Farewell 2020, Hello Payday: What to Sell Before Next Year
With 2021 on the horizon and an unforgettable year behind us, it’s the perfect time to start fresh. That typically means committing to New Year’s resolutions and doing a major cleanout — saying goodbye to the outfits worn on repeat, the home pieces that no longer spark joy, and the jewelry and watches that have been endlessly flashed on Zoom. But why can’t you resolve to be sustainable, overhaul your space and wardrobe… and get paid? We tapped our editors to find out what’s in demand (aka, what shoppers have been buying and what you should sell now to ensure a 2021 payday is headed your way). Read on for some major selling inspiration, then extend the life of luxury goods by starting your next consignment.
Get Paid for Your Workleisure Fast
Jacquemus Le Sac Chiquito Bag; Chanel Logo Sneakers; Max Mara Trench
Noelle Sciacca, The RealReal Women’s Editorial Lead: “Working from home became the new norm for many in 2020, and regardless of where the office is next year, mixing sportswear with loungewear is here to stay. Searches for sweatshirts and sweatpants on The RealReal have grown 200% since last year and their sell-through is at an all-time high, while sneaker demand is growing 5x faster than other women’s shoe categories. I recommend selling workleisure pieces ASAP.
Minimal, logo-less pieces like classic Max Mara camel coats and cashmere sweaters are also on shoppers’ radar right now. Cashmere knits, for example, have seen a +35% lift in demand and +30% lift in search year over year.
Demand for emerging brands has grown almost 10% in the last year. Artful designs from Jacquemus and colorful pieces from Ganni are among the most searched-for items, while pieces from Khaite and Gabriela Hearst sell the quickest. Fun fact: demand for Gabriela Hearst pieces has increased since early December, when the designer was appointed as Chloé’s new Creative Director.”
Clear the Table & Cash Out
Hermès Tableware Set; Tiffany & Co. Flatware Set; James Lovera Bowl
Mariel McCarter, The RealReal Senior Home & Art Merchandise Manager: “Now is a great time to sell Hermès and Tiffany & Co. tabletop items. Average resale value for these Hermès pieces has risen to 80%, with select items even holding up to 89% resale value. Tiffany & Co. tabletop pieces, on average, hold 60% resale value, but sterling items like the above 5-piece flatware set have resold on TRR with an 99% resale value. Demand for high-value tabletop pieces has increased +20% year over year, and these items are selling faster than last year.”
Consign Watch Classics Now
Cartier Tank Française; Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver; Rolex Datejust
Yana Polikarpov, The RealReal Associate Watches Merchandise Manager: “We’re seeing demand outpace supply across watches as a whole, so it’s a great time to sell. We can barely keep certain Rolex and Cartier models in stock! Rolex reigns supreme as TRR’s most in-demand watch brand. Models with a 40mm+ case diameter are in high demand, and these popular models typically hold over 85% resale value… some even sell well above their retail prices. Resale values for the Cosmograph Daytona, ‘no-date’ Submariner and Explorer II have increased almost +15% year over year and are selling +40% faster. The Datejust is our top-selling women’s model and is selling +10% faster this year.
Cartier remains TRR’s second most-Obsessed watch brand, with over 209,000 Obsessions year-to-date. The Tank Française is our best-selling Cartier model, and is selling +26% faster than last year, and mid-size Cartier Ballon Bleu watches are in higher demand than ever, selling +20% faster than in 2019.
High-value sports watches are also trending, with the average sales price of Audemars Piguet watches up $1,070.”
Earn More for Men’s Luxury Staples
Louis Vuitton Keepall; Loro Piana Sweater; Dior Men B23 Sneakers
Aaron McWilliams, The RealReal Senior Men’s Merchandising Manager: “When it comes to men’s bags, Louis Vuitton Keepalls are iconic staples. With many unique design variations, LV has been able to find success in both the classic and rare styles. Even as a consistent investment piece year after year, the resale value is +10% year over year. TRR customers are on the hunt… it’s time to consign.
Dior Men’s B23 Series sneakers launched in 2019, but search over the past two months has risen +30% year over year. Demand continues to grow for the very successful collection as Dior releases new styles and colorways, and resale value is also up +10%.
Even though winter is here, it’s never too late to sell cashmere and earn a strong return. Loro Piana cashmere sweaters’ resale value and searches peak in the mid-winter/early new year. Consign now to get the most out of your cashmere. Earn even more with baby cashmere pieces, as resale value can be up to 5x higher.”
Let Unworn Jewelry Shine for Someone Else
Tiffany & Co. T Bracelet; Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Necklace; 18K 6.03ctw Diamond Studs
Steffi Lee, The RealReal Fine Jewelry & Watches Editorial Manager: “With the holidays around the corner and Valentine’s Day coming up, shoppers are seeking out investment diamonds. Searches for diamond studs are growing +22% month over month, and 73% of diamond studs on The RealReal sell within 30 days. Sellers typically receive the best ROI for their items this time of year as well.
Pendant necklaces are always a TRR top seller, but we’ve seen even higher demand this year as people focus on casual yet polished WFH outfitting. Alhambra is one of the most recognizable motifs in jewelry, so it’s no surprise that Van Cleef pendant necklaces are currently on top. Van Cleef Alhambra holds up to 95% resale value, which has increased +7% year over year.
And if there’s some unworn Tiffany jewelry lingering in your collection, sell it now. The T collection is one of Tiffany’s more recent offerings, but it has already cemented itself as a timeless logo. Tiffany T bracelets have proven to hold up to 70% resale value.”
