The resale of luxury goods is gaining serious momentum. The luxury resale market is in the midst of dynamic growth, with the U.S. market estimated at $8.65 billion in 2024 and expected to reach $13.04 billion by 2030. This rising demand is prompting sellers of pre-owned luxury goods to make an important decision: should they consign their items with expert platforms, or navigate the entire selling process themselves?
The Consignment Advantage
Recent developments among major resale platforms show how consignment has matured. Mari Corella, General Manager of Luxury and Sneakers at eBay, said, “As consumer interest in shopping for pre-loved luxury continues to grow in popularity, eBay is evolving to ensure it is at the forefront to provide shoppers with the best service.” With eBay’s luxury consignment service, created in partnership with Luxe Collective, sellers enjoy a streamlined, hands-off experience. Once an item is shipped with a prepaid label, the platform and its partner handle authentication, expert pricing, professional photos, global marketing, buyer interactions, and payment after the sale is final.
While commission rates for consignment typically range from 15 to 30 percent, high-end goods frequently achieve net returns of 80 to 90 percent for the seller thanks to expert curation and global reach. In some recent eBay program results, a Chanel 19 Flap Bag fetched over 45 percent more than the average sales price for similar bags on the marketplace. As Ben Gallagher of Luxe Collective shared, this partnership “will encourage more sellers to join eBay’s global community, bringing even more luxury pieces to the platform ready for shoppers to find their dream pieces”.
Consignment’s strengths include professional authentication and pricing, the potential for higher final sale prices, ready access to interested buyers around the world, and a process that spares sellers from negotiating or managing risky shipping themselves. However, consignment does come with trade-offs. Sellers pay a proportion of their proceeds as commission, sometimes up to 30 percent, and must be prepared for payment to arrive after the full sale process, which can often take 90 days or more. Sellers also give up some control over the pricing process, and items may be discounted if they take a long time to sell.
Direct Selling: Speed and Control
For those who need immediate cash or prefer full control, direct selling remains an appealing path. As one luxury expert noted, “A direct sale offers the benefits of instant payment, making it ideal for those who need quick money.” Platforms that allow sellers to set their own prices, such as peer-to-peer or specialty marketplaces, give individuals the power to manage their listings and negotiations. This flexibility can often result in quick sales and allows sellers to avoid third-party fees.
Yet, the independence of direct selling comes with greater responsibility. The seller must handle authentication, description, photography, listing, price negotiation, and shipping. The learning curve includes risks of undervaluing items due to a lack of expertise, dealing with scams or unreliable buyers, and investing substantial time in customer service. Selling directly also exposes sellers to shipping and payment risks that established platforms typically shield them from.
Market Trends Shaping Decisions
Current market trends are influencing both approaches. Luxury goods are becoming more expensive due to tariffs and regular price increases, which is fueling a surge in demand for authenticated pre-owned products. Brand partnerships, such as collaborations between major resale platforms and luxury experts, further demonstrate the increasing importance of professional consignment services. These partnerships offer sellers access to a global network of buyers and provide marketing expertise that is difficult to match individually.
Making Your Choice
Deciding which route is best depends on your needs as a seller. Consignment is ideal if you’re aiming for maximum return, want expert assistance, or have especially rare or high-value goods. The professional support and wider pool of buyers often mean a higher final price, even after the commission is deducted.
Direct selling, on the other hand, is best for those seeking quick payment, who know their item’s value, and don’t mind managing the process from start to finish.
