In Practice

First, a quick disclaimer … this is not exactly a flex or a side-hustle success story. Most of the money I’ve made on resale has been the result of my own overconsumption, and in reality, this little venture has mostly run at a loss. That being said, I have learned a lot over the years about how resale platforms work, what actually sells, and how to best sell an item. I thought it could be useful to put all my best practices in one place to help speed up the process for anyone interested. I began selling on Poshmark in 2016 and joined Curtsy in 2020. I’ve probably sold on most resale platforms, but those two have driven the vast majority of my sales and have thus become my most consistently used. As a high school and college student with limited income, I used resale to keep money circulating within my wardrobe. I could sell items I already had and use those earnings to buy something new, so the habit largely sustained itself. Since graduating, I’ve slowed my consumption down a lot. I buy fewer things, understand my style better, and use rental platforms more often. I still use resale apps (at a much slower pace) when I’m ready to rotate an item. I like knowing the item is getting a second life, and of course, the extra income never hurts. One thing I’ve learned is that resale value begins well before an item ever gets listed. With that in mind, I thought it’d be helpful to walk through the process in the order it naturally happens: 1.) Quality Remains Queen We’ve all heard this before, but I’m going to keep saying it because it is so important: quality is everything! If an item is going to retain resale value, it needs to have a combination of craftsmanship and desirability. That is why I generally stay away from fast-fashion brands that are priced so low that most would rather buy new. I’ve had better luck with recognized brands like Aritzia and Free People, especially when the items still feel current and are in great condition. Prioritize natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool, which typically wear better over time and make the garment easier to care for. 2.) Laundry Care Laundry is truly a lost art form, and learning how to better care for the items you own has done more for my wardrobe than buying ever could. I use this clean laundry detergent and swear by this stain remover, which is the only product I’ve tried that can tackle oil stains. Don’t forget to check the care tag, especially when shopping, if you want to avoid buying delicate items. UNWWORN is one of my favorite accounts to follow if you also want to romanticize laundry care. I’m eager to try their product once it launches in the US, but I’ll use this fabric spray when needed in the meantime. 3.) Batch Photos This is the most time-consuming part of resale, but batch-taking photos can definitely speed up the process. I usually do flat-lays on a white bedsheet or take photos from a hanger on the back of my door. Take photos of the front, back, size tag, and any flaws on the garment. 4.) Upload Since I usually shop online, I like to search my inbox for the order confirmation with the original model photo. Once you have the item name, you can also do a quick Google search if the image isn’t included. I upload the model image first, followed by the item images. I haven’t found that lengthy item descriptions are helpful, so I’ll use one of these variations to keep it simple: NWT, NWOT, worn once, no flaws, or gently used with a description of any flaws (see photos included). I recommend listing at about 30% below the original price, depending on the item. I’ll go in and drop the price by $5-$10 if the item still hasn’t sold. Curtsy and Poshmark have different algorithms, in which you don’t have as much control on Curtsy, but when they do begin to push your item, it’ll typically sell pretty quickly. Just take clear, well-lit photos and gradually lower the item's price until it sells. Poshmark uses a chronological algorithm, so you can continue to push your items to the top of the feed by updating your item. Click ‘Edit - Next - List’ about once a week to prevent your items from being buried by inventory. I will also lower the price over time, as explained above. 5.) Ship! Once your item sells, you’ll be emailed a prepaid shipping label to print at home or a QR Code to use at USPS. I’ll reuse an old box or envelope (usually from Amazon) and stick it in my mailbox if it’s an individual item, or head to USPS if I have multiple packages. If you listed an item on both Curtsy and Poshmark, don’t forget to delete repeats once an item sells to prevent duplicate orders! If you make over $400 in a year from a resale platform, you’ll likely receive a tax form in the mail, since it may appear as profit. Since I had most of my order confirmations from online shopping, I would actually make an Excel document showing that I spent more than I made (I told you this wasn’t a successful side business!) Just something to keep in mind if you begin accumulating sales. ThredUp and The RealReal are also great options if you don’t have time to take and upload photos yourself. I don’t usually shop designer, but authentication is important in resale, so it can be easier to let a third-party manage the sale. Finally, I’ve heard of individuals who thrift for great items and resell them more as a business to make profit. This isn’t my story, and it seems difficult given that resale can be time-consuming, and most platforms take a small percentage of the sale price. I’m not saying it’s impossible … after all, this was Sophia Amoruso’s incredible journey beginning Nasty Gal, but honestly, it wouldn’t be my side-hustle of choice (more power to you if you disagree!) I hope you all enjoy, and thank you so much for being here! Don’t forget to subscribe for more content on responsible business and intentional consumption.

There is a certain kind of woman I admire who has let go of constant consumption, has found peace in their taste, and now spends more of their time living largely within it. They see through new and next marketing cycles and curate from a place of thoughtful restraint, bringing only items of genuine quality into their orbit. It feels like a type of acquired wisdom, gained through lived experience, that more does not equal better and that consumerism doesn’t feel good, driven by insecurity. Instead, trusted essentials can add a personal touch to day-to-day routines, quietly supporting the rhythm of a meaningful life. I’ve narrowed my own consumption scope in support of brand transparency, though product quality remains equally important, as falling short of promised value only results in more waste. It’s a level of discernment that can only be acquired in a way that certain things cannot be unknown. In all honesty, though, it’s time-consuming to find brands with strong values and reliable products that meet a high standard of performance. It’s likely why loyalty to tried-and-true products usually comes with age (read: time and experience). It’s thus been small habits that have furthered my skills as a conscious consumer, and coming from someone who’s experienced a fair share of buyer’s remorse, it has felt good to buy quality products from brands you’re excited to support. As I’ve become more intentional in developing discernment, I thought to share small, easy-to-implement habits to inspire your own journey as a conscious consumer: 1. Non-Toxic Coffee (and/or Tea). I had a Keurig for longer than I’d like to admit, but it was there that I began to understand the risk of microplastics on our health and planet. I’ve since switched to a pour-over coffee vessel, using a plastic-free electric kettle to pour hot water through the coffee grounds. I appreciate this morning habit to begin the day, and am excited to use Forgrave’s beautiful tea infuser to eliminate tea bags in the evening. 2. Refillable Products I love RŌZ’s shampoo & conditioner, and the refills greatly reduce my plastic waste. I also keep DedCool's laundry detergent and hand soap refill on a 60-day subscription, which easily automates the need. The refillable Atmo Home candles are ingenious (as mentioned in Worth the Shelf Space?), and I’ll top up in this or this fragrance as needed. 3. Clothing Rentals I’ve reduced my clothing purchases as I've gotten older, typically investing only in quality basics made of natural fibers. If you need a push in that direction, I loved this article from The Curated by Jessica Harris. I’ve also written about how to use Indyx (co-founded by Yidi & Devon Rule) to understand your taste and build a closet with better cost-per-wear. I use rental platforms (Rent the Runway, Nuuly, & Pickle) to help me pack for vacations, pausing membership in between if my wardrobe doesn’t need a boost. It’s been especially helpful for wedding outfits, and lets me mix up my style on special occasions without feeling wasteful. 4. Read Non-Fiction (NOT Self-Help) There is a time and place for a self-help book, but you’re more than likely doing great and being a little too hard on yourself. I’ve instead enjoyed learning about niche interests, which can provide greater context on history and different POVs. I’ve unsurprisingly gone down a rabbit hole on responsible business, but have pulled a few future reads from caitlyn’s recommendations as well. Not a knock on fiction. I’d argue you can learn just as much from a well-done fiction novel, but non-fiction requires a different kind of discipline … at least from me! 5. Question Marketing As a marketing major, I actually became aware of this in the classroom, learning about various strategies that appeal to human psychology. It can be a fun and creative challenge, but it’s also a job meant to drive demand despite good intentions. This article by Totally Recommend does a great job highlighting how quickly lines can get blurred trying to increase sales. I still enjoy a good marketing campaign, but challenge myself to see tactics more objectively and understand my why if I want to purchase. I used to jump for a limited-edition drop (with scarcity driving up value), but not-so-quickly learned that usually meant out of style soon. There will always be the next hot thing! Thanks so much for reading, and don’t forget to subscribe for more content on responsible business and intentional consumption. I’d love to know your tips & tricks, so drop them in the comment below.

I’d been in a closet clean out for maybe four to six years of my life: constantly cleaning out my items to sell or donate, and buying more. I was introduced to the resale market back in high school selling an old homecoming dress. I wasn’t yet sentimental. I saw monetary value, and thus began a long cycle of closet clean outs & overconsumption. It’s not my proudest era, overconsumption doesn’t necessarily feel good, especially when your item becomes obsolete, but I became a more intentional consumer through indyxing my wardrobe. I began to understand my taste, outside of the constant advertising, and thankfully haven’t experienced buyers remorse in months. If you’re also interested in developing your personal taste to become a more intentional consumer, I present … indyxing your wardrobe and build a capsule wardrobe! (this is not sponsored) I approached this final closet clean out to end the years-long closet clean out in a similar way … by going through my closet. But instead of going straight for resale and donation items, pull your favorite, most feel myself in items. Upload these items to your closet in Indyx (free app with additional paid features), or group them together in your closet. You’re just going to want to keep these items together. I’ve found that it takes time to understand your style, so there is no rush in uploading your favorite items to the in-app closet. Next you’re going to upload capsule collection items (that you haven’t already), and add them to your in-app closet. This includes any timeless items that create a blank canvas for an outfit: any black, white, beige / brown tanks, tees (short-sleeve & long-sleeve, tighter & looser), black, white, beige / brown trousers, skirts (mini, midi, maxi), denim, etc. This can get pretty inclusive, especially when you think through different styles and seasons; focus on anything that would be easily reworn and works to connect items in an outfit. I call this your capsule wardrobe, and recommend styling just these items for two months to better understand silhouettes and quality craftsmanship. As you style in the app, you can view closet insights to see how often you wear an item, favorite materials, predicted cost per wear, etc. It can also feel productive to style future outfits for when you’re in a rush (especially over doom-scrolling). It’s actually easier to find your style with a limited amount of items, so you could always welcome a shopping break as you lean into your capsule wardrobe. If you’re skeptical, I’d highly recommend ‘The Art of Wearing It Again (and Again)’ from Hot Girls Save Money on how it was actually easier to get dressed, while packed into a suitcase. If you do implement a shopping break, you’ll have a moment to understand your closet gaps, so when you do buy, it’ll be more intentional. It’s also easier to stay true to your own taste when you go in with an idea of an item, especially over being pulled around by fast fashion and trends. I also love the ‘three-word method’ coined by Allison Bornstein, celebrity stylist and author of Wear It Well, which helps focus your personal style in three characteristics: practical, emotional, and aspirational. If you haven’t heard of the three word method, I loved this podcast interview by Marianna Hewett (co-founder of Summer Fridays), but I’ll explain my take on it below. Use the practical and emotional word to describe your capsule wardrobe upon styling your Indyx closet. You can be thoughtful because there are a lot of descriptive words, but the aspirational word requires a different brainstorm around inspiration. I’d use Pinterest to collect your favorite outfits and explore the aspirational emotions behind them, until one word takes focus and is intuitive enough to incorporate. You can use the three-word method as a consumption framework, but it also ensures you stay grounded in your capsule wardrobe, which makes aspirational obtainable. I found it was useful to brainstorm my own descriptive words, but I also enjoyed Stay Here's Substack article on using ChatGPT to jog your creativity. Holly Meredith Bossung in ‘The Art of Personal Taste’ explains taste as different than admiration, and as more of an intuition: "There are so many interiors, outfits, and objects I find beautiful. But that doesn’t mean they’re mine. That doesn’t mean they light me up in the way my taste does." Indyx is incredible for making it easier to understand your closet, and the three word method has made it fun to develop taste. You can also upload items in the app to style before purchase and confirm it works well in your closet. I’d also encourage getting creative and applying the three-word method across the entire style, beyond clothes, accessories, and shoes. I thought about my hair, the way I keep my nails, and my minimal makeup routine when choosing an emotional word for my capsule wardrobe. Slow down, and have fun as you develop your own taste! It’s meant to be fun, and Indyx was great for staying organized, accountable, and not overwhelmed. You won’t crave another closet clean-out once you build around a capsule wardrobe, but Poshmark is still a great option if I want to give an item another life. Pickle is another great option for renting items that are more occasional, and it’s easy to offer rentals as well, so all the more reason to invest in quality items! It’s meant to be a slow process, but I’ve already become more intentional about consumption since understanding my personal taste, and I thought I'd share the process. Thank you all so much for the support! xx