Even if you haven’t been paying attention to the news, supply shortages are popping up in all businesses and industries. Business and economic experts are encouraging consumers to start purchasing gifts earlier than usual for all holidays this year and possibly next. Top global wholesale suppliers and retailers like Amazon Prime and Target push back delivery dates after the point of initial purchase. Looking for solutions, savvy shoppers are beginning to find that short supply in retail chains doesn’t mean there aren’t options to buy gifts. Many are purchasing new to gently used gifts on the resale market. Here are some buyer and seller tips for a successful alternative shopping experience for this upcoming holiday season. “We are seeing shortages and sporadic restocking from nearly all luxury brands this holiday season. It has become difficult to find both popular and classic styles in boutiques as well as online. Shopping pre-owned is an excellent way to find holiday gifts, you just have to be sure to verify authenticity. Since these shortages drive up resale value, it’s a great time to be a seller, however increased value leads to more counterfeit production as well.” - Jenna Padilla, Real Authentication

“Shopping secondhand is a great way to find the holiday gifts you are looking for, but it is crucial to have everything authenticated. As the resale market grows, so does counterfeiting, as well as the grade of fake luxury items. With Real Authentication, a minimum of two experts review, every order to ensure your purchase is indeed authentic, in 24-hours or less.” - Real Authentication

Supply Chain Shortages = Resale Market is Booming

Supply chain setbacks are leaving big box retail stores with limited inventory supply. “Across all industries, especially in the retail industry, many retailers are feeling the effect of supply chain issues that are causing major disruptions and headaches for both retailers and consumers. From limited inventory to shipping delays, the end consumer will end up paying more this holiday season for the scarcity” said Emily Erkel, co-founder of LePrix Wholesale, the most-trusted, largest platform for retailers to source pre-owned luxury.

“With continued logistics constraints hitting nearly every category and retailer nationwide, sales of new products will likely be restricted”, explains Roxanne Meyer, an analyst for MKM Partners. She also stated the following quote in a recent market report, “We believe Poshmark and the resale sector are well-positioned to take market share in Q4 as supply chain issues linger.”

According to a survey conducted by Mercari, this year’s secondhand online retail market is expected to be over $65 billion which is an all-time high for the industry. Mercari’s data also resulted in three in four people surveyed saying they are likely to buy at least one secondhand item this holiday season. The resale market will benefit both buyers and sellers.

Buyers Need to Shop Earlier and Get Items Authenticated

Buyers need to start their gift shopping early, so they have more than enough time to find their gifts, get them authenticated, and shipped in time before the holidays. With many online reselling platforms available such as LePrix, you will find the perfect gifts for your loved ones and friends. However, it is important to buy with caution because there are counterfeit items out on the secondhand market, and it can be a challenge to know if something is fake online. If a price seems too good to be true, or a seller is unwilling to provide clear images of the item, it is best to avoid the purchase. If pricing and image quality all seem plausible, send the item to be authenticated with Real Authentication to ensure your potential purchase is indeed authentic.

Resellers Need to List Early with Authentication Certification to Sell Fast at the Highest Prices

Resellers need to prepare for the high demand of Q4 by getting inventory early, stocking up on shipping supplies, and listing their items early to get the early shoppers. For resellers, not only getting inventory early but also getting the right inventory. “Most of our retail buyers are stocking up on the usual bestsellers from Louis Vuitton Neverfull totes and Gucci shoulder bags on LePrix Wholesale but there is a surge in demand for bags that are hard to find. The scarcity of certain bags in the consumer market like Hermès Birkins and Kellys and the constant price increases in Chanel classic flaps have caused retailers to redshift budget towards these bags that are in high demand. With over 150,000 new arrivals of pre-owned Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, Dior and more every month, retailers of all sizes are finding the breadth they need to prepare for the holiday rush”, said Emily Erkel. Not only that, if they want to increase trust and minimize purchase hesitancy, it is important to show proof of authentication with Certificates of Authenticity from Real Authentication. The last thing a reseller needs is a one-star review and returned items.

Interested in authenticating your bags? Mention “LePrix Wholesale” and get $5 off your first authentication with Real Authentication now!