Unlock the Secrets to Cashing in on Your Unwanted Christmas Gifts This Weekend!

AS the post-Christmas calm settles in, Scots will be sorting through their gifts and making important ‘stick or sell’ decisions.

And today, the experts at Vinted, the go-to platform for all things pre-loved, reveal that January 4 will be the nation’s busiest day for reselling.

Vinted expert Jessie de la Merced has revealed how you can make a fortune over the festive periodCredit: Linkedin And she shared her top tips for ‘Sell-It Sunday’Credit: Alamy

Dubbed ‘Sell-It Sunday’ – the firm says it’s an unofficial national holiday for decluttering, re-gifting and making extra cash after the festive season.

The first Sunday of the year sees a spike in listings, averaging three times the normal daily rate.

Last year’s top-listed items included women’s toiletries, perfumes, jewellery, nightwear and make-up.

The new year also provides an opportunity for people to recognise the value hidden in unused items around the house.

Vinted bosses say half of Scots estimate they have more than £400 worth of unused items at home, with around one in six believing the value of their unused stuff exceeds £1,000.

Jessie de la Merced, left, VP Corporate Affairs, said: “Sell-It Sunday isn’t just the moment unwanted gifts get a second life. It’s become a national reset.

“It shows how second-hand shopping continues to grow as a smart, stylish choice for 2026.”

The team shared their tips for making the most out of Sell-It Sunday.

1. BE DESCRIPTIVE

THE more descriptive you are, the better. It can significantly boost your item’s visibility.

People search using different terms, so the more relevant terms you can use in the description, the more likely you are to be found.

For example, instead of “black T-shirt”, try “plain black, short-sleeve T-shirt with V-neck”.

Also, if your item fits a certain trend, mention it as some terms become viral. For example, boyfriend jeans or quiet luxury.

If there’s any damage, always mention this. Add measurements and sizes too – it helps to share your size/height.

2. PICTURE PERFECT

THE first photo is the most important as it determines whether someone taps on your listing.

Choose a pic that clearly shows the whole item from the front.

Photos are best taken against a plain, white or neutral background as it makes your items ‘pop’. With lighter-coloured items, use a dark background to create contrast.

Capture multiple angles to provide a multi-dimensional view and take close-ups of details, even the flaws, so buyers know what to expect.

3. PRICE IS RIGHT

YOUR pricing strategy can influence how successfully you sell your items.

It’s also important to be realistic about what second-hand items can sell for.

Search for similar items and see the average selling price.

For items that are “new with tags” or “new without tags”, a good suggested price is 80 per cent to 60 per cent of the retail price.

For “very good” condition, try a suggested price of 60 per cent to 40 per cent of the retail price, and for “good” or “satisfactory”, around 40 per cent to 20 per cent of the retail price.

4. ADDED EXTRA

PEOPLE like a good haggle on Vinted, so take this into account by adding an extra small, but random, amount to the listing price.

For example, price something at £20.89 instead of £20.

This means that when you get an offer, it won’t hurt to reduce it a bit.

Being open to offers is one way you can sell items quickly, as people like to think they are getting a bargain.

You can even send offers to users who ‘favourite’ your items, giving them a small discount.

In all cases, it’s better to price slightly higher as you can always reduce the price later, but you can’t increase it once someone is interested or starts making offers.

5. TIMING IS EVERYTHING

LISTING items when they’re “in-season” is more likely to result in a quicker sale.

People are more likely to be shopping for summer clothing in summer, and winter items in the cold weather.

Clearing your wardrobe seasonally also gives you a good opportunity to list the things you no longer wear.

List items on a weekly basis, particularly in time for the weekend, to maximise your chances.

Weekends and bank holidays are the most popular times for shopping.

6. GET VERIFIED

DON’T underestimate the power of having a profile picture and verifying your account to show you are an active and trustworthy member.

Buyers appreciate knowing who they’re buying from and will feel more secure knowing you’re a trusted seller.

It’s why reviews are also important, so always post one if you buy as well as sell.

Your Vinted profile displays where you have verified your info, so ensure you have verified at least one of the following: email address, Facebook, Apple or Google account.

The new year also provides an opportunity for people to recognise the value hidden in unused items around the houseCredit: Alamy