#60 Following Up After a Business Meeting｜French Business Expressions
Izumi French Garden
#131 Selling Clothes at a Recycling Shop｜French Shopping Phrases
Izumi
Unwanted clothes can be taken to a recycling shop and sold for cash.
In such situations, you will need to explain the type and condition of the clothes in French, as well as ask about the appraisal process and the estimated time required.
In this article, I will explain useful French expressions for selling clothes at a recycling shop, using a practical conversation example.
Contents
Dialogue
Bonjour. J’aimerais vendre quelques vêtements, si c’est possible.
（Hello. I would like to sell a few items of clothing, if possible.）
Bien sûr. Vous pouvez les déposer ici, s’il vous plaît.
（Of course. Please place them here.）
Ce sont surtout des manteaux et des chemises, en bon état.
（They are mainly coats and shirts, and they are in good condition.）
Avez-vous déjà vendu chez nous ?
（Have you sold items at our shop before?）
Oui, c’est la première fois. Comment se passe l’estimation ?
（No, this is my first time. How does the appraisal process work?）
Nous évaluons les articles, puis nous vous proposons un prix. Vous êtes libre d’accepter ou non.
（We evaluate the items and then offer you a price. You are free to accept it or decline.）
D’accord. Combien de temps cela prend-il en général ?
（I see. How long does it usually take?）
Environ vingt minutes. Vous pouvez attendre ou repasser plus tard.
（About twenty minutes. You may wait here or come back later.）
Je vais attendre. Merci.
（I will wait, thank you.）
1. Asking to Sell Clothes
At a recycling shop, it is important to clearly state whether you wish to buy or sell items at the beginning.
Example
- J’aimerais vendre quelques vêtements.
（I would like to sell a few items of clothing.）
The phrase “J’aimerais …” means “I would like to …” and is a polite, understated way of making a request. It can be used comfortably with shop staff, even when visiting for the first time.
“quelques vêtements” means “a few items of clothing” and naturally conveys that you would like to sell multiple garments.
Related Expression
- Serait-il possible de vendre ces vêtements ici ?
（Would it be possible to sell these clothes here?）
2. Describing the Type and Condition of the Clothes
Next, briefly explain the type of clothes you have brought in and their condition.
Example
- Ce sont surtout des manteaux et des chemises, en bon état.
（They are mainly coats and shirts, and they are in good condition.）
The expression “ce sont surtout …” allows you to give a general overview, meaning “they are mainly …”.
“en bon état” means “in good condition” and is commonly used during appraisals.
Related Expressions
- presque neuf : almost new
- peu porté : hardly worn
- en très bon état : in very good condition
Providing this information in advance helps the staff better understand the situation before the appraisal.
3. Asking About the Appraisal Process
When using a recycling shop for the first time, it is reassuring to ask how the appraisal will proceed.
Example
- Comment se passe l’estimation ?
（How does the appraisal process work?）
The noun “estimation” means “appraisal” or “evaluation” and is frequently used in second-hand sales.
Related Expressions
- Est-ce que je dois remplir un formulaire ?
（Do I need to fill out any paperwork?） - Dois-je présenter une pièce d’identité ?
（Do I need to present an ID?） - Comment évaluez-vous les vêtements ?
（How do you evaluate the clothes?）
4. Confirming the Required Time and Waiting Options
Since appraisals take some time, it is a good idea to ask in advance how long the process will take.
Example
- Combien de temps cela prend-il en général ?
（How long does it usually take?）
Adding “en général” softens the question, meaning “generally” or “as a rough estimate.”
A common response is:
Example
- Environ vingt minutes.
（About twenty minutes.）
You may also hear:
Example
- Vous pouvez attendre ou repasser plus tard.
（You may wait here or come back later.）
Possible replies include:
Examples
- Je vais attendre.
（I will wait.） - Je repasserai plus tard.
（I will come back later.）
Summary
Key French Phrases
- J’aimerais vendre quelques vêtements.
→ A basic expression for stating that you want to sell clothes at a recycling shop. - Ce sont des manteaux / des chemises en bon état.
→ A simple way to describe the type and condition of the clothes. - Comment se passe l’estimation ?
→ A useful phrase for asking about the appraisal process. - Combien de temps cela prend-il en général ?
→ An expression for asking about the required time.
