The best resellers don’t just sell products - they build a brand. Branding isn’t just for big businesses. Even as an independent reseller, your brand is what makes buyers remember you, follow you, and come back for more.
With marketplaces getting more competitive every year - and platforms like Depop, eBay, Etsy, and Grailed rewarding sellers with strong branding - now’s the time to create a name for yourself, attract loyal customers, and grow a thriving resale business.
Let’s break it down.
1. How to Create a Memorable Resale Brand
The resale market is projected to double in size to $350 billion by 2028 (ThredUp Resale Report). That means more sellers, more competition, and more brands vying for attention.
✅ A strong brand helps you:
✔ Stand out from other sellers
✔ Build trust & credibility
✔ Attract the right buyers & keep them coming back
So, how do you do it?
Step 1: Pick Your Niche & Aesthetic
Before anything else, decide what you want to be known for.
🛍 Do you specialise in:
✔ Vintage fashion? (Depop & Etsy love this!)
✔ Streetwear? (Hyped brands like Supreme & BAPE thrive on Grailed.)
✔ Luxury resale? (eBay & The RealReal are perfect for designer goods.)
Once you pick a niche, craft a recognisable aesthetic:
Brand name & handle → Keep it simple & memorable (avoid random numbers/underscores).
Colour scheme & fonts → Stick to a vibe that fits your style.
Consistent product photos → Use the same background, lighting, and editing style.
📌 Pro Tip: Depop sellers with a "signature aesthetic" sell up to 3x more than those without (Depop Seller Report).
Step 2: Get Social & Show Up Where Buyers Are
💡 Why It Matters: Social media isn’t just for marketing - it’s one of the fastest ways to build a brand and attract repeat buyers.
📲 Best Platforms for Resellers:
Instagram → Great for curated feeds, styling ideas, & behind-the-scenes content.
TikTok → Perfect for quick haul videos, try-ons, & storytelling.
Pinterest → Drives long-term traffic to your listings.
✅ How to Use Social to Build Your Brand:
✔ Post consistently (even 3x per week makes a difference).
✔ Share behind-the-scenes content → Packing orders, sourcing hauls, thrift flips.
✔ Engage! Reply to comments, DMs & repost customer photos.
📌 Pro Tip: Sellers who actively use TikTok & Instagram sell 2x more than those who don’t (Etsy Seller Insights).
2. Creating Customer Loyalty & Repeat Buyers
💰 Why It Matters:
Acquiring a new customer costs 5x more than retaining an old one (HubSpot)—so if you’re not focusing on repeat buyers, you’re leaving money on the table.
Here’s how to keep customers coming back.
Step 1: Offer Perks for Repeat Buyers
Buyers LOVE feeling valued. So, make it rewarding for them to shop with you again.
✅ Ideas for Reseller Loyalty Programs:
✔ "Buy 3, Get 10% Off" → Encourages bulk buying.
✔ Secret Discounts for Returning Customers → Reward loyalty.
✔ Early Access to New Drops → Makes buyers feel special.
📌 Platform-Specific Perks:
eBay Store Subscribers can send exclusive offers to past buyers.
Depop lets you "Bundle Discount" items for repeat customers.
📌 Pro Tip: Repeat buyers spend 67% more than new customers (eBay Seller Report).
Step 2: Personalise the Shopping Experience
💡 Why It Matters: Buyers return to sellers they connect with.
✅ Ways to Build Customer Relationships:
✔ Handwritten Thank You Notes → Simple but effective.
✔ DM Customers When You Have New Stock → Makes buyers feel VIP.
✔ Ask for Feedback & Act on It → Shows you care.
📌 Pro Tip: Etsy found that sellers who personalise orders see 30% more repeat buyers (Etsy Seller Handbook).
Step 3: Engage With Your Community
📌 Why It Works: Brands with strong customer engagement grow faster & sell more.
✅ Ways to Build an Engaged Resale Community:
✔ Host Live Sales on Instagram or TikTok → Answer questions in real time.
✔ Run Giveaways → Simple "Tag 3 friends to enter" contests bring in new buyers.
✔ Shoutout Happy Customers → Repost customer photos for social proof.
📌 Pro Tip: Resellers who engage with their audience sell 2x more than those who just list and leave (Etsy Seller Insights).
Reselling is a Business—Treat it Like One
If you’re serious about growing your resale business, building a brand & focusing on customer loyalty isn’t optional - it’s essential.
✔ Choose your niche & make it your signature.
✔ Get social - buyers remember brands that engage.
✔ Reward repeat customers - keep them coming back.
✔ Automate your brand and optimise listings using Shopfront!
The sellers who stand out & build communities are the ones who will thrive in 2025 & beyond.