If it’s time to clean out your closet, then it might also be time for you to make some money. Yes, selling your used clothes could be the solution to all of your problems — or at least some of them.
There’s no need to wait until spring to do an overhaul of your wardrobe. In fact, we recommend you do it at least once a season.
Here’s a great place to start: Make a giant pile of all the clothes you don’t wear anymore. Yes, that means going to the hall closet and looking through your winter gear, your swimsuit collection and, yes, all the shorts and shirts you said you would keep in case someone in the family had a child. You can buy them new clothes with the money you make on your old items.
As you examine each piece, ask yourself some key questions: Does this fit? Do I still like it? When’s the last time I wore it?
If your answer is no, no and it’s been years, then it’s time to sell. The next question you might be asking yourself is: but where do I actually do it? Don’t worry—we’ve rounded up the best stores in person and online to take the items you no longer want.
Where to Sell Used Clothes Online
1. Depop
Depop is fast becoming the top app for fashion-minded Zoomers. It’s as much of a lifestyle and social media app as it is a clothing marketplace, and that means high-quality photos with unique staging are a must.
The app is user friendly, and you can set up an account, sync it to your PayPal and start listing clothes in just a few minutes. Depop doesn’t charge you to create a listing. Instead, it takes a 10% cut when your item sells.
You can also choose your shipping method. You can either ship through Depop using the U.S. Postal Service or arrange your own shipping. You can choose to provide free shipping or charge your buyer for shipping.
2. Ebay
Compared to other websites and apps, eBay may seem like a relic of the past. But the site, after more than 25 years, remains a solid option for selling just about anything online — used clothes included.
So long as you create fewer than 250 listings each month, making a listing won’t cost you a dime. Like most e-commerce sites, eBay does charge seller fees. For most clothing, eBay charges 15% of the total amount of the sale if the item is sold for $2,000 or less. If the item is over $2,000, eBay takes 9% of the total amount of the sale. For select clothing, like men’s or women’s athletic shoes, those numbers are lower — 8% of a sale of $150 or more and 12.9% of a sale that is less than $150.
EBay provides a variety of shipment methods, and the price is based on the dimensions and weight of your package. And if the buyer is local, you can forgo shipping altogether by allowing for pickup.
- Website: www.ebay.com
- Download the app: App Store, Google Play
- Good for: All types of clothing and accessories for primarily national buyers
- Payout: Direct deposit
3. Facebook Marketplace
In recent years, Facebook has invested a lot into fine-tuning its Marketplace feature, which is built into the regular Facebook app. There is no standalone version, meaning you must have a Facebook profile to use it.
Creating a free listing is almost as easy as creating a status update. Look for the storefront icon along your menu bar, click or tap “create a new listing,” follow the prompts, add some well-lit pictures and thorough descriptions, and you’re good to go.
A word of advice: In general, Facebook Marketplace caters mostly to local sales. Oh, and get ready to haggle.
4. Poshmark
As a “social marketplace,” Poshmark really encourages you to attend buying and selling events, interact with its community and share fashion tips. But if you just want a quick way to get rid of your whopping wardrobe, you can skirt all the bells and whistles and make a listing relatively easily.
For sales under $15, Poshmark charges a flat fee of $2.95. For sales above $15, Poshmark takes 20%. So for items straddling that cut-off point, you’ll want to think carefully about how much to charge. $15 for that vintage tank top and you’ll have to fork over $2.95. $20 for the same tank, and the fee would drop to $2.
What’s nice about Poshmark is that, for each order, the company provides a prepaid shipping label.
- Website: www.poshmark.com
- Download the app: App Store, Google Play
- Good for: Popular mid- to high-end brands for men, women and children
- Payout: Direct deposit, check (via USPS) or store credit
5. Swap.com
Unlike most other places to sell used clothes online, Swap.com does almost all of the work for you. But that convenience comes at a price.
When you sell with Swap.com, you pay $19.99 for a shipping label, load up the high-quality clothes you want to sell, and they do the rest. They’ll inspect them, photograph them, list them and sell them for you.
For items with a sales price of $8 and under, you will receive only 15%. For items that sell for more than $8, you receive 70% of the sales price but are also subject to a flat $4.95 processing charge.
Given these steep fees, you’ll want to be sure your clothes meet (and exceed!) the Swap.com’s acceptance criteria.
- Website: www.swap.com
- Download the app: Google Play
- Good for: Well-known, higher-end brands for men, women and children
- Payout: Store credit or cash (via PayPal)
6. ThredUP
ThredUP’s mission is to reduce fashion waste. And it does this by allowing you to sell your used clothes easily. Quickly? Now that’s another story. The entire process, from shipping to payout, could take months.
To sell with thredUP, you simply choose a “clean out kit,” which they mail to you with a provided shipping label. You fill up the bag and send it back. Then you wait for them to inspect your clothes and list them. Once they’re ready to be listed, you have a window of time to choose how much you want to charge for them. (Alternatively, you can use a suggested price.)
For the clothes that are accepted and sold, you receive a portion of the profits depending on the sales price of the item. For items that aren’t accepted, consider them donated. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay to have them returned to you.
The payout system for thredUP is more complicated than most other comparable marketplaces. Check out this chart or click here to read more.
ThredUP Payout System
| Sales Price | Payout Percentage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5 to $19.99 | 3% to 15% | |||
| $20 to $49.99 | 15% to 30% | |||
| $50 to $99.99 | 30% to 60% | |||
| $100 to $199.99 | 60% to 80% | |||
| $200 or more | 80% |
- Website: www.thredup.com
- Download the app: App Store, Google Play
- Good for: Mall- and designer-brand clothes that you’re okay with donating if they don’t get accepted
- Payout: PayPal, prepaid Visa or store credit
7. Tradesy
think again. The company boasts millions of people who use its marketplace to sell gently used designer brands for women.
Items that sell for $50 or less incur a flat $7.50 seller fee. For items above $50, Tradesy takes a 19.8% commission. All of your profits are kept in a Tradesy wallet, available for withdrawal to your PayPal, debit card or checking account for a 2.9% transaction fee. You can skirt the fee by spending your earnings on Tradesy.
The good news is that the buyer pays the shipping fees, and Tradesy provides you, as the seller, a prepaid shipping label and box to load up your finest fashion.
- Website: www.tradesy.com
- Download the app: App Store
- Good for: High-end women’s fashion
- Payout: PayPal, direct deposit or store credit
8. The RealReal
The RealReal is a great place to sell online if you want to get top dollar for your clothes and they’re luxury or high-end. The online marketplace sells everything from fine jewelry to kids clothing. Some recent sales include a $3,000 Chanel vintage quilted bag, a $645 Versace silk mini dress and $5,650 Rolex. If you think you have things that fit into this category, why not try your hand at this?
The process is simple: either schedule a pickup, ship or even drop off in a limited number of locations. The RealReal has authentication experts that will review each item to see its value. Once your items have been accepted, the site does all the work for you — photography, listing, pricing.
And if your item does sell, you’ll make more money percentage-wise based on how much it sells for and what sort of item you’re selling. Percentage-wise, collectibles, watches, handbags and outdoor equipment tend to do best. Your annual sales also impact your commission: if you make $1,500 a year or even $5,000 or $10,000, these can put you at higher tiers with The RealReal and earn you more money.
9. Mercari
Mercari brands itself as a site for people to declutter, and what’s great about it is, in their own words, “you can list almost anything.” Unlike more authentication-driven sites, Mercari puts the onus in the seller’s hands — take photos, describe your item and price it.
You can ship on your own dime, purchase a prepaid label or have UPS pack and ship the purchase for you. After the item is delivered, the buyer has three days to review it and rate the transaction. Sellers will receive their money either through instant pay or direct deposit.
If you want to get rid of a few things around the house with little additional effort, Mercari may be the way to go.
10. ASOS Marketplace
ASOS Marketplace aims to be a trendier option for all the vintage lovers out there. The brand benefits from its association with ASOS, already a popular online store. But it’s intended more for the vintage entrepreneur than for someone who wants to sell one-off articles of clothing. After all, there’s a 15-piece minimum to start.
The good news is that there are no listing fees. Sellers are considered to have their own boutique and pay a 20% commission fee to ASOS. In general, customers pay for the shipping and sellers have two days to ship an item after payment clears. You’ll receive your money through PayPal or Stripe.
11. Vestiaire Collective
Much like The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective has a reputation for being the marketplace for luxury items. They purport to have a community of more than 23 million fashion lovers worldwide, so it’s worth trying to sell on the platform.
But sellers should know that they will have to do most of the work themselves. Create a listing, wait for someone to bite and Vestiaire Collective will send you a prepaid shipping label. They will also take at least 12% of your sales for items between $100 and $16,500, while an item less than $100 has an established fee of $12. Each transaction also comes with a 3% payment processing fee, so make sure to factor this in when calculating what you might earn. Like many other platforms, sellers get paid through PayPal.
12. Vinted
Like Poshmark or ThredUp, Vinted is a more casual site for the person who wants to sell off a few of their preloved items. You sell by listing your items of choice on the app. This is yet another service that requires you to do the work yourself. When your item is sold, you print your prepaid shipping label and you’ll get paid through direct deposit.
What sets Vinted apart from other sites is the fact that sellers don’t actually pay to list their items or pay a commission. It’s the buyers who pay a buyer protection fee of 5% of the item’s price plus $0.70.
13. Kidizen
If you’ve gone through your kids’ closets and found far too many pieces of clothing that no longer fit or you no longer want, then Kidizen is the site for you. The resale platform is devoted to children’s items — and some things for Mom.
Selling works in two ways: go with the site’s personal sellers, who will tell you what to sell and list it for you, or list yourself. Brands like Patagonia, Kate Quinn Organics and Tula tend to be Kidizen favorites, according to the site, but check out all their best-selling brand names here.
Once your item sells, expect to deduct 12% as a marketplace fee for Kidizen if you’re selling yourself. According to the site, “sellers are responsible for shipping costs” but they can purchase a shipping label through Kidizen. Once your item has been processed by the buyer, you receive your cash as Kidizen credit or through PayPal or direct deposit.
Where to Sell Used Clothes In Person
While there are many options to sell your clothes online, maybe you don’t have the technical know-how (or the patience) to do it yourself. Don’t fret.
There are several national brick-and-mortar places to pawn off your used clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories — even baby clothes, toys and supplies — to get cash in your pocket by the end of the day.
14. Buffalo Exchange
Founded in 1974, Buffalo Exchange has remained family owned as it has expanded. The company is a firm believer in reusing and recycling clothes to reduce waste and pollution (and save cash). Each store also partners with local charities.
Buffalo Exchange accepts a wide array of clothes for both men and women — vintage, activewear, plus sizes and more. Contrary to its name, it does not accept livestock at this time. Sorry in advance.
- Website: www.buffaloexchange.com
- Located in: 15 states
- Good for: Everyday staples in popular brands, including plus sizes and menswear
- Payout: Cash or store credit
15. Clothes Mentor
Clothes Mentor is a one-stop shop for fashionable women’s clothing size 0 to 26 and maternity wear. It’s a hub for those who want designer brands without designer price tags.
Clothes that sell well include Anthropologie, Banana Republic,White House Black Market and others. Shoes, accessories, jewelry and handbags are also accepted. Clothes Mentor has a number of stores in the U.S. — click here to see them all.
16. Once Upon a Child
It’s no surprise that child care expenses are a budget buster, but Once Upon a Child can help keep costs down when it comes to baby clothes, supplies and even furniture.
In addition to children’s clothes in sizes preemie to youth 20, Once Upon a Child will buy used cribs, cradles, strollers, baby electronics, Halloween costumes and toys. Even more good news for parents: You won’t have to look very far. Once Upon a Child has more than 400 stores across the U.S. and Canada.
17. Plato’s Closet
Ah, the ole standby, Plato’s Closet. You may not have known this was a clothing exchange store, but it’s likely that you’ve caught a glimpse of one of its more than 480 locations in North America—likely tucked in an unassuming spot.
Plato’s is Winmark Corp.’s most successful clothing exchange franchise, and it’s aimed at teens and young adults. Everyday styles from Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, H&M, Nike and Obey are typically in demand.
Plato’s Closet also buys athleticwear, shoes and accessories.
To see if your wardrobe surplus is a good fit for Plato’s, browse its website for other brands and styles that sell well.
18. Style Encore
Another solid option from Winmark Corp. is Style Encore. It’s like Plato’s sibling, only slightly older and more sophisticated.
Style Encore accepts women’s clothing from brands like Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, Coach and Kate Spade. Like Clothes Mentor, Style Encore has personal stylists to help you look like a million bucks (without spending a million).
It’s Winmark’s newest clothing exchange brand, so there aren’t as many locations as its other stores.
19. Uptown Cheapskate
Want to show off some labels? Uptown Cheapskate is your place. It’s a cross between a trendy boutique and a thrift store for young adults. You can sell or trade in men’s and women’s clothes at any of its more than 100 locations nationwide. Sellers either get 25-35% of the item’s price in cash or around 50% of the item’s value in store credit. High-end items like Chanel and Louis Vuitton can get as much as 60% in cash for the seller.
Brands that do well at Uptown Cheapskate include Lululemon, Free People and Zara. If you’re unsure if your clothes will fit in style-wise, visit the store’s website for more info on trending brands and styles.
20. Crossroads Training
Crossroads Trading is like a trendier version of Plato’s Closet or Buffalo Exchange. With locations scattered throughout the country, you have a good chance of finding one within a relatively small radius of where you live.
Crossroads stores focus on trendier items — they currently list homestead chic, underground edge and sporty wear among the items they’re looking for on their site. Name-brands are particularly desirable.
When sellers bring their clothes to Crossroads, they either get 50% of the store price in store credit or 30% in instant cash.
21. Bonus: Local Consignment Shops
If none of the above stores fit the bill, you can always try your nearest consignment shop.
These shops work a little differently than clothing-exchange stores, because consignment stores may not pay you until your item sells. That means it’s unlikely you’ll walk out with a pocketful of cash. It’s also difficult to predict what brands they will buy, because most local stores don’t have databases and metrics off of which to go. Sales are often based on personal taste or season.
But hey, anything is better than leaving unused clothes tucked away in the furthest corner of your shelf for years to come.
Quick Tips on Getting the Most Cash From Your Clothes
Some things are guesswork when trying to sell your clothes. Stock at brick-and-mortars are constantly in flux and styles change, so it’s hard to say for sure which brand or outfit will sell. However, there are a few things you should always take into consideration, no matter the item or the store.
Following these few guidelines will ensure you get the most money for your clothes.
Clean and Fold Your Clothes
Almost every store and online marketplace recommends washing your clothes before taking them in or shipping them off. At in-person clothing exchanges especially, your payout is based on an associate’s quote. After they carefully check each item, you don’t want dirt or food caked to your shirt. It’ll definitely go in the “no” pile.
In general, to keep colors bright, you can soak your clothes in salt. Only wash them as needed — inside out and in cool water to avoid fading.
Likewise, super wrinkly clothes come across as unwashed, and you don’t want to give that impression. So be sure to fold them neatly before taking them in or pack them neatly if you’re shipping.
Use a Nice Basket or Hamper to Carry Your Clothes (if You’re Selling In Person)
Quick! What do you think of when you see trash bags?
Trash, right? Not clothes.
Again, presentation matters. The appraisers checking your clothes don’t want to sift through trash bags. So after you’ve washed all the clothes you want to sell, fold them and place them in a basket, hamper or box that you can take to the store.
Check for Damage or Pit Stains
If you were a shopper, would you buy a shirt that had pit stains or a missing pocket? Didn’t think so. No one wants damaged, stained or heavily faded clothing.
Before you take your clothes in or list them online, examine them under a bright light to check for tears or discoloration. Certain online stores will ship your clothes back to you if you send them low-quality clothes they’re unable to sell.
Sell Your Clothes Often
Buffalo Exchange’s biggest tip is to buy or sell your clothes every three months. That way, your clothes cache will always be in style, which means more money in your pocket when you sell.
Since most clothing exchanges buy with seasons in mind, it may be best to wait till spring or summer before purging your bathing suits.
But if you live in warm winter places, such as Florida, Arizona or Southern California, then January’s probably fine.
Adam Hardy is a former staff writer for The Penny Hoarder who specializes in stories on the gig economy. Elizabeth Djinis is a contributor to The Penny Hoarder, often writing about selling goods online through social platforms.
[email protected] (Adam Hardy)
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