Many people simply assume that having a good sense of style will automatically mean others will want to buy your goods — and that having a pal to tag team with is enough to float you over the line — but there’s actually an art to nailing an IRL market that’s different to selling clothes online.
Everything from the way you present your goods to striking a balance between not being too disengaged (but also not too eager) when sealing a deal, make all the difference in hosting a fruitful secondhand experience that will draw in the crowds (and cash).
So you never have to lug all your clothes back home or make a loss, we spoke to nine seasoned merchants to find out their top tips for not only breaking even but actually making a profit when physically selling your wardrobe.
Carmen Azzopardi (she/her)
“Don’t be afraid to welcome negotiations but if you don’t want to go less on a piece, then accepting bundle offers is a really great alternative. So, if someone says, ‘I’m going to get these two pieces, what’s the best you can do?’ you can throw in a third piece at a discounted rate, and then they’re way more likely to buy more.”
Yasmin Suteja (she/her)
“Make sure you have good racks and hangers, have a full-length mirror and reusable bags and also get a tap-and-go reader, because nobody has cash these days.
Also, wear what you would be selling so people can see you and be like, “I like her style!'”
Lilli Bron (she/her)
“Don’t just sell what you think is your style. Sell a bit of everything because there are so many people with different styles and you never know what’s going to sell.”Jackie Yu (she/her)
“Pre-plan! Get everything ready the day before — especially if the market lets you set up the night before. So when you come in the morning, it’s stress-free, and you can just focus on looking cute and getting ready.”
Bare Esque
“Always have everything pre-priced and price at an amount that you’re happy to drop a little bit. too. That means, price above what you want to sell for because everyone is going to lowball you, so you’ll end up making what you want!”
Isabella Essuman (she/her)
“Always make sure you’re saying hi to buyers and being really sweet to them. Just because everybody who shares kindness always gets kindness back! But also, pack the rails with premium stock that you love — that’s the key, the stock is number one.”
Dara Petlueng (she/her)
“Have all your prices on your garments already so people don’t have to constantly ask. Bring stuff you would wear and that you would want to see at the market yourself, because you’re a walking advertisement.”
Pre-A-Porter
“Pick out pieces for the customer that are really individualised that they’d be willing to buy. It’s important to get a good grasp on other peoples’ personal style.”
Rae Oswell (she/her)
“Always have A-Game product, it makes all the difference. And always engage with your customers!”
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?