Finally: A Foolproof Guide to the Best Online Consignment Stores - OWNSKIN

Which clothing and accessory resale sites are the best? Which are the easiest to use? And which carry the rarest hidden designer gems when it comes to online consignment? We’ve outlined all the details below on the buzziest and coolest resale sites of the moment. And beyond the nitty-gritty details, we’ve also included each’s X factor—you know, the special quality that makes it stand above the rest, e.g., a VIP concierge service, a killer return policy, or a stand-alone store that brings the resale experience to life. Read on for the best resale sites you need to know about; then start rethinking how you stock your closet.

The site/app: Rebag

The gist: While you may be familiar with Rebagg, started in 2015, Rebag is the site’s relaunch with a new name and a refreshed commitment to changing the way people shop for the most valuable items in their closet. “Our goal is to be the authority on luxury handbags and ensure every bag you own is a bag you love,” founder Charles Gorra tells us. “We want passionate bagaholics to instinctively embrace Rebag’s sustainable cycle of endless luxury.”

Hottest brands: Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, and Céline are big hits, but brands including Mansur Gavriel and YSL have recently increased in popularity, according to Gorra.

Must-know info for sellers: Gorra recommends consulting Rebag’s list of brands before submitting any products to sell. “Our experts will make an offer on your handbag based on the pictures submitted. We recommend taking detailed photos in good lighting so that we can accurately recognize and price the bags. It’s always better to add notes regarding any apparent wear or damage.” Gorra says honesty and transparency go a long way in this process so that the best price can be determined. Once the price offer is communicated to the seller and accepted, the seller can receive payment in less than a day.

Must-know info for buyers: Shoppers can expect a range of different discounts, Gorra tells us: “Most items are at deep discounts, quite often around 40% to 70% off their original retail price.” However, Rebag is not just about finding handbags from decades prior. “Many bags we sell are from the current season at a fraction of the retail price—and look as good as new,” he says.

The X factor: Besides becoming a destination to find this season’s It bag for less than retail price, Rebag has streamlined the process of buying and selling gently loved luxury handbags by simplifying the peer-to-peer sale process. Plus, for those in larger cities, the brand also opened new concept stores so customers can experience the site in an IRL setting.

The site/app: The RealReal

The gist: When it comes to hassle-free consignment stores and flash-sale sites, The RealReal offers the best of both worlds. You can shop or sell preowned clothing, handbags, shoes, and fine jewelry via daily curated designer sales.

The hottest brands: Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Cartier. Heritage brands or classic timeless pieces like Van Cleef, Cartier, and Chanel flap bags are often in demand, as well as all Hermès handbags (particularly Birkins and Kellys), according to a representative at The RealReal.

Must-know info for sellers: The first step is to register online and ship items directly to The RealReal’s headquarters for authentication. All products go through rigorous inspection from brand and category experts, gemologists, and horologists who sign off on products before adding to the site. If you’re not up for shipping your items, there are many offices in the U.S. for dropping off your pieces in person.

Must-know info for buyers: Sign up online for free to begin shopping designer sales right away from products at a range of different discounts. A First Look Membership is $10 per month and gives shoppers access to sales 24 hours in advance.

The X factor: Besides a very hands-on and closely monitored process, The RealReal claims to have the “largest selection of pre-owned authenticated luxury items.”

The site: Vestiaire Collective

The gist: With fans ranging from editors to It girls, Vestiaire has been a go-to resale destination since its launch in 2009. According to the site, approximately 30,000 new items are added to its offerings every week. The site’s North America president, Kari Albert, also tells us the site has become a worldwide destination for buying and selling vintage and designer clothing and accessories. “Women in Charlotte, North Carolina, can shop the closets of women in Milan and Paris!” she explains. “We are truly a global fashion community.”

Hottest brands: Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Céline, and Gucci. “We can’t stock enough,” says Albert.

Must-know info for sellers: According to Albert, selling on the site can be as easy as snapping a few flattering photos of your items. And if you have any trouble figuring out an appropriate price, simply refer to the site’s Resale Calculator. Not in the mood to take photos at all? You can check in with the concierge service to see if you can have your items picked up at your home.

Must-know info for buyers: While major name brands are the hottest tickets on the site, Vestiaire has a rich range of offerings, with new products added every day. Albert says that discounts range “from 40% to 70%+ off of the original selling price.” Keep in mind that the hardest-to-find items are an exception: “There are times when rare and special luxury items sell for more than the original selling price. For example, Hermès Birkin bags have increased in value 500% over the past 35 years!” Plus, for your safety, the site authenticates all of its items and works with handbag, watch, and fine jewelry specialists to ensure everything is legitimate.

The X factor: Not only does Vestiaire have some very fashionable fans, but it also counts some of the coolest women in fashion as guest curators.

The site/app: Tradesy

The gist: Simply sign up with your email, and start browsing Tradesy’s massive offerings that range from Gucci to Zara. Items come listed at up to 90% off retail, and unlike some other resale experiences, returns are accepted and handled by Tradesy, making the process a bit less stressful for shoppers and sellers alike.

Hottest brands: Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Christian Louboutin, and Tory Burch.

Must-know info for sellers: On Tradesy, sellers are able to set their own prices, but it’s essential to be honest and provide at least three images of the product that speaks to its condition. A flat commission fee of $7.50 is applied to every item sold up to $50; after that, a 19.8% commission will be applied.

Must-know info for buyers: While buyers will have to decide whether or not to accept a seller’s price, Tradesy tells us that the site does run additional promotions to receive extra discounts off listed items. Furthermore, all products are 100% authenticated, and if the item you purchase isn’t what you expected, you can return it to Tradesy for a refund.

The X factor: Tradesy’s offerings include truly rare designer collectibles.

The site/app: Poshmark

The gist: This site puts the power in the sellers’ hands by allowing them to curate their closet of items they’d like to resell, upload their own photos, set their own prices, and accept their own negotiated offers. Buyers also have endless options when it comes to perusing preloved pieces—both luxury and everyday—though an easy-to-use app.

Hottest brands: Nike, Lululemon, Michael Kors, Kate Spade New York, J.Crew, and Tory Burch

Must-know info for sellers: Download the app, and start taking your images. Poshmark tells us that a cover image for your product is important for a listing. Also keep in mind that shoppers need to provide a product description for their listing and, in order to promote sales, share their listings with their followers and to the Poshmark community at large. Once a sale is made, Poshmark will send you a prepaid label to easily ship out your item, and payment will be transferred to your account once the purchase is received by a buyer.

Must-know info for buyers: Poshmark truly runs the gamut from fast fashion to quality luxury items to sold-out gems that are practically impossible to find elsewhere. And for those who are a fan of the haggle, shoppers can make offers to sellers for a better price. Of course, it’s up to the seller if they want to accept.

The X factor: It’s really the social element of Poshmark that sets it apart from other resale sites. “Poshmark is a social platform by nature, and being successful on the app means being social, too, by engaging with other Poshers through likes, comments, and shares, just like any social network such as Instagram,” the brand told us in a statement. One of the unique ways the site taps into this community is through Posh Parties, which happen regularly and come with a designated theme, such as Wardrobe Goals Party or Best in Jeans Party.

The site/app: What Goes Around Comes Around

The gist: If you’re looking for the best of the best in luxury resale, What Goes Around Comes Around is it. Since 1993, the company has been a leading retailer of the finest pristine and pre-owned luxury fashion pieces—which range from classic pieces you can invest in to collectors’ items. Think only-seen-on-the-runway pieces and limited-edition items. Without a doubt, you’ll find the coolest luxury pieces at WGACA.

Hottest brands: Céline, Chanel, Dior, Prada, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Versace.

Must-know info for sellers: If you have small accessories like handbags, wallets, and jewelry you’re ready to part with, all you have to do is email WGACA with a photo of your items. Then, a buyer from the company will contact you with more information on completing an application and shipping information. One they receive your shipment, WGACA will give you an offer for your pieces. Instead of consigning, WGACA will pay you outright with a check or store credit.

Must-know info for buyers: What Goes Around Comes Around has built a reputation on its vast array of luxury items that you won’t find anywhere else. If you aren’t sure where to start, take a look through its featured collections to find the must-have items you simply can’t miss. And for those of you who happen to be in New York, Los Angeles, or Miami, you can visit one of the company’s retail locations to see the pieces in person.

The X factor: With its emphasis on rare luxury items, you can depend on What Goes Around Comes Around to have the most unique vintage and pre-owned pieces on the market. Simply put: What Goes Around Comes Around is for the ultimate fashion fanatic.