Every year, thousands of brand-new items end up relegated to the back of a closet as soon as December 26th. 🎁 Reselling these gifts on the most suitable platform allows both to declutter and quickly recover purchasing power. Peer-to-peer marketplaces like Rakuten or Vinted often offer the best prices, while professional players guarantee fast payment. Here is a comprehensive overview of reliable options and pitfalls to avoid to turn an unwanted gift into cold, hard cash.
Choosing the right platform to resell Christmas gifts
The first decision is to opt for selling between individuals or reselling to a professional. Two approaches, two outcomes: more time but higher margin on one hand, no hassle but lower buyback price on the other.
- ⏰ Available time: shipping, negotiation, after-sales service…
- 💶 Expected amount: commissions ranging from 0% to 27%.
- 🔒 Security: dispute management, parcel insurance, customer support.
- 🌍 Audience: monthly traffic and product targeting.
| Type of platform 🚀 | Main advantage 😊 | Major drawback 😬 |
|---|---|---|
| P2P Marketplace (Vinted, Leboncoin, Rakuten…) | Higher selling price | Full management by the seller |
| Professional buyback (Back Market, Easy Cash…) | Guaranteed fast payment | Lower buyback offer |
| Gift card specialist (Place des Cartes) | Turns credit into cash | Discount depending on supply and demand |
Peer-to-peer sales: key criteria for success
To optimize your chances, several parameters deserve attention:
- 📸 Impeccable visuals: high-definition photos, neutral background, natural lighting.
- ✍️ Accurate description: condition, dimensions, warranty, serial number if applicable.
- 📦 Clear shipping method: tracked parcel or hand delivery for bulky items (consider Trocathlon for sports equipment).
- 💬 Responsiveness: quick replies to questions reassure buyers.
Overview of the best peer-to-peer marketplaces
Each site attracts a specific audience. Selecting the right platform according to the nature of the gift multiplies sales in under 72 hours.
| Platform 🔗 | Popular products 🎯 | Seller fees 💸 | 2025 feature ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten | High-tech, video games, collector toys | 10% over €25 | 2% cash-back loyalty program |
| Vinted | Fashion, accessories, decor | 0% (buyer pays fees) | One-click launch in Spain–Italy–Belgium |
| Leboncoin | Furniture, household appliances, children’s vehicles | 0% (shipping fees to buyer) | “New item” filter added end of 2024 |
| Complete eBay guide | Collectibles, vintage, luxury | Variable (average 12.9%) | Automatic alert on fraudulent bids |
| Facebook Marketplace | Local items, furniture, small appliances | 0% | Meta Relay delivery at 18,000 points |
| Wallapop | Second-hand high-tech | 13% | Integrated parcel insurance up to €2,000 |
- 🕹️ Brand new electronic toy? eBay or Rakuten attract collectors.
- 👗 Ready-to-wear outfit? Vinted finds a buyer within hours.
- 🚲 Child’s bike? The “Sports & Leisure” tab on Leboncoin remains heavily visited.
- 🍽️ Tableware? Local Facebook Marketplace groups avoid fragile shipping.
Case study: Arthur and his PS5 console still in plastic
Arthur, 16, already owns a PS5. Two hours after Christmas Eve, the teenager posts the ad on Back Market (2025 edition now open to individuals). In less than 20 minutes, the console is reserved; 48 hours later, Arthur cashes in €420 versus €550 in-store, avoiding listing fees.
Reselling to a professional: speed and peace of mind
Buyback services offer a “turnkey” solution. In three clicks, the price is set, the shipping label printed, and the money transferred once the parcel is checked.
- ⚡ Easy Cash: 130 stores, instant quote for smartphones, watches, and jewelry.
- 📚 Momox: scanned barcodes, free shipping for books, CDs, DVDs.
- 💻 Back Market Occasion +: express buyback of high-tech devices less than 3 years old.
- 🎟️ Place des Cartes: monetizes Fnac, Zalando Privé, or Cdiscount gift cards.
| Pro service ⚙️ | Payment delay ⏳ | Average discount 📉 | Accepted types 🗂️ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Cash | 48 h after receipt | -30% off new | High-tech, luxury, multimedia |
| Momox | 72 h | -50% | Cultural products |
| Back Market | 24 h | -35% | Smartphones, computers |
| Place des Cartes | 24 h | -10% to ‑25% | Gift cards and vouchers |
Beware of checkpoints before shipping
Solid packaging, factory reset for connected devices, and proof of purchase speed up validation. Without these precautions, the platform may lower the price.
Gift cards, an underutilized treasure
The CSA Institute estimates that €800 million lie dormant on gift cards and vouchers in France. Not using them is equivalent to an involuntary donation to retailers.
- 🎯 Enter the value and expiration on Place des Cartes: immediate quote.
- 📩 Send the card free of charge by tracked letter.
- 💰 Receive the transfer within 24 hours.
The price increases for highly demanded brands (e.g., Zalando Privé or Cdiscount) and decreases as the expiration date approaches.
Common pitfalls and good practices to avoid scams
- 🚫 Fake SMS / emails: ignore any payment links outside official platforms.
- 🛡️ Parcel insurance: always use a tracking number and delivery with signature.
- 🔍 Buyer profile: check ratings, especially on Leboncoin and eBay.
- 💡 Original photos: exclude catalog images to prove actual possession.
- 🎯 Realistic pricing: an item listed 10% below new rarely sells; aim instead for a 25% to 40% discount.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about reselling Christmas gifts
- What is the best time to post an ad?
The two weeks following December 25th concentrate the peak search; posting before January 10th maximizes visibility. - Can you resell a product still under warranty?
Yes, the warranty is transferable in France; attaching the original invoice reassures the buyer and justifies your price. - Which items sell fastest in 2025?
Wireless earbuds, latest-gen consoles, Lego collector sets, and multi-brand gift cards usually sell in under 48 hours. - Is second-hand selling taxable?
For an individual, proceeds are exempt from tax as long as they don’t exceed €3,000 per year or 22 sales; beyond that, a tax declaration is required. - How to set an attractive price without discounting excessively?
Compare the new price, apply a 30% discount, then adjust according to condition and rarity; a sealed product can sell for up to 85% of its store value.
