Vestiaire Collective experiences?

[EmilyM111]

Thanks for replying! I’m glad it didn’t affect your sales and quite right too. I just felt indignant on your behalf!

Yes I’m sure people still trust you when your listings are so clearly honest and you’re offering such a good package. You’re one of the good ones, clearly, and people like you are one of the reasons I do still use VC.

It’s just difficult sometimes to judge a seller’s integrity, people here justifiably worry about it a lot, even though there are further safeguards in place (QC, as a first line of defence, authenticators, PayPal, credit card companies etc should QC fail which sometimes it does). So it’s not good for buyers, if a good seller is wrongly downgraded, though most of all it makes me indignant on your behalf that a diligent seller like you gets slightly downgraded for no good reason!

I guess there is no way of knowing - I typically am realistic about the prices (eg. I sold a few months old Chanel Jumbo with the full package for £3500 as was clear that would have to wait long time to get closer to £4k) but if i wanted to get a higher price (close to the purchase price), maybe my rating would have made a difference?
I'm though pessimistic about the higher prices - at some point was reflecting on selling my Chanel 2.55 So black - put it there for £3500 vs £4300 purchase price (it's quite unique) and got offers up to £3200 at which point i pull it out and not selling. But some people have them there for £4200-£4500 and been waiting since last year (not sure about their rating, maybe it's the perfect combo of 100% rating + full package + high price that would work)

 

[Annie J]

I am a bit suspicious of them, I sold a dress through them, they returned it as apparently it had underarm stains, unlikely as I tried it on and put it aside for an event, then lost weight and just didn't think that it would be a good idea to have it altered (the cut of it just would make it really difficult). They sent it back and claimed that it had underarm stains, I checked, no stains, still pristine, photographed the underarms, sent them the pictures, asked why they claimed there were stains, apparently somebody saw stains and so there must have been stains, but I could list it again for a massively reduced price. They already only let me list it for 1/10th of the original price.

I really wish there were other options than VC and Rebelle, they both have no customer service, though since Rebelle raised their percentage and started to gouge prices totally, always claiming the item has a low resale value, even if they sell items they have in commission that are identical for 3 times as much, VC looks a lot better. I am hoping another site will spring up soon. I totally understand that they want to make a profit too, but if they expect you to sell designer for the price of cheap chainstore (after their commission you can blow what you get on a pair of socks), it would be nice if there was a site that has customer service and doesn't try to rip both sides off, and where the QC is actually good.

That isn’t a good experience, I’m sorry that happened to you. I think they’re understaffed and often make snap decisions in QC and the real details are almost impossible to track down in the sheer huge amount of items they process, even if in an ideal world this should not be the case. They could even have noticed the stains on the next dress they inspected but wrote it down on yours by mistake; I’m sure mix-ups happen. I guess a lot of the time people just accept it and move on, and VC find it more productive not to have detailed follow up readily available than to have finer tuned feedback.

(You might find you can relist the dress another day at a higher price, if this isn’t ancient history for you now. I think it depends who’s on and how busy they are. Always worth submitting again. I’ve submitted the same item four or five times sometimes, same photos etc, before I’ve got the desired outcome.)

On the other hand I have actually got reasonable and good customer service when I’ve persisted in phoning (more often than emailing) and kept making my case with clear facts and argument. Or very often I’ll send an email, leave it a day or so, then follow up with a phone call and refer to the email. Again, maybe, it’s down to understaffing and they just hope some of the problems will go away (I expect a lot of complaints have no real basis and these must be a headache for them), which isn’t ok really, but they will respond effectively if you’re persistent and I find that on the whole, they do actually want to help. It depends to an extent how much work you can put into it. So far I feel I’ve managed to build up a rudimentary relationship with the customer service people and have managed to query matters such as low pricing or quality control successfully. It isn’t a business model that entirely fair, perhaps, to the customer, as resolution should be more readily available to any buyer or seller, but I have found is achievable with a bit of work.

So on balance, it’s not perfect, but it’s working for me in so far as I’m recouping a reasonably meaningful amount of money on my unneeded items when I might just never have recouped anything, in a reasonably low risk environment which is manageable and satisfactory with a bit of experience. It’s not a business for me, I don’t have to sell, but I can benefit from it enough to carry on.

 

[Annie J]

I guess there is no way of knowing - I typically am realistic about the prices (eg. I sold a few months old Chanel Jumbo with the full package for £3500 as was clear that would have to wait long time to get closer to £4k) but if i wanted to get a higher price (close to the purchase price), maybe my rating would have made a difference?
I'm though pessimistic about the higher prices - at some point was reflecting on selling my Chanel 2.55 So black - put it there for £3500 vs £4300 purchase price (it's quite unique) and got offers up to £3200 at which point i pull it out and not selling. But some people have them there for £4200-£4500 and been waiting since last year (not sure about their rating, maybe it's the perfect combo of 100% rating + full package + high price that would work)

Also just a matter of luck! The right buyer browsing at the right time in the right mood when you manage to get things on for a reasonable price.

The high commission makes it difficult but I try to think like a buyer when I’m selling, too. If I’m going to buy something which is basically very similar to something still available new, I’m unlikely to choose buying a pre-owned bag, for instance, even if unused or relatively unused, unless it’s at a substantial discount, because I’d rather pay a few hundred more for a new item straight from the store. When I’m bristling with indignation about VC’s refusal of my price suggestion, I try to remember that - but it would be a lot easier to go with the flow if they didn’t take such a massive chunk in commission!

 

[Annie J]

I managed that now, now I just get people moaning that they want me to lower the price, as if the VC price negotiations don't already force you to sell for total dumping prices

I know ...

I have a stock of polite but firm replies to those messages ready, because if you just ignore them you start losing your rating.

Some people can be hysterically rude in the comments. Does a buyer really think I’m going to drop the price of, say, a perfect item which cost me £500, and I’m already selling it for £200, just because they post a series of messages just saying ‘50’ ... ‘45’ ... ‘Drop your price’ ... literally just those words?! ‘I’ll take it for 60’ ... No, I’m afraid you won’t! If it doesn’t sell for a reasonable amount, it’s going to the charity shop. I want to be a decent seller. I’m not going to be rude in reply, but, honestly ... !

Most people are decent though. I’ve made a lot of good sales and a lot of good purchases. VC has removed the odd offensive and unwarranted comment by rude buyers for me, which I think is only fair.

 

[Annie J]

Totally, if I see an item offered very cheaply, say a dress that I know is a few K and somebody sells it for 50 or 60, I don't buy it because I think there might be something wrong with it, because nobody in their right mind would sell it for that price, despite them trying to force those prices on sellers.

I do think there’s something in it!

 

[DavinaE]

That isn’t a good experience, I’m sorry that happened to you. I think they’re understaffed and often make snap decisions in QC and the real details are almost impossible to track down in the sheer huge amount of items they process, even if in an ideal world this should not be the case. They could even have noticed the stains on the next dress they inspected but wrote it down on yours by mistake; I’m sure mix-ups happen. I guess a lot of the time people just accept it and move on, and VC find it more productive not to have detailed follow up readily available than to have finer tuned feedback.

(You might find you can relist the dress another day at a higher price, if this isn’t ancient history for you now. I think it depends who’s on and how busy they are. Always worth submitting again. I’ve submitted the same item four or five times sometimes, same photos etc, before I’ve got the desired outcome.)

On the other hand I have actually got reasonable and good customer service when I’ve persisted in phoning (more often than emailing) and kept making my case with clear facts and argument. Or very often I’ll send an email, leave it a day or so, then follow up with a phone call and refer to the email. Again, maybe, it’s down to understaffing and they just hope some of the problems will go away (I expect a lot of complaints have no real basis and these must be a headache for them), which isn’t ok really, but they will respond effectively if you’re persistent and I find that on the whole, they do actually want to help. It depends to an extent how much work you can put into it. So far I feel I’ve managed to build up a rudimentary relationship with the customer service people and have managed to query matters such as low pricing or quality control successfully. It isn’t a business model that entirely fair, perhaps, to the customer, as resolution should be more readily available to any buyer or seller, but I have found is achievable with a bit of work.

So on balance, it’s not perfect, but it’s working for me in so far as I’m recouping a reasonably meaningful amount of money on my unneeded items when I might just never have recouped anything, in a reasonably low risk environment which is manageable and satisfactory with a bit of experience. It’s not a business for me, I don’t have to sell, but I can benefit from it enough to carry on.

It's a while ago, put it on Rebelle once I had it back, it was sold in less than 5 hours and I did list it as very good, passed inspection, I mean I was really checking it and there was not a single thing wrong with it, it was just one of those difficult to alter dresses.

Selling as a business, gosh hell no I wouldn't have the nerves for it, but again, if something is just sitting in the wardrobe, taking up space, I am not wearing it and I can get some of the money back I spent, great.

 

[Annie J]

It's a while ago, put it on Rebelle once I had it back, it was sold in less than 5 hours and I did list it as very good, passed inspection, I mean I was really checking it and there was not a single thing wrong with it, it was just one of those difficult to alter dresses.

Selling as a business, gosh hell no I wouldn't have the nerves for it, but again, if something is just sitting in the wardrobe, taking up space, I am not wearing it and I can get some of the money back I spent, great.

Agreed!

 

[DavinaE]

I do think there’s something in it!

As a student I worked as a SA in a high end luxury shop and a few or the customers really liked me and ask for me, as I would not try to make them buy the most expensive item that doesn't look good on them, but tried to help them to look their best, so I told one that we have the perfect dress for her, brought it out, she loved it, tried it on, loved it, then saw the price, it was under 1K so she didn't want it, as there must be something wrong with it.

I think people want luxury goods to be luxury goods, if something is cheap that luxury thing is totally gone for some, especially if you are buying it online.

 

[EmilyM111]

The high commission makes it difficult but I try to think like a buyer when I’m selling, too. If I’m going to buy something which is basically very similar to something still available new, I’m unlikely to choose buying a pre-owned bag, for instance, even if unused or relatively unused, unless it’s at a substantial discount, because I’d rather pay a few hundred more for a new item straight from the store.

Absolutely. I bought pre-owned: seasonal Chanel no longer available, chanel Mini (can’t be asked to chase ) and old balenciaga as I was bored silly that day . Otherwise I’d prefer a full experience and a reassurance that the bag is genuine (which made me pay super crazy price for Chanel 2.55 from the boutique)

 

[EmilyM111]

I know ...

I have a stock of polite but firm replies to those messages ready, because if you just ignore them you start losing your rating.

Some people can be hysterically rude in the comments. Does a buyer really think I’m going to drop the price of, say, a perfect item which cost me £500, and I’m already selling it for £200, just because they post a series of messages just saying ‘50’ ... ‘45’ ... ‘Drop your price’ ... literally just those words?! ‘I’ll take it for 60’ ... No, I’m afraid you won’t! If it doesn’t sell for a reasonable amount, it’s going to the charity shop. I want to be a decent seller. I’m not going to be rude in reply, but, honestly ... !

Most people are decent though. I’ve made a lot of good sales and a lot of good purchases. VC has removed the odd offensive and unwarranted comment by rude buyers for me, which I think is only fair.

Think I’ve made this comment before - when in 2016 I sold a boy bag £200 less the purchase price or so, it sold in like 2 minutes from posting, people queued lol. These days luxury got cheap - people think they can get a bargain. I am not rich and have to give up things to afford clothes and bags so can afford this comment - if you can’t afford it, you shouldn’t wear it. I can’t afford Hermes atm but not stalking people to get it for 10%, just saving.

 

[EmilyM111]

Also good point on lowering commission - my Warsaw boutique figured they can’t keep fixed commission as they won’t get the inventory. Bought unique Chanel and they took only £200 commission on £3k but the bag sold on the spot (was lucky as they held it for me as I’m a friend) but another buyer waited in the store in case I would change my mind. they take a lot higher commission on cheaper or more popular items such as LV or balenciaga. This way though they have amazing supply of high end bags for a small boutique

 

[DavinaE]

Think I’ve made this comment before - when in 2016 I sold a boy bag £200 less the purchase price or so, it sold in like 2 minutes from posting, people queued lol. These days luxury got cheap - people think they can get a bargain. I am not rich and have to give up things to afford clothes and bags so can afford this comment - if you can’t afford it, you shouldn’t wear it. I can’t afford Hermes atm but not stalking people to get it for 10%, just saving.

I think it always depends, I noticed that any celeb being pictured with an item I am planning to sell, I think "Oh look, how funny she is wearing the bag/dress I am selling" and I get a mail that the item is sold.

 

[EmilyM111]

I think it always depends, I noticed that any celeb being pictured with an item I am planning to sell, I think "Oh look, how funny she is wearing the bag/dress I am selling" and I get a mail that the item is sold.

Haha, true. Never happened to me. I’m contemplating selling most of my bags one way or another and getting a Birkin or Kelly - then I wouldn’t have to go through pain of selling (I mean if then only once).

 

[Annie J]

I think it always depends, I noticed that any celeb being pictured with an item I am planning to sell, I think "Oh look, how funny she is wearing the bag/dress I am selling" and I get a mail that the item is sold.

I do find that funny! I’m so the opposite to a buyer who does that! As soon as I see a celeb wearing something I’ve already got I want to sell it because I want to be me and not someone who wants to look like a celeb! I’ve got a Marni dress I adore but it lost the shine for me a little when I saw a picture of Maggie Gyllenhaal in it - I have absolutely nothing against the very lovely Maggie Gyllenhaal and she looked fabulous in it but I have such a horror of anyone thinking I’m trying to look like anyone but me!

 

[Annie J]

As a student I worked as a SA in a high end luxury shop and a few or the customers really liked me and ask for me, as I would not try to make them buy the most expensive item that doesn't look good on them, but tried to help them to look their best, so I told one that we have the perfect dress for her, brought it out, she loved it, tried it on, loved it, then saw the price, it was under 1K so she didn't want it, as there must be something wrong with it.

I think people want luxury goods to be luxury goods, if something is cheap that luxury thing is totally gone for some, especially if you are buying it online.

I suppose we’re all a bit susceptible to this but at the end of the day it’s about the quality and you can see if something has that or not. I’m delighted if I stumble across high quality at a good price especially if we’re talking first hand. Second hand the low price worries me more because I wonder what the reason is.

So a plea to VC - let us price a bit higher, I’m sure it would work!