Few things annoy me more than waste.
I know there are more important reasons to support the selling or donation of second-hand clothes: sustainability, accessibility, the environment and so on. But it's waste that irritates me.
I've said before (and been berated for saying) that I dislike it when brands send unsolicited product. It might seem like an extreme first-world problem, but it's frustrating to be given something you don't want, and then have to dispose of it or search out a good alternative home.
It was with this dislike of waste in mind that I welcomed the approach of Lewis of Marrkt.com recently.
Lewis owns the Real McCoy's shop in London and runs Superdenim and other businesses - he gets menswear, basically. And he set up Marrkt to give an online marketplace in London for old samples, vintage, and second-hand clothing from McCoy's and related brands.
At Lewis's suggestion, last month I tried selling a set of my second-hand clothes on Marrkt. It was only mentioned on Instagram, but all sold within a few days.
These were not those unsolicited samples from PR companies. They were mostly my own clothes, loved and worn, which for various reasons I just don't wear anymore.
A bespoke linen suit, for example, that I ill-advisedly put patch breast and hip pockets on. I thought I’d wear it, but I don’t. Better for it to go to someone that likes the style.
Or knitwear that seemed appealing in its chunkiness and traditional pattern, but again just never came out of the closet. There will be someone somewhere that will adore it.
Following the success of that sale (and of course the small one we did in the pop-up last year, with Douglas Cordeaux and James Girdwood), I’ve given Marrkt a new batch of clothing, which is now live on the site here.
Highlights of that include a beautiful black-leather jacket from Dunhill, which I bought in the sale - tempted by the steep discount and sumptuous skin - but was never really my style.
There are two pairs of JM Weston shoes, which I was never quite sure about and as such had both patinated to change their colour. But still they weren’t worn.
And there are some Nigel Cabourn trousers, in the stiffest, heaviest cotton canvas I’ve ever felt in trousers. They’ll wear in so nicely, but they’re big in the leg and high in the waist. They were never really me.
I dearly hope that these pieces go to good homes. I frequently give other pieces to my brother, brother-in-law, and friends that I know are the same size as me - and it’s so nice seeing how they wear and value them.
I’m not going to pretend that this sale is motivated by some high ideals of accessibility or environmental responsibility. It’s not. It just feels really good to sell things that I do not use and are therefore going to waste.
And of course the cash is always welcome. It will help fund a better buying decision next time.
The pieces are all photographed and sized on the Marrkt.com site here.
I have also added some text of my own, to highlight things that I think are particularly attractive, or explain why they didn’t work for me.
A reader contacted me last time, for example surprised that I was selling a shirt. I explained that I’d actually bought one size, worn it several times, and then decided I needed the size up. So I was selling the smaller size. I still loved the piece itself.
Orders are largely shipped the next day, and can be returned within 10 days. All details on returns and refunds here.
I'm sure I'll do another sale in the future, perhaps every three months or so. If I do, it will likely be announced on Instagram. Follow me at @PermanentStyleLondon.
Happy hunting.
Punchy pricing on that deerskin hat!
It’s still over 50% off… It’s really nice
It’s very nice indeed, but it was £19,500 when first listed! Glad it’s found a good home.
Aha – didn’t see that!
It’s really a good way to digest the clothes or shoes we no longer like, I’m always doing it, then the wordrobe can welcome the new ones.
May want to check the G&G description… headline states colour Burgundy but then the copy states they’re black.
Thanks, will do
Similarly, the copy in the description of the Choppin & Lodge states that it is navy but the headline colour information says grey.
Damn, thank you I’ll correct that as well. It is navy
I feel your pain,,, I have shedloads of old top quality stuff that I want to give away or sell but to sell in Africa (for reasonable price) is near impossible and to pay postage to sell internationally would cost more than I make on the sale. I am happy to gift, but, and here is where I sound wrong, it irks me to give top quality things away to people who say “oh a pair of jeans” and don’t get, or care the make/quality/history (writing that down makes me sound like a total git but I prefer to gift things to people who can appreciate what they are) So, if anyone wants to come visit; bring an empty suitcase
Simon,
with the black leather jacket, I am tempted but am pondering on the shoe choice. I don’t own any black clothing so does brown boots go well with something black up top like this jacket?
and vice versa?
I keep reading black and brown dont match…..
A dark brown should be fine. Or trainers or boots
Unlined gloves, huzzah
Simon,
Bought the gloves but the finger lengths seem all over the shop! One index finger longer than the other, incredibly long thumbs, etc. If I took them to cromford or somewhere else would they be able to shorten? I imagine it is quite an easy job for unlined gloves?
To shorten? Yes it would be fairly easy
I hate to be a party pooper but there is something hypocritical about your hating waste so much. I am fairly sure that you ‘waste’ money on a huge number of items of clothing. I don’t believe that you can wear all of the clothes that you have, in one lifetime. If you are thinking in terms of what to do about waste, why not buy fewer clothes and give away the money you would have spent? Instead of selling on luxury items, why not give the cash to those more needy and perhaps more worthy?
Thanks Philip. I give to and am involved with charity, but I think that’s private, personally.
You don’t really have any sense of how many clothes I have, as you don’t know how many have been given away.
And I am not a private consumer, I run a style website which relies on personal experiences and recommendations of clothing. I try to avoid waste wherever I can, but you are of course free not to believe me.
Apparently Philip has forgotten that clothing, style, and writing about the subject is your job. So, the cycle of new commissions, new clothes, new articles and more sales and giveaways will continue, and properly so. Perhaps forgetful Philip will remember your vocation the next time he considers complaining about your charitable habits. By the way, it’s none of his business anyway.
Simon you must be heartened to have somebody like VSF fighting your corner.
For me, the idea of wearing somebody else’s clothes is abhorrent.
If I were hard up it might be a solution, but I find it beyond weird that some (VSF perhaps) might go down the pub and say “these were Simon Crompton’s trousers”.
Euch!
Not sure anyone would say that! (Would they?)
I can see the point, but given I buy and wear vintage clothing, you can’t be squeamish about it. It’s all cleaned etc
Well anonymous I can assure you, you’re snarky comment aside, that if I bought any secondhand clothing, shoes etc that I would not announce it at the pub, or anywhere else. Like you, I don’t buy secondhand clothing for a number of reasons. However, if I did, Simon’s clothing sales would be a great resource as I would know that they were well taken care of and excellent quality. By the way, Simon doesn’t need me, or anyone else, fighting in his corner. He can take care of himself.
Some of us are, indeed, hard up…
Obviously most of us prefer new, but I also think that most don’t feel quite as strongly about avoiding used clothing. If anything, it is your view which is strange.
Well said Matt
After unsuccessfully trying to offload Trickers shoes ( too big ) and a Lardini jacket ( too jazzy according to my wife ) plus other odds and sods on ebay, this may be the answer
Haven’t checked yet. Hoping to cop the Cucinelli Belt. Please still be there, please still be there! 🙏🏾
I had never heard of this consignment service until your post. I love the product photography they’ve done for each piece! So much more care has been put into the presentation than what you see for places like TheRealReal, whose goal seems to be to make everything look as ugly and distorted as possible, or other DIY sites where it’s mostly a seller’s iphone pics. The commission also seems quite reasonable compared to other full service consignment services as well.
I am sad to see you didn’t get more wear out of your G&H travel blazer. I had one commissioned from a local bespoke tailor after your post, with similar and improved features based on your learnings, and it has been my go-to travel sport coat for commuting flights for the last however many years.
This is a promotion hiding within article. It starts with a statement on waste then invisibly moves to a solution, Marrkt. I state that as there is no balance to the story (it’s not even a review) and little transparency as to the commercial relationship (as Marrkt also appeared in your ‘Instagram stories’). What percentage of the sale do they keep (it’s 35%), is there a transaction fee charge (it’s 3%), most importantly do they or the seller set the price (important as they can set prices lower than perhaps the buyer might wish). Also do they have a bar on certain brands/types of wear and an acceptance on others. The last three points are not covered on their site. Addressing these points would have been helpful to the reader and allowed, at least, for a comparison to other similar sites such as Vestiaire, e-Bay and Preloved. Not knocking recycling or your well argued response to Philip but this subject should have been approached with a little more transparency and greater levels of information.
I can see your points about detail, but surely the commercial relationship is clear? They sell things for you, they get a commission.
I’m not being paid to promote them, there is no hidden agenda or hidden payment there. They’re just a selling platform, and one that I’ve tried and has worked fairly well.
If you want to know the answers to those other things, that’s fine. I set the prices and I determine what is sold.
Thanks
Are you interested in getting good information or just being a gadfly? This comment, along with others you’ve made, would suggest the latter. The readers of PS are trying to learn about quality clothing and how to wear it and enjoy it. If that’s your main focus that’s great and you’re one of us. However, if that’s not you main goal, but rather just stirring the pot, then perhaps this venue isn’t for you.
Many apologies for my outburst, Simon. It was uncalled for an added nothing useful to the discussion. I must learn to think before I write. I’m sorry for any offence caused.
That’s impressive to apologise Philip, and no problem whatever. Future comments very welcome
How does Marrkt compare to EBay, where you have also sold clothes Simon?
I appreciate you and others who sell clothes they don’t wear as I have found several excellent things on EBay and in thrift stores. I have a pretty complete wardrobe and do try to resist the urge to buy more clothes. When I do need something I find it rewarding to find it slightly used and so not contribute to excess consumption.
Given my limited budget it also means I can buy better quality clothing.
Marrkt is rather different in that they press, photograph and deliver everything. If you have a lack of them, that’s very useful. They’re also more specialist I guess
Hi Simon,
I’d be curious as to why you’re getting rid of your Weston shoes. Was that based on style, fit or make?
Also, what did you replace those beautiful Lavabre Cadet gloves with?
I do often wish that the people that come to your comment section to moan would stop complaining about what and how you write and perhaps create their own blog since they think that they can do a better job. I, and I’m sure most of Simons readers, followers and subscribers don’t care what Mrkkt commission is, if you want to know go and do your own research.
(Deep breath)
Now, Simon do you have any more Brunello Cucinelli pieces, if so please let me know I missed out on that beautiful belt
Sorry, no…
Thank you, Simon. Please let me know when you make your Huntsman tweed suit available.
🙂
How tall are you Mr. Crompton?
6 foot
Hi,
When will everyday denim shirt restock in your web shop ?
It just restocked yesterday actually – I’ll be putting out something about it on Monday
Hi –
On a related note, does anyone have any recommendations where I can sell bespoke clothes/shirts and also a few brands (APC/Smedley/Anglo Italian/Trunk/Camoshita). I’ve looked on Grailed but it seems like a different audience.
Hi Simon – where does a seller deliver their products? Is it possible to drop them by hand rather than by courier? I’m sure this is answered when you sign up to sell but I’d like to know the answer before I do that.
Thanks
I met them to drop it off, but that isn’t necessarily always possible. I’d contact them to ask
You’ve chosen not to post my comment on disclosure, however, I think it reasonable to ask what the nature of the ‘Instagram Stories’ element is. They are asynchronos to the PS Instagram feed and thus have a purpose – of the last 8, 6 seem to be curated as subtle adverts. The same type of subtle ads that Facebook and Pinterest run, nothing wrong but the CAP code does argue for transparency. Facebook identifies ads within the content stream as ‘sponsored’ Pinterest identifies as ‘promoted by’. If ‘Instagram Stories’ is an ad spot then later running articles related to the content is, indirectly, a form of sponsored content. If companies provide payment or ‘benefit in kind’ for featuring in ‘Instagram Stories’ then in fairness to readers this should be identified as such. Just asking for proper clarity for the reader/ad consumer…
You’ll have to let me know which comment that was, I can’t see one.
And no, our policy on Instagram stories is the same as all other content. No one can pay for it, no one has any control over it. The same things outlined in the page ‘Is this an ad’ on the website apply here in terms of benefits and payments.
Thanks
Thanks for the clarity on ‘Instagram Stories’.
Perhaps I’m missing something, but having had a look at the website, I cannot see any explanation as to how our unwanted secondhand clothes are to be delivered, whether there are any brands that the site does not want, and what the commission rate is. Please forgive me if I have missed a web page or comment that explains. As these people appear to be based in York, which is not too far from me, I would certainly use them regularly if I had more information.
Hello Russ, Please feel free to drop us an email for any specific information to [email protected] – The essentials are: We take a 38% commission, we consider all products but tend to stock quality workwear and classic niche branded menswear. We assist with delivery to our warehouse, although if you live nearby you are welcome to visit.
Thanks Lewis, will do.
Are you aware of any alternative to Marrkt? I want to sell some clothes and after an initial contact I’m struggling to get a response from them.
Not that I’ve used and so can recommend directly, no.
Hi Simon,
Don’t know where else to put this, so here:
Where would you recommend to sell bespoke pieces? I have had some bad experience with eBay and am looking for alternatives.
I’ve only used Marrkt and Drop93. Both were good, but I can’t say I’ve shopped around that many places
whats the italian size of the black cord berg berg trousers currently on marrkt? it says 31?
Hi,
Has anyone else had problems selling on Marrkt?
They sold a jacket of mine several weeks ago and I’m still waiting for the money. I have emailed several times but no response!
Hi Greg, I work for Marrkt and can most certainly help you resolve this issue. If you can email [email protected] today I will get back to you with a full update on your sold jacket.
Thanks,
Greg
Hi Greg
Thanks for your help with this. I can confirm I have now received the funds.
I have also sent details of three other items I’d like you to sell for me!
Best regards
Greg
I have had my first experience of Markkt this week, after I decided to sell some things through them after reading about Simon’s positive experience.
In summary, my experience has been very poor all round. Comms (with Lewis, the owner, on WhatsApp which was his preferred method) have been very average and patchy throughout, but I still decided to give them a test try with about 10 items.
Lewis organised a box to be collected on Monday. I was asked Monday night if it was collected and confirmed that it was. I then asked on WhatsApp on Tuesday (twice), Wednesday and Thursday morning whether they had received my box as I’d heard nothing and was keen to know my items hadn’t gotten lost. I got no reply.
On Thursday (yesterday) at midday I got the ‘daily drop’ email from Markkt that included all of my items. Which would have been great to see if some of my items hadn’t been entered at c. half of the price that I’d communicated to Lewis was my minimum price to sell them. Over a 2h period I tried (3x) to call Lewis, I tried Whatsapping him (his preferred comms), I tried emailing Markkt and I tried the general office line, where I finally reached someone after ages of trying on the 4th call.
We all make mistakes so it’s not the end of the world that my items got put up incorrectly. And of course sometimes people/small companies are hard to get ahold of as all staff are off doing the same thing etc. That’s understandable. But what’s inexcusable is to not get a call or even a WhatsApp reply from Lewis. Instead, Lewis has gotten a member of his staff to email me to tell me how busy he is and to tell me that he will ‘try and call me before Monday’, but he might not be able to.
Anyone who cares about their customers and has an ounce of awareness of doing the right thing would put a 5 minute call in. We are all busy, but we all find the time for what’s important. So clearly something like this going wrong isn’t important to Lewis, but I think it should be.
I’m not surprised you had a good experience Simon as your support will have been v important for Lewis’ business. Whereas I am not even worth a one line whatsapp.
We are getting to COB Friday now and it’s been radio silence. It appears that only one of my items was sold, which is lucky, but unfortunately it was sold for about half of what my minimum for it was (that I clearly communicated to Lewis).
When (if?!) I hear from Lewis about what happens next I’ll post a quick update. Needless to say at this point I would definitely not recommend using Markkt
Thank you for letting us know Jonathan.
My experience with Marrkt very much echoes Jonathan’s comments here. My messages are met with radio silence. It feels odd to me that they are having to respond to customers on this thread. I can’t see how this is a viable business. Simon, perhaps your experience is different given their appearance at your pop up and given the volume of items your personally sell with them.
Yes, I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the case.
I would separate not having a response though, from other issues that have come up. I know they have gone through periods of being short staffed, for instance, of people leaving and of course during Covid, which affected lots of businesses. Not replying to someone trying to sell through you isn’t the worst – compared to something like, for example, not being paid for selling something.
Simon, I think that your website is a valuable resource. However, these types of articles should most definitely be updated to spell out your commercial relationship with the company/brand which materialises post your write up. “I’m not being paid to promote them, there is no hidden agenda or hidden payment” clearly isn’t accurate given Marrkt’s presence at your pop up and given that you sell through their website. Probably better to be transparent rather than have your readers connect the dots (accurately or not) later down the line.
Hi Nhans,
Thanks. My policy generally has been that I don’t declare those kinds of connections on articles when I’ve written openly about them on the site already – anyone that reads PS will know Marrkt have been at the pop-up, and that I use them to sell my clothes sometimes.
I can see the point that an old article should be updated to reflect the pop-up, but again I think regular readers will have seen that. And of course, as ever all the writing I do about them and any advertiser shows quite clearly that nothing like this stops me writing fairly and indeed critically.
What I will always avoid is being paid by someone and not declare that anywhere, as happens all the time on social media, for example. The reason I like our advertising model is that these kinds of relationships are all open and obvious. I’ve written about this previously, and there is a dedicated page on it here.
That’s a hidden agenda or payment, surely? It happens a lot elsewhere, but those things aren’t hidden here.
Thanks
Yes Simon. It is clear that your revenue generation model is more subtle and sophisticated compared to the social media posts you mention. It is a fine line to tread. Thanks.
That’s good to know, thanks Nhans. And thanks for brining this up too, it’s really good to know how things come across.
Unfortunately we are on different pages regarding item value and all items will be returned unsold. Regrettably I could not call yesterday as we were travelling and setting up the sale shop in London until late in the evening. We have responded today and items prepared for return.
“Or knitwear that seemed appealing in its chunkiness and traditional pattern, but again just never came out of the closet.”
Was it Kanata’s sweater?
No, it was an old Aran style
Hi Simon, I was wondering whether you heard of Abbot’s shoes or had any experience selling shoes to them?
Many thanks,
Jack
I haven’t, no Jack, sorry
I’ve sold some items via Marrkt and the process was smooth but I was disappointed in their payment policy. They say they don’t pay until 4-5 weeks after the sale.
In fact it has now been 8 weeks since my items sold and I still haven’t received any money (despite bugging them).
I can’t see the justification for this – it seems to just be a way of them managing their cash flow.
Caveat venditor.
Eight weeks is certainly too long, but remember they need to wait until the returns period they offer customers has expired. Otherwise they’ll pay you, the piece gets returned, and then they have to ask for the money back. That’s reasonable I think
Yes that makes sense.
Have just been paid anyway (although amount seems wrong).