How to Sell Used Designer Leather Jackets and Accessories
The Ultimate Seller’s Guide for Luxury and Designer Leather
Leather has been a popular fashion material since the 1950s and continues to be a timeless wardrobe staple today. Seasonable and able to go with anything, there will always be a demand for leather items. If you have any designer leather jackets, tote bags, handbags, bracelets, or belts taking up room in your wardrobe, you might consider selling them on consignment.
When it comes to figuring out how much your leather items are worth, many variables come into play during evaluation. Today, we're going to discuss how to determine the quality of a used designer leather jacket or accessory so you can get the most bang for your buck, especially if you have a luxury or designer brand.
Make Sure It's Genuine Leather
Just because something is marketed as "leather" doesn't necessarily mean that it's made with genuine leather. Synthetic leathers have become more sophisticated in recent years, and it can be hard to tell whether the material used to make your designer leather jacket or accessory is genuine. To ensure that your items are the real deal, you can check the tags or look for any manufacturer markings to ensure you're selling a genuine article.
Check for Dryness and Cracking
Always check your used leather goods for dryness and cracking. Dried-out leather is far more brittle and less durable than leather that has been conditioned and stored in a temperate environment. Certain leathers can sometimes crack when dry.
If you have a designer leather tote bag or handbag that's in a worn-down state, it will affect resale value. While some consumers might appreciate a more broken-in look, they often want to be the ones breaking it in.
Check for Broken Straps
Broken straps on used leather goods are another thing to look for. Items such as designer leather handbags, jackets, and boots contain some type of strap. These straps can wear down and lose their sturdiness with time if not cared for properly.
If a worn strap can be repaired, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Instead, try to have it serviced by the designer brand itself or by a restoration professional to ensure it retains (or even potentially increases) in value.
Provide Proof-of-Purchase from the Manufacturer (If Able)
Few consumer items, such as leather bracelets or belts, are regularly counterfeited as designer goods. If you are interested in selling used leather goods on consignment, make it a habit to keep a copy of your proof-of-purchase on hand. When it's time to sell these items, you can share the proof of purchase with the buyer or consignment shop so they can verify it was purchased from a reliable source.
Check the Metals
Before selling used leather goods on consignment, don't forget to check the metal features. Metal features on goods such as the clips on leather wallets or the rings on designer leather belts can become scratched or cracked with repeated wear. While the focus might be on the condition of the leather, the quality of the metals in your leather items also factors into the overall valuation.
Check Any Non-Leather Linings
Don’t forget to check any non-leather linings that your items might have. High-quality leather jackets typically have two different linings around the body and in the sleeves for more flexibility and comfort.
Leather bags usually have a cloth lining on the inside. As comfy as these materials are, more brittle fabrics can be prone to tears. Before selling any luxury leather goods, you can check the linings to see if they need professional restoration.
Look at the Seams in the Leather
Most often, leather goods begin degrading at the seams. The threads that hold the pieces of leather together begin to fray or come loose, resulting in damage. This will be one of the first parts of the item a consigner will inspect before deciding to list your item, so you'll want to make sure that any seams in your articles are in good condition before parting ways.
Selling used leather jackets and accessories is a great way to make room for new wardrobe items while making a little bit of money. However, it is essential to examine your goods before selling them to ensure you're getting the best value and your customer is getting a high-quality, genuine item.
Examine your leather goods from top to bottom before negotiating with any secondhand shop. Have a great piece of designer leather that you want to sell? Consider listing it on consignment with us!