Give your clothes a second chance

It happened, the connection between you and your favorite DRYKORN piece has faded. What was once your favorite companion is now collecting dust in your closet. If it is that moment, we think it's time to make space, take your role in an emerging circular economy and give your garment a new lease of life. In this resale guide, we provide you with the most important tools for selling your clothes.

Categorize first 

First of all, it has never been easier to resell clothes than it is today. Due to the nature of the fashion world, only very few items can be sold for anywhere near the price you bought them for. It's best to sort your clothes and organize them into different categories. This way, you can assess your sales opportunities in advance and manage your expectations accordingly. In addition to basic aspects such as personal taste, condition and size, there are individual categories that usually sell well.

„Do-Sell“ products

  • Timeless classics
  • High-quality garments
  • Vintage pieces
  • Sports- and active wear
  • Sweatshirts and hoodies
  • Accessories

Navigating the “No-Resale” zone

You should not resell garments that fall under one or more of the following categories: 

  • Counterfeit fashion items: If you have come across counterfeit fashion items, you should not contribute to their commercial distribution.
  • Heavily damaged items or underwear: You should refrain from reselling these products and send them to a recycling system if you no longer want to wear them.
  • Trendy fast fashion: In theory, you can resell such items. However, it will be difficult to find a customer and set a reasonable price for the clothes as they were already very cheap when new.
     

However, it does not mean that an item is easy to sell if it falls into one or more of these categories. Designer clothing, for example, has the problem that private individuals are hesitant or even afraid to buy from other private people since there is an increased risk of getting scammed with fakes. An original invoice, packaging material and hangtags can make the difference between “buying” and “not buying” for people interested in second-hand designer clothes or limited-edition sneakers.

The Marketplace to be

Where you sell your DRYKORN items plays a major role. The choice of sales channel often determines how much effort is involved in the sale and can even influence how high your potential profit is. 

Asking friends and family if they are interested in one of your DRYKORN pieces is by far the least stressful version of reselling apparel. In most cases, a friendly price is agreed upon.

Our assessment
low profits + very easy to use

If you love a lively, sociable atmosphere and want to get rid of a large amount of clothing in a short time, then flea markets might be just your thing. However, the preparation, follow-up and set-up take time. If you want to make a profit here, you will have to sell larger quantities, as you often have to pay a stall fee to be allowed to sell at all.

Our assessment
Low/moderate profits + moderately easy to use

Take a photo, add a description, a quick chat with interested parties - selling used clothing has never been easier. Online marketplaces allow you to reach the most shoppers who are actively looking for second-hand fashion, giving you the best chance of making good profits. However, it takes a little finesse to be successful on online marketplaces. You can find our best tips & tricks for a successful online resale below.

Our assessment
Moderate/high profits + moderately easy to use

Commercial purchasers of high-quality, well-preserved clothing are becoming increasingly popular. All you have to do is send them your used pieces. If the garments meet the companies’ conditions, they are accepted, sold and the money is then transferred to you. Such companies keep part of the profit as commission. In return, they send you prepaid bags or parcels that you can use to send in your clothes. While your profit margin is slightly lower and it often takes longer for your clothes to be sold, your effort is minimal.

Our assessment
Low/moderate profits + easy to use

Provider in Germany
sellpy.de 

The art of online resale

Presentation is everything. To make sure your used clothes don't grow a beard in your closet, we've put together some tips and tricks to give your online presence and your clothes the finishing touches to close the deal.

First of all, a few words about privacy on the internet, an often-overlooked component of online sales:

  • Protect yourself by not using your full name. We would recommend shortening your surname, for example. 
  • Do not publish your address, telephone number, bank details or social media accounts in your sales account.
  • Never agree to requests asking you to wear clothes and photograph yourself in them. 
  • Only use secure intermediary payment methods such as PayPal.
  • If it makes you feel safer, it is advisable to bring a friend with you for personal handovers.

Invest some time in the photos of the product. A smartphone is all you need, but you should pay attention to the following: good lighting, neutral background, photos from all sides, detailed shots of any signs of wear or defects. Present the clothing attractively on a hanger or perhaps a mannequin (if you have access to one).

Use a short, concise title that includes the brand, product type, size and, if applicable, the product name.

Example:
DRYKORN Sweatshirt Bradlin size L

Write a short, bullet-point description that characterizes the item in more detail and clarifies organizational questions such as price, color, condition, size & fit as well as negotiation scope, shipping and payment methods.

Example: 

I’m selling the hooded sweatshirt “Bradlin” by DRYKORN in size L 

  • Color: dark blue
  • Size L, regular fit (M would have fit me too, but I prefer a slightly oversized fit)
  • Details: lightweight fabric, hood, small flame embroidery on the chest
  • Condition: no visible signs of wear, bought in 2023 and always treated with care
  • 50 € basis for negotiation
  • Shipping possible (DHL 4,99 €)
  • Payment in cash (personal pickup) or via Paypal (for shipping)

Wash, dry and iron or steam the garment before presentation, but at the latest before shipping it.

When communicating with interested individuals, try to respond quickly, be transparent and respectful. Remain loyal to a platform and fine tune your account, e.g. by uploading a profile picture. Reviews from satisfied buyers increase the trust that is placed in you. 

Give potential buyers an impression of size and fit. For example, state your own preferences regarding fit and which sizes you wear in other popular brands. 

Set an appropriate price based on reference products on the resale platform. Consider any costs that may occur for you, such as negotiation losses and shipping costs. 

Place your ad online at peak times - in the evening from 6 p.m. or on weekends - to reach the most potential buyers.

Step by Step to Secondhand

In summary, here is our checklist of aspects determining success at second-hand sales.

  • In my opinion, there is a customer for the product.
  • The product can be classified in one of the “Do-Sell” product categories.
  • The customer's willingness to pay justifies the effort.
  • The product does not meet this criterion:
  • I have chosen the right platform based on my intended profit and usability.
  • I have adequately protected my personal data.
  • There are suitable photos and a meaningful text.

Perhaps the thought of your resale opportunities will help you make a decision the next time you go shopping for clothes. A high-quality, timeless DRYKORN product will stay with you for a long time and give you the opportunity to pass it on later. This way, you extend its life cycle, contribute to a functioning circular economy and earn a little pocket money - a classic win-win-win situation which we always warmly welcome on the rails to a more responsible fashion industry.