How to Sell Vintage Clothing on Vestiaire Collective

Imagine you're digging through your attic and stumble upon a stunning vintage Chanel blazer from the '80s. It's in great condition, and you realize it could fetch a decent price. But where do you sell it to ensure authenticity and attract luxury buyers willing to pay top dollar? Welcome to Vestiaire Collective, the perfect platform for selling high-end vintage clothing.

Understanding the Vestiaire Collective Marketplace

Vestiaire Collective stands out as a global marketplace with a strong presence in fashion-forward countries like France, the UK, Italy, and the US. It’s home to 23 million members, predominantly women aged 25-50, who are keen on luxury fashion. They expect nothing less than authenticity-verified items, making it a prime spot for your vintage treasures. Here’s how you can make the most of it.

Leverage the Fee Structure

The platform charges a 12% commission on items over €100, which decreases the sting of fees on high-value items. For instance, if you sell a vintage Versace skirt for €150, you take home €132 after fees. For lower-value items, the commission can be as high as 25%, so aim to list items that can fetch higher prices to maximize your returns.

Capitalize on Vestiaire's Strengths

• Authentication Process: Every item you sell goes through Vestiaire’s authentication center. This process takes about 3-7 days but ensures buyer confidence. Always ensure your pieces are genuine — fakes can get your account banned.
• High Presentation Standards: Buyers expect immaculate presentation. Use high-quality photos on clean white backgrounds and include original packaging when possible. Complete packaging can increase your sale price by 20-40%.

Sourcing Authentic Vintage Clothing

Finding genuine vintage pieces is your first step. Here are some strategies based on my experience:

• Charity Shops: Look for items from before 2005 with unique prints and heavyweight fabrics. Check for hidden designer labels.
• Estate Sales: These are goldmines for vintage wardrobes filled with treasures from the 60s to the 80s.
• Flea Markets and Car Boot Sales: Arrive early for the best picks. Band tees, denim jackets, and leather goods are quick sellers.
• Raghouses/Vintage Wholesalers: Buy by the kilo for cheap and pick out the most valuable items.

Pricing Your Vintage Clothing

Understanding pricing is crucial for profitability. Here's a breakdown:

• Common Vintage (80s/90s): $10-25
• Branded Vintage (Levi's, Champion): $25-60
• Vintage Band Tees: $40-200+
• Designer Vintage (Versace, Moschino): $80-500+

Align your prices with the Vestiaire audience, who are willing to pay near-retail for sought-after items.

Creating a Listing on Vestiaire Collective

Here’s a step-by-step guide to listing your item:

1. Visit Vestiaire Collective: Log in and click on ‘Sell’ to start your listing.
2. Item Details: Fill in the brand, item type, size, and color. Be specific — the audience expects precision.
3. Condition Grading: Choose from ‘Never Worn’, ‘Very Good’, ‘Good’, or ‘Fair’. Be honest to avoid returns.
4. Price Your Item: Set a competitive price, considering the fee structure. High-value items benefit from a lower commission rate.
5. Upload Photos: Include clear, high-resolution photos with no distractions. Use a flat lay or a model, and capture close-ups of any tags.
6. Description: Use ListingGenie's Vestiaire Collective listing generator to create an optimized description that highlights key features and potential flaws.

Shipping Your Vintage Pieces

Once sold, Vestiaire provides a prepaid shipping label. Ship your item to their authentication center. For clothing, fold neatly and use poly mailers to keep costs low. For delicate pieces, add tissue paper, and use boxes only for structured items like leather jackets.

Common Questions about Selling on Vestiaire Collective

• How long does the authentication process take on Vestiaire Collective? The process typically takes 3-7 days, ensuring your buyer receives a verified authentic item.
• What happens if Vestiaire Collective finds a flaw in my item? If the flaw was undisclosed, it may lead to a return request. Always disclose issues upfront to maintain trust.
• Can I list non-luxury items on Vestiaire? While you can, the platform is best for higher-value luxury items due to its fee structure and audience expectations.
• How do I handle returns on Vestiaire? Vestiaire manages returns. Ensure your item description is accurate to minimize the likelihood of returns.
• What if my account gets banned for authenticity issues? Always ensure your items are genuine. A ban is typically permanent, so authenticity is crucial.

By understanding the platform's nuances and aligning your vintage offerings with its strengths, you can successfully turn your attic finds into a thriving business venture on Vestiaire Collective.