If you’re like most of us girls, then you’ve probably felt the painful sting of a high price tag on that perfect piece that had you hooked. It’s hard to walk away and even harder to put it back on the rack (or these days, remove it from cart).
In that moment you need something to blame; your wallet for not being big enough, or the designer for not being considerate enough. You go as far as to blame the world economy for being so unhinged.
But you don’t stop there. No. You’re smart, and you’re not going to fall in the pits of despair again. So you find solutions. These solutions can look anything like:
- Never setting foot in that store again
- Banning the designer outright
- Get rich schemes - there has to be a way
- Daydreaming your way to a better job
- Asking for a gift deposit for your birthday next year
- Etc etc… you catch the drift
While you may find success with one these brilliant solutions you’ve brainstormed, may we be bold enough to offer, perhaps, a better one?
We can almost guarantee the solution is right under your nose, and you just haven’t looked hard enough. We certainly didn’t, not for the longest time. It didn’t even occur to us that there was a way to avoid the sad “out of stock” notice on our dream outfit without having traded an arm and a leg for it.
Come to think of it, we might have lost many arms and legs ourselves. Not even sure where we got them all!
We’re glad to report however, that we have cracked the code for the ultimate solution to all of our collective woes. This one is for all you ladies who believe clothes make a person, who love beauty, and who hate missing out on a dream.
No need to lose more limbs. We’ve got you.
The magic door
It all begins here. Somewhere in your bedroom there’s a door. Everyday, without fail, as it swings (or slides) open you…..
Have a mini panic attack.
You’re not a quitter though. No, not you. You quickly pave a way through the obstacle course of fabric piled high and low. You embody Shahina Farid’s curiosity and zest for discovering the undiscoverable.
You’re a pro at finding what you need every single day in that wondrous space you call your closet.
Step 1 - Empty it
Now in there somewhere is the answer to all your problems. You’re going to have to do this on a day when the world won’t fall apart without you. We've put together an easy guide to help you champion this mission impossible.
Kids are having cereal for dinner tonight!
Step 2 - Organize it
Tap into your inner organized human, and set up work stations. Bring over the pile of clothes you’ve carefully vetted and let’s get started. Use this guide to properly organize your items by condition.
Step 3 - Take out the camera
Time to get your pieces picture ready!
Hang the outfit near a window or where there is ample light. Then take a clear picture of each piece. Make sure to get one picture of the whole piece, and then a few closeups of any details you want to highlight.
For details check out this quick guide we put together for you.
Step 4 - The measuring tape is a handy tool
You don’t want someone to be stuck with a piece that doesn’t fit. Even if it has a size tag, please remember most brands (especially Pakistani brands) vary a lot in sizes.
Check out our quick on guide (coming soon!) on how to measure for listing.
Step 5 - Find your People
You’ve done all the work, now decide where you want to sell! Where you choose to sell your clothes will make all the difference in your sales strategy and your secondhand selling experience. We’ve rounded up a few online recommendations for you, check them out! (coming soon!)
Step 6 - Set your Price
Before you determine a price for your item. Do your research and answer the following questions:
- What is the current price of similar items from the brand? Pakistani brand pricing fluctuates consistently thanks to currency value and market demand. Be sure your price is in-line with these prices
- Would you buy it for the price you list? Don’t list it at a price you wouldn’t buy it for. Take into account the condition, and market demand.
Please remember that over-priced items do not sell, and lead to disappointment for you. It also taints you an unreasonable seller. A reasonably priced item will sell well, sell fast, and will lead to an overall sense of satisfaction.
Here is our foolproof guide to help you price to sell. (coming soon!)
Step 7 - List it!
Time to head over to your platform of choice and send over your details. Listing with The Phir Story (TPS)? Oh how very classy of you! Just head on over to our Sell With Us Page and fill out a form with all the details you worked hard to gather.
The cash flow - What goes around
Well there you have it. The solution behind your magic door has been revealed. If you’re still wondering how this helps solve your shopping dilemmas, we’re here to happily walk you through it. A girl needs her plans clearly laid out. A girl needs a story.
Ayla’s Epiphany
It was crisp Sunday afternoon in New Jersey. Snuggled under her soft fleece blanket on her couch, her cup of coffee now cold, Ayla stared blankly out the window. During her routine insta scroll this morning she had come across Zaha’s new silk collection. A beautiful three piece set immediately caught her eye. It would be perfect for the big dinner at Riffat Aunty’s house next month, she thought.
“I just blew my budget at COS, I really can’t” Ayla remembered sadly. Her new season haul head left her penniless (not literally of course).
As she observed the yellowed leaves flying past her window in the cool October air, she couldn’t help but let out another sigh. “All things old must go” she murmmered to herself under the blanket “but only so that new things can take their place”
A thought struck her suddenly.
All things old!
She jumped off her couch and ran to her room.
Ayla yanked opened the magic door and after frantically looking around for a bit, discovered a beautiful Elan shalwar kameez she was ready to part with. She had loved it, and it was in excellent condition.
She knew the piece could fetch her a pretty penny if she put it up for sale. So that’s what she did. She listed the Elan piece, along with a few others that she decided she didn’t need any more. Listed and done, Ayla hoped against all odds her plan would work.
A few days later, while checking her inbox, a notification popped up. The Elan had sold for $140! She quickly calculated her profit after a commission of 15% and realized she had made a whopping $119 from just one piece alone.
The Zaha piece would cost her $140 plus shipping. Most of the cost for her new outfit would be covered! Overjoyed, Ayla quickly placed the order.
She got up to start packing away the Elan piece. Taking one last look, she folded the soft luxurious fabric away, reliving the memories. It had brought her so much joy last Eid, and she was happy to know it was going to create more stories for another girl somewhere.
Ayla felt relieved and proud of herself. Without putting any extra burden on her wallet, she had managed to snag a great piece from the latest collection, while letting go of something that just took up space in her closet and didn’t serve her anymore. It was a win-win.
Ayla was smart. Let’s all be Ayla