Tips For Selling Your Fur Coat

Ready to clear some space in your closet while filling your wallet? Take out that old fur coat if you have one—this garment might be worth more than you’d think, especially if it’s in excellent condition.

Now comes the tricky part: selling the piece. For one, not everyone is fond of clothing made out of fur. And if you’re new to secondhand e-commerce, putting your coat out for sale might be intimidating. But don’t worry. This guide will walk you through practical tips on successfully selling your fur coat. Read on!

Choosing the Right Selling Platform

One of the first things to do is choose a selling platform. Each platform has its own way of doing things. So, determine which one fits best with your schedule and comfort level.

Online marketplaces are a popular choice. Many people can access platforms like eBay and The RealReal to find vintage and designer pre-loved clothing.

Selling your fur coat to a local consignment shop is another convenient option. These shops know their luxury items and have just the right customers looking for pieces like yours. But if you want to know where to sell your fur directly to people looking only for fur coats, you also have options. Look for one that accepts high-quality fur, provides free shipping, and pays within 48 hours of agreeing to the sale. You’ll know they’re serious.

If you want a higher return on your vintage fur coat, consider selling it through an auction house where serious collectors often gather. Local luxury auctioneers can bring valuable expertise in pricing and presentation, while platforms like Sotheby’s and Christie’s can connect your piece with collectors worldwide who appreciate fine vintage fashion.

Think you don’t have a chance at selling your fur coat? Keep your hopes up! Clothing makes up 30% of the most common secondhand purchases. You’ll surely encounter someone who’ll find your designer furs worth the price. (1)

Assessing Your Fur Coat

Before adding your fur coat to your product listing, give it a good assessment.

Determining the Value

Several elements come into play when evaluating a fur coat:

• Brand and designer: Who designed the piece? The brand name an add significant value. A quick search of the label might also reveal the coat’s origin.
• Age and condition: A closer look at wear patterns, any staining, or patches where fur might be thinning tells the coat’s true condition. Vintage fur coats, especially those in excellent condition, can be highly collectible.
• Material and quality: Each type of fur has its own charm—mink, fox, and sable bring different qualities to the table. Fur density, luster, and softness will determine its value.
• Style and trendiness: The fashion world moves in cycles, but classic styles that never go out of fashion tend to hold their value better.

Take note of these details, as buyers will look for them in your product listing.

Consulting an Expert

Are you unsure about the value of your coat? Contact the experts! Aside from auction houses, a furrier, in particular, can provide a professional appraisal and offer insights into the coat’s condition, material, and potential value. These details can then point you to the most effective approach to selling your fur coat.

A thorough assessment will help you set a fair price for your pre-owned fur coat and avoid selling it for peanuts.

Preparing Your Fur Coat for Sale

Once you’ve assessed your fur coat’s value, focus on presenting it in the best possible way since buyers—especially those shopping online—are after good quality clothing and need assurance of its condition before making their purchase.

First is cleaning. While cleaning it at home is an option, consider professional cleaning services if you’re concerned about ruining the coat. The experts will handle stubborn dirt, odors, and stains on the fur garment. They’ll also manage minor repairs like loose seams or missing fur.

Take high-quality photos, too! Capture full-body shots and close-ups to show every detail. You can even put the coat on a mannequin or model for buyers to see its fit and how it drapes and falls. But don’t forget the power of good lighting; it can highlight the coat’s unique beauty and influences customer’s perception of a product and purchase decisions. (2)

Marketing Your Fur Coat

Want to catch a buyer’s eye? Share specifics about your fur coat, from the brand name to the material, size, and overall condition. Any special details or unique elements are worth mentioning, too. The perfect title also sparks immediate interest. Something like ‘Vintage Mink Coat - Timeless Luxury’ grabs attention. Sprinkling in words like ‘vintage,’ ‘designer,’ or ‘sable’ can help your listing appear in searches.

While the coat’s brand, condition, material, and style can determine its value, the current market can also shape the final number. So, when selling your fur coat, look at similar styles being sold online—what are they going for? Be open to negotiation, too—especially for higher-value items.

Lastly, quick responses and clear messages help keep potential buyers interested. Poor customer service can cost large businesses USD$3.7 trillion annually; what more if you’re trying to sell one fur coat? So, respond promptly to inquiries from potential buyers. Be honest and transparent about the coat’s condition and history, too. (3)

Key Takeaway

Selling your fur coat doesn’t have to be a challenge—from platform choice and reasonable pricing to effective presentation—all these will connect you with the perfect buyer. Patience, prompt communication, and secure transactions also go a long way. With these tips, you can confidently sell your fur coat and make the most of its potential.

References

1. “Most common second-hand purchases by category in the U.S. as of September 2024,” Source: https://www.statista.com/forecasts/997103/most-common-second-hand-purchases-by-category-in-the-us 
2. “Product photography in product attractiveness perception and e-commerce customer purchase decisions,” Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368904227_Product_photography_in_product_attractiveness_perception_and_e-commerce_customer_purchase_decisions 
3. “Bad Customer Service Could Cost More Than $3.7 Trillion,” Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/shephyken/2024/03/17/bad-customer-service-could-cost-more-than-37-trillion/