Selling Old Concert Tees: Best Places To Make Quick Cash

There are several options for selling old concert t-shirts. One option is to sell them directly to a buyer, such as We Buy Your Old Tees, which specializes in buying vintage t-shirts from the 1960s to 1990s, including concert, rock, music, band, and rap t-shirts. Another option is to use an online marketplace such as eBay, which has a large audience of potential buyers. Alternatively, you can use a consignment service like Defunkd, which will sell your t-shirts on your behalf and take a percentage of the profits. When selling old concert t-shirts, it's important to consider factors such as the condition, size, print type, and rarity of the t-shirt, as these can impact the value and demand for the item.

Online marketplaces like eBay

Product Photos

The first thing you need to do is take great photos of your T-shirts. Make sure they are well-lit, using natural lighting if possible. Show every angle of the T-shirt, including the front, back, labels, and any unique features or designs. Use a solid-coloured background, with a light or white background for darker clothes and a dark background for lighter clothes.

Descriptive Title and Description

Create a descriptive title for your listing that includes relevant keywords such as the brand, product type, colour, size, and material. For example, "Vintage 1980s Rolling Stones Concert T-Shirt, Black, Size Large". In the description, be as detailed as possible, including any flaws or signs of wear, and use relevant keywords to increase the chances of your listing being found in searches.

Pricing

Do some research on eBay to see what similar T-shirts are selling for. This will give you an idea of the current market value and help you set a competitive price.

Shipping

Calculate shipping costs in advance so you know how much to charge. eBay has a shipping calculator that can help you figure out these costs. Also, consider using eBay Labels, which can save you time and money, especially if you don't have a printer.

Feedback

Once your T-shirt sells, be sure to leave positive feedback for the buyer and upload the tracking number so they can track their purchase. Good customer service will help keep your buyers happy and increase your seller rating.

Selling your old concert T-shirts on eBay can be a great way to make some extra money and clear out your closet. By following these tips, you can create attractive and effective listings that will help your T-shirts stand out and attract buyers.

Specialist buyers of vintage t-shirts

T-shirts are among the most popular vintage items on the market. If you're looking to sell your old concert tee, there are specialist buyers of vintage t-shirts that you can reach out to. These buyers tend to focus on tees from the 1960s to the 1990s, with an emphasis on concert, rock, music, band, and rap tees.

One such specialist buyer is "We Buy Your Old Tees", which, as the name suggests, is a company dedicated to purchasing vintage t-shirts. They specialise in tees from the 1960s to the 1990s and cover a range of themes, including concert, rock, music, band, rap, Harley Davidson, Disney, and Nike. They offer a smooth and profitable process for sellers, and their website provides a form for sellers to fill out to get started.

Another option is to explore online vintage stores that also buy old t-shirts. For example, "Old School Tees" is an online retailer that offers vintage-inspired graphic tees and also buys old t-shirts. While they don't exclusively purchase tees, their website provides contact information for those interested in selling.

Additionally, "WyCo Vintage" is another online vintage store that buys old shirts. Their website doesn't specify a process for selling, but they showcase a range of old shirts they've acquired, including concert tees from artists like Green Day, Rage Against the Machine, and Pink Floyd.

Lastly, "Thrifted.com" is an online vintage store with a wide range of branded, graphic, and collectible t-shirts. While they primarily function as a retailer, they may also be open to purchasing vintage tees. Their website is a good place to start your research and explore potential options for selling your old concert tee.

Consignment stores

Selling your old concert t-shirts through a consignment store can be a great way to avoid the hassle of selling them yourself. With this option, you don't have to worry about deciding which marketplace to use, creating accounts, taking photos, writing descriptions, or dealing with shipping and potential returns.

One example of a consignment store is Defunkd, which has been in business since 2008 and has a large following of vintage t-shirt collectors. They take care of everything from photography and research to customer communication and shipping. They also have a strong online presence, with thousands of web visitors daily and a large Instagram following, ensuring that your t-shirt will be seen by potential buyers.

Another option is WyCo Vintage, which offers a 15% discount and early access VIP status. They have a wide range of vintage band tees and collectibles, including concert t-shirts from various bands and artists such as Rage Against the Machine, Pink Floyd, and Mariah Carey.

Additionally, there are online platforms like eBay, which has a dedicated section for vintage concert t-shirts. You can list your items directly on eBay or use a consignment program like the one offered by Defunkd, which takes care of the entire selling process for you.

When choosing a consignment store, it's important to consider their reputation, customer feedback, and ability to reach potential buyers. It's also worth comparing the profit splits offered by different stores, as you'll typically receive a percentage of the final sale price.

Auction houses

The era of the T-shirt is also a key factor in determining its value. T-shirts from the 1960s, for example, are usually purchased by vintage clothing collectors and can command the highest prices due to their rarity. However, the value of a T-shirt from the 1970s, 1980s, or 1990s will depend more on the band it features and the rarity of the specific shirt. Early ink and screen-printed T-shirts are also more valuable, as they tend to be in better condition due to the durability of the printing method.

Hype can also impact the value of a T-shirt. For example, after a newsworthy event related to an artist or band, the price of their memorabilia, including T-shirts, tends to increase. On the other hand, autographs tend to decrease the value of a T-shirt, as most buyers want to be able to wear the item, and a signature makes it difficult to do so.

When preparing to sell your old concert T-shirts at an auction house, it is important to research and determine the potential value of your items. You can take advantage of free appraisal fairs, or consult with a certified appraiser for a more precise valuation.

Some auction houses, such as EJ's Auction & Appraisal, specialise in selling vintage concert T-shirts. This auction house, based in Glendale, Arizona, has sold sets of vintage concert T-shirts from bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and Motley Crue for substantial sums.

If you are looking to sell your old concert T-shirts through an auction house, it is recommended to reach out to a few different auctioneers to discuss their expertise and the potential value of your items.

In-person at vintage stores

If you're looking to sell your old concert t-shirts in person, one option is to visit vintage stores in your area. Many vintage stores buy and sell old band tees, especially those from the 1960s to the 1990s. This can be a great way to make some quick cash while also ensuring your t-shirts find a new home with someone who appreciates their vintage value.

When preparing to sell your concert t-shirts in person, it's a good idea to do some research on the current market value of similar items. This will give you a sense of how much you can reasonably expect to make from the sale. You can check online marketplaces or consignment stores to get an idea of the going rate for vintage concert tees.

It's also important to assess the condition of your t-shirts before heading to a vintage store. Factors such as the age, brand, design, and overall condition of the shirt will impact its resale value. Look for any stains, tears, or fading that may affect its desirability to potential buyers. Fold or hang the shirts neatly to present them in the best possible light.

When you visit a vintage store, be prepared to negotiate on the price. The buyer will likely assess the condition and resale potential of your t-shirts before making you an offer. You can also ask about any referral or loyalty programs they may have. Some stores offer incentives for customers who refer friends or family members with items to sell.

Keep in mind that not all vintage stores will be interested in purchasing concert t-shirts, so it's a good idea to call ahead or check their website to see if they are actively buying. You can also ask about their buying process, including any requirements or limitations they may have. This will help you determine if your items are a good fit for their store.

By following these steps and choosing reputable vintage stores, you can successfully sell your old concert t-shirts in person while also learning about the fascinating world of vintage fashion and concert memorabilia.

Frequently asked questions