Should you stop reselling used clothes? We explain the crucial differences between people who can make money from a side job and those who can't, as well as the risks involved!

We often hear people say, "Don't resell used clothes," but what is the truth? While it is gaining attention as a side job, the reality is that many people give up because they can't make the profits they hoped for.

In this article, we will clarify the difference between those who can make money from reselling used clothes and those who can't, and explain in detail the risks and precautions you should be aware of before starting. We will provide information that will serve as a success hint for those who are considering reselling used clothes in the future and those who are currently struggling to make progress.

 

Why people say you should avoid reselling used clothes

Reselling used clothing has relatively low initial costs and is gaining popularity as a side hustle that anyone can start. However, in reality, there are many people who say that it was "harder than I thought" or "I didn't make much money," and many people give up. Here, we will introduce the main reasons why people say "don't do it" about reselling used clothing and summarize the points you should be careful about.

The workload is much more than expected and time efficiency is poor

Reselling used clothing is not just a business of buying and selling products. There is a lot to do, from purchasing, photographing, measuring, creating product descriptions, listing the items, packing and shipping after purchase, and even dealing with complaints.

When considering the hourly rate, it is often the case that you cannot earn as much as you expected, and this can be a considerable burden, especially for those who are trying to balance work with their main job.

In addition, each task requires careful attention to detail, so if you do not complete them carefully, you will not get repeat customers or positive reviews, which will have a negative impact on your sales.

It is difficult to judge the value of a product without knowledge of fashion

When reselling used clothing, your profits depend on whether you can correctly judge the value of the items you purchase. However, it is not easy for beginners who are not familiar with fashion to discern trends and brand value.

In particular, if you have heard of the brand but don't know which items will sell for a high price, the risk of making a purchase mistake and ending up with inventory increases.

Fashion knowledge is a must-have skill for success.

Overseas sales channels such as eBay have language and customs barriers

Some second-hand clothes can be sold for a higher price overseas, but in order to expand your sales channels using sites such as eBay, you need to be able to speak English and have knowledge of customs clearance, which can be a major hurdle for beginners.

In particular, when problems arise, you may need to communicate in English, handle customs duties, and handle returns.

・Create product descriptions in English
・Responding to messages from overseas users
・Risk of trouble with customs duties and returns

If you are not confident in dealing with such issues, it is safer to focus on domestic sales channels.

There are situations where a secondhand goods dealer license and legal knowledge are required.

Buying and selling used clothing is considered a "secondhand goods business," so if you do this on an ongoing basis, you need a secondhand goods dealer license. If you are unaware of this and continue selling without a license, you may be found guilty of violating the law.

You will also be required to have knowledge of trademark rights and counterfeit brands. If you unknowingly sell counterfeit goods, you risk being liable for damages and having your account suspended.

Even if it is a side job, you are required to operate it with a minimum level of legal knowledge.

The risks of reselling used clothing

Reselling used clothing is an easy business to start with little initial cost, but there are many unexpected risks. In particular, securing physical space, lack of knowledge about brand authenticity, and fluctuations in demand are all factors that directly affect profits, so careful preparation and response are required. Here we will explain in detail three major risks.

Purchasing and storage require a lot of space and costs.

When starting a secondhand clothing resale business, one thing that is often overlooked is the burden of "managing your belongings." Not only do you need space to store the items you purchase at home or in a warehouse, but you also need to take measures against moisture and odors. In addition, you must secure a work space to photograph and pack the items.

If storage is not done properly, the condition of the goods may deteriorate and their value may decrease. In terms of costs, the following expenses will occur:

・Product purchase cost (approximately 500 to 3,000 yen per item)
・Expenses for consumables such as cardboard and packaging materials
・Insect repellents, dehumidifiers, and clothing racks
・Warehouse rental fees if necessary

Even though it's a side job, you should be aware that the physical and financial burden is not light.

Risk of problems due to counterfeit products and lack of brand knowledge

Since popular brand items are often sold in the secondhand clothing market, not being able to determine their authenticity can lead to major trouble. If you purchase a fake item due to a lack of knowledge, you may receive complaints or returns from buyers after listing the item, or even have your account suspended.

In addition, depending on the brand, even if the item is genuine, there are subtle differences in value between models, and misjudging the market price can result in a big loss. Providing accurate information is essential to building a relationship of trust with buyers.

At the very least, you need to continue learning about the characteristics of popular brands and how to tell the difference between real and fake.

Sales fluctuate drastically, making it difficult to generate a stable income

Secondhand clothing resale is strongly influenced by seasons and trends, so the reality is that there is a big difference between when it sells and when it doesn't. For example, winter outerwear sells well in the fall and winter, but hardly sells in the spring and summer, and ends up being in stock for a long time.

Beginners, in particular, often misread inventory turnover and end up with tight cash flow. In addition, some products suddenly become popular due to the influence of social media or influencers, making it difficult to predict.

If you're looking for a side hustle to provide a steady income, it's essential to have a flexible strategy that can adapt to changing demands.

Three characteristics of people who are still suited to reselling used clothing

While there are certainly risks and disadvantages to reselling used clothing, it can be an attractive side job for those with the right aptitude. It may be difficult to make a lot of money right away, but by working hard, you can steadily accumulate profits. So, what kind of people are suited to reselling used clothing? Here are three characteristics.

People with a strong interest in fashion and brands

When reselling second-hand clothes, you have to decide for yourself what items will sell, so people who have an interest in fashion and knowledge about brands have a big advantage.

People who can naturally pick up on trends will find it easier to find products that will sell and will be able to turn over inventory more quickly.

In addition, if it's a genre you like, you can have fun researching and checking products, which helps you maintain your motivation. It's perfect for people who don't mind visiting second-hand shops and checking flea market apps on a daily basis.

Someone who can continue detailed work and research

Reselling used clothing requires a series of detailed tasks, such as checking the condition of the items, taking measurements, taking photos, and writing descriptions. Furthermore, it is essential to have the research skills to find out what sells and what price ranges are best-selling.

People who can continue to do steady work diligently tend to achieve steady results.

For example, the following tasks occur on a daily basis:

- Check the condition of the product (whether dirty or torn)
・Measurements such as length and width
・Create attractive product titles
・Check market prices on Mercari and Yahoo! Auctions

For people who don't find the work itself difficult and can make it a habit, this is an area that can easily become a stable side job.

People who want to steadily earn several tens of thousands of yen a month through a side job

Reselling used clothing is more realistic in that it allows you to steadily earn tens of thousands of yen a month, rather than making a lot of money in a short period of time. For those who can continue to do it steadily in their spare time, it is a very suitable side job.

The flexibility of the work is also an attractive feature, especially for those who are raising children or who are looking to earn extra income while working full-time. By adjusting the inventory and shipping numbers, you can continue working without any strain.

People who are able to evaluate even small achievements in a positive way and enjoy the accumulation of success are more likely to succeed.

Preparations and strategies needed to make money reselling used clothing

To make a stable profit from reselling used clothing as a side job, you need to be well prepared and have a strategy, not just do it haphazardly. There are many points to success, from understanding trends and setting purchasing standards, to choosing sales channels and legal procedures. Here we will explain five important preparations and strategies that even beginners should keep in mind.

Habit of constantly checking trends and market prices

Trends change quickly in the secondhand clothing market, and demand can fluctuate dramatically within a few weeks. For this reason, daily research is essential to determine which items will sell. By getting into the habit of checking best-selling rankings on Mercari and Yahoo! Auctions, trending words on social media, and fashion magazines, you can improve the accuracy of your purchasing decisions.

In addition to knowing what items have sold in the past, you can also acquire the ability to predict "items that have the potential to sell in the future" through accumulated experience and information gathering.

Selection of efficient procurement routes and sales channels

Only by striking a balance between purchasing and selling can you generate stable profits. The main channels for purchasing are second-hand shops, flea market apps, and vendor auctions, while the main channels for selling are Mercari, Rakuma, Yahoo! Auctions, and eBay. The key is to identify the route that suits you best and use it efficiently.

Depending on the medium used for purchasing and selling, there are the following characteristics.

Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each and choose the combination that best suits your resources.

Clarification of purchasing standards and profit margins

To make money reselling used clothes, you will fail if you just buy them because they are cheap. The first step to success is to have clear purchasing standards and expected profit margins. For example, by setting a rule such as "Purchase items for less than 500 yen each and sell them for more than 2,000 yen," you will be able to make more consistent purchasing decisions.

In addition, factors such as brand, condition, and season also affect purchasing decisions. By managing these factors numerically, you can reduce the risk of holding unnecessary inventory.

Sales methods that take advantage of the characteristics of eBay and Mercari

Each sales channel has different user purchasing trends and the information they require. Mercari places importance on the impression of the photo, while eBay requires that you set an English description and international shipping fees. The key to maximizing sales is to adopt a sales method that is suited to each platform.

For example, there are some differences:

Mercari: It's important for the product to look clean, so photos with a bright background are effective
eBay: Be aware of differences in shipping methods, shipping calculations, and size notation by country
Yahoo! Auctions: Putting "Buy it now" or "Free shipping" in the title will help your item stand out

Ideally, you should not stick to one method, but rather use multiple channels to achieve a synergistic effect.

Obtain a secondhand goods dealer license and operate with peace of mind

If you are going to resell used clothing as an ongoing business, you are required by law to obtain a "secondhand goods dealer license." Failure to do so may result in guidance or disciplinary action from the police, so be careful.

You can apply for a secondhand goods dealer license at the Public Safety Commission of your prefecture. It costs about 10,000 yen, and if you meet the requirements, you can get it relatively quickly.

In addition, obtaining a license will allow you to openly purchase and sell used clothing, and will give buyers peace of mind in terms of reliability. If you plan to do this as a long-term business, it is best to obtain the license early.

The mindset needed to succeed in reselling used clothing as a side business

When it comes to reselling used clothing, not only knowledge and strategy are important, but the mindset you have to continue for a long time also plays a big role in the outcome. It's important to keep working steadily and accept the experience of not going well at times, while moving forward. Here, we will introduce the mindset you should have to be successful in reselling used clothing from the three perspectives of continuity, communication, and challenge.

The reality of having a side job that is worth continuing

To earn income from a side job, daily effort is more important than anything else. Reselling used clothing is no exception, and it has the characteristic that "people who can continue" tend to get results. At first, you may not make any sales, and there may be moments when your motivation drops, but once you get over that, a stable income awaits.

People tend to think that a side job is easy because you can do it in your spare time, but in reality, it requires the ability to continue and the accumulation of small improvements. Through continuity, you will accumulate experience, and your purchasing accuracy and sales skills will naturally improve.

The importance of disseminating information through SNS and blogs and gaining fans

Nowadays, a side job is not just about "selling," but also about "getting people to see" your work. Even in second-hand clothing resale, disseminating information through social media and blogs is a powerful weapon. By disseminating information about your style and recommended products, you can build trust with buyers, increasing your chances of gaining repeat customers and fans.

Social networking sites such as Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), which are particularly visually appealing, are a great match for vintage clothing.

・Post pictures of the product being worn and examples of outfits
・Introduce the process of purchasing products through stories
・Build trust by conveying the care taken in shipping and packaging

These accumulated efforts will lead to the "branding" of your account or shop.

Taking on challenges while considering risks expands possibilities

There are unavoidable risks involved in reselling used clothing, such as inventory risk and legal concerns. However, the first step to success is to understand and accept the risks before taking action. It is precisely because there are risks that you can learn countermeasures and make calm decisions.

Any side job comes with the worry that it might fail. The important thing is to find your own pattern of success through trial and error. It's worth taking a step forward without fear of risk, because there are views you can't see unless you try.

summary

Reselling used clothing has been gaining attention as a side job that anyone can start, but in reality it is a business that requires knowledge, effort, and perseverance. The reason people are told to "avoid it" is that the reality is that many people are not making as much money as they expected.

However, if you have an interest in fashion, the ability to research, and the determination to continue steadily, it is entirely possible to earn a stable side income. The important thing is to determine whether you can continue with a style that suits you without straining yourself. If you understand the risks and make proper preparations and strategies, reselling used clothes has great potential as a side job.