The world of luxury fashion has traditionally been associated with brand-new, high-end products, with little consideration given to pre-owned items. However, in recent years, the trend of buying second-hand luxury items has gained momentum, with more customers choosing to shop for pre-owned designer items. There has never been a better time to open a consignment shop!  

If you are ready to jump into the reselling business, here are some reasons why customers are opting for second-hand luxury items: 

Want affordable luxury items? Consider consignment stores.

In the past decade, we’ve seen a tremendous increase in demand for secondhand luxury goods. We’ve seen online consignment stores like The RealReal and ThredUp take the nation by storm. Aravenda makes it possible for any sized consignment shop to get in on the pre-loved luxury item action!

One of the most significant reasons why customers choose second-hand luxury items is affordability. Buying new designer products can be prohibitively expensive for many people, but pre-owned items can often be found at a fraction of the price. Now, more customers can own luxury items without breaking the bank.

For your consignment business, you will need consignment shop software equipped for luxury and designer goods.  

In the world of fast-fashion, shopping at a consignment shop is more sustainable.

Now more than ever, customers are choosing consignment shopping for sustainability. In general, we are more aware of the impact purchases have on the environment and how it contributes to our carbon footprint. Buying pre-owned items helps to reduce waste and extends the life of products that would otherwise end up in landfills. It is a more sustainable way to enjoy luxury items without contributing to negative environmental impacts. 

Aravenda supports sustainability efforts in consignment shopping by streamlining it to an “all-in-one” platform. Our software contributes to efficient shipping efforts by defaulting on shipping by weight and ingrates directly with Shopify. Your customers don’t even have to travel to a brick-and-mortar store.

Secondhand luxury items are special! Consignment shoppers love resale because their items are unique and rare.

Another reason customers are choosing secondhand luxury is because of their rarity. Vintage and pre-owned luxury items are often unique, with a history and a story that makes them more valuable and desirable. The opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind piece, with a provenance that can’t be replicated, is a significant draw for customers looking for something special. 

For some of us at Aravenda, it is the #1 reason we love consignments! Several of our high-level officers started in the consignment business themselves and appreciate the uniqueness and rarity of luxury consignment shops. With so many quick retail options, having unique and rare items is a benefit not only to consigners but their customers.  

Consignment shops are great places to find quality items.

We all know that things just “aren’t made the same way anymore.” Consignment shops are likely to have older and more sturdy products than items produced in the past two decades.

When shopping at a consignment boutique, second-hand luxury items are a great find and an even better investment! Due to the rarity of secondhand items, purchasing luxury pre-owned items is a great investment due to their rarity. Luxury items are known for their quality, and pre-owned items are no exception. In many cases, pre-owned luxury items are in excellent condition, having been well-maintained by their previous owners. The artisanship and materials used to create these items are of the highest quality, meaning they are built to last. Customers know that when they buy a pre-owned luxury item, they are getting a beautiful and durable product, which adds to its value. 

Consignment shopping is an investment opportunity.

More often, customers see buying pre-owned luxury items as an investment. Unlike fast fashion items that lose value quickly, second-hand luxury items can hold their value or even increase in value over time. This is more common than you think, especially if there is a discontinued item. This can be a smart way to build a collection of high-end items that will hold their value and potentially provide a return on investment. 

As the trend towards sustainability and conscious consumption continues to grow, we can expect to see more customers choosing used luxury items over brand-new ones. For those who want to enjoy luxury without sacrificing sustainability, shopping for used items is a fantastic way to get the best of both worlds. 

If you are in the consignment shop business, Aravenda is the #1 consignment shop software. Aravenda’s unique features include website design*, Shopify integration, direct consignor payouts, and multiple location management. Make the most of your consignment shop with consignment software built with resellers in mind.