These Items Will Earn You the Most Money on Resale Sites Right Now

Cleaning out the ol' closet [1] is one of our favourite productive pastimes. When you've got a few spare hours (OK, sometimes days!), it can feel incredible to declutter, downsize, or more efficiently organise your wardrobe. Another motive for cleaning out your closet is to make extra money by selling some of your well-loved pieces, a practice that's become increasingly popular during the coronavirus. While local consignment stores and thrift shops are a great place to offload used items, many are currently closed due to COVID-19, which makes re-commerce sites [2] like The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, and Thredup an excellent place for selling clothing and accessories for cash.

While these resale sites have had to shift their day-to-day operations to accommodate the health and safety of their employees, they're still in business. They're getting creative with how they're accepting used items by offering virtual appointments, contactless pickups, and prepaid shipping labels.

To get a better understanding of what's selling best in the re-commerce world, POPSUGAR spoke to The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, Thredup, Fashionphile, and Rebag for a firsthand account of the bestselling items and unexpectedly in-demand categories right now. But before we break down the bestselling secondhand items of the moment, we also gathered a few tips for making the most money from your used items.

Condition Is Key

Sasha Skoda, the Head of Women's at The RealReal [3], told us, "condition is one of the biggest factors in determining what your piece is worth. The better the condition, the higher the price, and the more commission you could receive. With your newfound time at home, now is the time to take on a few easy DIY [4] care and repair projects, like treating your handbags to a luxe at-home spa, conditioning your leather items, or cleaning your sneakers, so they look brand-new."

Current Trends and Classic Items Always Sell Well

Sarah Davis, the president and founder of Fashionphile [5], says that current trends and cult-loved items are great if you're unsure of what to sell right now. "Things like comfy luxe sneakers and Hermès blankets and scarves are all selling quite well. If you haven't used [an item] in six months and it isn't seasonal, sell it! Sell those things that are just taking up space in your closets. It will be a burden lifted."

Elizabeth Layne, the chief marketing officer for Rebag [6], told POPSUGAR that the resale site hasn't seen any particular uptick in demand, and top-performing brands remain to be Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès. "The classics never die," she said. When selling a luxury item for maximum profit, Layne says to offload the more classic bags in your closet first if you're willing to part with them. "There is always a market for timeless styles that will never go out of fashion," she said, also suggesting items that are a bit harder to find in the resale market as collectors are continually scouring for rare gems. She also suggests doing some market research before selling a luxury handbag to ensure you're getting a fair price. "[We] recommend perusing different resellers and marketplaces and checking the prices of recently sold items that are similar to yours — these are price values that buyers are willing to pay right here and now."

Affordable Fashion Can Earn You Money, Too

If you think that designer labels are all that's going to earn you money, think again. Fanny Moizant, the cofounder and president of Vestiaire Collective [7], said that the re-commerce site is seeing a shift toward more accessible price points under $300 with an increase in clothing deposits from sellers and a steady flow of footwear, accessories, jewellery, and menswear.

Thredup [8] is another excellent place for selling a range of brands from Gap to Gucci, and Natalie Tomlin, a spokesperson for the website, told POPSUGAR that the site is still accepting 45,000+ brands across 100+ product categories. "It's a convenient place for sellers to clean out everything in their closets," she said, adding that it's not necessarily the place sellers will make the most money. Still, there are ways to maximise a payout, which include waiting on out-of-season pieces, ensuring items are clean and undamaged, and referencing Thredup's Seller's Guide [9] for a list of high-demand brands (which can earn sellers a 15-percent higher payout ).

The Payout Process

As for payouts, each site varies, but Davis told POPSUGAR that Fashionphile is working to process payouts as quickly as possible since money is such a significant demand right now. "We try to make offers and pay out as quickly as possible. It can make a huge difference for some people. During the downturn in 2008, we drove out to Palm Desert and bought $100,000 in accessories from one woman's amazing collection. She needed it to make payroll. What a blessing that she had that to turn to to keep her business afloat."

Now that we've prepped you with some valuable tips for selling used clothing and accessories, keep reading for the top-selling items on The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, Thredup, Fashionphile, and Rebag right now.

Clothing to Sell: Classic Pieces, Luxe Basics, and Minimalist Pieces

"Classic, simple pieces are performing better than ever since people are wearing more luxe basics and minimalist pieces around the home," Skoda told POPSUGAR.

A.P.C. Trench Coat

A.P.C. Trench Coat [10] ($102, originally $145)

Tibi Crew Neck Sweater

Tibi Crew Neck Sweater [11] ($46, originally $65)

Accessories to Sell: Scarves

"People have found a new use for their scarves as protective face masks. So, if you have a few extra scarves lying around, especially from a coveted brand like Hermès, now is the time to consign," Skoda said, highlighting silk scarves as a popular category for The RealReal.

Hermès Tropiques Silk Scarf

Hermès Tropiques Silk Scarf [12] ($295)

Valentino Printed Square Scarf

Valentino Printed Square Scarf [13] ($225)

Accessories to Sell: Jewellery

"Many of our day-to-day interactions are now in virtual meetings. We're seeing people embrace comfortable classics with a little extra polish. Refined jewellery, like classic hoops and chunky chain necklaces, is an easy way to accessorise your virtual look, and pieces by designers from Tiffany & Co. to Sophie Buhai are performing well on our site," said Skoda.

Jennifer Fisher Baby Lilly Hoop Earrings ($195)

Jennifer Fisher Baby Lilly Hoop Earrings [14] ($195)

Balenciaga Chain Track Bracelet

Balenciaga Chain Track Bracelet [15] ($148, originally $295)

Clothing to Sell: Knitwear

"Demand for knitwear is generally pretty soft around this time, but with people dressing for comfort at home right now, we're seeing an unseasonal spike in sweaters," said Skoda. "A few personal favourite cosy pieces of mine include lightweight sweaters from The Row and chunky knits from Ganni."

Ganni Wool Bateau Neckline Sweater

Ganni Wool Bateau Neckline Sweater [16] ($109, originally $145)

The Row Knit Scoop Neck Sweater

The Row Knit Scoop Neck Sweater [17] ($84, originally $210)

Clothing to Sell: Bright Colours and Prints

"While many of our customers are shopping for items they are wanting to wear now, they are also looking ahead and making 'aspirational' purchases for when things begin to return to normal," Skoda said. "People are still shopping spring trends, just in a new way. We're seeing less interest in formalwear than we generally would in this pre-wedding time of year, but lots of interest in cheerful prints and bright colours. Consumers want to be optimistic and to get excited about what they will wear once they can return to daily life or what they can put on now to bring a dose of spring indoors."

Rixo Printed Long Dress

Rixo Printed Long Dress [18] ($193, originally $275)

Jimmy Choo Suede Ankle Strap Sandals

Jimmy Choo Suede Ankle Strap Sandals [19] ($175)

Accessories to Sell: Spring and Summer Staples

Skoda told POPSUGAR that it's smart to consign trending spring items like trench coats, maxi dresses, and sandals now since there will be demand for them in the coming months. "Get ahead of the curve and sell your past season's items to get ahead of demand," she said.

Nicholas Kirkwood Leather Slide Sandals

Nicholas Kirkwood Leather Slide Sandals [20] ($195)

Réalisation Par Silk Midi Length Dress

Réalisation Par Silk Midi Length Dress [21] ($175)

Accessories to Sell: Classic Handbags

"We're also seeing gravitation toward understated styles in handbags," said Skoda. "Classic investment bags are timeless and proving their staying power now more than ever. The Louis Vuitton Neverfull and Gucci Marmont Matelassé Shoulder Bag are examples of handbags that are always in demand and command high resale values in our marketplace."

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Neverfull GM

Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Neverfull GM [22] ($1,345)

Gucci Small GG Marmont Matelassé Shoulder Bag

Gucci Small GG Marmont Matelassé Shoulder Bag [23] ($1,495)

Clothing to Sell: Knitwear

"Now is the time to sell ready-to-wear and knitwear items at an accessible price point, as data has shown this is what buyers are looking for," Moizant said. "To support our sellers, we have dropped our commission in half until at least May 11 for any items deposited in the $170 to $340 price range. This means sellers can earn up to 20% more on each sale!"

Jospeh Cashmere Jumper

Jospeh Cashmere Jumper [24] ($96, originally $129)

Ganni Wool Jumper

Ganni Wool Jumper [25] ($89)

Clothing to Sell: Luxury Accessories

"The top items that are selling faster during COVID-19 than ever before are Gucci Princetown flats, Dior J'Adior jewellery, Alexander McQueen oversize sneakers, and the Fendi Baguette bag," said Moizant. "We have quite a vast global supply of all of these items in various sizes, styles, and colours. They're all classified as part of 'hot' supply, so we always make sure we have a strong selection."

Alexander McQueen Leather Low Trainers

Alexander McQueen Leather Low Trainers [26] ($427, originally $450)

Fendi Pony-Style Calfskin Handbag

Fendi Pony-Style Calfskin Handbag [27] ($700, originally $773)

Accessories to Sell: Designer Handbags

"We're still seeing strong demand for iconic and classic [handbags] such as the Dior Lady and Saddlebags or the Gucci Marmont, that sell out quickly because they never go out of style & hold their resale value," Moizant told POPSUGAR. "Celine handbags (especially the luggage model) are still highly searched, as prices are dropping everyone is scooping them up. The same goes for Balenciaga's City handbag — we've noticed a decrease in selling price and with that, huge buyer interest and quicker sell-thru rate."

Dior Saddle Leather Handbag

Dior Saddle Leather Handbag [28] ($3,803, originally $3,934)

Celine Luggage Leather Handbag

Celine Luggage Leather Handbag [29] ($1,517, originally $1,686)

Clothing to Sell: Affordable Basics

"While value has always been important to our customers, we are seeing thriftiness become even more of a priority," Tomlin said. "Consumers are focussed on ensuring they have essential items and adjusting to new realities and routines with tighter budgets. During this time, many are opting to shop for comfortable yet pulled together outfits while spending more time indoors." Tomlin highlighted overalls as a big-seller in this category as well. "Many are shying away from denim at home, but overalls are here to stay thanks to their ease and comfort."

Cuyana Long Sleeve T-Shirt

Cuyana Long Sleeve T-Shirt [30] ($28)

Xhilaration Overalls

Xhilaration Overalls [31] ($13)

Clothing to Sell: Name Brands and Comfortable Staples

Tomlin told POPSUGAR that Reformation, Lululemon, Anthropologie, and Free People are among some of the best-selling brands on Thredup right now. Over the past month, the site has seen a spike in comfortable basics like t-shirts and leggings, while workwear and occasionwear categories have declined. "Sales of leggings were nearly 30 percent higher on average during the last two weeks of March compared to February," she said. "Interestingly, blouses remain popular as many women embrace the 'fashion mullet' look to balance comfort with back-to-back conference calls from home."

Lululemon Athletica Leggings

Lululemon Athletica Leggings [32] ($45)

Intimately by Free People Tank Top

Intimately by Free People Tank Top [33] ($22, originally $27)

Clothing to Sell: Jumpsuits and Rompers

"Like overalls, jumpsuits and rompers are flying off the secondhand shelves for their ease and versatility," said Tomlin.

Victoria Beckham for Target Romper

Victoria Beckham for Target Romper [34] ($28)

Apiece Apart Jumpsuit

Apiece Apart Jumpsuit [35] ($87)

Clothing to Sell: Colourful Sleeveless Blouses

"Many customers are looking for pops of colour on top to keep them inspired while at home, and as the weather warms up, these tops can lend themselves to future summer looks," said Tomlin.

Zara Sleeveless Blouse

Zara Sleeveless Blouse [36] ($9, originally $11)

Rebecca Taylor Sleeveless Blouse

Rebecca Taylor Sleeveless Blouse [37] ($58, originally $72)

Accessories to Sell: Designer Bags

Tomlin told POPSUGAR that designer bags are a big sales driver for Thredup. "Now is the perfect time to organise your accessories, and there might just be a bag you rarely wear that could bring you some extra cash," she said. "Thredup pays up to 80 percent commission for items that are priced at $200 or more across our 600+ accepted Luxe brands."

Coach Shoulder Bag

Coach Shoulder Bag [38] ($65, originally $81)

Yves Saint Laurent Leather Crossbody Bag

Yves Saint Laurent Leather Crossbody Bag [39] ($1260)

Accessories to Sell: Designer Scarves

"We're experiencing a growing demand for Hermès, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and other luxury-label silk scarves," Davis said. "What we're realising is that many of the scarves purchased are being used as makeshift face masks. We're making high offers on these items, and they're selling quickly. When we notice trends like these, we reach out to our network via newsletter, social, and through our Virtual Appointments."

Hermès Silk Caleche Elastique Scarf 70 Vert Vif Bleu Jaune

Hermès Silk Caleche Elastique Scarf 70 Vert Vif Bleu Jaune [40] ($160, originally $230)

Gucci Silk Star Print 'Guccy' Scarf

Gucci Silk Star Print 'Guccy' Scarf [41] ($250)

Accessories to Sell: Chanel Earrings

"Chunky branded earrings are easy to identify and elevate even a white t-shirt in a Zoom meeting," Davis told POPSUGAR. "Demand is up for these, so we're paying top dollar. A pair of Chanel earrings are the ultimate above-the-waist accessory."

Chanel Crystal CC Chain Clip On Earrings

Chanel Crystal CC Chain Clip On Earrings [42] ($275, originally $345)

Chanel Crystal Pearl CC Drop Earrings

Chanel Crystal Pearl CC Drop Earrings [43] ($380, originally $425)

Accessories to Sell: Christian Louboutin Pumps

Davis told POPSUGAR that she's buying a lot of Christian Louboutin pumps right now. "When cleaning out a closet, shoes are one of the first items we curate, and in quarantine, no one's wearing stilettos," she said.

Christian Louboutin Suede So Kate 120 Pumps

Christian Louboutin Suede So Kate 120 Pumps [44] ($350)

Christian Louboutin Lace Satin Neoalto 85 Pumps

Christian Louboutin Lace Satin Neoalto 85 Pumps [45] ($370, originally $465)

Accessories to Sell: Fine Jewellery

"Our second-fastest-growing category is jewellery," said Davis. "Jewellery shows very little use even when worn, and the value of Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co. fine jewellery only goes up over time. True investments."

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Return to Heart Tag Charm Bracelet

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Return to Heart Tag Charm Bracelet [46] ($225, originally $250)

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Rose Gold Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Rose Gold Sweet Alhambra Pendant Necklace [47] ($1,325, originally $1,470)

Accessories to Sell: Luggage and Travel Bags

David said that she is quoting a lot of offers to sellers for luggage and travel accessories right now, highlighting the Louis Vuitton Keepall bag. "Sadly, no one is travelling anytime soon, so we're buying lots of travel pieces," she said.

Louis Vuitton Monogram Keepall 50

Louis Vuitton Monogram Keepall 50 [48] ($595, originally $850)

Louis Vuitton Monogram 20mm Adjustable Shoulder Strap

Louis Vuitton Monogram 20mm Adjustable Shoulder Strap [49] ($365, originally $405)

Accessories to Sell: Watches

"Our watch category is growing faster than any other, at over 85% over last year, and Rolex is our strongest watch brand," Davis said.

Rolex Stainless Steel 24mm Lady Oyster Perpetual Watch Silver 6618

Rolex Stainless Steel 24mm Lady Oyster Perpetual Watch Silver 6618 [50] ($2,365)

Rolex Stainless Steel 18K Yellow Gold 26mm Oyster Perpetual DateJust Watch Slate 69163

Rolex Stainless Steel 18K Yellow Gold 26mm Oyster Perpetual DateJust Watch Slate 69163 [51] ($2,945, originally $3,275)

Accessories to Sell: A Chanel Bag

If you're willing to part with a designer bag, Layne told POPSUGAR that a Chanel Classic Flap Bag is an all-time classic. "[It's] high on our 'to buy' list, but in particular, the small and mini sizes in caviar leather are in high demand due to limited supply," she said.

Chanel 18K Charms Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Lambskin Mini

Chanel 18K Charms Classic Single Flap Bag Quilted Lambskin Mini [52] ($4,600)

Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Python Mini

Chanel Classic Single Flap Bag Python Mini [53] ($4,110)

Accessories to Sell: A Louis Vuitton Bag

Layne told POPSUGAR that Louis Vuitton bags like the Favourite and Eva crossbody bags are top-sellers for Rebag. "Small crossbody bags have spiked in popularity over the past few years, causing [these] LV models to pick up in demand. Production and availability are both limited, making this style even more exclusive," she said. "For reasons similar to the Favourite handbag, the Eva has maintained its popularity as a versatile crossbody style."

Louis Vuitton Eva Crossbody Damier

Louis Vuitton Eva Crossbody Damier [54] ($870)

Louis Vuitton Marelle Shoulder Bag Monogram Canvas

Louis Vuitton Marelle Shoulder Bag Monogram Canvas [55] ($555)

Accessories to Sell: A Dior Saddlebag

Vintage Christian Dior saddlebags are another big-ticket item at Rebag, according to Layne. "Since its successor came out in 2018, the demand for the vintage Saddle has not ceased," she said. "It's even more popular than the 2018 rendition due to its affordability. Also, small evening bags are back in fashion, making this style high in demand."

Christian Dior Vintage Saddle Bag Denim Mini

Christian Dior Vintage Saddle Bag Denim Mini [56] ($530)

Christian Dior Vintage Double Saddle Bag Leather

Christian Dior Vintage Double Saddle Bag Leather [57] ($1,040)

Accessories to Sell: A Saint Laurent Shoulder Bag

"The Loulou collection has been a fan-favourite for the brand, bringing a softer, on-trend look with rounded corners and puffed, chevron quilting," Layne said. "The toy size is an especially high-performer."

Saint Laurent LouLou Shoulder Bag Matelasse Chevron Leather Toy

Saint Laurent LouLou Shoulder Bag Matelasse Chevron Leather Toy [58] ($1,135)

Saint Laurent Classic Monogram Zip Around Wallet Matelasse Chevron Leather Compact

Saint Laurent Classic Monogram Zip Around Wallet Matelasse Chevron Leather Compact [59] ($530)

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