By now, most of us have come across the term 'Girl Math', or at least I hope so — the topic has garnered 235 million posts on TikTok. Girl Math humorously refers to how we justify luxury purchases, from calculating cost per wear to viewing store credit as a ‘free’ gift. While amusing (and sometimes a little too real), it touches on a deeper idea: getting the most value from our purchases.
Enter what I call 'Resale Math' — a strategic approach to shopping that focuses on the value an item brings to your wardrobe versus its potential resale value. For instance, would you prefer a $500 dress that resells for 20% of its value within a year, or a $1000 dress that retains 60% of its value within a year? Both end up costing the same, but the higher-priced dress usually is of better quality, design, materials, or all of the above.
Here’s another one: think about that dress you bought for a wedding but haven’t touched since. Is it worth its $300 resale value, or will it bring $300 worth of value just sitting in your closet?
Why Consider Resale Value?
When it comes to resale, the ‘Girl Math’ actually adds up - considering resale value aligns with both financial and environmental goals. Here’s why:
- Your wallet: Investing in items with high resale value allows you to recoup a significant portion of your expenditure when you decide to part with them. Everyone loves when their clothes hold value.
- Sustainability: Fashion is one of the most polluting industries. By buying items that can be resold, you contribute to a circular economy and reduce waste. Reselling extends the life of garments, keeping them out of landfills and reducing the need for new production.
- Wardrobe flexibility: Trends can be fleeting, and personal tastes evolve. Investing in items with good resale value lets you rotate your wardrobe more flexibly, ensuring each piece remains valuable to your style without regrets.
Gen Z is already adept at this. According to McKinsey, 57% of Gen Z luxury shoppers consider resale value before purchasing. This generation views luxury goods as investments, contributing to a 24% increase in reconsignment rates reported by The RealReal (The RealReal, Gen Z Insights). People have been saying it…. but I think we should look to Gen Z’s shopping behaviors more seriously.
How Future Reference Can Help
We built Future Reference to help you make more considered purchases. Simplified resale processes and effective value estimation can help you make more informed initial purchase decisions, whether they’re new or used items.
Here's how it works:
- Store Purchase Information: Keep a detailed record of your luxury purchases, including receipts, photos, and descriptions. If you’re an over achiever, you can even add items pre-purchase to check their estimated resale value.
- Track Resale Value: Monitor the current market value of your items to know the best time to sell.
- Sell in Seconds: Future Reference streamlines the selling process. With the original details saved, you can list in seconds and connect with our community of luxury enthusiasts.
By thinking ahead about the potential resale value of your investments, you make smarter financial decisions and contribute to the circular economy. Future Reference enhances your ability to manage and maximize the value of your wardrobe, ensuring you get the most out of every purchase. So, next time you're eyeing that designer dress or statement bag, think beyond 'Girl Math' and consider its future resale potential. Happy shopping — let me know what dress you ended up with!
