As fashion sustainability has become an increasing concern, the number of people using resale apps has dramatically risen. Research by the Fashion Retail Academy found that the number of people selling their clothes via resale apps has increased by 113% in the past five years. This same research study found that shoppers aged 18 to 24 are the most active on sites such as Depop, Ebay and Facebook Marketplace.
These apps make selling unwanted clothing very easy and convenient and they also give you a fast way to make that extra bit of cash. Whilst young people are the most common users of these digital platforms, people of all ages can begin to take advantage of this new technology. By clearing out your wardrobe and making way for those fresh spring pieces, you will not only be making money, but helping the planet too.
How have resale apps impacted the fast fashion industry?
The introduction of resale apps have provided an alternative to fast fashion and an environmentally friendly way of shopping for new clothes. The Times reported that more than 300,000 tonnes of used clothing ends up in landfill every year. Many of these items were thrown away after only being worn once, as a result of buying cheap and trendy high street items which quickly go out of style. By utilising resale apps clothing items are being given a new life in someone else's wardrobe, rather than heading straight to landfill. Some unwanted items may even be brand new with tags, and half the price so there are endless benefits to shopping second hand.
Depop
Founded by Simon Beckerman in 2011, Depop is one of the most well known resale apps for selling unwanted clothing and is probably one of the most convenient too. You can sell just about anything on this app from clothing items and trendy shoes to brand new makeup and jewellery, if you've got it someone will want it. The app is available to download on Apple or Android and is extremely easy to use, whether you're looking to buy or sell.
To sell, upload images of the item with the relevant description and information such as size, condition, brand and price. Add any relevant tags and shipping costs and post the listing on your page. Buyers can then message you if they're interested in what you have to sell and can make their payment via PayPal. Once the payment has been received simply package the item in a postage bag and send to the recipients address. From personal experience I believe this app to be straightforward and easy to use and a fast way to gain money from unwanted clothes.
Positives:
Depop is a great place to start for beginners who have never used a resale app before as it is straightforward to use.
The app allows users to post videos of their items which makes it easier for buyers to see what they are purchasing.
People all over the world can use the app and sellers can choose to provide international shipping to reach a larger number of buyers.
Depop provides an option to swap clothes with other users instead of buying or selling.
Buyers and sellers can leave you feedback to raise your profile and credibility as a trustworthy user.
Negatives:
Depop can only be used as a mobile app, which may be a problem for some users.
Depop takes 10% of any item you sell.
Ebay
Ebay is a buying and selling site which was founded in 1995, by entrepreneur Pierre Omidyar. Ebay is one of the oldest online platforms to buy and sell unwanted items. From clothes to electrical items, you can find many bargains on Ebay and sell to people from all over the world.
Once you have created an account, add a listing of the item you want to sell and add a method of payment for any fees. With roughly 167 million active users, your items will be available to a large scale of buyers, increasing the chances of you making a sale.
Positives:
The site is available as an app to make buying and selling easier.
Ebay is a great place to start up a business due to the large scale of customers.
Multiple customers can bid on your items.
Negatives:
There are numerous fees you must pay even before you sell an item and Ebay takes 10% of any item sold.
There is a lot of competition on Ebay as similar items are being sold.
Facebook Marketplace
If you're already a Facebook user then the Facebook Marketplace is an easy place to buy and sell clothes. To list an item on Facebook Marketplace click the Marketplace icon then tap 'sell something.' Take a photo of the item you want to sell, enter a description and price, confirm your location and set a category for the item. Facebook Marketplace enables local people to you see your products making it much more convenient and less time consuming. You can also directly search for the product you are looking for which makes it easier to purchase good quality second hand items.
Positives:
Users don't have to download an entirely new app as it is accessible via the Facebook app.
Facebook Marketplace allows you to buy from and sell to people in your local area, meaning you might not have to post the item and can arrange to drop it off at their home instead.
You can maximise the visibility of your product by posting the listing in any other local buying or selling group you are a part of as well as the Marketplace.
Facebook Marketplace is free of charge to use. Users only need to pay for postage.
Negatives:
There is no section to provide seller feedback like Depop and Ebay
There is no buyer protection on Facebook Marketplace.
Vinted
With 25 million members, Vinted is another popular resale site to buy and sell clothes. To begin decluttering your wardrobe, start by creating your own account. Next click 'sell now' and add all the relevant details about the item you want to get rid of. Buyers can negotiate prices with you on the site and once your item is sold you can send it easily via the CollectPlus parcel service.
Vinted already has 20 million members and is growing in popularity with 15 thousand new members joining everyday. Why not give your unwanted clothes a second life and sign up to Vinted today.
Positives:
It is free to create an account and start selling.
Vinted is available as a mobile app, making it much easier to use.
The CollectPlus service makes it easier and less hassle to send items to buyers.
Negatives:
You must have a Paypal account to buy and sell on the app.
Selling items is free but buyers must pay a service fee of 3% to 8% of the items' price.
Shpock
Shpock is the car boot sale app that allows users to buy, sell or give away items in their local area. Since its launch in 2014 it has become an increasingly popular place to sell anything from electrical and homeware items to fashion and accessories.
Once you have downloaded the app you can easily list any item. Upload multiple photos of the item, add a detailed description including its condition and choose a category so it can be found easily. You can then choose whether the item will be shipped or whether it is collect only for local users. With around 10 million users, you'll be sure to sell your clothing and accessories for a great price and also find some secondhand bargains along the way.
Positives:
There are no registration or membership fees to join the app and downloading it is free.
Shpock does not charge any fees when an item is sold.
You can leave and receive feedback for any items sold, building your reputation online.
Negatives:
Shpock is not specifically for selling clothing items unlike Depop and Vinted.
Comments