Sell Used Clothes Online and In Person at These 19 Places
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It’s easy to see your annual closet clean-out as a thing to dread. But we’re here to change your perspective. It could actually be a money-maker. And it doesn’t have to happen just once a year. Why not peruse your closet even now for the things that need to go?
Here’s our tip: go through your closet item by item and pick out the clothes you simply don’t wear anymore.Yes, that means looking at all of your clothes, from your winter gear and swimsuit collection to all the baby clothes you promised you’d keep for that one cousin that will be getting married any day now. Don’t worry—this isn’t goodbye forever. You’ll be able to replace these items with even better ones from the financial rewards you’ll earn.
Think of your analysis like this. Does this piece still fit? When was the last time I wore it? Do I even still like it? If the answer to all of those questions is no, then you’re in luck. It’s time to sell! But if your next thought is befuddlement—where can I sell it?—then you’re reading the right article. We’ve rounded up the best stores in person and online that will—hopefully—take the items you no longer want.
Where to Sell Used Clothes Online
Regardless of whether you envision your clothes-selling activity as a one-time thing or an entire empire,, there are plenty of apps and websites you can choose from to hawk your wares.
1. Depop
Fashion-minded Zoomers, look no further: Depop is for you. It’s as much of a lifestyle and social media app as it is a clothing marketplace. You know what that means: high-quality photos with unique staging are a must.
The app is user-friendly, and you can set up an account, get positioned with Depop payments and start listing clothes in just a few minutes. Depop doesn’t charge you to create a listing. Instead, it takes a 10% cut (as well as a transaction fee) when your item sells, which is charged on the total transaction, including costs for shipping. The money will be taken out of your Depop or PayPal payment.
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.
- Website: www.depop.com
- Download the app: App Store, Google Play
- Good for: The latest trends in street and vintage wear
- Payout: Direct deposit through Depop payments or PayPal
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 13.25% of a sale that is less than $150. If you plan to sell accessories like jewelry or watches, bear in mind that there are different rates for these items. Expect to pay 15% of the total amount of a $5,000 or less sale on jewelry and 9% on an item over $5,000. For watches, you will pay 15% on each item up to $1,000, 6.5% on anything between $1,001 and $7,500 and 3% on anything over $7,500.
EBay provides a variety of shipment methods, and the price is largely based on the dimensions and weight of your package. And if the buyer is local, you can forego shipping altogether by asking them to pick up the item themselves.
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 Marketplace along the left-hand side bar and simply click the “Create new listing” button. Choose “item for sale” and follow along with the prompts—that means adding a well-lit photo, thorough description and some specific information, like measurements, sizing or anything else that is relevant.
In general, Facebook Marketplace is sorted by location, which means that your potential customers will likely live near you.
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 and pre-addressed 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), Venmo, PayPal or instant transfer
5. 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 12-hour window of time to choose how much you want to charge for them. (Alternatively, you can use a suggested price.) Important note: ThredUp allows for a maximum increase of 10% from the original listing price.
For the clothes that are accepted and sold, you receive a portion of the profits depending on the sales price of the item. This could range from as little as 3 to 15% of an item priced between $5 and $19.99 and as much as 80% for an item priced at $200 or higher. Consider items that aren’t accepted as donations. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay $5.99 to reclaim them—as well as standard shipping—and 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 or Stripe
6. Vestiaire Collective
You might think that luxury and second-hand don’t really mesh. Well, Vestiaire Collective would like you to think again. The company boasts millions of people who use its marketplace to sell gently used designer brands for women and men.
Items that sell for less than $80 incur a flat $12 selling fee.. Items between $80 and $13,000 have a 15% selling fee. Sellers must also pay a payment processing fee of 3% on top of the sale. For items less than $80, that fee is only $3. Items for less than $18 will not be accepted. Sellers get paid through PayPal or direct deposit within 24 hours or the following working day.
The good news is that Vestiaire Collective covers your shipping — you just have to download and print your shipping label.
- Website: www.tradesy.com
- Download the app: App Store
- Good for: High-end fashion
- Payout: PayPal, direct deposit or store credit
7. The RealReal
The RealReal is a great place to sell online if you want to get top dollar for your luxury or high-end clothes. The online marketplace sells everything from fine jewelry to kids clothing. Some current items on the market include $200 Gucci sunglasses, a $278 Reformation dress and $245 Jimmy Choo pumps. If you think you have things that fit into this category, why not try your hand at it?
The process is simple: either schedule an at-home pick-up, 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, men’s sneakers handbags tend to do best. Your annual sales also impact your commission: if you make $1,500 a year or a cool $5,000 or $10,000, these can put you at higher tiers with The RealReal and earn you more money.
8. 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 that can ship.” 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 use Mercari Local if your customer is nearby. 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. You’ll need a valid debit card or a valid bank account to make one of those options work.
If you want to get rid of a few things around the house with little additional effort, Mercari may be the way to go.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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, the Style Scouts, 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% (+ $0.50) 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.
12. 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: 6 states
- Good for: Everyday staples in popular brands, including plus sizes and menswear
- Payout: Cash or store credit
13. 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 Lilly Pulitzer, Lululemon and Louis Vuitton, among 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.
14. 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.
15. 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 athletic wear, 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.
16. 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 New York. 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.
17. 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 Anthropologie, Zara and Old Navy. 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, like joggers, designer bags and checkers.
18. 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 outdoor essentials, sheer academia and Western revival on their site among the styles they are seeking. 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.
19. 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
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. Still, there are a few points 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 out. 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 onto 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 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 until 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.
