

Seasonal Strategies: Maximizing Profits in Luxury Resale Throughout the Year
Fashion is cyclical, so you refresh your wardrobe from time to time. Reselling the luxury items currently collecting dust in your closet often can help you make the money you’d like to have for something new. It also lets others enjoy your pre-loved items for less. Luxury resale is big business and not just for people who consign with The RealReal. According to Statista, the luxury resale market was worth over $2.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to over $3 billion in the next four years.
Sure, you can make some extra money by shopping your own closet and consigning clothing, shoes, bags and jewelry you’re not wearing. Or opt for a seasonal luxury resale strategy that’s right for you, and get that wardrobe refresh you’re hoping for.
Strategy 1: Understand the Market
Knowing the fashion market well is your best bet for maximizing your luxury resale profits. Follow fashion influencers, celebrities, magazines, blogs and industry publications to understand trends. You will learn which brands and items are most popular, so you can enter the market at the right time.
Take advantage of resources such as The RealReal’s Luxury Resale Report to determine which brands tend to have the highest resale value. Classic staples such as Hermès and Gucci do well throughout the year.
Strategy 2: Take Advantage of Seasonal Trends
People shop for luxury items when they’re most needed. For example, if you’re trying to sell a Gorski winter trench, you should list it at the end of fall when the weather is cooler and shoppers are thinking about a new winter coat. During spring, they may start shopping for summer and wedding season. People who consign with The RealReal will list statement jewelry, luxury sandals and summer party dresses when the flowers begin blooming.
If you’re not sure how to time your items, look at fashion blogs and retail ads to check what the big brands are selling. You can source resale items or find similar items in your closet to stay competitive.
Strategy 3: Know Your Worth and Own It
Not asking enough is a risk in luxury resale. You want to offer a good deal, but you don’t want to short-change yourself. Before you consign your items with The RealReal, do some market research. Check out what other resellers are charging for your pieces to get the best deal. If you’re selling something rare and valuable, have it appraised.
Working with reputable consignment brands such as The RealReal is one way to know you’re getting the best price for your luxury items. We use algorithms, market research and demand trends to determine smart resale prices that get you the best offers.
Strategy 4: Keep Your Items in Good Condition
People are drawn to resale luxury because it’s more affordable, but that doesn’t mean they want pieces that are worn out. Even the slightest scratches and scuffs can lower your items’ resale value. When you’re shopping luxury items with the intent to resell them, look for pieces in the best condition. If they’re new, store them properly in the original packaging. Use dust bags and other protective measures to prevent damage.
Regularly clean jewelry, shoes and handbags, and get them repaired if needed. When you’re listing items that do have some damage, take clear photos, and be honest. People will still buy items that aren’t in perfect condition, but they will likely ask you to knock a little off the price. It’s better to set expectations upfront than make a customer ruffled by not disclosing wear and tear.
Strategy 5: Use Seasonal Marketing to Create Demand
Marketing can be the key to selling an item quickly at a fair price. Research your target audience, and be strategic in your marketing efforts. Use paid social media ads and other marketing channels to reach this audience when they’re ready to buy. Take advantage of keywords and imagery to show your audience what they’d enjoy about your products.
For example, if you’re reselling jewelry during the holiday season, target people on their way to a holiday party. Pair your jewelry with a holiday party outfit to help potential customers visualize how the piece will complement their looks. Use hashtags such as #Christmas2024 or #Partyglam to draw buyers into your posts.
Similarly, if you’re consigning swimwear before summer kicks off, make your social media posts fun and carefree. Showcase the swimwear next to a beach bag and a passport to make people think about their upcoming vacation.
Always use high-quality photos, and post your items from multiple angles, so people can check it out as if they were in a retail store.
Strategy 6: Curate Your Collection Carefully
Over time, you’ll develop your own style to how to curate your luxury resale inventory. Some tricks include shopping for timeless items from brands that hold their value over time. Stay away from flashy, trendy pieces that go out of style quickly. Instead, consider staples such as The Row’s Margeaux bag.
Rarity also drives up the price for fashion. Try your hand if you can snag some limited-edition pieces from well-known brands. Consider the Hermès Birkin bag. This bag is so exclusive, shoppers pay tens of thousands of dollars just to get one. Look for exclusive pieces that fetch more on the resale market.
Finally, shop for quality pieces in the off-season, so you can consign them with The RealReal when people are looking for them. Grab your winter merch in the summer and your resort wear in the dead of winter.
Sell Your Items With The RealReal
Choosing the right consignment partner is also important to maximize your luxury resale profits. If you’re trying to sell items on your own, you have to cover shipping costs and handle your own customer service. There is nothing standing between you and the customer who wants a full refund for a tiny scratch on a handbag.
The RealReal makes it easy for consigners to list and sell their gently-used pieces. Our team of experts takes care of marketing, customer service, shipping and other tedious parts of the business process. We also offer opportunities to make a little extra money. Contact us today to learn how to sell with us.