Maximizing Returns: When to Sell Your Designer Pieces
Luxury resale gives you the chance to trade the items in your closet you’re not using for cash. In this business, striking while the iron is hot can mean the difference between a lackluster sale and a great payday. That’s why you should know the best time to sell designer items. Take a look at the tips below to make the most of your pieces.
Understanding Your Item’s Resale Value
At any time of the year, certain luxury resale items will fetch more than others. Some brands are always in demand which makes them more valuable than others. Fashion staples such as Gucci, Prada and Dior are popular with consumers the world over. These brands are easier to resell because customers are always looking for them.
In addition, your well-loved items are your favorite for a reason, but excess wear and tear can make them harder to sell. If you’re planning on offloading your old designer faves when you’re done with them, make sure they’re in excellent condition. Keep the original dust bags and packaging when you can.
Rarity is another factor influencing how your resale items are priced. Limited-edition pieces and discontinued designs can bring in more money. For example, many vintage Alexander McQueen pieces created prior to the designer’s death in 2010 sell for more than those designed by Sarah Burton and Seán McGirr.
When To Sell Handbags and Other Accessories
Handbags come and go and then come back again. Whether you prefer a timeless model such as Gucci’s Jackie O or a trendy design such as the Gucci Marmont, you can always find a consignment bag that fits your style. When you’re ready to sell it, consign with TheRealReal during the major spring and fall fashion seasons.
Every year in February and September, major fashion brands launch new collections during high-visibility fashion weeks. These fashion shows drive traffic to online shops as people clamor to add new pieces to their closets. Look at what the designers are showing and consign pieces that mirror the trends.
Striking during the holiday shopping season is another smart strategy. Become a consigner during the post-Thanksgiving shopping rush or during the back-to-school season to catch shoppers when they’re stocking up.
When To Sell Jewelry and Watches
Jewelry will fluctuate in value based on the brand name and the materials used to make it. For example, because diamond jewelry is often associated with love and relationships, it sells well on Valentine’s Day and Christmas.
If you have well-known pieces to sell, consider listing your item at the time of a popular relaunch or special event driving renewed brand interest. The UK’s V&A Museum is hosting an exhibit on the history of Cartier in 2025. As people flock to the museum to see historical collections from the iconic brand, they may be looking online for a vintage piece to buy.
When To Sell Clothing and Shoes
Depending on where you’re consigning clothes, you should sell seasonal items when they are in season. Some resellers won’t take out-of-season items unless they’re prepping for a seasonal changeover. Besides, people are more likely to shop for seasonal necessities when they’re in season.
For example, if you’re selling summer sandals, become a consigner with TRR toward the middle to the end of spring to catch people who are revamping their summer wardrobe. Offer up linen suits and other summer menswear at the same time for the professionals who are about to transition their work attire.
If you’re not sure what’s hot at the moment, look through local consignment stores and websites and note the trends. Look for similar items in your closet.
Other Factors To Consider
Listing at the right time of the year will go a long way toward maximizing returns. Keep these factors in mind as well.
Economic Factors
You’re more likely to get the best returns on your consignment clothing and accessories when the general market is stable. Economic downturns, recessions and other periods of instability impact how people shop. You can still consign during these times, but you probably won’t get as much as you would during a strong economy.
Monthly Trends
Each month comes with seasonal trends and events that impact demand. In January, many people make the New Year’s Resolution to lose weight. Consider listing your lululemon leggings and Alo Yoga gear at this time to attract gym newbies.
April typically marks the beginning of wedding season. Go through your closet and pull your best wedding guest attire and accessories to reach people who need new outfits. More people have babies in the late summer. List your baby clothes at this time to help new parents prep.
Retail Trends
Retailers pay attention to consumer behavior to guide marketing and stock decisions. Follow suit when you’re consigning items. For example, people shop online more often on Sundays and Mondays, while they’re least active on Saturdays. Take advantage of these trends and consign with TheRealReal on Saturday to reach the Sunday and Monday rush.
Get Help From The RealReal
At The RealReal, we spotlight items from consigners like you to improve visibility and increase your likelihood of a sale. We also offer guides such as our list of trending items and our Resale Report to help you better understand what to sell and how we market your items.
Our team of fashion experts will help you sell your items more quickly. All you have to do is schedule a pickup, ship your items to us or drop your items off. Don’t try to figure customers out on your own. Let us help.
The Bottom Line
Multiple factors influence how much you make when you consign your luxury items. Listing them at the right time can help you make more for your efforts. Look at fashion magazines and websites to see what is trending and which brands are making a splash in the new season. Use increased Fashion Week traffic to sell trendy items from popular designers. Take advantage of the holidays and other seasonal shopping patterns. Finally, keep retail market trends and economic factors in mind when deciding when to sell.
