

Where to Sell Second Hand Dresses
It’s tempting to let the little black dress you scored two seasons ago collect dust in the back of your closet, or worse yet, rot in a landfill after you toss it in the garbage. Ignoring its existence or throwing it away are the fastest, easiest options, right?
Maybe so, but that doesn’t mean either is the best idea. Compared to your two other options for unworn or unwanted items, selling them is best. It may not be as simple as shuffling a dress behind dozens more you can’t let go of yet — you never know when you might need it, right? — or crumpling a garment into a Hefty bag. But it’s worth the extra effort it requires.
Reasons to Sell Your Gently Loved Pieces
Selling your pre-owned clothing and embracing the world of pre-loved fashion is a win for several reasons. Not only can you earn a few extra dollars and help the environment, but you’ll also help build community.
Make Money
Clothing is one of the most popular purchases in brick-and-mortar stores and online. So, if you’re looking to make some extra cash, going through your wardrobe and selling pieces you no longer wear is a viable option. Some people have even been so successful in the clothing resale game that they’ve been able to turn it into a full-time gig.
Now, most people won’t make a living selling a few luxury items here and there. But at the very least, you’ll have something to deposit into your rainy-day fund.
Sustainability
The environmental impact of the fashion industry has been making headlines for years now, and not for good reasons.
In fact, fashion production accounts for about 10% of the world’s carbon emissions. For context, that’s more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. What’s more is by the end of a year, about 85% of the textiles purchased will sit in a landfill. Because they probably weren’t made from a biodegradable material, they’ll sit there for years to come, likely releasing harmful chemicals into the ground.
When you decide to sell your gently loved pieces instead of tossing them out, you extend their life and reduce the demand for new production. Plus, you’re helping offset the environmental impact of your purchases — extending a piece of clothing’s life by as little as nine months reduces the item’s carbon footprint by 25%.
Build Community
Buying and selling pre-owned clothing, shoes and accessories grants you membership in the unofficial club of sustainable fashion enthusiasts. Joining the resale clothing world gives you a chance to connect with people who share your passion for sustainable fashion, especially if you’re buying and selling in person.
Where to Sell Secondhand Dresses
Now you know why you should consider selling secondhand dresses. That poses a new question: where?
Consignment Companies
As the interest in and demand for secondhand fashion grows, so does the number of consignment companies. Whether they operate online, in-person or both, these businesses do the same thing: store and sell someone else’s goods in exchange for payment.
There are plenty of options for prospective consignors to consider, and The RealReal is one of the best. Established in 2011, the company focuses on extending luxury goods’ lives and, as a result, contributing to the sustainable fashion world.
One thing that makes The RealReal stand out from other similar companies is its commission structure. TRR bases its commission structure on its RealReal Rewards program. The more you sell with TRR, the more you earn and the more benefits you receive. The company bases a consignor’s commission on their yearly net sales.
The only exceptions are in-demand, high-value pieces and lower-value items. Must-have items give TRR members a chance to earn more, while their less-in-demand counterparts have lower commission rates.
Social Media
If you want to sell your secondhand pieces sans middleman, social media is the way to go. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram often prove to be good places to sell.
Regardless of whether you list your items on your pre-existing page or make a new one dedicated to your secondhand goods, there are a few tips to follow before you try to make a sale.
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- Make sure every garment is clean and in good condition. That means no stains, holes or other noticeable flaws.
- Take high-quality pictures. These should be well-lit, clear and unfiltered so potential buyers can see exactly what the piece looks like.
- Write an item description that includes the size or measurements of the dress and any other important details you think a consumer should know.
- Ask for realistic prices. Consider how much you paid for the dress. Then, use that number to determine how much you’d be willing to take for it.
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E-commerce Platforms
While some want full control when selling their pre-owned dresses online, others don’t mind sacrificing it for convenience. That’s why websites and apps specifically designed for e-commerce exist.
Successfully selling on these platforms usually means applying the same tips outlined above for making social media sales. However, some of these e-commerce websites and apps take a percentage of your profit. Keep that in mind as you price your dresses.
Sell Your Gently Loved Dresses
Don’t spend any more trying to convince yourself you’ll eventually wear those unwanted dresses hanging in the back of your closet or crumpled in a drawer somewhere. Someone wants to wear them right now, and they’ll only get the chance if you sell them.
Fortunately, because sustainable fashion is a growing industry, there are several ways for you to get your pre-owned dresses — pre-owned bags, jewelry and shoes, too! — into their next owner’s hands. Start sorting through your wardrobe to find the garments you’re ready to part with. Then, find the sales platform that works for you.
The RealReal is a solid choice for anyone looking to part with a dress or two. Create a membership and start selling. Spend a little time browsing the TRR inventory, too. You’ll need some new-to-you pieces to replace the ones you sold, and considering how many items The RealReal has available, you’ll have no trouble finding something good.