Your guide to selling clothes online
In the rapidly developing fashion industry, online retail has brought about a real revolution. In 2022 alone, clothing worth a remarkable EUR 20 billion was sold in Germany via online platforms.
This is a striking reflection of how people's consumer behaviour has changed. Gone are the days when shopping was restricted to visiting shopping centres or boutiques. Thanks to the Internet, shopping has become a convenient experience: You can now shop from the comfort of your sofa and have everything delivered straight to your home. This service is now actively used by people of all generations — from young to old.
The convenience of shopping online from home has fundamentally changed the way we buy clothes. A few years ago, customers still had to go to shops to see the latest fashions, try garments on and make a decision on the spot. Today, all of this is done with just a click of the mouse and the items you order are delivered straight to your home. This development has not only made shopping easier and less time-consuming, but also more enjoyable for many.
This is a striking reflection of how people's consumer behaviour has changed. Gone are the days when shopping was restricted to visiting shopping centres or boutiques. Thanks to the Internet, shopping has become a convenient experience: You can now shop from the comfort of your sofa and have everything delivered straight to your home. This service is now actively used by people of all generations — from young to old.
The convenience of shopping online from home has fundamentally changed the way we buy clothes. A few years ago, customers still had to go to shops to see the latest fashions, try garments on and make a decision on the spot. Today, all of this is done with just a click of the mouse and the items you order are delivered straight to your home. This development has not only made shopping easier and less time-consuming, but also more enjoyable for many.
Why do we love buying clothes online?
- Convenience of 24/7 shopping: Online shops are open all the time — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This allows consumers to buy clothing at any time without having to worry about opening hours or finding a parking space.
- Ease of comparing prices: It takes just a few minutes to compare prices from different providers. In this way, you can ensure that you get the best deal — without the time pressure that often comes from shopping in a physical retail store.
- Greater variety and accessibility: Online shops offer a significantly larger selection of products than physical stores ever could. This makes shopping even more attractive and convenient.
- Free shipping and returns: Many online retailers offer free shipping and returns above a certain purchase value. This allows customers to easily order multiple sizes or styles, try on the items at home and simply return anything that doesn't fit.
- Global access to fashion: Online shopping makes it possible to order fashion from all over the world and have it delivered directly to your home.
With this boom in online retail, it's never been easier to start a business selling clothing online. Whether it's an established fashion brand or an aspiring startup, a strong online presence can offer tremendous growth opportunities.
Anyone who is wondering: "Where can you sell clothing?" will quickly discover that the Internet is one of the best options. This guide takes you through the key steps involved in starting your own online clothing shop and offers many tips for how to further develop an existing online shop. Find out how you can make the most of the booming market for online clothing sales.
Anyone who is wondering: "Where can you sell clothing?" will quickly discover that the Internet is one of the best options. This guide takes you through the key steps involved in starting your own online clothing shop and offers many tips for how to further develop an existing online shop. Find out how you can make the most of the booming market for online clothing sales.
Ecommerce & selling clothes online
Nowadays, selling clothing is easier than ever before. Whether second-hand, homemade or new clothing — the Internet offers many opportunities to sell fashion online. Popular categories include:
- new clothing
- second-hand clothing
- vintage clothing
- children's clothing
- women's clothing
- sportswear
... to mention only the most sought-after.
Thanks to various platforms and apps, even those who are completely new to ecommerce can sell clothing without too much effort.
- new clothing
- second-hand clothing
- vintage clothing
- children's clothing
- women's clothing
- sportswear
... to mention only the most sought-after.
Thanks to various platforms and apps, even those who are completely new to ecommerce can sell clothing without too much effort.
The benefits of online fashion retail
Online platforms offer a number of advantages: They are accessible 24/7, reach a wider audience and reduce operating costs compared to brick-and-mortar stores. Anyone who sells clothing online also benefits from the global reach of online retail and can attract potential customers worldwide.
Platforms such as Amazon are an ideal choice, particularly for niche products such as vintage fashion or second-hand clothing. Here you can easily set up your own online shop and present your products professionally.
Platforms such as Amazon are an ideal choice, particularly for niche products such as vintage fashion or second-hand clothing. Here you can easily set up your own online shop and present your products professionally.
How to start your business: Sell clothes online
Before you start selling, thorough market research is essential. This gives you an overview of the market in which you want to operate and which products are particularly in demand. You might also uncover potential gaps in the market that offer you new opportunities. Start your research with three to five products across multiple sales platforms and social media channels to identify key trends and needs.
Did this help you work out which garments you would like to sell online?
Great! Now, the question is: where can you get these garments from? Depending on the type of clothing you have chosen, there are various sources of supply available to you: making it yourself or buying it from manufacturers, flea markets, second-hand retailers or wholesalers. Thorough research is important for each of these options to find the best source for your needs. Pay attention to the following points:
- quality of the goods and delivery
- delivery times and order process, minimum order quantities and values
- payment and delivery terms
- customs and import regulations for foreign purchases
- storage and shipping to your customers
Did this help you work out which garments you would like to sell online?
Great! Now, the question is: where can you get these garments from? Depending on the type of clothing you have chosen, there are various sources of supply available to you: making it yourself or buying it from manufacturers, flea markets, second-hand retailers or wholesalers. Thorough research is important for each of these options to find the best source for your needs. Pay attention to the following points:
- quality of the goods and delivery
- delivery times and order process, minimum order quantities and values
- payment and delivery terms
- customs and import regulations for foreign purchases
- storage and shipping to your customers
Selling clothes in your own online shop
You can sell clothes by creating your own online shop. With your own shop, you have full control over the design and your customers’ shopping experience. You decide which products you offer and how you present them. At the same time, however, you are responsible for maintaining the software and server capacity.
However, before you start your online clothing shop, you should consider whether you would like to set up your own shop or would rather use an existing provider.
Here are some important aspects to consider if you opt for your own solution and do not yet have an online shop.
However, before you start your online clothing shop, you should consider whether you would like to set up your own shop or would rather use an existing provider.
Here are some important aspects to consider if you opt for your own solution and do not yet have an online shop.
1. Who will create your online shop? Are you planning to hire a freelancer, use an agency or build the shop yourself using a modular system that requires no special programming knowledge?
2. Have you already decided which shop software you want to use and what server capacity is required for your future online shop?
3. What payment methods will you offer?
4. Do you need additional mobile apps, such as shopping apps or apps for tracking shipments?
5. Make sure that you are aware of all costs involved before you start: from setup to regular content maintenance of the website and online shop.
6. What legal requirements do you have to comply with as a shop operator? This includes issues such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), regulation on packaging, legal notice, cancellation policy and compliance with statutory warranty periods. Do you know who can help you with this?
7. How can you improve the shopping experience for your customers? Options include the use of chatbots, innovative technologies, personalised offers, data analytics and more.
8. Which features are essential? Examples include an intuitive product search page, high-quality product presentations (images, videos, text), clear navigation, a user-friendly checkout process and multiple languages.
9. What is important to you when designing your shop? Aspects such as corporate design, user experience and perfect presentation on mobile devices play a central role.
10. Storage, shipping and logistics: Have you already thought about storage options, packaging and shipping? How can you ensure that the availability of your products is shown in real time?
11. How would you like to process returns and deal with customer enquiries?
12. How would you like to attract visitors to your online shop and generate traffic? Which marketing concept makes sense for you and how much effort is involved?
2. Have you already decided which shop software you want to use and what server capacity is required for your future online shop?
3. What payment methods will you offer?
4. Do you need additional mobile apps, such as shopping apps or apps for tracking shipments?
5. Make sure that you are aware of all costs involved before you start: from setup to regular content maintenance of the website and online shop.
6. What legal requirements do you have to comply with as a shop operator? This includes issues such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), regulation on packaging, legal notice, cancellation policy and compliance with statutory warranty periods. Do you know who can help you with this?
7. How can you improve the shopping experience for your customers? Options include the use of chatbots, innovative technologies, personalised offers, data analytics and more.
8. Which features are essential? Examples include an intuitive product search page, high-quality product presentations (images, videos, text), clear navigation, a user-friendly checkout process and multiple languages.
9. What is important to you when designing your shop? Aspects such as corporate design, user experience and perfect presentation on mobile devices play a central role.
10. Storage, shipping and logistics: Have you already thought about storage options, packaging and shipping? How can you ensure that the availability of your products is shown in real time?
11. How would you like to process returns and deal with customer enquiries?
12. How would you like to attract visitors to your online shop and generate traffic? Which marketing concept makes sense for you and how much effort is involved?
Answering these questions will help you develop and successfully launch a legally sound and user-friendly online shop. Your shop should optimally meet the needs of your target group and enable a smooth entry into ecommerce.
You should also keep an eye on the time and money involved — these resources can quickly run out. Alternatively, you could use existing platforms such as Amazon.de to help you get started.
You should also keep an eye on the time and money involved — these resources can quickly run out. Alternatively, you could use existing platforms such as Amazon.de to help you get started.
Why sell on Amazon?
Amazon offers you many benefits, in particular the direct connection between selling partners and customers. Buyers will find a huge selection on Amazon, while selling partners benefit from a large, existing customer base — a benefit that you would first have to work hard to build up if you had your own online shop.
In addition, more and more people start their product search directly on Amazon instead of using a search engine. With the ever-expanding range of products on Amazon, the number of buyers is also constantly increasing.
If you are not on Amazon, potential customers may not find your products even if they are available in your own online shop. This makes it clear how important being present on Amazon has become.
Customers also place a high level of trust in Amazon. Factors such as a simple payment process, fast shipping and smooth returns processing — all handled by Amazon — take the pressure off you as a seller. Amazon makes it easy for you to list your products and handles numerous tasks for you, or makes them significantly simpler.
If you're still considering whether Amazon is the right provider for your online retail sale of clothing or other products, here are the most important benefits that await you as a selling partner:
In addition, more and more people start their product search directly on Amazon instead of using a search engine. With the ever-expanding range of products on Amazon, the number of buyers is also constantly increasing.
If you are not on Amazon, potential customers may not find your products even if they are available in your own online shop. This makes it clear how important being present on Amazon has become.
Customers also place a high level of trust in Amazon. Factors such as a simple payment process, fast shipping and smooth returns processing — all handled by Amazon — take the pressure off you as a seller. Amazon makes it easy for you to list your products and handles numerous tasks for you, or makes them significantly simpler.
If you're still considering whether Amazon is the right provider for your online retail sale of clothing or other products, here are the most important benefits that await you as a selling partner:
Potential benefits of selling on Amazon
An established website with a high profile, such as Amazon, can make it much easier to launch as an online selling partner for clothing.
Benefits:
Benefits:
- Established website with several thousands of visitors per day.
- Low startup costs compared to creating and maintaining your own online shop.
- A transparent cost overview of selling plans, shipping costs and a cost calculator.
- Various tools tailored to Amazon to help you with marketing and selling.
- Easy access to European and global markets with Amazon fulfilment centres.
- In addition to private customers, you also have the opportunity to reach business customers in the B2B sector.
- Several options for packaging and shipping your products.
- Options such as convenient payment methods or payment in instalments are easy to use.
- Easy processing of returns and customer service when required.
These are just a few of the many benefits of working with Amazon. Here is a detailed overview of how to get started with Amazon.
Selling clothes on Amazon — step by step!
Here is an overview of how you can get started with Amazon.
Step 1: Work out what you want to sell
Before you start selling on Amazon, you should take a look at the options that the platform offers you. We recommend that you start with a small number of garments in order to gain some initial experience. Find out exactly what you need to keep in mind when selling clothing on Amazon.
Step 1: Work out what you want to sell
Before you start selling on Amazon, you should take a look at the options that the platform offers you. We recommend that you start with a small number of garments in order to gain some initial experience. Find out exactly what you need to keep in mind when selling clothing on Amazon.
Step 2: Create your Amazon seller account
Creating a seller account with Amazon is easier than you might think.
Go to the Amazon registration page and enter your personal information, including your name and email address. Then set a password and that's it — you're registered. The next step is to enter your business details, select the main category "Clothing" and then select the appropriate sub-category for your products.
Then it is time to decide whether you want to register as an individual seller or a professional seller. The main difference is in the features available and the fees.
• Individual seller plan: This plan is particularly suitable if you want to sell fewer than 40 items per month. You can create individual offers and either assign them to existing product pages or create new pages in the Amazon catalogue. You only pay when an item is successfully sold, making this plan ideal for getting started.
• Professional seller plan: If you regularly sell more or need advanced features, you can choose the "Professional" plan. This involves paying a monthly fee regardless of the number of products sold or listed. This plan gives you access to advanced sales and management tools, including inventory and order management, file uploads and a detailed analysis of your sales figures. This plan is particularly suitable for larger companies.
Compare both options to decide which plan best suits your goals.
Once you've decided on a selling plan, you can use Amazon's cost calculator to calculate your margin per unit. Then, take a look at the beginner's guide for a perfectly simple introduction to the sales process. After signing up as a selling partner with Amazon, you get access to 'Seller Central', Amazon's dashboard. Here you can list your products, manage inventory and process orders.
Creating a seller account with Amazon is easier than you might think.
Go to the Amazon registration page and enter your personal information, including your name and email address. Then set a password and that's it — you're registered. The next step is to enter your business details, select the main category "Clothing" and then select the appropriate sub-category for your products.
Then it is time to decide whether you want to register as an individual seller or a professional seller. The main difference is in the features available and the fees.
• Individual seller plan: This plan is particularly suitable if you want to sell fewer than 40 items per month. You can create individual offers and either assign them to existing product pages or create new pages in the Amazon catalogue. You only pay when an item is successfully sold, making this plan ideal for getting started.
• Professional seller plan: If you regularly sell more or need advanced features, you can choose the "Professional" plan. This involves paying a monthly fee regardless of the number of products sold or listed. This plan gives you access to advanced sales and management tools, including inventory and order management, file uploads and a detailed analysis of your sales figures. This plan is particularly suitable for larger companies.
Compare both options to decide which plan best suits your goals.
Once you've decided on a selling plan, you can use Amazon's cost calculator to calculate your margin per unit. Then, take a look at the beginner's guide for a perfectly simple introduction to the sales process. After signing up as a selling partner with Amazon, you get access to 'Seller Central', Amazon's dashboard. Here you can list your products, manage inventory and process orders.
Step 3: Decide on a delivery method
Would you like to take care of storage, packaging and shipping yourself or would you rather Amazon did these tasks for you? As an Amazon selling partner, you have two options for fulfilling orders:
• Fulfilment by Merchant (FBM) means that, as a seller, you are responsible for selling, storage, packaging, shipping and customer service.
• Alternatively, Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) allows you to use Amazon's logistics services. That means you send your products to an Amazon fulfilment centre and Amazon handles storage, packaging, shipping, customer service and returns. The advantage of FBA is that it allows you to apply the Prime badge to many of your offers. Many Amazon customers prefer products with the Prime badge because it represents fast and free shipping. FBA is particularly suitable for larger companies that work with big inventories and want to outsource their logistics.
Would you like to take care of storage, packaging and shipping yourself or would you rather Amazon did these tasks for you? As an Amazon selling partner, you have two options for fulfilling orders:
• Fulfilment by Merchant (FBM) means that, as a seller, you are responsible for selling, storage, packaging, shipping and customer service.
• Alternatively, Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA) allows you to use Amazon's logistics services. That means you send your products to an Amazon fulfilment centre and Amazon handles storage, packaging, shipping, customer service and returns. The advantage of FBA is that it allows you to apply the Prime badge to many of your offers. Many Amazon customers prefer products with the Prime badge because it represents fast and free shipping. FBA is particularly suitable for larger companies that work with big inventories and want to outsource their logistics.
Step 4: Sell clothing
A key advantage of Amazon as a sales channel is that it is an open marketplace. As a selling partner, you not only decide on the product presentation but also on the pricing and you can track sales promotion measures via external channels.
The easiest way to list your products on Amazon is to use the Amazon Seller app, which is available for both Android and Apple devices. This allows you to list your clothing quickly and easily.
A key advantage of Amazon as a sales channel is that it is an open marketplace. As a selling partner, you not only decide on the product presentation but also on the pricing and you can track sales promotion measures via external channels.
The easiest way to list your products on Amazon is to use the Amazon Seller app, which is available for both Android and Apple devices. This allows you to list your clothing quickly and easily.
Step 5: Clothing price promotions
With the Price Hit tool, you can quickly and easily view the current lowest prices on Amazon for specific products. This helps you to compare your sales prices with those of your competitors and adjust them if necessary. Learn how to use the "Apply Price Hit" feature to optimise pricing for individual or multiple offers.
With the Price Hit tool, you can quickly and easily view the current lowest prices on Amazon for specific products. This helps you to compare your sales prices with those of your competitors and adjust them if necessary. Learn how to use the "Apply Price Hit" feature to optimise pricing for individual or multiple offers.
Step 6: Promote and market your clothing
Now it's a matter of properly advertising your garments and increasing your visibility. Here are a few tips for successfully selling your clothing on Amazon:
Use Amazon tools
If you want to sell clothing online, you should definitely use Amazon Seller University. There, you'll find free training videos to help you understand the basics of selling, sales tools and advertising. With Amazon Ads, you can grow your business, increase sales and measure the effectiveness of your ads. To learn more, visit the Amazon Ads website.
Promote your clothing shop on social media
Social media is a powerful tool for boosting your online presence. Find out where your target group is and increase your activities there.
Pay attention to reviews
Good reviews are critical to building trust with potential buyers. Here are a few tips on how you can get positive feedback:
• Be detailed and accurate when describing your garments and provide high-quality images or videos.
• Ship your products on time and in perfect condition.
• Respond in a prompt and friendly manner to all customer enquiries.
• If there are problems, act quickly to find a solution.
• As a professional seller on Amazon, good reviews can also help your products appear as recommended offers, significantly increasing your visibility and sales opportunities.
Now it's a matter of properly advertising your garments and increasing your visibility. Here are a few tips for successfully selling your clothing on Amazon:
Use Amazon tools
If you want to sell clothing online, you should definitely use Amazon Seller University. There, you'll find free training videos to help you understand the basics of selling, sales tools and advertising. With Amazon Ads, you can grow your business, increase sales and measure the effectiveness of your ads. To learn more, visit the Amazon Ads website.
Promote your clothing shop on social media
Social media is a powerful tool for boosting your online presence. Find out where your target group is and increase your activities there.
Pay attention to reviews
Good reviews are critical to building trust with potential buyers. Here are a few tips on how you can get positive feedback:
• Be detailed and accurate when describing your garments and provide high-quality images or videos.
• Ship your products on time and in perfect condition.
• Respond in a prompt and friendly manner to all customer enquiries.
• If there are problems, act quickly to find a solution.
• As a professional seller on Amazon, good reviews can also help your products appear as recommended offers, significantly increasing your visibility and sales opportunities.
Step 7: Pack and ship clothing
Remember: Only satisfied customers become loyal and regular customers! That's why it's crucial to carefully select your shipping method.
Fulfilling orders using the FBA method
• Create your shipment using your Amazon Seller Central account. Before you start shipping, you should read through all the details of "Sending/replenishing your Amazon inventory".
• Pack your products properly before sending them to an Amazon fulfilment centre. To learn more, see Parcel deliveries to Amazon, which includes information on packaging requirements and product size ratings.
• Verify that your shipments are properly labelled and meet shipping label requirements.
• If you sell new or second-hand clothing, carefully read through the requirements for FBA products to be sold as new or second-hand.
• Track the receipt and storage of your shipments to ensure that everything arrives and is stored properly.
Fulfilling orders using the FBM method
• Manage orders directly from your seller account.
• Pack all products adequately and securely for shipping.
• Prepare the delivery notes and print them out. Amazon will then generate a product and shipping label for you in PDF format (see Printing a delivery note).
• Send your parcel using the shipping provider of your choice. It's best to choose one that offers shipment tracking so that you always know where your delivery is.
• Follow these instructions to confirm orders: Confirm a shipment.
Shipping service
If you decide to handle the shipping process yourself, we recommend that you use Amazon's mail-order purchase service. This service provides an easy way to buy shipping labels, ship orders and track shipments — all in one place. You'll also automatically receive confirmation for every order you send, so no manual tracking is needed.
With this service, Amazon provides you with comprehensive support, which you can take advantage of in whole or in part as required.
Remember: Only satisfied customers become loyal and regular customers! That's why it's crucial to carefully select your shipping method.
Fulfilling orders using the FBA method
• Create your shipment using your Amazon Seller Central account. Before you start shipping, you should read through all the details of "Sending/replenishing your Amazon inventory".
• Pack your products properly before sending them to an Amazon fulfilment centre. To learn more, see Parcel deliveries to Amazon, which includes information on packaging requirements and product size ratings.
• Verify that your shipments are properly labelled and meet shipping label requirements.
• If you sell new or second-hand clothing, carefully read through the requirements for FBA products to be sold as new or second-hand.
• Track the receipt and storage of your shipments to ensure that everything arrives and is stored properly.
Fulfilling orders using the FBM method
• Manage orders directly from your seller account.
• Pack all products adequately and securely for shipping.
• Prepare the delivery notes and print them out. Amazon will then generate a product and shipping label for you in PDF format (see Printing a delivery note).
• Send your parcel using the shipping provider of your choice. It's best to choose one that offers shipment tracking so that you always know where your delivery is.
• Follow these instructions to confirm orders: Confirm a shipment.
Shipping service
If you decide to handle the shipping process yourself, we recommend that you use Amazon's mail-order purchase service. This service provides an easy way to buy shipping labels, ship orders and track shipments — all in one place. You'll also automatically receive confirmation for every order you send, so no manual tracking is needed.
With this service, Amazon provides you with comprehensive support, which you can take advantage of in whole or in part as required.
Selling vintage clothing online
Selling vintage clothing can be an excellent business idea. The term "vintage" is normally used for garments that are between 20 and 100 years old, while clothing that is not quite as old is often referred to as "retro". Retro clothing can date from the present time up to 20 years old and is often sold as specifically vintage-inspired products.
Sourcing vintage clothing requires a trained eye and a lot of perseverance. Buyers of vintage clothing trust that only the best, well-preserved pieces are offered in perfect condition.
Choose a specific style or era you would like to specialise in, such as 1920s or 1960s fashion or specific styles such as Flower Power, Rock'n'roll or Western.
Once you've decided on a direction, you should also build a brand that reflects your style. Your brand identity should be reflected in all aspects, such as colour, logo, font and website, and underline the chosen theme or era.
Once your brand is up and running, you can start sourcing the vintage clothing. Suitable sources include second-hand shops, wholesalers and flea markets. Online, you can also find auctions and local buying and selling platforms, which often offer interesting pieces.
Carefully prepare the rare garments for sale: Cleaning, repairing, adding a description and taking a photograph are crucial steps. Use a well-organised storage system to manage items efficiently. Amazon offers you various options for storage and shipping.
Sourcing vintage clothing requires a trained eye and a lot of perseverance. Buyers of vintage clothing trust that only the best, well-preserved pieces are offered in perfect condition.
Choose a specific style or era you would like to specialise in, such as 1920s or 1960s fashion or specific styles such as Flower Power, Rock'n'roll or Western.
Once you've decided on a direction, you should also build a brand that reflects your style. Your brand identity should be reflected in all aspects, such as colour, logo, font and website, and underline the chosen theme or era.
Once your brand is up and running, you can start sourcing the vintage clothing. Suitable sources include second-hand shops, wholesalers and flea markets. Online, you can also find auctions and local buying and selling platforms, which often offer interesting pieces.
Carefully prepare the rare garments for sale: Cleaning, repairing, adding a description and taking a photograph are crucial steps. Use a well-organised storage system to manage items efficiently. Amazon offers you various options for storage and shipping.
The growing market for second-hand clothing
The market for used clothing, also known as the second-hand market, is growing rapidly. More and more people value sustainability and are choosing to reuse well-preserved clothing instead of buying new. However, it is still the case that thousands of tonnes of clothing are simply thrown away in Germany alone.
When was the last time you sorted out your wardrobe and didn't really know what to do with the discarded items?
If this sounds familiar to you, you should read on, because the trade in second-hand clothing is not just a trend, but also a conscious decision for many fashion-conscious buyers.
This is particularly clear from the fact that, in 2022, this market already had a 10.1% share of the total clothing market in Germany, which is expected to increase to 18.4% by 2027.
Before you really get started selling clothing online or second-hand, you should consider how you would like to sell your goods via various channels — such as social media, your own online shop or platforms such as Amazon.
Then you can consider where to get your second-hand clothing from. Possible sources include private households sorting out their wardrobes, collection points, wholesalers or second-hand shops.
As soon as you have your goods, you can either prepare them yourself or resell them to retailers. Many second-hand retailers offer to check the goods you send them and make you an offer or pay a flat rate per kilo.
If you've decided to sell on Amazon yourself, there are certain requirements you should bear in mind. The garments must be clean and wearable and a detailed description of the garments must also be provided. Customers expect transparent information about the size, material and condition. In order to sell successfully on Amazon, selling partners should therefore pay particular attention to the quality of their images and the precision of their product descriptions.
When was the last time you sorted out your wardrobe and didn't really know what to do with the discarded items?
If this sounds familiar to you, you should read on, because the trade in second-hand clothing is not just a trend, but also a conscious decision for many fashion-conscious buyers.
This is particularly clear from the fact that, in 2022, this market already had a 10.1% share of the total clothing market in Germany, which is expected to increase to 18.4% by 2027.
Before you really get started selling clothing online or second-hand, you should consider how you would like to sell your goods via various channels — such as social media, your own online shop or platforms such as Amazon.
Then you can consider where to get your second-hand clothing from. Possible sources include private households sorting out their wardrobes, collection points, wholesalers or second-hand shops.
As soon as you have your goods, you can either prepare them yourself or resell them to retailers. Many second-hand retailers offer to check the goods you send them and make you an offer or pay a flat rate per kilo.
If you've decided to sell on Amazon yourself, there are certain requirements you should bear in mind. The garments must be clean and wearable and a detailed description of the garments must also be provided. Customers expect transparent information about the size, material and condition. In order to sell successfully on Amazon, selling partners should therefore pay particular attention to the quality of their images and the precision of their product descriptions.
Tips for a successful launch
Conduct thorough market research before launching. Find out about marketplaces, trends, purchasing resources, target groups and marketing platforms.
Take a look at the pricing for similar products in other online shops to get some guidance on pricing.
Before you start your business, work out how you would like to organise marketing, storage, shipping and returns processing.
Take a look at the pricing for similar products in other online shops to get some guidance on pricing.
Before you start your business, work out how you would like to organise marketing, storage, shipping and returns processing.
Summary
Online retail continues to grow rapidly and is very popular with customers. Selling clothing, whether new or second-hand, can become an additional source of income — or even mark the start of a successful online business.
Before starting your online business, it is important that you address topics such as your market niche, target group, marketing, supply chain, storage, shipping, returns processing and a detailed business plan. If you're considering selling new or second-hand clothing online, Amazon can be a great place to start. With the many tools Amazon offers, you can start selling in just a few hours — no matter which products you want to start with. The beginner's guide will help you build a successful business.
Before starting your online business, it is important that you address topics such as your market niche, target group, marketing, supply chain, storage, shipping, returns processing and a detailed business plan. If you're considering selling new or second-hand clothing online, Amazon can be a great place to start. With the many tools Amazon offers, you can start selling in just a few hours — no matter which products you want to start with. The beginner's guide will help you build a successful business.
FAQs
How can I sell fashion on Amazon?
To sell fashion on Amazon, you should meet the following requirements:
1. Register as a selling partner in the "Professional" programme for selling on Amazon.
2. You should be able to offer more than one product in your category.
3. Make sure you have a return address in the local country or offer free shipping.
4. You must be able to provide local customer support in the language of the marketplace you want to sell on.
Make sure you follow the style guide for categorising your products. It should also be noted that prior approval is required to sell clothing on Amazon.
1. Register as a selling partner in the "Professional" programme for selling on Amazon.
2. You should be able to offer more than one product in your category.
3. Make sure you have a return address in the local country or offer free shipping.
4. You must be able to provide local customer support in the language of the marketplace you want to sell on.
Make sure you follow the style guide for categorising your products. It should also be noted that prior approval is required to sell clothing on Amazon.
What kinds of clothing can I sell on Amazon?
You can sell various categories of clothing on Amazon, including: women's clothing, children's clothing, sportswear, underwear, belts and wallets. The garments must be in new or well-preserved condition.
For handmade goods, Amazon has the Amazon Handmade programme, which helps artists to present their crafts to a larger audience.
For handmade goods, Amazon has the Amazon Handmade programme, which helps artists to present their crafts to a larger audience.
How do I sell vintage or second-hand clothing on Amazon?
You can easily sell vintage and second-hand clothing in the Clothing category on Amazon. This also includes accessories such as bags, belts, scarves and hats. To learn more about how to get started with these types of clothing on Amazon, click here.
How do I set the price for my clothing on Amazon?
To set the price for your clothing on Amazon, you should first identify potential suppliers and calculate your profit margin, as well as considering market trends and your competitors. This will allow you to find a competitive price that attracts customers and ensures that you still make a profit.
How can I ensure that my clothing sells successfully on Amazon?
For successful sales on Amazon, it is important to develop a well-thought-out sales strategy. This includes optimising your product listings with clear, detailed descriptions and high-quality images, and using growth programmes such as Brand Registry or advertising to increase your visibility and reach a larger audience. An overview of the various programmes can be found here.
How does payment and delivery work when I sell fashion on Amazon?
Once you make a sale, the payment is processed and it can take up to five business days for the money to appear in your bank account. You can view the status of payments on your payments dashboard at any time.
Amazon offers various options for delivery, including Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA). If you choose this option, you'll send your inventory to Amazon's fulfilment centres and benefit from Amazon's warehousing and shipping services. Alternatively, you can process orders yourself if you have your own logistics network.
Amazon offers various options for delivery, including Fulfilment by Amazon (FBA). If you choose this option, you'll send your inventory to Amazon's fulfilment centres and benefit from Amazon's warehousing and shipping services. Alternatively, you can process orders yourself if you have your own logistics network.
Can I sell my own brand on Amazon?
Yes, you can indeed! To protect your brand and sell successfully, you can enrol in Brand Registry on Amazon.
What are the costs for me as a selling partner on Amazon?
The best way to calculate the exact costs is by using Amazon's cost calculator.
Who handles the returns?
You can learn more about returns and how they are processed here.
Sanjana Shinde
Sanjana Shinde is a Marketing Manager at Amazon. She is passionate about helping sellers discover growth opportunities in e-commerce. She also loves dancing and travelling.
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