Prices in the secondhand market are inconsistent and highly subjective. To find out more I designed a series of experiments asking what my 'much loved' clothes are worth? This is what I learned....
A good label like Burberry will always hold its value. A ‘used clothes’ store will need to seriously differentiate itself from charity shops if the garments are to hold their price. Having said that prices are increasing in charity shops. A lot there to think about. Unfortunately will miss discussion as will be working. Look forward to hearing about it on insta. Linda
So much of the value sits in the presentation and the narrative doesn't it?!? I was lucky enough to take the experiment to the Blue Earth Summit last week - I'll compare the findings and share what I learned soon xx
This is genius. I'm so excited to integrate this research into my advice for clients (I'm the email strategist and copywriter you met at Blue Earth Summit who was wearing head-to-toe Reskinned Finisterre).
I'm interested in the idea of curation, presentation and storytelling really adding value to the way that secondhand clothes are presented. On the example you've shared about the dress: 'I love how I makes me feel' - that tells me something important about the dress. This element of storytelling within marketing is a really interesting one.
You've also shared good insights re a Burberry trench I'd like to sell. Something I'd never wear now, but it comes with a high 'emotional value' as one of my favourite pieces of clothing that I've ever owned! And that emotional value is what's stopped me from trying to sell it. The idea of being able to 'tell the story' appeals to me.
It's really hard selling clothes we're emotionally attached to, isn't it? For me it's not just about the price, although I hope if I can sell it for a lot someone will take care of it, but it's also about wanting someone to take care of it for me... not sure how you can ensure that happens unless you gift it to someone? I've done that in the past rather than sell things - then I'm sure I can tell it's story and give it to someone I know really wants it?
Agreed Gemma, I've done the same. And it's a really good feeling when you know that something will be well looked after and given a 'new life' with someone. ☺️
Amazing insights. Thanks for sharing these Gemma. It’s really beneficial to know that these findings have been backed up with credible research. Keep up the good work
Thank you for this exemplary article!. We are thinking about these same things here in Finland. You already mentioned storytelling and second hand dealers should also understand the importance of differentiation, target groups, conceptualization and branding.
Absolutely! There are some amazing secondhand boutiques in London that are adding financial and emotional value to secondhand clothes through story telling and visual merchandising.
A good label like Burberry will always hold its value. A ‘used clothes’ store will need to seriously differentiate itself from charity shops if the garments are to hold their price. Having said that prices are increasing in charity shops. A lot there to think about. Unfortunately will miss discussion as will be working. Look forward to hearing about it on insta. Linda
So much of the value sits in the presentation and the narrative doesn't it?!? I was lucky enough to take the experiment to the Blue Earth Summit last week - I'll compare the findings and share what I learned soon xx
This is genius. I'm so excited to integrate this research into my advice for clients (I'm the email strategist and copywriter you met at Blue Earth Summit who was wearing head-to-toe Reskinned Finisterre).
So sorry for the delayed reply and lovely to meet you x
New article talking about storytelling in product descriptions (featuring you): coming soon.
I'm interested in the idea of curation, presentation and storytelling really adding value to the way that secondhand clothes are presented. On the example you've shared about the dress: 'I love how I makes me feel' - that tells me something important about the dress. This element of storytelling within marketing is a really interesting one.
You've also shared good insights re a Burberry trench I'd like to sell. Something I'd never wear now, but it comes with a high 'emotional value' as one of my favourite pieces of clothing that I've ever owned! And that emotional value is what's stopped me from trying to sell it. The idea of being able to 'tell the story' appeals to me.
It's really hard selling clothes we're emotionally attached to, isn't it? For me it's not just about the price, although I hope if I can sell it for a lot someone will take care of it, but it's also about wanting someone to take care of it for me... not sure how you can ensure that happens unless you gift it to someone? I've done that in the past rather than sell things - then I'm sure I can tell it's story and give it to someone I know really wants it?
Agreed Gemma, I've done the same. And it's a really good feeling when you know that something will be well looked after and given a 'new life' with someone. ☺️
Amazing insights. Thanks for sharing these Gemma. It’s really beneficial to know that these findings have been backed up with credible research. Keep up the good work
As always, thanks for the support!
Thank you for this exemplary article!. We are thinking about these same things here in Finland. You already mentioned storytelling and second hand dealers should also understand the importance of differentiation, target groups, conceptualization and branding.
Absolutely! There are some amazing secondhand boutiques in London that are adding financial and emotional value to secondhand clothes through story telling and visual merchandising.