What does resale mean?
Resale is the selling of something that has already been bought, whether by an individual, a retailer, or a specialist company. As a noun, it can refer to a single transaction, the wider business of second-hand selling, or the market in which previously owned goods circulate. As a verb, it means to sell something again, often after buying it from an earlier owner. The term is common in phrases such as resale value, resale market, and ticket resale. It is generally neutral, though its association with scarce goods and repeated markups can sometimes be negative. Resale is also economically important: it allows products, clothing, vehicles, and other assets to remain in use and can make ownership accessible to buyers who cannot afford new examples.
The act or business of selling something that has previously been bought; a second sale of a product or item.
"The tickets were bought through a ticket resale website."
Common in both general commercial contexts and discussions of second-hand markets.
To sell something again after it has previously been purchased or owned.
"The store resells refurbished computers to local businesses."
Often used when the seller is not the original manufacturer and may be acting as an intermediary.
The plural is used for individual resale transactions or for the overall number of items or sales in this category.
"The company reported hundreds of resales during the holiday season."
Resale turns previously owned objects into a second economic life, but it can also put pressure on markets for scarce goods.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of resale
Resale is formed from resell and the noun sale, combining the idea of selling again with the basic commercial action. It shares its origin with sell, seller, and sale, all of which belong to the long-established English word family associated with commerce.
Related word forms
How resale is actually used
Resale is neutral in tone. In discussions of tickets, vehicles, or limited products, it may imply that the item is being sold again at a higher price, whereas in retail contexts it can describe an ordinary second-hand market.
Easily confused with resale
Resale is typically a noun naming the transaction or business, while resell is the verb describing the act of selling an item again.