Complete Guide to Reselling Vintage Clothing Online

Is Reselling Vintage Clothing Profitable?

Absolutely! Reselling vintage clothing can be a lucrative venture, with the potential for a steady income if you approach it strategically. Casual resellers often earn $200-$600 monthly by flipping 10-20 items, while serious sellers can make upwards of $2,000-$5,000, depending on inventory quality and sales volume.

Sourcing Vintage Clothing: Where and What to Look For

Thrift Stores and Charity Shops

Goodwill and Salvation Army are starting points; however, the real treasure lies in local charity shops. Look for items pre-2005 with unique prints, heavyweight fabrics, and any designer labels. Prices here range from $3-$10 a piece, making it easy to score high-margin items.

Estate Sales

These are goldmines for vintage clothing. Entire wardrobes from the 60s-80s can be acquired for pennies on the dollar. Always check for designer labels hidden among everyday clothes; you might come across gems like vintage Levi's or a rare Moschino piece.

Flea Markets and Car Boot Sales

Arrive early for the best picks. Focus on vintage band tees, denim jackets, and leather goods, which are high-demand items. Prices here are typically negotiable, so bringing cash might give you an edge in negotiations.

Raghouses/Vintage Wholesalers

Popular in the UK and EU, these places allow you to buy clothing by the kilo, usually at £1-3 per piece. Cherry-pick your way through, focusing on sellable items that can fetch a good price online.

Choosing the Right Platform

Each platform has its strengths, and selecting the right one for your items can significantly affect your profitability.

eBay

With a massive global audience, eBay is perfect for rare finds over $100. The 13% fee is a trade-off for exposure to 135M+ active buyers. It's ideal for items like authentic vintage band tees or designer pieces.

Vinted

Vinted is a no-fee haven for sellers, with fees charged to buyers instead. It's ideal for everyday items under $30. The audience skews towards fashion-conscious Gen Z and Millennials, who appreciate sustainability.

Depop

Dominated by Gen Z, Depop is perfect for trendy, affordable items. Expect a 10% fee on each sale. It's best for items like vintage denim or quirky graphic tees that appeal to younger audiences.

Pricing Strategy

Price your items competitively to ensure they sell while maximizing profits.

• Common vintage (no-name 80s/90s): Price between $10-$25.
• Branded vintage (Levi's, Champion): Aim for $25-$60.
• Vintage band tees (authentic): These can fetch $40-$200+.
• Designer vintage (Versace, Moschino): Price between $80-$500+ depending on condition and rarity.

Photography and Listing Optimization

Good photos are crucial. Use flat lay photography on a clean, contrasting surface. For dark items, a white background works best, while a grey one suits lighter items. Always include close-ups of labels/tags as they are key for verifying authenticity.

For listing optimization, don't shy away from using tools like ListingGenie to generate keywords that convert. Be transparent in your descriptions, especially about any flaws, to build trust with buyers.

FAQs About Reselling Vintage Clothing

• How do I verify if an item is genuinely vintage? Look for unique tags, heavyweight fabrics, and items pre-2005. The condition can also give clues.
• What are common pitfalls for new vintage resellers? Not checking for flaws like moth holes or dry rot. These can lead to returns and unhappy customers.
• How should I handle shipping? Fold items neatly and use poly mailers to keep costs down. Reserve boxes for leather jackets or structured items.
• What platform should I start with if I have a limited inventory? Start with Vinted or Depop as they have lower fees and are more forgiving if you're testing the waters.
• Can vintage clothing reselling be a full-time job? Yes, with the right sourcing strategy and platform choice, many turn it into a full-time career.