Where Do Influencers Shop?

Did you know that 86% of millennials and Gen Z consumers are willing to buy pre-owned fashion items? That's right, the secondhand clothing market is booming, and influencers are at the forefront of this trend. In 2024, the world of influencer fashion has taken an interesting turn, with many social media stars not just showcasing new outfits but also selling their gently-used or even brand-new items online.

Let's dive into the exciting world of influencer fashion resale and discover where these trendsetters are shopping and selling their coveted clothes.

Where Influencers Typically Sell Their Clothes

Depop: The Instagram of Fashion Resale

Depop has become the go-to app for influencers looking to clear out their closets. Here's why it's so popular:

• Visual appeal: The app's layout is like scrolling through an Instagram feed, but everything's for sale.
• Young demographic: It's where the cool kids hang out, making it perfect for influencers with a younger following.
• User-friendly: Listing items is as easy as posting a selfie.

Fashion blogger Chiara Ferragni and YouTuber Emma Chamberlain have both used Depop to sell pieces from their personal wardrobes. Imagine snagging Emma's iconic coffee-stained hoodie – now that's a conversation starter!

Poshmark: The Digital Mall of Influencer Fashion

Poshmark caters to a slightly older crowd and offers some unique features:

• Massive user base: With millions of active users, it's like a bustling digital marketplace.
• "Posh Parties": These virtual shopping events are like exclusive fashion shows you can attend in your pajamas.
• Authentication services: For high-end items, because nobody wants to accidentally buy a fake Gucci bag.

Fashion blogger Blair Eadie has successfully used Poshmark to sell pieces from her extensive wardrobe. Who knows, you might end up with a piece that's been featured in a viral Instagram post!

Instagram Shop: From Stories to Sales

Many influencers are cutting out the middleman and selling directly through Instagram:

• Seamless integration: Followers can buy without leaving the app – it's dangerous for our wallets but great for convenience.
• Brand consistency: Influencers can maintain their aesthetic while selling items.
• Direct engagement: Sliding into those DMs might actually lead to a fashion purchase.

Fashion influencer Danielle Bernstein has successfully used Instagram to sell both her own brand and pre-owned items from her closet.

Personal Websites and Online Stores: The VIP Shopping Experience

Some influencers opt for their own branded websites or online stores:

• Complete control: It's their fashion kingdom, and we're just living in it.
• Brand building: A personal store reinforces the influencer's style and brand.
• Higher profit margins: More money for them means more clothes to sell later. It's the circle of (fashion) life!

Chiara Ferragni, for example, has her own online store where she sells both branded items and selected pre-owned pieces.

How Influencers Source Items to Sell

PR Gifts and Promotional Items: The Insider's Secret

Influencers often receive an abundance of free products from brands:

• Oversaturation: How many white t-shirts does one person need, anyway?
• Mismatch with personal style: One influencer's trash is another fan's treasure!
• Limited storage space: Even walk-in closets have their limits.

Selling PR gifts can be controversial, but it's becoming more common in the influencer world.

Personal Wardrobe Cleanouts: The Ultimate Closet Purge

Influencers, like anyone else, periodically reassess their wardrobes:

• Changing trends: Yesterday's "must-have" is today's "so last season."
• "Outfit repeating" concerns: It's like they're playing a never-ending game of fashion musical chairs.
• Fan appeal: Owning a piece from an influencer's personal collection holds a special allure for many followers.

This practice aligns well with sustainable fashion trends, extending the lifecycle of clothing items.

Sample Sales and Industry Events: The Fashion Insider's Playground

Influencers often have access to exclusive shopping opportunities:

• Industry connections: It's like having a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, but replace the chocolate with designer clothes.
• Discounted designer items: Think of it as extreme couponing, but make it fashion.
• Resale potential: Items purchased at these events can later be sold at a profit.

Tips for Buying from Influencers

Research the Influencer's Reputation: Trust, but Verify

Before making a purchase, do your homework:

• Use Privy to read reviews: Privy offers a platform where you can find honest reviews about content creators, including their selling practices.
• Verify authenticity: Ensure you're buying from the influencer's official selling account.
• Check their track record: Look for feedback from previous buyers.

Understand Pricing and Value: Don't Break the Bank for a Broken Dream

Influencer-owned items often come with a premium:

• Compare with retail prices: Don't pay $500 for a $20 t-shirt just because it once touched your favorite YouTuber.
• Consider item condition: A designer bag that's been through a world tour should cost less than one that's never left the closet.
• Factor in the influencer premium: Decide how much extra you're willing to pay for the "celebrity factor."

Be Aware of Sizing and Fit: One Size Doesn't Fit All

Buying clothes online can be tricky:

• Ask for measurements: The camera adds 10 pounds, but it also subtracts 2 inches from the waistline.
• Check previous buyer reviews: If everyone's saying "runs small," believe them.
• Consider alterations: Sometimes, a little nip and tuck can turn an influencer's castoff into your perfect fit.

Consider Authenticity and Provenance: The Real Deal or No Deal

When buying designer or luxury items:

• Request proof of purchase: If they can't prove it's real, it might be time to swipe left on that purchase.
• Use authentication services: Think of it as insurance for your fashion investments.
• Look for signs of wear: Paradoxically, some signs of gentle use can actually be an indicator of authenticity.

Ethical Considerations and Industry Impact

Transparency in Selling Gifted Items: The PR Pickle

The practice of influencers selling PR gifts has sparked debate:

• FTC guidelines: Influencers should disclose when they're selling gifted items.
• Brand relationships: It's a bit like re-gifting your aunt's Christmas present – fine if she doesn't find out, awkward if she does.
• Charitable alternatives: Some influencers donate proceeds from selling PR items to charity.

Sustainability in the Influencer Economy: Fashion with a Conscience

The resale of influencer clothing can have positive environmental impacts:

• Extended product lifecycle: It's like giving clothes a second chance at love.
• Awareness raising: Influencers can promote sustainable fashion practices through reselling.
• Quality over quantity: This trend may encourage followers to invest in higher-quality, longer-lasting pieces.

Impact on Traditional Retail and Resale Markets: Shaking Up the Fashion Food Chain

The influencer resale market is reshaping shopping habits:

• Competition with traditional secondhand markets: It's like when the cool kids' table takes over the whole cafeteria.
• Collaboration opportunities: Some retailers are partnering with influencers for resale initiatives.
• Market expansion: The influencer resale trend may be bringing new consumers into the secondhand market.

Conclusion

The world of influencer fashion resale is a fascinating blend of technology, sustainability, and style. As you dive into this exciting market, remember to use platforms like Privy to research influencers and make informed decisions.

Whether you're after a piece of influencer history or just looking for a great deal on designer duds, the influencer resale market offers something for everyone. Just remember, buying an influencer's old jacket won't automatically give you their lifestyle – but it might just give you their style. Happy shopping!

FAQs

1. Is it legal for influencers to sell gifted items? Yes, it's generally legal, but influencers should disclose when they're selling items received as gifts or for promotional purposes.

2. How can I tell if an item is authentic when buying from an influencer? Look for proof of purchase, use authentication services if available, and carefully examine photos and descriptions. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the item's provenance.

3. Do influencers typically offer returns or exchanges on sold items? This varies by influencer and platform. Always check the return policy before purchasing.

4. Are prices for influencer-owned items usually higher than retail? Often, yes. The "influencer factor" can add value, but prices should still be reasonable compared to the item's condition and original retail price.

5. How can I verify that an item actually belonged to a specific influencer? Look for personal photos of the influencer wearing the item, check if the sale is promoted on their main social media accounts, and use verified seller badges on platforms when available.