What Your Closet Is Worth: A Thoughtful Guide to Reselling Luxury Pieces
The pre-owned luxury market has entered a new era — already valued at an estimated $25–30 billion in 2020 and poised for continued growth in the decade ahead, with annual expansion rates of roughly 10–15 percent according to McKinsey analysts* — a trend that reflects both cultural shifts and evolving tastes among discerning buyers.
Yet navigating resale is rarely instinctive. Deciding what to part with, how to price it, and where to begin requires more than a few well-lit photos and a hopeful listing. The most successful sellers approach the process with the same discernment that guided their original purchases.
Whether you’re refining your wardrobe or exploring resale as a meaningful extension of your collecting habits, these expert-backed insights offer a thoughtful starting point.
1. Understand the Market
Resale begins with demand—and demand is shaped by taste, access, and timing. McKinsey’s research reveals that younger buyers now drive much of the pre-owned luxury market, drawn to sustainability, value, and the opportunity to discover pieces no longer available at retail.
Jewelry and watches account for nearly half of the resale landscape, with handbags and footwear following closely behind. Across categories, buyers consistently seek rarity: discontinued styles, limited releases, and designs that feel personal rather than mass.
For sellers, the motivation is often simpler. Style evolves. Collections shift. Space is reclaimed. If that resonates, resale becomes less about letting go—and more about thoughtful rotation.
2. Preserve the Complete Set
In luxury, details matter. Original packaging not only reinforces authenticity, but also enhances the overall experience for the next owner.
Boxes, dust bags, additional straps or chains, authenticity cards, booklets, locks, keys, rain covers—even original tags—contribute to perceived value. Individually, they may feel incidental. Together, they signal care, provenance, and completeness.
3. Price With Intention
Value is shaped by more than brand alone. Condition, seasonality, current demand, and limited-edition status all influence pricing—often subtly.
Heritage houses such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Dior, and Prada continue to perform strongly on the secondary market. In many cases, handbags retain 70–80% of their original retail price, while select limited pieces exceed expectations entirely. Strategic pricing balances patience with realism, ensuring both momentum and return.
4. Shop With Longevity in Mind
Resale does not begin at the moment of sale—it begins at acquisition. Collectors who shop with longevity in mind naturally build wardrobes that evolve without diminishing in value.
Classic silhouettes, versatile color palettes, limited releases, and iconic house codes tend to endure. Over time, this approach transforms a wardrobe into a curated collection—one that adapts, refreshes, and retains relevance.
Prefer a More Considered Approach?
For those who value discretion, expertise, and ease, The 1916 Company offers a refined alternative to navigating resale independently.
Our process is designed to be seamless and thoughtful—from first inquiry to final payment:
- Begin with a brief online submission outlining your item’s details
- Receive a transparent evaluation from our specialists
- Ship your piece using a prepaid, fully insured label
- Our team handles professional photography, authentication, and condition assessment
- Following approval, payment is issued within two to four business days
There are no listing fees, no photography requirements, and no negotiations to manage.
Every step is handled with care—allowing the value of your wardrobe to be realized quietly and confidently.
How We Evaluate Each Piece
Every item is assessed holistically, with close attention to:
- Overall condition and visible wear
- Hardware quality and leather structure
- Odors or staining
- Year, season, and original retail pricing
- Brand desirability and current market demand
- Authenticity and completeness of accompanying packaging
Brands We Currently Accept
Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Gucci, Dior, Burberry, Prada, Fendi, Balenciaga, Goyard, Celine, and select additional designers.
Curious What Your Wardrobe Holds?
Submit your item for consideration — your next addition may already be part of your collection.