How to Sell on Grailed: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

How to Sell on Grailed: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

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Selling online can be a great way to declutter your wardrobe while making some extra cash, and Grailed is a rapidly growing platform popular with clothing enthusiasts. If you’re intrigued by the potential of Grailed but aren’t sure where to start, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the selling process, from setting up your account to shipping your items.

Table of Contents

I. Introduction

Grailed is an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of men’s and women’s clothing, with a particular focus on sneakers and streetwear. Whether you’re a seasoned reseller or a complete beginner, Grailed offers a user-friendly platform designed to make the selling process straightforward and efficient.

II. Understanding Grailed’s Selling Process

Account Setup

To embark on your Grailed selling journey, you’ll first need to create an account. Head over to the Grailed website and click on the “Sign Up” option in the top right corner. You can sign up using your Facebook, Apple, or Google account, or simply use your email address. Once you’ve entered your details and created a secure password, you’re ready to get started!

Before diving into listing your items, take a moment to complete your profile. While not mandatory, a well-crafted profile can enhance your credibility and instill confidence in potential buyers.

Creating Your First Listing

Now comes the exciting part: listing your first item. Grailed makes this process easy with a step-by-step guide.

Choosing the Right Category:

Begin by selecting the appropriate department (Men’s or Women’s) for your item. Then, narrow it down to the specific subcategory that best fits your item. For example, if you’re selling a pair of sneakers, you’ll find subcategories for low-top sneakers, high-top sneakers, boots, and more. Choosing the right category ensures your listing reaches the most relevant buyers.

Providing Item Details:

Next, input all the essential details about your item:

  • Brand: Specify the brand of your item. Make sure to select from Grailed’s list of recognized brands for consistency.
  • Size: Indicate the size listed on the item’s label. If it fits differently than the label suggests, mention it in the description.
  • Name: Provide a clear and concise name for your item. This could be the official name of the product or a brief description (e.g., “Black Leather Chelsea Boots”).
  • Color: Select the color of your item.
  • Condition: Choose the condition that most accurately reflects the state of your item: new, gently used, used, or very worn. Be honest and transparent about any flaws or signs of wear.

Mastering Hashtags:

Hashtags are essential for boosting your listing’s visibility. Grailed allows you to add up to 10 relevant hashtags. Think about the keywords buyers might use to search for your item and include them as hashtags. For example, if you’re selling a vintage leather jacket, consider hashtags like #leatherjacket #vintage #menswear.

Pricing Strategies:

Setting the right price is crucial for attracting buyers. Grailed offers a few options to help you determine a competitive price:

  • Fixed Price: Set a specific price for your item. This is a good option if you have a clear idea of what you want to sell it for.
  • Accept Offers: Allow buyers to send you offers. This can be a good strategy if you’re open to negotiation.
  • Smart Pricing: Let Grailed automatically adjust your price over time based on demand and similar listings. This can help you reach a wider range of buyers.

High-Quality Photos:

Photos are the heart of your listing. Grailed allows you to upload up to 25 images, giving you ample opportunity to showcase your item from all angles. Here are some tips for taking eye-catching photos:

  • Use Natural Light: Shoot your photos in a well-lit space with natural light to avoid shadows and harsh glare.
  • Choose a Simple Background: Opt for a clean and uncluttered background to keep the focus on your item.
  • Showcase Key Details: Include close-up shots of any unique features, branding, or tags.
  • Consider Fit Pics: If applicable, add photos of yourself or someone else wearing the item to demonstrate fit and style.
  • Tagged Photos: Include a photo of the item with your Grailed username and the date written on a piece of paper to establish authenticity and prevent photo theft.

Choosing the Market:

Grailed offers four distinct markets, each catering to a specific segment of buyers:

  • Grails: For high-value designer pieces and rare items.
  • Hype: For in-demand and sought-after streetwear and sneakers.
  • Sartorial: For classic menswear and tailored pieces.
  • Core: For contemporary, mainstream, and everyday wear.

Selecting the appropriate market ensures your listing is seen by the right audience.

Shipping Options:

Grailed Labels:

For transactions within the US, Grailed requires the use of Grailed Labels, a prepaid shipping label service. While Grailed Labels are free for buyers, sellers pay a 9% commission fee. Grailed calculates the shipping cost based on factors such as item category, dimensions, and weight. It’s essential to accurately weigh and measure your items to ensure the correct shipping cost is calculated.

Other Shipping Methods:

For international shipping, you have the flexibility to choose your own shipping method and carrier. It’s essential to communicate your shipping policy clearly in your listing description. For international shipping, carefully research shipping costs and options to offer competitive rates and avoid surprises.

Shipping Tips:

  • To expedite the process, consider ordering packing materials in advance. This will prevent delays when you’re ready to ship.
  • If possible, print shipping labels at home using your PayPal account. This can save you a trip to the post office.
  • For items with potentially fluctuating shipping costs, such as lightweight items that might fall into different weight categories depending on the packaging, utilize Grailed’s “Price Comparison” tool for shipping cost estimations. This can provide more accurate pricing for buyers.

Getting Paid and Fees:

Grailed processes all payments through PayPal, making transactions secure and convenient. Keep in mind the following fees associated with selling on Grailed:

  • Grailed Commission: Grailed charges a 9% commission fee on each sale. This fee is deducted from the total sale amount, excluding shipping costs.
  • PayPal Fees: PayPal charges a transaction fee, typically a percentage of the sale amount plus a fixed fee. These fees vary depending on your location and the buyer’s location.
  • Processing Fees: Additional processing fees may apply depending on your payment method and location.

Funds are typically released to your PayPal account within three days of delivery confirmation. You can view a detailed breakdown of all fees on your Grailed invoice and PayPal statement. It’s important to factor these fees into your pricing strategy to ensure you achieve your desired profit margin.

Messaging System:

Grailed’s messaging system enables communication between buyers and sellers. You’ll receive notifications for new messages, offers, and updates related to your listings. For Android users, notifications are delivered via email, ensuring you stay informed even without a dedicated app. The messaging system is a useful tool for answering buyer questions, negotiating prices, and providing excellent customer service.

Offers can be initiated by both buyers and sellers. However, it’s essential to understand the difference in how offers are calculated:

  • Buyer Offers: When a buyer sends an offer, the amount includes the shipping cost. This means the final amount you receive will be the offer amount minus the calculated shipping cost and Grailed fees.
  • Seller Offers: When you send an offer to a buyer, the amount does not include shipping, which is added separately. This allows you to control the final sale price and ensure you factor in the shipping cost.

III. Tips and Tricks for Selling Success on Grailed

Boost your chances of selling on Grailed with these helpful tips and tricks:

  • Price Drops: Dropping the price of your listing by 10% or more pushes it to the top of the feed and notifies potential buyers who have favorited your item. Strategic price drops can increase visibility and attract buyers looking for a good deal.
  • Bumping: You can manually bump your listing to the top of the feed every seven days. This feature is only available for listings that are less than a month old. Bumping can help keep your listing fresh and visible in a crowded marketplace.
  • Smart Pricing: Activate Smart Pricing to let Grailed automatically adjust your price based on demand and comparable listings. This can increase your reach and potentially lead to faster sales. Smart Pricing can save you time and effort while optimizing your pricing strategy.
  • Vacation Mode: Heading out of town? Activate Vacation Mode to temporarily pause your listings, letting buyers know that their orders will ship upon your return. This allows you to take a break from selling without disrupting your listings or communication.
  • Seller Offers: Reach out to buyers who have shown interest by sending them personalized offers for items they have favorited. Seller offers can encourage hesitant buyers to make a purchase and build relationships with potential customers.

IV. FAQ Section

Q: Does Grailed authenticate items?

A: Yes, Grailed has an authentication process for popular sneakers and shoes. Items are reviewed for authenticity before being listed, providing buyers with an extra layer of confidence. This authentication process helps maintain the integrity of the marketplace and protects both buyers and sellers.

Q: Can I use my own shipping labels for US to US transactions?

A: As of August 1st, 2023, all US to US transactions on Grailed require the use of Grailed Labels. This change is intended to streamline the shipping process and ensure a consistent experience for buyers and sellers.

Q: How does the offer system work?

A: Both buyers and sellers can send offers. Buyer-initiated offers include the shipping cost in the total amount, while seller offers do not include shipping. It’s crucial to pay attention to this difference when evaluating offers to avoid confusion and ensure you factor in shipping costs.

Q: How long does it take to get paid?

A: Grailed typically releases payments to your PayPal account within three days of delivery confirmation. This ensures a quick and efficient payment process for sellers.

Q: Why does my PayPal invoice show a high “Partner Fee”?

A: The “Partner Fee” on your PayPal invoice is a combined fee that includes Grailed’s commission, PayPal fees, and any processing fees. This lump sum presentation can be misleading, but it simply reflects the aggregation of all applicable fees associated with the transaction.

Q: Can I sell on other platforms while using Grailed?

A: Absolutely! Expanding your reach to multiple platforms can significantly increase your sales potential. Consider using crosslisting software to efficiently manage your inventory and list your items across different marketplaces. This allows you to reach a wider audience and maximize your chances of making a sale.

V. Conclusion

Grailed provides a user-friendly platform for buying and selling clothing, offering a streamlined experience for both beginners and seasoned sellers. By understanding the platform’s features and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can navigate the selling process effectively and unlock the potential for profitable sales. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Grailed’s support team if you encounter any questions or challenges along the way.