Mehr Sichtbarkeit für die Produkte deines Kinder Second Hand Laden online

You want to sell second-hand kids' clothes or even open your own online or offline kids' second-hand store?

Then tildi is exactly the right place for you – because we’re your partner and your extension.

Our network gives you everything you need to get started quickly and easily with your kids’ second-hand shop – or to sell more products if you're already in business.

But first, let’s answer the key questions that many people ask themselves:

What do I need to start a kids’ second-hand shop?

You’ll need to register a business as soon as you're regularly selling clothing or other items with the intention of making a profit.
This registration is done at your local trade office (Gewerbeamt).

If you're starting an online shop, you might also need to register in the commercial register, depending on the size and structure of your business.

What's better: Online or Offline?

Whether you should sell online or offline depends on several factors:

Online: You’ll need a platform such as tildi, Shopify, WooCommerce, or a marketplace like eBay or Vinted.
Online selling comes with lower fixed costs, but you’ll need a basic understanding of digital tools – or a partner who helps.
Offline: If you prefer selling in person, you’ll need a physical shop, ideally located near families, schools, or daycare centers.
If you enjoy direct contact with customers and can secure a shop between 50–250 sqm in a good location (ideally below €20 per sqm in rent), this can be a great option.
If you have storage space and are good with digital tools, an online store might be more flexible.

What kind of products should I sell?

Your items should be clean, well-maintained, and checked for quality.
What categories you offer depends on your interests and sourcing options.

Popular categories include:

Baby clothing
Outerwear and seasonal gear
Toys
Books
Accessories & baby equipment

Avoid items with too little resale value – here you’ll need a good feel for brands and trends.

Where can I source products?

There are three main models for sourcing inventory:

Consignment:
Customers bring you items they no longer need, and you sell them on their behalf.
You keep 30–60% of the sale price, and return unsold items to the owner.
Buyout/Resale:
You buy the items directly – they become your property.
Usually, you pay 10–30% of the expected resale value upfront.
Trade-in:
You accept clothing in exchange for store credit or vouchers.
This option is less popular with most customers, but can still be useful in certain situations.

Each model has its pros and cons.

How can I manage inventory and customers digitally?

To keep things organized, digital tools are a big help.
Two great software options that use AI and support small second-hand businesses are:

Circle Hand
Minimist

They help you digitize your customer and inventory management efficiently.

What is margin taxation (Differenzbesteuerung) for second-hand goods?

If you buy used goods from private individuals and resell them, the margin taxation rule (§25a UStG) often applies in Germany.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

You only pay VAT on the difference between purchase and selling price
Advantage: This keeps your prices more competitive, as you don’t need to charge full VAT on the total sale
Requirement: You’re not allowed to claim input tax on the purchase

Be sure to talk to a tax advisor or your local Chamber of Commerce (IHK) to ensure you apply this rule correctly – especially when it comes to invoices.

Conclusion:

Even if you’re starting small: a kids’ second-hand shop needs regular attention, well-managed inventory, solid communication with customers, and a good eye for quality.

The more organized and structured your workflow, the more successful you’ll be in the long run.

You don’t need a large investment, but you do need:

A registered business
Basic knowledge of tax rules
A platform or space to sell from
Careful attention to product selection and legal compliance
Marketing and organizational skills

The best part?

You already own or plan to open a kids’ second-hand shop?
Then simply start selling online with tildi too.

We extend your reach and make your products visible – so they sell faster, and your business grows sustainably and efficiently.