Let’s face it, we’ve all probably had clothes gathering dust at the back of our wardrobes, somehow convincing ourselves that they’ll be worn again someday. It’s also easy to miss a returns deadline and end up stuck with an item you know you’ll never wear.
Enter apps like Vinted, which not only help you declutter but also allow you to make some money in the process. This time last year, I spent three months selling my clothes on Vinted and achieved ‘gold seller’ status within about three weeks.
As a fashion enthusiast and shopaholic, I had amassed a huge amount of clothes that were not just hidden in my wardrobe, but also in the loft, spare room, and practically everywhere in the house. So, I managed to shift a large number of items in a short period of time and as a result, made nearly £1,000.
Don’t get me wrong, it requires a lot of effort to do it right, but if you put in the time, it will pay off in the long run. I also listed items on another resale site, Depop, at the same time to increase my chances of selling.
Despite clothes selling for a much higher price on Depop, it was Vinted that accounted for 98 percent of my sales. After seeing my success, many friends and family members tried to set up their own accounts, but it became clear to me how rare it is to sell so much so quickly, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Many people struggle to get their account started, and some end up selling nothing at all.
Reflecting on my journey, there are certain strategies I employed that I believe contributed significantly to my success. From capturing the perfect photo to negotiating with buyers for the best deal, here are my top tips.
Take clear pictures
While it may seem obvious, good photography is crucial.
Buyers are more likely to invest in an item if both the product and its surroundings appear clean and bright. Ensure your items are wrinkle-free and displayed against a white backdrop.
It’s also vital to provide multiple images, showcasing the front, back, and label of the item, as well as highlighting any flaws. If possible, try on the clothing to give potential buyers an idea of how it fits.
Often, buyers will request this if you haven’t already done so, speeding up the process.
Provide detailed descriptions of your items
Captions are just as important as titles for search purposes.
Always include a comprehensive description of the item, mentioning the brand and the number of times it has been worn (or if it’s new with tags, be sure to specify). It’s equally important to disclose any defects such as missing buttons, broken zips, or minor stains, as buyers need all the information to make an informed decision.
Although it requires a bit more effort, I would also include the item measurements, alongside the label size. Providing details such as length, shoulder to cuff, and waist measurements made a significant difference for me as these are often questions posed by potential buyers.
Measurements also enable people to determine whether an item will fit them, as sizes can vary across brands. This approach ensured that I received no returns or queries after sales were completed, as buyers had all the necessary information before making a purchase.
Another strategy I employed was to include styling suggestions in the caption to help people visualise themselves wearing the item. For instance, when listing a pair of trousers, I would suggest what type of top or boots would pair well with them.
Keeping prices realistic is crucial
As previously mentioned, some resale sites like Depop tend to have higher prices than platforms like Vinted, which are generally more affordable, in my experience.
Unfortunately, this means you may need to sell at slightly lower prices than you’d prefer, and sometimes you’ll need to compromise by accepting lower offers. However, I would often hold firm on a price if a buyer’s offer was lower than what I believed the item was worth.
In many cases, they were already committed to buying the item anyway.
Your prices should also reflect the item’s age, how often it’s been worn, and its condition. For instance, if an item is new with tags, I would price it closer to what I paid for it, as opposed to if it was well-loved and had a few imperfections.
List your items in ‘drops’
Now, there’s no specific evidence to back this up, but I uploaded drops every evening or several times a week.
This means I would list about five to ten items at once, rather than uploading them sporadically or putting 30 pieces on all at once. I found that this kept my page relevant and on people’s radar, with many followers returning to my page to check for new uploads as they knew roughly when they were due.
It also means people have enough options to browse through without it being overwhelming, or things getting lost. Post as soon as possible.
When buyers review your items, they will usually mention how quickly they received their order. This works in your favour as positive reviews are crucial in building a good reputation.
I tried to have my orders posted within two to three days of purchase, but I understand people have busy schedules and this isn’t always possible. Sometimes, I would receive special requests with buyers asking if I could post something sooner so it could arrive in time for a special event – when possible, this is also something I would try to do.
Communication
I always made it a point to respond promptly and professionally to any messages or offers. I approached it almost like running a business, ensuring clarity and grammatical correctness in my communication.
By maintaining clear and swift communication, not only does it instil confidence in buyers about their purchase decision, but it also expedites the process, enabling you to sell more. Buyers appreciate being updated about when you’re dispatching their orders.
After receiving an order, I would send a thank you message and keep them informed about when I planned to post, as well as after I had posted. I firmly believe that all these factors contributed to my success on Vinted, although luck and persistence probably played a significant role too.
It can be disheartening when sales don’t meet your expectations, but if you give it your best shot, you’re likely to see impressive results.