Resale vs. Resell — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 22, 2023
Resale refers to the act of selling something again, while resell means to sell something that one has bought.
Difference Between Resale and Resell
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Key Differences
Resale and resell both revolve around the concept of selling something again, but they serve different grammatical roles. Resale, primarily a noun, denotes the activity or instance of selling a previously owned item. Resell, however, stands as a verb, indicating the action taken to sell an item again after its initial purchase.
In many marketplaces, resale shops or businesses specialize in items that have been previously owned. These shops focus on the resale of items, buying them from individuals and then offering them for sale to others. On the flip side, individuals or businesses might resell products, whether they initially purchased them for personal use or for a specific purpose.
An interesting note is how resale value comes into play. This term references the potential amount an item can fetch when put up for resale in the market. Alternatively, if someone decides to resell their car, they would be putting it back on the market, aiming to recuperate a portion of their initial investment.
While both words are closely related, context determines their apt usage. For instance, if one talks about the process or instance of selling again, "resale" fits the bill. Conversely, if referring to the act of selling something one has previously bought, "resell" is the word to go for.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Verb
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Meaning
The act or instance of selling again
To sell something one has bought
Usage Context
Refers to the activity or occasion
Indicates the action taken
Examples
Resale value, resale shop
Resell a ticket, resell a product
Associated Phrases
"Up for resale", "resale market"
"Looking to resell", "can't resell it"
Compare with Definitions
Resale
A market where previously owned goods are sold.
She found a rare book at the resale shop.
Resell
An instance of selling a previously owned item.
The resale of the vintage watch fetched a high price.
Resale
The act of selling something again.
The resale of the tickets was prohibited.
Resell
A market where previously owned goods are sold.
She found a rare book at the resale shop.
Resale
An instance of selling a previously owned item.
The resale of the vintage watch fetched a high price.
Resell
The act of selling something again.
The resale of the tickets was prohibited.
Resale
The potential selling price of an item if sold again.
The car's resale value remained high.
Resell
The potential selling price of an item if sold again.
The car's resale value remained high.
Resale
Selling items that have been previously used or owned.
The resale market for designer bags is booming.
Resell
Selling items that have been previously used or owned.
The resale market for designer bags is booming.
Resale
The sale of a thing previously bought
He is renovating them for resale
Resale value
Resell
Sell (something one has bought) to someone else
Products can be resold on the black market for huge profits
Resale
The act of selling again.
Resell
To sell again.
Resale
The action of selling something previously bought, usually at a higher price for profit.
Resell
To sell (a product or service) to the public or to an end user, especially as an authorized dealer.
Resale
Of or pertaining to selling on.
The resale value was high as the items were quite rare.
Resell
To sell again.
Resale
A sale at second hand, or at retail; also, a second sale.
Resell
To sell again; to sell what has been bought or sold; to retail.
Resale
The selling of something purchased
Resell
Sell (something) again after having bought it
Common Curiosities
What might a "resale shop" offer?
A "resale shop" offers items that have been previously owned and are up for sale again.
If I buy a concert ticket and sell it to someone else, what am I doing?
You are choosing to resell the ticket.
Is "resale value" the same as the purchase price?
Not necessarily. "Resale value" refers to the potential amount an item can fetch when sold again.
What determines an item's "resale value"?
Factors like demand, condition, rarity, and brand can determine an item's resale value.
Are there legal restrictions on what items one can resell?
Yes, depending on the item and jurisdiction, there can be legal restrictions on reselling.
Is there a difference between a "resale shop" and a thrift store?
Both sell used items, but a resale shop often buys items to sell, while thrift stores often operate on donations.
Can "resell" refer to selling something more than once?
Yes, "resell" can refer to selling an item multiple times after its initial purchase.
Is "resale" a noun or a verb?
"Resale" is primarily a noun.
What does "resell" indicate?
"Resell" is a verb that indicates the action of selling something one has bought.
Can I use "resale" and "resell" interchangeably?
While related, they serve different grammatical roles; they aren't typically interchangeable.
If I'm talking about selling my old books, should I use "resale" or "resell"?
You can say you want to "resell" your old books, or you can refer to the "resale" of your old books.
Are "resale rights" the same as copyrights?
No, "resale rights" allow one to sell a product, while copyrights pertain to the rights of the creator or holder.
Can businesses resell products?
Yes, businesses can and often do resell products, especially in secondary markets.
Why is "resale value" important for cars?
"Resale value" for cars indicates how much value the car retains and can fetch when sold in the future.
If I buy software and then sell it, am I reselling it?
Yes, but there might be licensing restrictions that prohibit the resale of software.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
