The whiff of dreams packed with determined and passionate efforts in realizing a unique vision into reality was instantly reflected when I came across the website- KlosetEdit for the very first time.
I readily related to the need for such a platform as we all have some outfits which only stare at us from our closets and seldom meet the cut for our, “Out of the Day” – so it sounds nothing less than amazing to be actually getting to sell them off. Or how about getting an opportunity to buy our most desirable labels at extremely attractive prices only because one of us decides to part ways with it. Yes, KlosetEdit gives closet management a whole new meaning. And that is exactly why I chose to indulge in tete-a-tete with Deepal and Kanika, the lady bosses who made it all happen…
Kanika Khurana and Deepal Gandhi
Q: Did you both always wanted to turn fashion entrepreneurs? Please share with us on what eventually led to the KlosetEdit?
A: We met at LSE Summer School in 2010 and bonded over our love for all things fashion. One casual conversation of how “we feel like we have nothing to wear and yet have no space in our overflowing closets, wish we could just sell our closet for cash” led us to wonder if more women feel the same way! Post college, we took up full time corporate jobs while never leaving our idea behind. After conducting extensive market research, we realized that due to increase in demand for aspirational brands, better logistical support and changing mindset of the consumers, India was maturing as a market for pre-loved fashion. The thrill of building a brand to solve the closet needs propelled us to leave our jobs and plunge into the start-up life!
Q: For the benefit of our readers who have several items hanging in their closets lying unused for the longest time, please explain how they can benefit through KlosetEdit?
A: It is a well surveyed fact that women only end up using 20% of the apparel from their closets, rest of the items make up for impulse purchases, unwanted gifts and sizes that don’t fit anymore. While we actively encourage women to donate items they no longer use, branded handbags and designer dresses that aren’t used anymore are hard to just give away! Thus, they keep lying in our closets, gathering dust and taking up space in our precious ‘real estate’. This is where KlosetEdit comes in the picture. We help women sell their ‘too tight’ impulse purchased jeans, barely used dresses and seasonal buys for something more chic, on point and affordable. In order to sell pre-loved fashion, a seller simply fills a simple seller form with a few details of the products being sent along with a few photos. We arrange a pick-up of the styles which are selected by our in-house stylist. Once the item comes to the warehouse, it goes through an extensive quality and authenticity check and a resale price is quoted to the seller, (only once the seller agrees to the pricing) we start the listing process. Everything from photography, hygiene to maintenance is taken care of by our team. As and when the product sells, we forward the money to the seller in form of a bank transfer or store credits.
Q: Most of us are familiar with the concept of vintage shops being in existence but how has the response been in the virtual world and particularly in the Indian market as far as purchasing a previously owned item is concerned?
A: It has been overwhelming! Sure, there is still apprehension with pre-owned items, but the mindset is fast changing. Buying pre-loved is smart shopping. Why should you pay full retail price when you can buy new items from a variety of brands at up to 80% off? Our excessive focus on QC and curation has led to customers calling us to appreciate the quality of items they have received. Maintaining high quality standards and being extremely transparent about the condition of the items has helped us win loyal customers all over India. We are constantly working towards making buying and selling of fashion as informative and hassle free as possible.
Q: Do you accept only high-end labels? How does one decide what to send for selling and what not?
A: We love all brands from Zara to LV! One can sell anything from a Mango dress to a Hollister skirt to MK bag to Jimmy Choo shoes. We accept most brands from high street to high-end fashion, simply because we don’t want to restrict our collection and we believe each pre-loved item that is in a great condition deserves to be loved again! That being said, we request each seller to look at our list of brands we love and detailed quality standards before scheduling a pick-up with us.
Q: What would you like to say to all those young girls who have a dream but are not able to take it to the next level?
A: Make it happen! Life is too short to miss opportunities. It is always tough to take the plunge, but have a plan, work with a focus and no matter what, don’t stop believing! Starting up has its own highs and lows but the highs are so rewarding. There is no feeling in the world better than seeing your dream turn into a reality.
Q: On a lighter note, when was the last time you got tempted to buy something one of your seller’s sent for the website?
A: EVERYDAY! Honestly, if someone was to ask us on what is the biggest challenge? It sure is this! We get such amazing styles that we really have to control each other from not buying products ourselves!
Q: Lastly, tell us about the future plans for KlosetEdit?
A: We have been overwhelmed with the response we have got thus far, winning buyers and sellers trust has been the most exhilarating part of our journey. Future plans include geographical expansion, we have seen interest from varied parts of the country and vertical expansion. We also plan to add more styles and categories so people are always looking forward to pre-loved fashion. All of these plans are centered around the customer and ensuring that we provide the best to them.
So, as I wrap up, it is best that you now straight head to check out their phenomenal endeavor @klosetedit.com
Best,
Sonali
Helipad On Heels 