designer goods are a common concern when selling and buying online, the most important thing to consider when shopping for an online designer resale store is the company’s credibility. How reputable is the online store for exclusively accepting and reselling authentic luxury designer goods? For example, Couture USA has a team of in-house authentication experts who extensively review designer goods for authenticity before accepting them for resale online and in their Tampa store.

If the thought of shipping thousands of dollars worth of designer items out of state makes you nervous, consider visiting a local designer resale boutique near you. As a consumer, there is a certain comfort in being able to walk into a store, talk to someone in person, and know exactly where designer items are being sold.

3. Research the brands and products you want to sell.

It's a good idea to educate yourself and know which brands have higher resale value than others. Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton There are three things that hold the resale value best. Resale value can help you assess the fair value of an item, but it is important to keep in mind that there are many factors that determine resale value. These factors include the condition of the designer item, the current retail price, and the speed at which it is likely to sell based on market demand. Therefore, resale value alone is not the only determining factor.

4. Ask important questions.

Before you pull the trigger, ask yourself these questions:

• What brands and items do you typically accept?

Some high-end resale stores have specific brands they choose to carry. For example, Couture USA has a dedicated online page for easy reference on which brands they accept, whether they accept prepaid purchases, or are consignment only.

• What is the application and delivery process?

Unless you are selling to a local boutique where you can conveniently drop off your designer items, the first step in reselling online is to request a quote. Be sure to describe the condition of the item truthfully and in detail, as this will help determine the true value of the designer item. It is also best to include high-quality images that show any defects or imperfections.

Click this link to learn more about selling and consigning with Couture USA!

• Is there a seller fee? And what is the fee rate?

Some online designer resale stores may or may not charge a seller commission, but most offer a variety of commission structures. For example, Couture USA offers a tiered commission structure, meaning the higher the price, the higher the profit. This structure allows online resale stores to offer the most competitive prices. In fact, you can earn up to 75% on designer items that resell for $3,000 or more!

• How are salaries paid?

When it comes to payment, don’t leave any surprises. Some stores offer the option to receive payment via mailed check or Paypal, so ask about their payment options. Also, ask how long it will take to receive payment. Having a timeline in place will help you know when to follow up if you don’t receive payment within the agreed time frame.

• What happens if I decide not to allow resale of my product?

There are a number of reasons why a designer resell store may reject an item. There may be concerns about authenticity, the condition of the item may be too flawed, or the brand or style may simply not be in demand at the moment. If this happens, don’t feel bad about it, but take advantage of the opportunity to ask about the best-selling brands and styles. The last thing you want to do is accept an item that you think will not sell in a resell boutique store. After all, it’s a loss of profit potential for you.

Ask the online resale store how to safely return your item and whether they charge shipping fees for the return process. Ultimately, if there is one important tip for how to sell designer items, it is to get everything in writing. A signed, written contract protects your luxury investment and, more importantly, protects you as a consumer.

Do you have any concerns or questions about how to sell designer items? Ask in the comments box below. We are always here to help!

(Updated May 2020)