Selling your pre-loved luxury items, especially vintage designer bags, has become increasingly popular. It’s a great way to embrace sustainability, declutter your wardrobe, and earn extra cash. But with so many online platforms available, choosing the right one for your needs can be overwhelming.
This guide compares three prominent platforms for selling vintage designer bags: Depop, The RealReal, and Vestiaire Collective. We’ll delve into the pros and cons of each platform, providing a clear picture to help you make the best decision for your reselling journey.
Table of Contents
- What is Depop?
- What is The RealReal?
- What is Vestiaire Collective?
- Comparison Table
- Choosing the Right Platform
- FAQ Section
- Conclusion
Depop
Depop Overview:
Depop is a social shopping app popular amongst younger, trend-conscious audiences. Its visually-driven interface, reminiscent of Instagram, makes browsing and listing a fun and engaging experience. Depop boasts a global reach with millions of users, providing a large potential buyer base.
Pros of Selling on Depop:
- Direct communication with buyers: Depop fosters a personal connection between sellers and buyers. This open communication allows for direct interaction, building trust and facilitating a more personalized experience.
- Make Offer Feature: This feature allows buyers to propose a price, creating an opportunity for negotiation and potentially leading to quicker sales.
- Lower Fees (for UK): Depop’s recent fee structure change in the UK removed the 10% selling fee for sellers. This makes Depop an even more attractive platform for UK-based sellers.
- Accessibility and Ease of Use: The app is designed for mobile-first users and boasts a user-friendly interface. Listing items is straightforward and the browsing experience feels familiar to those accustomed to social media platforms.
Cons of Selling on Depop:
- 10% Fee for Sellers (Outside UK): Depop charges a 10% commission on the total transaction amount, including shipping costs. This commission, added to a payment processing fee, can be a significant cut, especially for higher-priced items, for sellers outside the UK.
- Risk of Fake Items: Depop’s authentication service only applies to items priced over $500. This presents a risk for both sellers and buyers when dealing with items under this threshold, as the platform does not guarantee authenticity.
- US-Only: Depop is currently limited to the US market, which restricts a seller’s potential reach and excludes international buyers.
- All Sales Final: Depop operates on an “all sales final” policy unless an issue is covered by “Posh Protect”. It’s crucial for buyers to thoroughly research and ask all necessary questions before making a purchase, as they may not be able to return an item.
- Potential for Harassment: The social media aspect of Depop can lead to unwelcome interactions, including harassment. While Depop has reporting features, the risk of encountering inappropriate behavior exists.
The RealReal
The RealReal Overview:
The RealReal has established itself as a trusted online consignment marketplace specializing in authenticated luxury goods. Their in-house team of experts authenticates all items before they are listed, providing a greater sense of security for both buyers and sellers. The RealReal offers a wide selection of luxury brands and product types, including ready-to-wear, vintage clothing, home goods, and fine art.
Pros of Selling on The RealReal:
- Professional Authentication: All items sold on The RealReal undergo a rigorous authentication process conducted by their in-house experts. This minimizes the risk of encountering counterfeit goods, ensuring that both buyers and sellers can engage with confidence.
- Wide Selection and Frequent Sales: The RealReal boasts a vast and diverse inventory of luxury items across a wide price range. They also host frequent sales and offer discounts, allowing buyers to potentially find great deals.
- “First Look” Subscription: The platform offers a subscription plan called “First Look”, which provides subscribers with early access to newly listed items for a monthly fee. This can be a valuable tool for those seeking rare or highly sought-after pieces.
Cons of Selling on The RealReal:
- No Returns on Handbags: The RealReal does not accept returns on handbags. This can be a significant drawback for some buyers who may be hesitant to commit to a purchase without the option to return it if they change their minds or encounter an issue.
- Paid Shipping and Returns: Shipping and returns on The RealReal are not free. This adds an extra expense for both buyers and sellers compared to some other platforms.
- Customer Service Concerns: Some users have reported less than satisfactory experiences with The RealReal’s customer service. While this is not a universal experience, it’s something to be aware of when considering this platform.
- Limited Photos: The RealReal provides a relatively limited number of photos for each listing. Some buyers may find this frustrating, as they might prefer to have access to more detailed images of an item before making a purchase.
Vestiaire Collective
Vestiaire Collective Overview:
Vestiaire Collective is a global marketplace featuring a massive selection of pre-loved luxury items and catering to an international audience. Unlike the previous two platforms, Vestiaire Collective utilizes a hybrid model, encompassing both individual sellers and professional sellers with dedicated boutiques.
Pros of Selling on Vestiaire Collective:
- International Marketplace: Vestiaire Collective’s global platform attracts buyers from around the world, significantly expanding your potential customer base and increasing the likelihood of selling your vintage designer bags.
- Make Offer Feature: Vestiaire Collective offers a “Make Offer” feature on most items, providing room for price negotiation and the opportunity to secure a deal that satisfies both the buyer and seller.
- Upfront Duties Calculation: For international buyers, Vestiaire Collective calculates all applicable duties and taxes upfront during checkout. This promotes transparency and allows buyers to clearly understand the final cost of their purchase.
- Filter by Professional Sellers: Buyers can filter their search results to show only listings from professional sellers. These sellers are required to offer returns, increasing buyer confidence and encouraging purchases.
- Easy Relisting: If an item doesn’t sell, Vestiaire Collective simplifies the process of relisting it, making it easy to keep your items visible in the marketplace.
Cons of Selling on Vestiaire Collective:
- Individual Seller Variability: Vestiaire Collective features listings from both individual and professional sellers. This can result in a wide range of response times, communication styles, and levels of professionalism, depending on the seller you are interacting with.
- Not All Sellers Offer Returns: While professional sellers are required to accept returns, individual sellers may not. This can limit buyer flexibility and make some shoppers hesitant to purchase.
- Shipping Costs and Authentication Fees: Vestiaire Collective charges sellers for shipping and authentication fees, which are additional costs incurred on top of the selling price.
- Slower Shipping: Vestiaire Collective’s authentication process takes place after a purchase has been made. This means the item first ships to Vestiaire Collective for authentication before being sent to the buyer, which can extend the overall shipping time.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Depop | The RealReal | Vestiaire Collective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Younger, Trend-Conscious | Luxury Shoppers | Global, Diverse |
| Authentication | For items over $500 | Professional, In-House | After Purchase |
| Fees | 10% (Outside UK), Payment Processing | Commission, Paid Shipping & Returns | Commission, Shipping & Authentication |
| Returns | All Sales Final (Except “Posh Protect”) | No Returns on Handbags | Varies by Seller, Free for Professionals |
| Communication | Direct with Buyers | Through Platform | Direct with Sellers |
| Make Offer Feature | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| International Shipping | No | Yes (With Duties) | Yes (With Calculated Duties) |
Choosing the Right Platform
- Depop: Consider Depop if you’re targeting a younger demographic in the US and selling trendy or reworked items under $500. Depop’s social shopping experience and lower fees for UK sellers can make it an appealing option.
- The RealReal: The RealReal is a good choice if you prioritize professional authentication and want a platform that handles the listing, photography, and shipping process for you, despite the associated fees. It’s well-suited for high-end, luxury items.
- Vestiaire Collective: Choose Vestiaire Collective for reaching a global audience and potentially securing better deals, especially if you can qualify as a professional seller with return options. Be prepared to navigate the variability of individual sellers and factor in the additional fees.
Ultimately, the best platform for selling your vintage designer bags depends on several factors:
- Your target audience
- Desired selling price
- Willingness to handle shipping and potential returns
- Comfort level communicating and potentially negotiating directly with sellers
FAQ Section
- What is “Posh Protect” on Depop? “Posh Protect” is a buyer protection program on Depop for items purchased through the “Buy” button. If an item arrives not as described, is damaged, or is determined to be fake, buyers can file a claim for a refund.
- What happens if an item I bought on The RealReal is fake? The RealReal offers a full money-back guarantee if an item is proven to be not authentic. Their in-house authentication process is designed to prevent counterfeit goods from being listed.
- How are duties calculated on Vestiaire Collective? Vestiaire Collective calculates all import duties and taxes during checkout, so the buyer knows the full cost upfront. The calculation is based on the seller’s location, the buyer’s location, and the item’s value.
- Can I sell items on multiple platforms simultaneously? Yes, you can list your vintage designer bags on multiple platforms to increase your chances of selling. However, be sure to keep track of your listings to avoid selling the same item twice.
- How can I avoid getting scammed when buying or selling pre-loved luxury? Research sellers thoroughly, check their reviews, ask questions about the item’s condition and authenticity, and compare prices across different platforms. For expensive items, consider utilizing an authentication service for added peace of mind.
Conclusion
The world of pre-loved luxury is a vibrant and exciting space for fashion enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned reseller or just starting, platforms like Depop, The RealReal, and Vestiaire Collective offer unique opportunities to connect with buyers, sell your vintage designer bags, and contribute to a more sustainable fashion ecosystem. By understanding the pros and cons of each platform, you can choose the best one for your individual needs and embark on a successful reselling journey.