A Vintage Fashionista’s Guide to Selling Purses for Cash

Is your recent binge of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo making you feel guilty about your handbag obsession? Girl, we feel you.

As much fun as it is to collect things we love, sometimes the true joy is passing them off to someone who would cherish them more. But who says you can’t tidy up and make a tidy sum at the same time? Have the best of both worlds!

Before you jump into the world of selling purses online, there are a ton of tips you need to know to help maximize your cash return and make sure you don’t get scammed. Luckily, we’ve collected all the best advice right here, so read on to find out how to turn that pile of purses into gold!

Where to Sell

Where you choose to sell might depend on your time and resources. eBay is a popular choice for the sheer variety of listings, and it enables you to sell at auction for sought-after designer bags.

Resale apps and websites like Depop, Poshly, Tradesey, and Vinted can be a great option for a very targeted audience that is looking for fashion-forward items.

Vintage bags are also perfect for Etsy, where you can create attractive listings in a store format.

If you’ve never considered a pawn shop, you might be missing out! Many pawnbrokers are willing to pay top dollar for secondhand designer merchandise and are well versed in the value of such items. You can read more now about this great resource on the National Pawn Shop site!

Determine the Best Pricing

You need to know what bags like yours are selling for so you can price them competitively. One great resource is eBay since you can browse their advanced search to check out completed listings.

Browsing the same websites you’re going to sell on will help you figure out the market price for bags like yours, too. Fashion resale marketplaces like Poshmark, Tradesey, Vinted, and Vestiaire Collective will often have comparable items for you to browse for pricing ideas.

Some bags will be worth less than you think. If something is out of fashion and selling poorly, it might benefit you to stash it away until that style comes around again.

Consider Hidden Costs

Not all resale avenues are created equal when it comes to seller’s fees. All of them exist to make a profit, and each will take a different slice of your pie.

Make sure you’re aware of the fees you’ll be responsible for as you consider your marketplace. Some websites take a percentage of sales, but some can claim upwards of half the value. Depending on the value of your bags and the audience reach of the platform, higher fees can be worth it for quicker sales in some cases.

Don’t forget the cost of listing your items, too. While Facebook marketplace may be free, many resale marketplaces will charge you a listing cost. Creating attractive listings that draw in shoppers will help make those fees worth it.

Expert Advertising

Making every item listing eye-catching and professional will go a long way toward selling those items fast to the right buyer. Never use stock images for your items, as buyers want to see the exact item they will be paying for.

Use a nice camera, or at the very least a high-resolution camera phone, to photograph your bags. Choose good lighting and attractive settings, highlighting the desirable features of each purse.

Don’t be afraid to shoot the bags with a model and a coordinating outfit. Know your purse and what kind of shoppers may purchase such a bag. Feature unique aspects and designer features that those consumers are looking for.

Be clear and descriptive in your listing. Reference popular sellers to see how they title their posts, and you’ll see a pattern of keywords and phrases those seasoned sellers are using to reach the widest audience.

If selling designer bags, familiarize yourself with the details used to authenticate them and use those as a selling point. Buyers will be more confident to take the plunge if they know you’re selling the real deal. Resources like PurseForum can help you pinpoint exactly what to look for.

Sell Smart

As with any online transaction, always trust your gut and cover yourself against any losses. Using payment platforms like Paypal can give you peace of mind with buyer and seller protection.

Never honour a request to sell an item off-platform. Sales posts make records of your transactions and help protect you against fraud.

Be honest and upfront about your items. Any wear and tear, damages, or other issues should be made clear to potential buyers so you gain a reputation of trustworthiness. You don’t want negative reviews on any sales site that could reduce your chance at future sales.

Always insure and track your packages! Incorporate this feature into the cost of shipping your precious merchandise. Buyers appreciate the ability to keep tabs on their purchase, and it adds an extra layer of protection for you should something go awry in transit.

Selling Purses Like a Pro

Online sales can be an easy and fun side hustle that will reward you with extra cash and business savvy. As long as you follow these tips and do your research, you’re sure to find the perfect way to practice your KonMari and make a buck at the same time!

Why not turn your passion for collecting accessories into an avenue for profit? If you’re a thrift maven, you might even enjoy buying and selling purses as a continuing hobby.

If you’re interested in taking your online sales to the next level, read up on our guide for using Instagram to promote your business!