What Is a Dress Agency? And Why Handpicked Preloved Does Things a Little Differently
You might have heard the term dress agency if you have ever looked into selling your clothes secondhand. It is one of those slightly old fashioned phrases that can feel a bit confusing, and also a bit misleading.
Because no, it is not just about dresses.
A dress agency is simply a shop that sells clothes on behalf of other people. You bring in items you no longer wear, the shop sells them for you, and when they sell you receive a percentage of the price. It is often called consignment, commission or sale or return too. They are just different ways of describing the same idea.
Think Vinted, but on the high-street - and where you actually get to see the item in real life before committing to buying.
While the way it works may be similar across shops, what they choose to sell can be very different.
And that is where Handpicked Preloved comes in.
What We Actually Mean By Preloved
At Handpicked Preloved, we are not interested in wardrobes full of one off outfits.
You will not find towering heels, occasion dresses worn once for a wedding, or trend pieces that only work for a single moment.
Instead, we focus on the clothes that quietly become the backbone of your wardrobe.
The things you reach for again and again.
Think of well cut jeans, easy shirts, great knitwear, everyday dresses, relaxed jackets, trainers, comfortable shoes, and beautiful bags that work with everything.
These are clothes that fit into real life.
The school run.
Work.
Coffee with friends.
Weekend walks.
Travel.
Ordinary days that deserve great clothes too.
Quality Matters
Another big part of what we do is focusing on quality.
We are always looking for pieces made from natural fibres such as cotton, wool, linen and silk, and items that are well made and designed to last.
Not fast fashion.
Not throwaway pieces.
Just good clothes that deserve a second life.
When clothes are made well they last longer, they wash better and they simply feel better to live in.
We focus on Handpicking each item & in-house prepping so we can ensure items feel & look like new. No mystery marks, damage or flaws, we have taken all the out so out so you can shop with confidence.
How Selling With a Dress Agency Works
Selling through a dress agency is very simple.
You bring in the clothes you no longer wear. The shop selects what they believe will sell well, prices everything and displays it in store.
When an item sells you receive a percentage of the final price. In the UK this is often around 50 percent, although it can vary between shops.
The shop takes care of everything. Selecting items, pricing them properly, displaying them in store and finding the right buyer.
You do not need to photograph items, answer messages, post parcels or deal with the hassle of selling online.
What Sells Best At Handpicked Preloved
Because we focus on everyday wardrobes, some items always sell quickly.
These include great jeans and trousers, knitwear and easy tops, relaxed dresses, jackets and coats, trainers and flat shoes, and beautiful handbags and accessories.
These are the pieces people are always looking for. Good clothes that work in everyday life.
A Note On Designer Bags
One area where we see strong demand is designer handbags.
We often have customers looking for brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Mulberry, so these can sell quickly when they come into the shop.
If you have a designer bag that you no longer use, we are always happy to take a look. We offer a different commission rate for designer bags and will always provide pricing and commission charges upfront before items go on sale. We keep it transparent so you know exactly what to expect to be paid.
Selling With Handpicked Preloved
If you would like to sell with us you can find out more here.
We carefully select pieces based on quality, condition, season and whether they fit the Handpicked style. Once accepted, we price them and display them in the shop ready to find their next home.
Because the best clothes are not the ones saved for special occasions.
They are the ones you reach for again and again in real life.
