SAIL, a sporting retailer based in Montreal, has launched reSAIL, a second-hand selling program focussing on selling clothing, footwear and outdoor equipment. The program launched on October 16th and is only available online with expansion plans in 2024.
As sustainability continues to be a main focus in retail in Canada, creating reSAIL was the next step forward in the brand’s sustainability initiatives and building a circular economy.
“Fundamentally it is about a circular economy, allowing consumers to sell back used items they don’t have a need for anymore but are still in good condition. Instead of throwing away items consumers don’t need anymore, they can now resell it for someone else to enjoy and provide a second life to the product. Consumers love this because it is great financially and there are benefits to the environment – they have been asking for this,” says Nicolas Gaudreau, the senior executive for SAIL.
Currently there are five categories available: clothing, footwear, camping equipment, sleeping bags and backpacks. Gaudreau says in 2024, the program will be adding new categories to the program.
How it works
Consumers are able to sell any products matching the five categories. The product does not have to be purchased from the retailer; however, it must match the brands SAIL sells.
Consumers are able to upload a picture of their product and as the product page already has information regarding the product, it will provide an existing product description and original photos.
“The process only takes five minutes. When you put your product on sale, you need to add photos, describe it and also mention if there is a hole as you have to be explicit about if there are any issues with the product. Now another consumer will browse through the site and will buy that product as if they were on an e-commerce platform.”
Gaudreau ensures there is zero interaction between the consumer and seller as SAIL wants to protect its consumers.
“Consumers and the seller will never talk to each other, there is no negotiation and there is never exchange in cash. So you never have to drive to someone’s home to give cash or to pick up a product – reSAIL is perfectly secure in that sense.”
The seller has full control over the price of the product; however, Gaudreau says the reSAIL platform will provide a calculation based on the product’s age and condition.
Ensuring quality and payment options
Sellers are asked to provide photos of the product in its current state and provide a brief description. If the seller is untruthful about the condition or does not provide the product – funds will not be released. Gaudreau says the confirmation process makes sure the seller receives the product and allows the consumer to verify that the product is matching the seller’s description. Once confirmed, the funds will be released.
As for payment options, sellers have three options: you can get 70 percent of value in cash, the full amount in a gift card or if the seller has SAIL’s loyalty program, Explore Plus – they will get up to 110 percent of the value.
“We did that because we really want to reward our loyal customers and to give them an extra incentive to participate in the circular economy and grow their passion with us. It kind of excites people to donate their clothing instead of throwing it out. So you can give your product a second life and get a great gift card to continue your passion and your needs for the outdoors.”
As for future plans for the reSAIL program, Gaureau says it will expand in two ways: adding more categories and providing the program with an in-store experience. Both of these expansion plans will be happening next year. Details about the in-store program will be available at a later date once details have been finalized.
The reSAIL program offers everyone in Canada a chance to sell or buy products as it ships throughout the country.
“reSAIL really answers the needs of emerging consumer needs, it compliments our offerings in a beautiful way and it allows the outdoor lovers to continue to enjoy their outdoor passion with us.
SAIL offers a variety of outdoor equipment for men, women and children. Consumers can find products under clothing, footwear, outdoor gear, fishing and hunting with hundreds of brands to choose from. The company was founded 40 years ago as the owner opened the first location in Beloeil. Today, SAIL offers 12 store locations including locations in Quebec and Ontario and ships throughout Canada.
