9 Swop and Goodbyes workers give us their top selling tips

“We are committed to offering high-quality pieces to the community that last.”

A common byproduct of loving fashion is having an overflowing wardrobe. To tackle this conundrum, many have taken it upon themselves to create arbitrary rules for systemising our closets, like one item in, one item out, or blanket bans on purchasing clothes altogether. Selling our preloved garments has become a way of getting on top (literally) of our piles of stuff.

As a seasoned secondhand clothes buyer, I enthusiastically tried my hand at reselling my items. After a few gruelling market stalls (one of which I got rained out at), I was pretty exhausted by the process. Selling clothes online also didn’t really appeal to me; I was daunted by the admin work it held.

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During one of my stints up in Melbourne’s north, I decided to lug an oversized bag of clothes to sell at one of our community consignment stores. It’s a concept rooted in circular fashion – people sell their belongings to other members of the community, receiving a cut of the profit while ensuring their clothes continue in circulation.

In order for these consignment stores to uphold their status, many have strict protocols of what they do and don’t accept. To up your chances of a successful selling session, nine retail workers from Goodbyes and Swop spill their best advice.

Ash, she/her, Goodbyes Adelaide Store Manager

I think what makes Goodbyes unique is we curate based on the longevity and seasonality of items. We are committed to offering high-quality pieces to the community that last, so a lot of fast fashion garments may not meet our criteria.

Make sure your items are fresh and clean for their new home [and] any broken zips or missing buttons [are] replaced. Formalwear is on the more difficult side to sell, but streetwear and vintage pieces are really sought after. And always check pockets for any belongings left behind.

Nicci, she/her, Swop Brisbane Store Manager

My insider tip for selling your clothes is to come in as early as possible! We buy from 10am to 4pm daily and run on a first-in-best-dressed system. So drop off your goodies in the morning of your next day off and explore the surroundings of the locality while you wait!

Louis, he/him, Goodbyes Collingwood Assistant Manager

Shoes are slightly harder to sell than other pieces in-store. With limited space to merchandise them, we tend to be slightly more curated in the styles we select. The most important thing to consider is wear. We recommend giving shoes a good wipe down, washing the shoe laces and removing any grit from the soles before bringing them in.

 

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Evie, she/her, Goodbyes Braddon retail assistant

…At Goodbyes we sort based on the season so I make sure to prioritise fabrics and styles suitable for the time of year – think cotton and linen for summer, wool and heavier fabrics in the colder months.

As we have a fairly diverse clientele, we focus more on quality and condition rather than curating the store based on particular designers or labels. Additionally, we’re always looking for great masc[uline] styles and pieces in sizes 16 to 22 plus. Offering a variety of styles and sizes is important to us.

Sophie, she/her, Swop Melbourne Store Manager

Make an appointment as wait times in Melbourne are generally about two to three hours. Have a look at our warehouse online to get a visual idea of what we are buying.

Mia, she/they, Goodbyes Adelaide casual retail assistant

Before bringing in your items for consignment, consider any minor faults you can [repair]. Not only can it increase the lifespan of your items by optimising their usability and preventing waste, but it may also increase their value when being resold due to greater functionality and less buyer-required maintenance.

 

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Grace, she/her, Goodbyes Braddon retail assistant

Good quality basics composed of high-quality fibres are always popular, especially those which are elevated with unique details.

Naomi, she/her, Swop Sydney Store Manager

One unexpected tip is to book through our seller assistant to make sure you don’t risk waiting a few hours (unless you don’t mind). Make sure your items are freshly washed – even if they haven’t been worn in a little bit. And give a quick mend to anything [you’re bringing in] to ensure more bang for your buck!

Malcolm, he/him, Goodbyes Braddon Supervisor

I’d recommend bringing a variety of pieces to consign. You never know what will be selected for sale as the store evolves with the seasons and ever-changing fashion trends.

For more advice on reselling your wardrobe, head here.