Recommerce, Resale, and Upcycling: What’s the Difference (+Full Guide for Resellers)

It’s 2025. Fast fashion trends change faster than your mood on a Monday, TikTok influencers are flipping thrift finds into six-figure incomes, and your neighbor just made $200 selling an old blender from 2008.

Somewhere between Marie Kondo-ing your closet and doomscrolling secondhand steals online, you’ve probably wondered: Wait… is this resale? Recommerce? Upcycling? Or am I just really good at letting go of stuff?

The truth is, people are turning their unwanted things into real businesses. Some are reselling, some are repurposing, and some are just riding the wave of eco-friendly shopping without totally knowing what it means (no judgment).

This guide is here to clear it all up: what recommerce, resale, and upcycling really mean, and how you, as a reseller, can turn secondhand smarts into a side hustle. 

Recommerce, Resale, & Upcycling: What’s the Difference?

So many words. All vaguely similar. All floating around on social media like they mean the same thing. But they don’t. Here’s what each one actually means and why it matters if you want to build a smart (and sustainable) ecommerce business in 2025.

What is recommerce?

Recommerce is short for reverse commerce. It’s basically the fancy term for buying and selling used or secondhand products; think of it as the eco-friendly cousin of regular ecommerce.

It includes anything from reselling pre-owned clothes on a website to buying refurbished phones from a certified platform. Big brands do it, too, like IKEA or Patagonia, offering trade-in programs for used items.

If it’s secondhand and resold through a system (online or in-store), it’s probably recommerce.

What is resale?

Resale is the act of, you guessed it, reselling something. You buy an item (or already own it), then sell it to someone else. That’s it.

This could be one-off, like flipping vintage sneakers on eBay, or a full business model, like running a Shopify store that sources items from thrift shops and garage sales.

Resale is part of recommerce, but more about the individual doing the selling, not the whole system behind it.

What is upcycling?

Upcycling is where things get creative. It means taking an old item and turning it into something new, usually something cooler, better, or more useful.

For example:

• Turning old jeans into tote bags
• Painting old furniture to give it a fresh look
• Customizing thrifted clothes into one-of-a-kind designs

It’s DIY meets ecommerce with a side of sustainability.

Recommerce vs Resale vs Upcycling: Key Differences

In short:

• Recommerce is the big umbrella.
• Resale is the act of selling used stuff.
• Upcycling is about turning trash into treasure, with style.

Understanding the difference helps you decide what kind of reseller you want to be. Whether you’re flipping thrift finds or hand-painting jackets in your garage, there’s room for your hustle here.

Why is everyone talking about recommerce, resale, and upcycling?

Secondhand is having a major moment. The recommerce market isn’t just growing. It’s exploding. While regular retail is creeping up bit by bit, recommerce is out here tripling, quadrupling, and heading for a 157% jump by 2028 (ECDB, 2023).

1. People want to shop smarter: Prices are going up, fast. Why pay full price when you can get something just as good (or better) secondhand? Recommerce gives shoppers affordable options without sacrificing quality.

2. Sustainability isn’t just a trend: Landfills are full, fast fashion is being called out, and consumers are more aware than ever. Buying secondhand or upcycled means less waste, fewer new materials, and a little less guilt.

3. TikTok made thrifting cool again: From #ThriftFlip to “come resell with me” vlogs, creators have made reselling and upcycling fun. It’s like you’re hunting, flipping, and creating. That’s way more exciting than clicking “add to cart” on another mass-produced tee.

4. It’s a low-cost way to start a business: If you want to start selling online but don’t have money to invest in inventory, resale, and upcycling are the ultimate hack. You start with what you have, or what you can find cheap, and flip it into profit.

Recommerce, resale, and upcycling hit the sweet spot: good for your wallet, good for the planet, and good for turning side hustles into something real. That’s why everyone’s talking, and why you might want to start, too.

Full guide to recommerce, resale, or upcycling

Step 1. Understand the business model

Before you start snapping pics, you need to understand how this whole thing actually works. Recommerce, resale, and upcycling are real business models with real potential to make money:

1. Look at the current market: More people are shopping used items, and trying to figure out what motivates people so much will help you go in the right direction.

2. Get to know your buyers:  Most shoppers in this space are Gen Z and millennials. So your job is to figure out what matters most to them and how you can deliver it. They’re into:

• Shopping with a purpose
• Unique or rare pieces that they can’t find in fast fashion
• Lower prices without sacrificing style
• Brands that align with their values, like sustainability and ethical sourcing 

3. Study existing brands and sellers: Check out platforms like Depop, Poshmark, thredUP, and Etsy. You can also learn a lot from individual sellers on TikTok, Instagram, and even Facebook groups. Ask yourself:

• What kinds of products are they selling?
• How do they write their product descriptions?
• What kind of tone or vibe are they going for?
• What are their prices like, and how do they build trust?

4. Follow the money: Every business needs to be sustainable, not just in the eco sense but in terms of income. Figure out:

• How much profit can you actually make per item?
• What costs are involved, like cleaning, packaging, shipping, or platform fees
• Whether you're better off going for high-volume, low-margin, or fewer sales with higher-ticket items

Think of this step as building your business foundation. If you skip this part, you’re basically launching blind. The more you know now, the less likely you’ll end up with a closet full of stuff no one wants to buy.

Step 2. Choose your focus

Alright, you’ve done your homework. Now it’s time to zoom in and pick your lane because honestly… You can’t sell everything to everyone. So here’s how to narrow it down in a way that actually makes sense.

• Find a gap in the market: After your research, you’ll probably notice something missing. Look for those gaps where demand is high but supply is low.
• Match it with what you like: If you love finding quality used items and giving them a second life, go for recommerce. If you love trends and curating collections, go for resale. If you’re like making something out of nothing, go for upcycling.
• Play to your strengths: If you’ve got an eye for design, maybe upcycling clothing is your thing. If you’re a neat freak who loves organizing, maybe you’d crush it at curating clean, minimal product drops. Your existing skills can make things way easier and help you stand out.
• Make sure your audience actually wants it: Magic lines in the sweet spot where your interests and skills meet what your audience actually needs.

Choosing your focus is about getting clear on what you’re good at, what you enjoy, and what people are willing to pay for. Once you lock that in, everything else gets way easier.

Step 3. Source your products

Alright, now it’s time to find the stuff you’re actually going to sell, cuz your products are the heart of your business. So, where do you find them?

• Start at home: Check your closet, garage, or junk drawer. If you haven’t used it in a year, it might be your first sale.
• Hit up local thrift stores and flea markets: Great for resale and upcycling. Look for quality or unique finds. Bonus if you know the discount days.
• Try online marketplaces: Try Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay. People are often eager to clear stuff out fast. You win.
• Check out clearance racks and overstock: For recommerce, grab discounted or last-season items from retail stores and flip them for a profit.
• Ask friends and family: Spread the word. Someone always has a bag of stuff they want gone. Offer to sell it or split the profits.

Only pick items you can clean, fix, or style up easily. Avoid anything that’s more trouble than it’s worth unless you're absolutely in love with the project. The better your product pool, the stronger your shop will be.

Step 4. Evaluate product value

Before you list anything, you need to know what it’s actually worth and what people are realistically willing to pay for it. This step helps you avoid two major rookie mistakes: overpricing and underpricing. Here’s how:

1. Start by categorizing your items: Sort your products into groups. Each category has its own market rules and audience expectations. 

2. Check online pricing for similar items: Search platforms and look at both current listings and recently sold ones. Pay attention to condition, brand, rarity, and whether the item is trendy or timeless.

3. Ask yourself a few honest questions. If you hesitate on that last one, it probably needs a price adjustment.

• Is this item rare, high quality, or name brand?
• Is it in great condition, or does it need fixing?
• Would you buy this at the price you want to list it for?

4. Factor in your time and effort: Especially for upcycled items, don’t forget to include the time you spent creating or fixing the product. If it took you three hours and you’re charging five bucks, that’s not a business.

5. Group low-value items into bundles: Some things just won’t sell on their own. Offer them in sets like “3-for-1” deals or themed bundles. It adds value and moves inventory faster.

Step 5. Clean, repair, or upgrade Items

Now that you’ve got your hands on some solid inventory, it’s time to make your products look like they’re worth buying. No one wants a wrinkled shirt with mystery stains or a dusty lamp that smells like someone’s basement. Here’s the to-do list:

• Clean everything: Wash clothes, wipe down shoes, and polish furniture. Freshness matters, and buyers can spot laziness from a mile away.
• Fix what’s fixable: Loose buttons, small tears, or missing screws are usually quick fixes. If it takes five minutes to do and adds five dollars to the price, it’s worth it.
• Know when to skip the repair: If something is totally broken or would cost more to fix than it's worth, toss it or upcycle it into something new.
• Add your own spin: This is your time to shine if you're into upcycling. Little changes can turn a basic book into a bestseller.
• Make it look good in photos: Clean background, natural lighting, and some simple styling can boost the value instantly.

Cleaning and prepping your items isn’t just about hygiene. It shows buyers you care, builds trust, and helps you stand out in a sea of “meh” listings.

Step 6. Set up a selling platform

(Source: Shopgoodwill.com)

You’ve got the goods, and now it’s time to put them out into the world. But where? Choosing the right place to sell is just as important as what you're selling. Here’s how to:

1. Choose your platform based on what you sell

• Selling trendy fashion? Try Depop, Poshmark, or Vinted
• Got upcycled home goods or crafts? Etsy is your friend
• Flipping electronics or random finds? Look into eBay or Facebook Marketplace
• Want full control with a branded vibe? Set up your own Shopify store or use a platform like Big Cartel

2. Start small, then grow: You don’t need to be on five platforms at once. Pick one, learn how it works, and get comfortable. Once you’ve nailed the process, you can branch out.

3. Create a seller profile that feels like you: Add a short bio, upload a profile pic or logo, and write in a tone that fits your style. People like buying from real humans, remember.

4. Keep things organized: Use good product titles, clear categories, and keywords that help people find your stuff. Treat your page like a mini shop, not a messy closet.

5. Make it easy for buyers to trust you: Add clear descriptions, honest photos, and your policies on shipping, returns, or questions. The fewer surprises, the better your reviews.

Step 7. Price smartly

Let’s talk money. The price is too high will make people scroll right past. The price is too low, so you’re basically giving it away for free. The goal is to find that sweet spot where buyers feel like they’re getting a deal and you’re still making a profit. Here’s how to price:

• Check what similar items are selling for: Search listings on platforms & look at both current prices and recently sold items to see what buyers are willing to pay.
• Consider the condition: Is it brand new, gently used, or does it have a little wear and tear? Be honest with yourself & it should be reflected in the price.
• Add value with presentation: Clean, well-styled photos and a solid description can bump your price up. People will pay more when things look more valuable.
• Include your effort: Did you fix, clean, or upcycle the item? That labor matters. Don’t forget to price in your time and the cost of any materials you used.
• Leave room for wiggle: Price a little higher than your minimum so you can offer a discount without losing money. It also makes buyers feel like they scored a deal.
• Test and tweak: If something doesn’t sell after a while, drop the price or try a better photo. Pricing is an experiment that gets better with practice.

Smart pricing makes your items feel like a win for the buyer and a win for your bank account. Think like a shopper, trust your gut, and don’t undervalue your work.

Step 8. Market your listings

(Source: Depop)

You listed your product. It’s looking good, and the price is right. And then... crickets. This is where marketing steps in. Here’s how to get eyes on your stuff:

• Use great photos: First impressions matter. Natural lighting, clean backgrounds, and a little styling go a long way. Your goal is to make someone stop scrolling first.
• Write clear, honest descriptions: Include size, brand, condition, and any cool details. Be real about flaws. Buyers trust sellers who don’t sugarcoat things.
• Add keywords people actually search for: Think like a shopper.  The more searchable your title, the easier it is to get found.
• Share on social media: Post your items on wherever your audience hangs out. Behind-the-scenes content, styling tips, and real reviews can help you stand out.
• Engage with the community: Follow similar sellers, comment on posts, join groups, and stay active. You’re building a little corner of the internet where people like your vibe and want to buy from you.
• Use platform tools: Most selling apps let you promote or boost listings. Use them wisely, especially for your best items or during seasonal spikes.

Marketing will show people why your stuff is worth their time. Keep it real, keep it consistent, and let your personality shine through.

Step 9. Deliver an excellent customer experience

Getting the sale is great, but keeping people happy after the sale is what really builds a solid business. A good customer experience can turn a one-time buyer into a repeat fan. And let’s be honest, glowing reviews and happy messages feel pretty amazing too. Here’s how to:

• Ship quickly and safely: Pack things up neatly, add a thank-you note if you’re feeling extra, & send them off with care. Bonus points if the packaging is eco-friendly.
• Be clear and honest from the start: If the item has a tiny stain or a chipped corner, say so in the listing. Surprises are not for people expecting perfection.
• Respond to questions quickly: Whether it’s about measurements, shipping times, or a weird request, answer politely and clearly. You don’t need to be online 24/7, just don’t ghost people.
• Handle issues with kindness: Mistakes happen. If something gets lost or broken, fix it as best as you can. A refund or a quick solution can turn an upset buyer into someone who still gives you five stars for being awesome.
• Ask for reviews: Happy customers are usually down to leave nice feedback. Sometimes all it takes is a little reminder. Reviews help build trust and bring in new buyers.

At the end of the day, treating people well is just good business. A great customer experience isn’t just about getting things right. It’s about showing that you care.

Step 10. Scale slowly & reinvest

So you’ve made your first sales, got some five-star reviews, and maybe even run out of bubble wrap. Love that for you. Now what? Time to grow, but without burning yourself out or turning your side hustle into a full-blown chaos machine. Here’s how to grow smart:

• Take it slow: Growth is good, but only if you can keep up with it. Keep in mind that more orders mean more packaging, more messages, and more chances to mess things up if you're not ready.
• Reinvest your profits: Use your earnings to buy better inventory, upgrade your tools, or improve your packaging. A bit of reinvestment now can make your shop look and feel more professional down the line.
• Track what’s working: Pay attention to what sells fast, what gets the best feedback, and what just sits there. Double down on your winners and cut the dead weight. Your time is too valuable to waste on duds.
• Get organized: As you grow, keep your listings, orders, supplies, and ideas in one place. Use a spreadsheet, a notebook, an app, or whatever helps you stay sane.
• Keep the fun in it: Growing a business is exciting, but don’t let it become a chore. Remember why you started. Stay creative, keep experimenting, and give yourself permission to mess up sometimes.

Scaling up is less about doing everything at once and more about doing the right things, one step at a time. Build slowly, reinvest smartly, and let your little shop turn into something big on your own terms.

Others also read

• 15 Best Online Thrift Stores For Resellers & Tips To Start
• Boutique Name Ideas for a Stylish and Trendy Business
• How To Sell Antiques Online

Tools and platforms to help resellers run the business

Running a recommerce, resale, or upcycling business takes more than just cool products and a good eye. You also need the right tools to help things run smoothly behind the scenes. Think of this as your business toolbox. The better your tools, the easier your life gets.

Here’s a breakdown of platforms and tools to help you get started and stay organized:

1. E-commerce platforms

If you want your own online shop where everything looks and feels like you, these platforms are a great place to start.

• Shopify: Super popular for a reason. Easy to set up, comes with everything you need to manage products, payments, shipping, and marketing.
• WooCommerce: A great choice if you’re already using WordPress. It turns your site into a full-on online store.
• BigCommerce: Built for businesses that plan to grow fast. Supports multichannel selling and more advanced features.
• Wix: Very beginner-friendly with lots of drag-and-drop templates. Comes with built-in marketing tools.
• Squarespace: Known for clean, pretty designs. Good for people who want their shop to look sharp without learning how to code.
• Adobe Commerce (Magento): Best for larger, more complex shops. Lots of features, but more setup and tech knowledge required.

2. Marketplaces

(Source: Esty secondhand)

If you’d rather skip setting up a full store and just want to list products where people are already shopping, these are for you.

• eBay: A classic. Good for selling almost anything, especially used, vintage, or hard-to-find items.
• Etsy: Great for handmade, vintage, and unique pieces. Perfect if you’re upcycling or curating stylish finds.
• Facebook Marketplace: Super useful for local sales. Fast, free, and surprisingly effective for everything from clothes to furniture.
• Craigslist: Another solid local option. Especially good for bulky or hard-to-ship items like furniture or electronics.

Shopify is the most popular platform ever help build a store online, while Etsy is the most common marketplace to sell secondhand items. Read more on our blog to find out the pros and cons of Shopify vs Etsy.

3. Dedicated recommerce platforms

These are built specifically for resale and secondhand items. If you're focused on fashion or niche categories, these are worth checking out.

• ThredUp: An online consignment store for secondhand clothes and accessories. You send items in, and they handle the rest.
• TheRealReal: Specializes in authenticated luxury goods. Perfect if you’re selling high-end designer pieces.
• Poshmark: A social selling platform focused on fashion. Easy to use and has a strong community vibe.
• Reverb: A go-to spot for buying and selling musical instruments and gear.
• Chairish: Focuses on vintage and antique home decor and furniture. Ideal for upcyclers working in interiors.

4. Other helpful tools to keep things running smoothly

• Google Analytics: Helps you understand how people find and use your website. Super useful for improving your shop and content.
• Klaviyo: An email marketing tool that lets you automate messages and keep customers in the loop.
• Zapier: Automates repetitive tasks by connecting your apps. Think of it as your digital assistant.
• ShipStation: Makes shipping easier by managing all your orders in one place.
• Payment processors like Stripe and PayPal let your customers pay safely and easily. A must-have for any online seller.
• Inventory management systems: Help you track what you have, what’s sold, and what needs restocking. Especially useful when selling one-of-a-kind or limited items.

The good news is you don’t need to use all of these to get started. Pick the ones that fit your vibe, budget, and business size. As you grow, you can upgrade your toolkit one step at a time.

Which path is right for you?

So now you know the basics. Recommerce, resale, upcycling... they all sound cool, but which one actually fits you?

This isn’t about choosing the most profitable option or jumping on the hottest trend. It’s about finding a path that feels natural, fun, and doable with your skills, your schedule, and your budget. Because if you hate it, you won’t stick with it.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• Go for recommerce if you like finding gently-used stuff that still has life left in it. You don’t want to do a ton of repairs or changes. You’re more into sourcing, listing, and flipping. Bonus points if you have an eye for quality brands or in-demand items.
• Go for resale if you love thrifting, styling, or curating. This one’s about spotting cool pieces, taking good photos, and writing listings that make people want to hit “buy now.” You don’t need to make or fix anything, but you do need good taste and a feel for what sells.
• Go for upcycling if you’re crafty or creative and love turning old things into something new. This path takes more time and hands-on effort, but it’s perfect if DIY is your thing. It also lets you create one-of-a-kind pieces that no one else is selling.

Still not sure? Try a mix. You don’t have to commit forever. Start with what feels easiest, test the waters, and see what clicks. You might be surprised by what you end up loving.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re flipping thrift finds, giving secondhand goods a new life, or turning old stuff into something totally fresh, there’s room for you in this space. Recommerce, resale, and upcycling each have their own style, but they all share one thing in common. They help you make money while doing something good for the planet.

Start small, stay curious, and build something that fits you because this isn’t just about selling stuff. It’s about creating something people actually care about.

FAQs

1. What is the recommerce trend?

Recommerce is the growing trend of buying and selling used or pre-owned items. Think thrift shopping, but online and way more organized. More people are choosing secondhand to save money, shop sustainably, and find cool stuff that isn’t mass-produced. From clothes and electronics to furniture and books, recommerce is all about giving things a second chance instead of sending them to a landfill.

2. What is a fashion resale?

Fashion resale is when someone sells pre-loved clothing, shoes, or accessories to someone else. It can be everyday brands, vintage finds, or even designer labels. You can resell items from your own closet or source pieces to flip for profit.

3. What's the difference between consignment and resale?

Resale means you sell an item directly to someone else and keep the full profit. You’re in charge of everything, from listing to shipping.

Consignment is when you give your item to a store or online platform, and they sell it for you. Once it sells, you get a percentage of the sale, and they keep the rest. Basically, resale puts you in control, while consignment lets someone else do the work for a cut.