Experts reveal the secret to making money selling second hand

Over 40% of UK consumers have bought a second-hand item in the last year[1], and Google searches for “Vinted” have increased by a huge 122% in the past year to 1.5 million. Whether it’s to make money, save money or be more sustainable; it’s clear consumers are looking to shop and sell second-hand.

So, for those looking to make some extra cash, the courier experts at DeliveryApp have teamed up with influencer Chi-Chi Nwuba (@chisquared) to reveal the secret to making money on resale sites like Vinted and share their top tips on how to be successful buying and selling online.

How to be successful in buying and selling online

You need to spend at least 1-2 hours daily 

Perhaps you could casually earn an extra £100 a month by selling just old and unwanted items, but the best way for an average person to make decent money on Vinted would be to buy AND sell. 

If you have a lot of in-demand items to sell, and they are at an affordable price compared to others on the app, then you will obviously make sales. 

But unless you’re selling trending items or specific designer items for substantially less, it is unlikely that demand for your product will be “high” through simply selling items you don’t want in your closet.

If you want to earn more, you need to be buying and selling.

I would advise investing at least 1 -2 hours per day into buying and selling second hand. This will allow you time to:

  • Research trending items by dedicating time to scrolling through the Vinted app to see what’s already selling. 
  • Knowledge of what’s trending in fashion helps. Try to get to know the “it” brands of the season or the items selling out in stores. 
  • Make note of key seasons and calendar dates where people will be searching particular items e.g., “wedding season”, “Christmas parties”. 

Find trending items in-store and online

Spend time visiting charity shops searching online for trending discounted items that you can then wash and sell for a profit. This year some of the big trends have been things like denim, cowboy and Y2K.

Seasons and Events

Time selling relevant items with the seasons and time of year when they’re most likely to sell. For example, ball gowns or black-tie attire might not sell well in the middle of summer. Use wedding season or royal ascot to get rid of any unused fascinators and occasion hats.

One exception is baby and toddler items, these tend to sell all year around so research into popular brand names and see what you can sell.

Good Photography

Bad photos will put potential buyers off. Take clear, well-lit photos of your items from multiple angles to showcase their condition and features. High-quality visuals attract potential buyers and help them make informed decisions.

Top Seller Mistakes

Bad pricing

Research the market value of similar items and set a competitive price. Consider factors such as condition, age, brand, and demand when determining the pricing. 

Taking too long to reply

Not responding promptly to inquiries from potential buyers gives off a bad impression. Answer questions, provide additional information, and address concerns in a timely manner to build trust and ensure a positive experience for the buyer.

Risky transactions

Use secure payment methods and delivery options where possible and follow the recommended procedures of the online platform to minimize any risks.

Not using a reliable delivery company

Opting for a reputable courier service ensures that your goods are handled with care and delivered promptly, enhancing customer satisfaction and building your reputation as a trustworthy seller.

Dwain McDonald, CEO at DeliveryApp adds: “There’s no point in selling online if the goods never make it to their intended destination. Choosing a responsible courier can remove the stress of having to deal with disputes and lost items.

“It’s best to choose a service that can ensure real-time tracking and that all items are covered from theft, loss or damage while they are being transported.”

For more information about DeliveryApp, please visit www.deliveryapp.com

Sources

1. Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1324149/consumers-who-bought-and-sold-secondhand/  

2. Google Keyword Planner results for ‘vinted’ correct as of 01/08

About Chinyelum Nwuba

Chinyelum Nwuba’s @chisquared2 vinted tips have amassed over 100k views on TikTok and through a combination of buying and selling – she has made over £300 in her first month.

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