Offering exceptional second-hand. Without compromise

"We don’t want to deal with quality issues or customer service for these products."
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That’s the most common objection. And it's a valid one: in a circular model, even the smallest flaw, a broken zip, an incorrect size, an overlooked defect, can undermine customer trust. Especially when you're a brand built on high standards.

But this concern often stems from a misunderstanding. Yes, it is possible to operate a second-hand offering with premium standards, without internalising the entire chain. As long as you rely on the right partners, the right methods, and a rigorous operational approach.

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A quality protocol designed like a retail chain

At Faume, every item is treated with the same care as a new product. The quality protocol we’ve built is industrialised, reliable, and operated by leading European partners. Our two main facilities, Berry Services (France) and Erren Reconditioning (Netherlands), are among the most experienced textile refurbishment specialists on the market. Their teams, made up primarily of professional seamstresses, are experts in quality control for apparel, leather goods and footwear. They operate from industrial platforms capable of handling up to 300,000 items per year.

Each product is inspected, cleaned, steamed, photographed and repackaged following a documented, traceable and replicable process. Every step is managed through our proprietary Warehouse Management System (WMS), which consolidates logistics flows, quality statuses, inventory and potential returns.

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Tailored quality checks for each product category

There is no one-size-fits-all standard when it comes to second-hand quality. That’s why we’ve developed differentiated protocols tailored to the nature and specificities of each product category:

For apparel: seams, linings, pockets, collars and sleeves are thoroughly inspected, both laid flat and under tension.

For footwear: soles, laces and structure are checked, followed by disinfection, polishing and reshaping.

For leather goods: structural inspection, handle strength, interior linings and leather restoration, all carried out by trained professionals, including certified experts from Eshange, a centre recognised by Louis Vuitton.

This level of precision allows us to support brands like Isabel Marant, Victoria Beckham and Aigle on complex categories, from fine knitwear to high-performance technical garments.

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A readable, standardised quality grid

To eliminate grey areas, Faume applies a strict evaluation grid, shared with each partner brand:

-Like new: never worn, with original retail and care labels intact

-Excellent condition: worn fewer than 3 times, no visible flaws

-Very good condition: worn fewer than 8 times, minimal signs of wear

-Good condition: worn fewer than 15 times, discreet imperfections

-Poor condition: removed from sale

This framework significantly reduces returns due to quality issues, currently below 1%.

Each rejected item is photographed, coded, quarantined, and the reason for rejection is documented. The brand retains full visibility and can choose to communicate directly with the customer if needed.

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A process designed for brand-side simplicity

All logistics, quality control, photography, storage and shipping are handled by Faume. Brands retain full control over their image and customer relationship, with access to a dedicated operational dashboard.API integration, flow tracking, real-time visibility, every step is traceable, and performance can be monitored continuously.

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Shared customer service for a frictionless experience

In case of a post-purchase issue, the customer remains in contact with the brand. Faume steps in behind the scenes: reviewing the case, checking the quality records, analysing photos and resolving the dispute.The result: a seamless circular experience, with no added workload for internal teams.

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And what about unsold items? Nothing goes to waste

Some items may not pass quality control. These are not listed for resale, but redirected into complementary channels:

– Donation to partner charities

– Integration into upcycling collaboration

– Recycling through certified material recovery networks

That too is what circularity means: extending the value of each piece, whatever its condition, without ever compromising on standards.

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Conclusion: quality and circularity can go hand in hand

Offering second-hand doesn’t mean lowering your standards.
With Faume, you deploy a refurbishment chain that meets new-product expectations: industrialised, scalable, traceable, and tailored to your brand.

Because a well-refurbished item isn’t just resold, it carries on a story.
And strengthens the bond between your brand and its customers.

Quality isn’t magic. It’s a method.

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