How to Buy and Sell Used Luxury Items Online

Whether you want to change out your seasonal style, upgrade your wardrobe staples for an affordable price, or clear your closet of good clothes you just don't wear anymore, it's time to discover consignment — a great benefit for anyone buying or selling clothes.

As a buyer, find either new or like-new designer items from brands like Balenciaga, Cartier, Michael Bastian, Raf Simmons, and more at a fraction of the price. As a seller, consignment gives you the opportunity to cycle through new products every season. Purchase an item directly from Saint Laurent or Lanvin, and when a new investment piece catches your eye, let an authenticated luxury consignment marketplace take care of you.

"You can either ship your items to us or set up a private, in-home appointment, and we handle the rest including authenticating, photographing, merchandising, pricing, and selling," says Mayola Martinez, men's category director at The RealReal. "It's been the perfect solution for today's multitasking businessman, creative, athlete, and everyone in between."

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Consignment is a much simpler solution to opening up your own eBay storefront, and puts your products in front of people who are likely and eager to purchase, rather than dropping your gear into a large database that might be difficult for shoppers to navigate. 

"When consignment shopping, it's best to look for off-season items, as you'll have your pick at a larger selection, and they won't cost you as much." Martinez adds. "Don't be afraid to buy sweaters, leather jackets, and boots in the summer."

Men are already spending 30 percent more time on The RealReal than women, according to Martinez, and are looking for quality items and full outfits to suit their needs. Today's male customer champions simplicity and excellence over fast fashion outlets because he understands that investing above the standard will have a greater return. A top-quality, timeless item will hold its value if you want to keep it for years, or give you a good price should you change your mind down the road.

"Men are quality-conscious — they want quality versus quantity," Martinez says. "They see luxury as an investment and take advantage of our full-circle buyer-consigner model."

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When shopping for pre-owned items, take note of the product's authenticity, condition, resale value, return policy, and the season of the item, and pay close attention to the design and material when searching for that perpetual classic. Items worth your money are crafted with high-quality fabrics and can mix well with a variety of pieces already in your closet. Items like an overcoat, leather jacket, navy or charcoal blazer, dark denim jeans, a shawl collar cardigan, leather strap timepiece, or captoe shoes are just a few of the eternal standards available.

"You can't go wrong with items made of cashmere or natural fibers," Martinez advises for those looking to get the most out of their investment. "Look for neutral colors that can be worn for multiple seasons and opt for subtle patterns over flashy trends and overt details."

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