The Theology of Thrifting II

Secondhand vs Resale

Today’s message is about two words: secondhand and resale. What’s the difference?

As an adjective, secondhand is used to describe an item that has been owned before, which may or may not have been used by the original owner. But resale requires action.

When something no longer serves you, you have choices with what you can do with a secondhand item. You can cast it aside, pass it down, trade it, donate it—or you can resell it. Resale is what happens when you decide that an item still has monetary value.

There are many ways to answer that call. Some are formal and brick & mortar: vintage / antique shops, thrift stores, and consignment boutiques like this very parlor. Others are more spontaneous and communal—swap meets, flea markets, street festivals, garage sales, auction houses, etc. And then, of course, there are the digital marketplaces that have multiplied over the past few decades, including eBay, Poshmark, and The RealReal.

We’ll cover these channels in future posts. For now, remember this: secondhand is where something has been. Resale is where it’s going.

If your interpretation differs, we welcome your testimony. Let us reason together. ✨