Resell or Resale: How to Use Them Correctly

If you’re a savvy shopper or a small business owner, you may have come across the terms “resell” and “resale” in various contexts and have probably asked yourself: Should I use resell or resale?

Resell, a verb, means turning used items into profit, while resale, a noun, is the market for second-hand goods. Continue reading for a few examples below. While these two words may seem interchangeable at first glance, they actually have distinct meanings and usage rules. In this article, we will dive into the differences between resell and resale, provide sentence examples, and offer insights on when and how to use each word correctly.

Resell: Turning Used Items into Profit

Let’s start with resell. Resell is a verb that refers to the act of selling something that has already been purchased, typically at a price higher than the original purchase price. In other words, it’s the process of selling a used item for profit. Reselling is a common practice in various industries, such as e-commerce, retail, and real estate.

Here are some examples of how “resell” can be used in sentences:

“After buying a vintage dress at a thrift store, she decided to resell it online for a higher price.”
“He bought a used car at an auction and successfully resold it for a profit.”
The entrepreneur specializes in reselling electronics on e-commerce platforms.

Reselling can be a lucrative business venture for those who have an eye for value and market trends. It often involves finding undervalued or underpriced items and selling them at a higher price to make a profit. Reselling can be done through various channels, such as online marketplaces, garage sales, consignment stores, or even through social media platforms.

Resale: The Market for Second-Hand Goods

On the other hand, resale is a noun that refers to the buying and selling of used goods in a secondary market. It generally involves the sale of pre-owned items that are still in good condition, but are no longer needed or wanted by their original owners. The resale market has gained popularity in recent years as more people embrace sustainable and budget-friendly shopping practices.

Here are some examples of how “resale” can be used in sentences:

“She found a great deal on a designer handbag in a resale shop.”
“The demand for vintage furniture has been growing steadily in the resale market.”
“He donated his old clothes to a local resale store instead of throwing them away.”

Resale can be an excellent way to find unique and affordable items, reduce waste, and extend the lifespan of products. It is often associated with thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms that specialize in selling second-hand goods. Resale is also commonly used in the real estate industry to refer to the selling of previously owned properties.

Key Differences: Resell vs. Resale

While resell and resale are related terms, they are used in different ways and have some key differences. Here are some points to keep in mind:

Usage: Resell is a verb that describes the act of selling something that has already been purchased, typically for profit. Resale is a noun that refers to the buying and selling of used goods in a secondary market.

Action vs. Market: Resell focuses on the action of selling used items for profit, while resale focuses on the market for second-hand goods.

Context: Resell is commonly used in the context of entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and retail, while resale is often used in the context of thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms that specialize in selling used items.

Part of Speech: Resell is a verb, while resale is a noun. Resell is an action that is performed, while resale is a market or a concept.

It’s also worth noting that resell typically implies that the seller is looking to make a profit by selling an item at a higher price than its original purchase price, whereas resale encompasses a broader market of buying and selling used goods, regardless of whether a profit is made or not.

Main Differences Between Resell and Resale

Using Resell or Resale Correctly

Now that we’ve explored the differences between resell and resale, let’s take a look at some tips for using them correctly in your writing:

Use resell when referring to the action of selling something that has already been purchased with the intention of making a profit. For example: “He bought a vintage watch at a flea market and plans to resell it online.”

Use resale when referring to the market or concept of buying and selling used goods. For example: “The resale market for children’s toys is booming.”

Consider the context in which you’re using the words. Resell is commonly used in the context of entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and retail, while resale is often used in the context of thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms that specialize in selling used items.

Be mindful of the intended meaning. Resell implies making a profit, while resale does not necessarily involve making a profit and can refer to buying and selling used goods without any financial gain.

Use appropriate sentence structures when using resell or resale. For example: 

She decided to resell her old textbooks to earn some extra money.

He found a great deal on a used bicycle in the resale market.

The demand for vintage clothing is high in the resale industry.

Food for Thought

As you navigate the world of buying and selling used items, it’s important to understand the nuances between resell and resale to use them correctly in your writing and communication. While resell focuses on the action of selling used items for profit, resale encompasses the broader market of buying and selling used goods, whether a profit is made or not. Paying attention to the context and intended meaning can help you convey your ideas accurately and effectively.

So, whether you’re a budding entrepreneur looking to resell vintage items or a conscious shopper exploring the resale market for affordable and sustainable options, remember to use resell when referring to the action of selling for profit, and resale when referring to the market or concept of buying and selling used goods. By mastering the correct usage of these terms, you’ll be able to communicate your ideas with clarity and precision. Happy buying and selling!