How to use the resale value calculator
- Enter the buy price — the price on the tag, or what you think you can haggle it down to.
- Enter the expected sale price — base this on recent sold listings, not on what people are asking. If you're not sure, scan the item with the AI scanner above for an estimate.
- Choose a marketplace — fees differ a lot. Vinted and eBay UK private sales are free for sellers; eBay US and Poshmark take a big cut.
- Add postage and other costs — cleaning, repairs, packaging, and even the bus fare to the shop all eat into profit.
What the numbers mean
- Profit — what you keep after the buy price, fees, postage and other costs.
- ROI (return on investment) — profit divided by what you spent. 100% ROI means you doubled your money.
- Profit margin — profit as a share of the sale price. Useful for comparing items at different price points.
- Break-even sale price — the lowest you can sell for without losing money. If that's close to the expected price, the item is risky.
- Max buy price to double your money — handy at the till: if the tag is above this, haggle or walk away.
A worked example
You spot a Barbour wax jacket in a charity shop for £12. Similar jackets in similar condition have recently sold for £45–£65 on Vinted, so you aim for £55. Vinted charges UK sellers no fee (the buyer pays postage and Buyer Protection), so your profit is £43 and your ROI is 358%. Even if it only sells for £40, you still make £28.
What counts as a good resale?
Most resellers look for at least £10–£15 profit and 100%+ ROI per item. Below that, the time spent photographing, listing, answering questions and posting often isn't worth it. Cheaper items can still work if they sell fast or you can bundle them. Our verdict uses these rules of thumb:
| Verdict | Rule of thumb |
|---|---|
| Strong buy | £15+ profit and 200%+ ROI |
| Worth buying | £8+ profit and 100%+ ROI |
| Marginal | Some profit, but thin — haggle or pass |
| Skip it | You'd lose money after costs |
