Vintage Fashion – Your New Cash Cow

I have been selling on Vestiaire Collective since 2020. It started as decluttering. Over time some pieces lose my interest, and Vestiaire is where they turn back into money.

It has also taught me which of my vintage pieces sell and which don’t. Not everything I thought was a goldmine turned out to be one. And a few things surprised me.

What sells

First, shoes. Specifically the ones that have never been worn. Designer shoes that are new with tags, or still sitting in their box, have been my best sellers. I sold a pair of Jimmy Choo heels and a pair of Versace boots that way, both never worn.

But not every designer shoe gets a decent return. Certain brands have a following, and that makes for a quick sale. A.S.98 is one. It is particularly popular in Italy, and it goes fast. Who knew this edgy brand had such loyal buyers? Not me, at first.

Then the handbags. A classic bag in excellent condition, a Chanel flap or a Louis Vuitton, holds its value. If you have a few collecting dust, now is the time to list them. And don’t be afraid to price them high. Serious buyers know what a well-kept vintage bag is worth.

The Yves Saint Laurent jewellery below and the Gucci shoes further down are pieces I sold.

What doesn’t

Not every item in your wardrobe will earn the same, and I have learned this the hard way. Take Dolce & Gabbana. As much as I adore the bold designs, I have found the resale value on Vestiaire Collective underwhelming. So unless you are certain your piece is a collector’s item, hold on to it. Or be ready for it to sit on your listing page longer than you would like.

Another letdown? Versace rings. You would think anything with the Versace name would go quickly, but in my experience they don’t fetch nearly as much as I expected. I am not saying don’t list them. Every sale counts when you are decluttering. Just don’t be greedy with the price.

Timing is everything

You can’t list an item and expect it to sell the same day. Fashion has its seasons. Winter boots and coats sell better as the cold months approach. Summer dresses and sandals have their moment in spring and summer. It sounds obvious, but it is easy to forget when you are clearing out a wardrobe.

It can also help to list around the fashion weeks, or just before the holiday season, when people are in the mood to spend on something special.

Expert Seller

Want faster sales and more visibility? I am an Expert Seller on Vestiaire Collective. It is all about describing the item accurately and shipping in less than five days.

A little patience goes a long way

Selling vintage is a waiting game. You might list something and hear nothing for weeks, or even months. The right buyer is out there. They just haven’t found your listing yet.

Keep your listings fresh. New photographs, a better description or a small change in the price can wake up an item that has been sitting for a while. I have sold a few that way.

The thrill of the chase

You never quite know which item will be the one that sells. And it is satisfying to watch your wardrobe get smaller and better whilst the money comes in. The buyers on Vestiaire appreciate how vintage pieces were made, so what you have stopped wearing goes on to someone who wants it.