Revente

Revente is the act of selling goods or property that one has already bought, rather than selling directly from the producer. It covers both informal private transactions and formal commercial activities. The term is commonly used for second-hand trading, and can apply to any later sale of goods, including real estate, vehicles, electronics, or artworks.

Private resale involves individuals selling used items to other individuals, often through garage sales, flea markets, or online classifieds. Professional resale includes wholesalers, liquidators, thrift shops, and retailers who purchase used goods for resale or buy stock from liquidations. Online platforms and apps have broadened the reach of revente by enabling direct matching of buyers and sellers and creating marketplaces for second-hand items. Arbitrage is a related practice where resellers buy products to resell at higher prices in different markets or channels.

Impact and considerations: Revente promotes a circular economy by extending product lifespans and offering affordable goods, but it also raises concerns about authenticity, quality, and warranty. Sellers are typically expected to disclose item condition; buyers may seek guarantees or return options. Regulatory frameworks vary: many jurisdictions protect consumers in resale transactions, regulate safety standards, and may prohibit practices such as counterfeit sales or certain forms of price manipulation. In some sectors, such as the art market, a resale right or droit de suite provides that artists receive royalties on qualifying resales through professional intermediaries.