How To Prep Clothes for Resale
Thrifting is a trend that continues to dominate and be fueled by social media. With vintage fashions gaining popularity, studies show the younger generations often think of buying secondhand clothing before strolling through stores with steep price tags (The BlackPrint). For those looking to earn a bit of extra cash while decluttering their closet, there has never been a better time to resale those low rise jeans you’ve promised to wear next summer.
If a cherished garment has reached the end of its lifetime, a stylish one at that, why not prepare it for a second one? Yes, it would be easy to cram your retired clothes into a bag and drop them off to the nearest thrift store. However, according to CBC News, the amount of unsold garments that end up in our landfills is at an alarming rate (CBC). Reselling clothes is great for the environment as it encourages circularity and is an ethical way to purchase preloved items (Retail Dive). Before listing your item online, use these helpful tips to prepare your garments for a second life.
First Impressions Matter
There’s nothing worse than completing a porch pickup only to be greeted by an unknown odor when removing the item from the bag. To avoid unwanted odors, it’s always best to refresh your beloved garments before sending them to a new home. To guarantee your garments are left looking and feeling rejuvenated, send them to a local GreenEarth Affiliate. The GreenEarth Cleaning process ensures that your delicate fabrics such as wool, lace, and linen remain soft and supple, while removing any remaining odors. The new owner of your item will be pleasantly surprised when they discover it is ready to wear!
Repair Before Resale
Whether it’s a broken zipper or missing button, or a seam that’s come loose, your items will have a better chance of being sold if you repair them before listing them online. Luckily, many of our GreenEarth Affiliates offer alteration and repair services. Rather than throwing your ‘to mend’ pile in the garbage, show them a bit of TLC as an additional service while having them dry cleaned. That saves you from having to make another trip and guarantees a service that you can count on!
Revisit The Details
Refresh your garments at home by giving them a little pre-sale care. Steam out any wrinkles for a crisp appearance, and gently de-pill thicker fabrics to restore their original texture. In terms of storage, hanging your items while they wait to be sold helps maintain their shape and shows buyers that the item was thoughtfully cared for. These small efforts can make a difference in how your listing is perceived!
Leverage Love For The Environment
Leverage your love for the environment by informing buyers that your item was cleaned using the environmentally non-toxic GreenEarth Cleaning process. Our gentle, yet sustainable method appeals to today’s conscious shoppers. According to Biz Epic, green sells as buyers are drawn to options that reflect their values (Biz Epic). Knowing their purchase supports both quality and the planet turns a simple transaction into a feel-good choice.
Picture Perfect
Decide how you want to display your clothing, whether it’s being sold on common online marketplaces such as Depop, Mercari, and Poshmark, thoughtful presentation adds a sense of professionalism and immediately catches a buyer’s eye. Think flat lays, a try-on (mannequin or yourself), or simply against a bright clean background. Neatly displaying your garments shows that they were well cared for and lived a fulfilled life, making it even more appealing to someone who is ready to give it a second one.
Package With Care
Packaging is the final, yet equally important step in preparing your garments. Neatly folding and packaging your items with care creates a premium unboxing experience that buyers appreciate. Reusing boxes or tissue paper from previous orders is an efficient way to stay sustainable while keeping things polished. A simple thank you note adds a personal touch that makes the buyer feel valued and turns a secondhand purchase into something truly special.
Ready, Set, Sell!
By taking the time to properly refresh and prepare your items prior to listing them, you not only increase their resale value but also contribute to a more sustainable fashion cycle. Whether you’re decluttering your closet or looking to earn a bit of cash, choosing a gentle, yet effective clean like GreenEarth helps your garments look their best and stand out in a crowded marketplace. A little extra care goes a long way for your wallet and the planet!