resale
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈiːseɪl/
US
- /ˈriˌseɪl/
Description
- selling again
- second-hand sale
- selling used goods
- secondary market
Think of your attic, full of treasures you no longer need. When you sell those items, that's resale. It's the act of selling something a second, third, or even fourth time. It isn't just about old clothes and furniture, though; it can apply to anything from concert tickets to houses. A "resale market" is where previously owned goods are bought and sold, like thrift stores, online marketplaces such as eBay, or dedicated apps. If a popular item sells out quickly, you'll often see people offering it for resale at a higher price.
The word resale refers to the act of selling something again after it has already been bought once. It's more than just "selling used" because it points to a secondary market where goods change hands more than once. This can happen with almost anything: clothing, electronics, cars, tickets, or even real estate.
The context often tells you who is doing the reselling. A retailer might offer "resale services," meaning they buy back items from customers, as some outdoor gear companies do. An individual might also take part in the "resale economy" by selling unwanted possessions online or through consignment shops.
Resale has become increasingly popular, driven by factors like sustainability, affordability, and a desire for unique or vintage items. The term is also used as an adjective: "resale value" refers to how much something can be sold for after its first purchase. You might say, "This car holds its resale value well," meaning it does not lose value quickly.
So, whether you're decluttering your closet or hunting for a bargain, resale is all about giving items a second life and participating in a circular economy where goods are reused and re-enjoyed.
Examples
- 1
Online shop
She buys vintage furniture at estate sales for resale in her online shop.
- 2
Product label
The sample bottles were marked "not for resale."
Phrase
not for resale
not allowed to be sold again
- 3
Vehicle value
Electric cars tend to have a better resale value than people expected.
- 4
Luxury goods
The bag originally cost $300, but it now sells for twice that on the resale market.
- 5
Event tickets
The festival banned ticket resale outside its official app.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- resalenoun