resell
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /riːsˈɛl/
US
- /riˈsɛl/
Description
- sell again
- sell on
- flip for profit
- secondhand sale
- sell after buying
Imagine you buy a vintage jacket at a thrift store because it's totally your style. Later, you decide it doesn't quite fit, so you put it up for sale online. That's what it means to resell something: you sell it again after buying or owning it. This is common with clothes, electronics, collectibles, and even concert tickets.
Reselling is not always about making a profit; sometimes people simply want to get rid of things they no longer want. But the word is also often used for people who buy items on purpose so they can sell them later for more money, like limited-edition sneakers. The situation usually makes it clear whether someone is just clearing out a closet or trying to make money.
To resell means to sell something again, typically an item you previously purchased. It's more than just giving something away; it implies a transaction where money changes hands again for the same object. For example: "The bookstore resells used textbooks at discounted prices," or "She decided to resell her wedding dress after realizing she wouldn't wear it again."
Reselling has become increasingly popular in recent years, fueled by online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist, as well as dedicated resale platforms like Poshmark and StockX. This has given rise to a "resale economy" where individuals can turn unwanted items into income.
The term is often used in the context of limited-edition or highly sought-after goods, such as sneakers, designer handbags, or concert tickets. In these cases, reselling frequently involves buying an item with the intention of selling it for a profit (often called "flipping"). However, you can also resell everyday items simply to recoup some of your initial investment or to declutter your home.
The legality and ethics of reselling can vary depending on the item and location, especially when dealing with tickets or goods that have specific resale restrictions. But in general, as long as the item was obtained legally and any rules are followed, reselling is a normal and legitimate activity.
Examples
- 1
Vintage goods
She started buying vintage chairs at flea markets and reselling them online.
- 2
Retail returns
The store buys returned items from big retailers and resells them at a discount.
- 3
Ticket resale
Some fans tried to resell their concert tickets for three times the original price.
- 4
Refurbished devices
He fixes old laptops and resells them to local students.
- 5
Software license
The contract says you can use the software, but you can't resell it to another company.
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- resellverb
Forms
- resoldpast tensepast participleverb
- reselling-ing formverb
- resellsverb