Thanks to the introduction of microtrends, viral “TikTok Made Me Buy It” videos, and fast fashion brands, our closets (and this planet) often bear the brunt of our desire to keep up.
Americans throw out more than 34 billion pounds of used textiles (yes, billion!) a year, with 66% of them sent to landfills where they often take hundreds of years to decompose.
So, the question on all of our minds is: What can we do with clothes we’re itching to get rid of?
Enter the world of reselling, a powerful solution to combat textile waste and promote sustainability.
As someone who has been buying and selling vintage since 2007 and who runs my own online thrift shop, I know a thing or two about selling secondhand clothes online.
What started out as a love for buying vintage styles morphed into a dedication to normalizing secondhand buying and selling. I’m not trying to influence you on your reselling journey, but don’t be surprised when a few years down the line you’re just as passionate about the circular economy as I am!
Short on time? Here’s a quick breakdown of our top picks:
Our Top Picks: Online Thrift Stores to Sell Used Clothes
It’s never been easier to sell your unwanted goods. In fact, according to thredUp’s 2022 Resale Report, the global secondhand apparel market is expected to grow three times faster than the global apparel market overall.
Technology growth and online marketplaces (like the ones we’re including in this article) are successfully driving the growth of the second-hand market — especially within the U.S. This is good news for you because that means more potential buyers!
So whether you have a pile of clothes ready to be cleared out, or you’re simply seeking a sustainable solution to reducing waste and overconsumption, reselling gives us all a way to still indulge in the shopping experience while reducing unnecessary textile waste.
By the way, some of the links in this article are affiliates, which means we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Everything in this article was independently and honestly written by the Good Good Good team. Thank you for your support!
Tips for selling clothes online:
Closely examine your items.
I’ve learned this from personal experience: Before you dedicate time and effort (which we all know is a valuable and precious resource) to listing your item, be real with yourself. Is the article of clothing worth selling? Examine the piece under natural lighting to make sure it’s in sellable, wearable condition (i.e. no major holes, tears, or stains).
While it’s perfectly normal to sell clothes with defects, you want to make sure that those defects won’t affect your profit margin. Unless it’s a rare vintage item (that can more than likely get away with a stain or two), you might want to explore sending your damaged items to companies like For Days or Terracycle instead.
However, if your clothing is considered wearable, it’s officially time to give it a second life!
Sell seasonally.
Cleaning out your coat closet in the spring? Perhaps hold off on listing it until the latter part of the summertime or leading up to the fall season.
I’ve found that while out-of-season clothing can sell, you have a better chance of selling them for a better price when the demand is higher. A good rule of thumb is to follow what retail brands are selling at the moment.
Understand the fees.
Each online marketplace has its own set of commission rates and fees, which vary quite a bit from platform to platform. Before signing up, take a moment to read the fine print, compare, and understand how payments are made.
Do some research.
Once you’ve determined you’re ready to list your item, it’s time to scope out the competition. I always type in the brand name or a short description of the item on the platform you want to sell on (I also do a quick Google search for internet-wide comparisons, too).
When settling on a price, use the information you gathered as a guide. On auction-type sites (like eBay and Poshmark), focus on “sold listings” to get a general idea of how much similar items were sold for.
Keep in mind that if you’re selling an item that’s never been used and is still in its original packaging, it’s technically still considered second-hand to the buyer. You may need to price the item slightly lower than its original retail value to make a sale.
Take good-quality pictures.
First impressions can make all the difference! The key to making it an absolute no-brainer for buyers to click the “buy” button has a lot to do with the photos you include. High-quality pictures that are well-lit and provide detailed information can help with this. You don’t need to invest in expensive camera equipment to achieve this, though.
All you need is a flat surface (like a table or a wall), your phone’s camera, and natural lighting (anywhere by a window works). Once you’ve got your shot location, it’s important to take pictures from different angles to give customers a good sense of what they’re buying.
Taking photos from the front, back, and sides, as well as close-ups of the fabric and tags, can give the customer an idea of what the product looks like and feels like — which ultimately helps them make an informed decision.
Write a detailed description.
Transparency is key. Just like you did when taking your photos, try to be as clear and detailed as possible. Things to consider including in your product descriptions are keywords like: brand and style name, size, color, measurements, material, and imperfections.
Look at your item and consider what your buyer wants to search for. (If you’re an SEO nerd, that knowledge comes into play here!). For example, if you’re planning on listing a summer maxi dress, you might want to include keywords like: beach, summer, pool, maxi dress, or vacation.
Leaving out detailed information could otherwise lead to returns, no sales, or bad reviews (which impacts consumer trust in your shop). Take it from me, save yourself the headache and jot down those details!
Prepare your items for sale.
First and foremost, make sure to thoroughly clean your items before packing them for shipping (nobody wants to receive dirty or smelly clothes — at least I know I wouldn’t want to!). To guarantee that your customers have a great unboxing experience and want to buy from you again, consider adding a personal touch to your packaging. Things like wrapping your item in kraft tissue paper or including a handwritten thank you card can make a big difference and help build customer loyalty.
If you’re looking for a low-budget way to ship out your products, and you live in the U.S., consider taking advantage of the United States Postal Service’s free shipping supplies that you can order online or pick up at your local post office.
Be extra cautious when making local sales.
While selling locally is a great way to meet new neighbors, bypass marketplace fees, and feel good about your items going to someone in your community, it’s always good to exercise caution.
Avoid giving out your home address, and instead suggest a secure public location — you can even bring a friend or family member along!
Protect your personal information.
To safeguard your personal information, maintain a strict privacy policy with yourself and others while selling items online. Interacting with potential buyers through external channels and disclosing your email address, phone number, or home address is generally a big no-no.
I’ve come across situations like this on marketplaces like Poshmark (one of my go-to platforms). If you stick to using the platform’s built-in messaging system for all communication, you’re guaranteeing that your personal information and privacy are a little more secure.
Where to sell used clothes online:
Poshmark
Poshmark is a social e-commerce platform where shoppers can discover and sell new or gently used clothes, shoes, accessories, and household goods. With a whopping 80 million registered users, Poshmark has become one of the most popular online marketplaces in the United States, Canada, Australia, and India.
This vibrant and bustling community is where I started dipping my toes into reselling. I love how shoppers can narrow down their search by exploring their favorite brands, styles, and vibes (Taylor Swift and Harry Styles concert outfits, anyone?) — making it easier for your customers to find your clothes! Even better, Poshmark curates suggested items to them to bring them closer to what they’re looking for.
While this social marketplace does offer opportunities to sell a wide range of products (from pet products to luxury goods), many sellers find the most success selling trendy, popular brands (like Reformation, Lululemon, or Rothy’s).
What’s good:
- You can list as many items as you want for free.
- Poshmark’s homepage is filled with curated suggestions, “Posh Parties” to virtually attend, and trends for you to keep up with. (This is great to utilize during the research phase.)
- Each shipping label comes prepaid and pre-addressed. All you need to do is print, package, and get it to USPS.
- Poshmark has built-in features to help sellers clear out their closets, including options to offer bundled discounts and Closet Clear Out online “parties.”
Keep in mind:
- For all sales under $15, you'll be charged a $2.95 fee; for anything $15 or more, the commission fee is 20%.
- Poshmark operates as a social media platform, so staying active on the platform as a seller is essential to increase your sales. Things like sharing your listings (and other’s people’s listings), participating in virtual “Posh Parties,” answering questions, and sending offers are ways to make your shop more visible and attract potential customers.
- Learning and using some of Poshmark’s common abbreviations and phrases — like NWT (New With Tags) and NWOT (New Without Tags) — can work in your favor.
Depop
Depop is the quasi-Instagram online marketplace widely known to speak to the Millennial and Gen Z generations. The platform is dedicated to buying and selling second-hand clothing directly from popular influencers, celebrities, and diverse groups of (extremely stylish) folks.
I specifically go to this app when I’m looking to sell unique items or trendy vintage pieces (like Y2K dresses or streetwear).
What’s good:
- If you’re an avid Instagrammer, you’ll feel right at home in this app.
- Great for sellers looking to part ways with trendy items.
- Depop charges a flat 10% commission fee per sale — which is relatively low compared to other competitors.
- The company handles the payment and shipping for you. Simply package the item and drop it off at a local post office.
- Choose whether you or the buyer pays for shipping, and set your own rates.
Keep in mind:
- Because Depop is a social platform, like Poshmark, you have to put in a little work to get sales. This means posting new items regularly, responding to messages and offers, and shipping items out quickly.
- Offering free shipping on your items doubles your chances of selling. If you choose to offer this, be sure to include it in your bio!
- Depop does not allow stock photography. If a seller chooses to share a listing with one, the platform will more than likely take it down.
Etsy
Etsy is a reselling paradise for those seeking to specifically sell handmade goods and vintage pieces. Launched in 2005, Etsy has since become one of the most popular platforms for artists, craftspeople, and collectors to sell their unique and thoughtful items.
With millions of active buyers from around the world (82 million to be exact!), Etsy offers you a massive global marketplace to showcase your unique clothes to shoppers who appreciate and are seeking out your specific niche.
I turn to this platform when I want to sell vintage pieces. I love the community Etsy has cultivated, the resources that the company offers sellers (I often turn to its podcast for tips and tricks), and the access to global marketplace filled with people who care about preserving vintage.
What’s good:
- Etsy provides its sellers with access to a wealth of community-driven resources, including seller education, marketing tips, and forums where you can connect with experienced sellers.
- You can access features like coupon codes and promotions to help you attract customers and drive sales.
- Etsy has built-in analytics, including page traffic, revenue, and more. (Which I find so helpful as a reseller!)
Keep in mind:
- Etsy is a platform that only sells handmade and vintage items.
- Sellers pay 20 cents to list an item and then a 6.5% transaction fee on the price you display for each listing, plus the amount you charge for shipping and gift wrapping.
- Simple, clean, and aesthetic photos can help you sell your clothes faster — at least that’s true for me!
- Keyword research is important when trying to sell your items on this platform, so use those SEO skills to get your clothes in front of the right people!
Mercari
Mercari, like Poshmark and Depop, is all about making buying and selling online a breeze. Where Mercari differs from similar marketplaces is in its Mercari Local feature — a contactless way of buying and selling products under 50 pounds that are local to you. (So if you’re looking to sell your clothes or shoes in bulk, this might be a great option to consider.)
While I primarily use this platform to source items, I have yet to have a negative selling experience with Mercari. It’s one of those platforms that doesn’t require a lot of time or energy.
What’s good:
- Like Depop, Mercari has one of the lowest seller fees (10%) of any marketplace. This means higher profit margins for you!
- Unlike other reselling platforms (especially the social ones), there's no need for constant maintenance. Just make sure to provide detailed descriptions, measurements, and great pictures upfront, and you'll minimize any buyer questions. Listing and forgetting is the name of the game on Mercari.
- Hassle-free Mercari Local feature allows sellers to bypass shipping and take advantage of its contactless pick-up and drop-off service.
Keep in mind:
- While it’s great to set and forget, if you’re looking to get rid of your clothes ASAP, this might not be the platform for you.
- Mercari offers a free “Promote” feature that allows for an algorithmic boost and more eyeballs on your listing. If you reduce the price of your listing by 5% or more, Mercari boosts your listing in the search results and also notifies all the people who liked your item about the price reduction.
eBay
eBay revolutionized the online marketplace scene as one of the pioneering platforms connecting buyers and sellers worldwide, offering a treasure trove of pre-owned, unique, and niche-specific goods. Many thrifters of the early 2000s, like myself, might remember anxiously skipping dinnertime, connecting to their dial-up internet, and furiously outbidding fellow buyers for one-of-a-kind vintage pieces (or… was that just me?).
Today, eBay remains a powerhouse destination for all things secondhand and collector’s-related (from rare ’90s sneakers to the perfect denim jacket).
With over 133 million active buyers worldwide, your listings have the potential to reach a vast audience of eager customers from around the world. Whether you’re looking to clear out your closet, sell your collectibles, or start your own online business, eBay gives its sellers a platform to do it all.
What’s good:
- One of the standout features of eBay is its seller protection program, which helps safeguard sellers from fraudulent activity and provides support in case of disputes.
- eBay's reputation as a go-to destination for vintage, unique, and collectible items works to your advantage as a seller. Buyers specifically come to eBay in search of these items, increasing your chances of attracting interested customers.
- Setting up shop on eBay is straightforward. You can easily create your seller account, set your own prices, and customize your listings to showcase your items.
Keep in mind:
- Selling on eBay non-professionally is free. If you list more than 250 items per month, you’ll have to pay a $0.35 fee per listing.
- If you’re already a business seller, or you plan to sell regularly, you’ll need to get a monthly subscription to one of eBay’s professional plans.
- For casual sellers, eBay will charge “final value fees” when an item is sold. Fees are determined by item category (check out eBay’s fee breakdown).
- Sellers are responsible for shipping their sold items, and eBay provides tools to make shipping as convenient and affordable as possible.
The RealReal
The RealReal is an online consignment marketplace for sellers looking to part ways with their luxury items (hello, cocktail and evening dresses collecting dust in our closets). Known for its authentication process, its team of in-house experts thoroughly inspect and authenticate every item — giving buyers and sellers peace of mind that every item is accurately represented and valued fairly.
Plus, with a global community of luxury enthusiasts, your consigned pieces have the potential to reach a wide audience of eager shoppers looking for exactly what you want to get rid of!
What’s good:
- The RealReal takes care of the entire selling process for you, from expert authentication, copywriting, photography, and shipping.
- The company offers appointments at all retail locations (find one here), free at-home pickup, or prepaid shipping labels to make it convenient for sellers to send their items.
- Items go through a rigorous, brand-specific authentication process conducted by authenticators with significant experience, who are highly specialized in specific categories.
Keep in mind:
- Unlike other marketplaces where the seller decides their listing prices, selling on the RealReal offers you less control. Their team of luxury fashion authenticators determines the cost of your luxury item based on its pricing strategy defined by the current market trends. Many people don’t like this part of their selling experience, so it’s something to keep in mind.
- The RealReal’s commission structure is based on its rewards program: Essentially, the more you sell, the more you earn, and the more benefits you receive. You earn more for in-demand, high-value pieces, while lower-value items with less demand have lower commission rates.
thredUP
thredUP is the ultimate hassle-free online consignment marketplace for women’s and kids’ second-hand clothing. With a staggering 52.6 million sellers and a mind-boggling selection of items from 35,000 brands (seriously, they’ve got thousands of pages worth of goods), thredUP provides a massive platform for your listings.
You can sell virtually any style of clothing, from everyday essentials to high-end fashion. Sellers don’t have to invest too much time and energy into the selling process either! Fill up one of thredUP’s Clean Out Kits, which includes a pre-paid shipping bag, and its team takes care of the rest — photographing, listing, and even handling shipping.
What’s good:
- If you’re looking to invest the least amount of effort into selling your clothes, thredUP does all the hard work for you! Fill up your prepaid Clean Out Kit, send it to thredUP, and they’ll handle everything from there.
- A great option for anyone cleaning out their closets with styles ranging “from Gap to Gucci.”
- Minimal effort is needed to sell here.
Keep in mind:
- A $14.99 service fee will be deducted from earnings sent in Clean Out Kits. You will not be charged upfront.
- You don’t have control over pricing. Listing price is based on the brand, demand, and quality of the item.
- Payouts and consignment windows vary by brand. For premium and designer brands (like J. Crew, Lululemon, and Gucci), you can earn up to 80% of the selling price. For mid-priced brands (like Gap, Nike, and Zara), you can earn up to 60% of the selling price. Lastly, the items that would be considered low-priced value brands (like Forever 21 and Old Navy) may not be eligible for a payout, however, you can still send them in.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a platform within the Facebook app that allows users to buy and sell items with people within their local community. While most of us might think of Facebook Marketplace as a space to find great deals on household appliances, antique furniture, drool-worthy mid-century modern home decor, sellers are also finding success with selling their clothes — especially when they bundle their items.
According to Facebook’s Q1 2021 report, Facebook Marketplace has more than one billion visitors, and nearly three billion users on the site overall. With this massive reach, sellers are able to get their items seen immediately by large numbers of people.
What’s good:
- You don't need to pay any fees to list an item.
- Most of us have a general understanding of how to use Facebook, and the Marketplace has the same simple format — so it’s super easy to use.
- With its vast user base, the platform provides you with the opportunity to showcase your listings to billions of potential buyers. Not only can your items be seen by users within the Marketplace, but they can also be shared across specific Facebook groups that cater to niche interests relevant to what you're selling. This exposure increases the visibility of your listings and enhances the chances of finding interested buyers who are specifically looking for the items you have to offer.
Keep in mind:
- When selling items locally, it's important to prioritize your safety and choose meet-up locations that are secure, public, and in a neutral spot (try not to invite strangers into your neighborhood).
- Posting on the platform is simple for a reason. Facebook doesn’t verify products or vet buyers and sellers, which opens up the platform to scammers and junk. Be careful.
- When customers purchase an item from you and make the payment through Facebook, a small payment processing fee will be charged.
→ Sell on Facebook Marketplace
Kidizen
Kidizen is an online marketplace that allows parents to sell gently used clothing, accessories, toys, and gear for babies and kiddos.
While I don’t have kids or sell kid’s clothes, Kidizen seems to have a great online community of parents looking for sustainable options to get rid of their kid’s clothing. The company offers a user-friendly app where you can effortlessly upload photos and descriptions of your items (so no complicated processes or technical skills are required)!
What’s good:
- Listing an item on Kidizen is free.
- Kidizen’s engaged community allows sellers to connect with parents who are ready to discover and purchase secondhand clothing and share tips and tricks for selling and listing.
Keep in mind:
- Kidizen deducts a 12% fee from the list price when an item is sold.
- Sellers are responsible for shipping costs and generating a shipping label. You can purchase a label through Kidizen or on your own.
Vinted
Vinted is an online second-hand marketplace that’s all about helping people (and pets) declutter their closets! Powered by a massive community of over 75 million members, this marketplace offers the opportunity to list pieces from a wide range of brands, catering to a diverse audience of potential buyers.
The best part is that Vinted has zero selling fees, meaning you get to keep 100% of the profits from each sale. This gives you the freedom to maximize your earnings and make the most out of your selling experience on the platform — something other platforms don’t offer.
What’s good:
- Sellers can list their items for free.
- Zero selling fees — so what you earn is 100% of what you keep!
- The buyer pays for shipping, so all you have to do is print out the prepaid shipping label and ship the package out!
Keep in mind:
- The more shipping options you offer your buyers, the higher your chances of selling!
- Sellers are paid as soon as the buyer confirms that everything looks good.
Geartrade
Geartrade is an online marketplace specifically geared (pun intended) toward buying and selling new and used outdoor clothing and equipment. The user-friendly platform offers a wide range of products, including clothing, footwear, camping gear, and sports equipment.
Sellers on Geartrade have two options to earn cash: They can either send their gear directly to Geartrade and let their team handle the selling process, or they can list their items themselves for more control and potentially higher profits.
What’s good:
- Geartrade handles customer service, payment processing, and seller protection.
- Niche marketplaces help your items reach a pool of buyers who are specifically interested in your stuff — it basically increases the likelihood of making successful sales and connecting with customers who have a genuine interest in what you’ve got to offer.
Keep in mind:
- Be sure to ship any sold items within seven days and input the tracking number so your buyers know you sent their gear — and so that Geartrade can pay you!
- Geartrade does not charge an account or listing fee. Instead, they charge a 15% commission fee plus added payment processing fees.
- While most clothing is accepted, please review the company’s list of items they do not accept.
Grailed
Grailed provides a specialized online marketplace for men’s clothing and streetwear. With its niche focus on men’s fashion and streetwear, the platform offers its sellers a targeted audience of passionate buyers.
Sellers looking to get rid of high-end designer clothing, sneakers, accessories, or vintage pieces gain access to a dedicated community of fashion-savvy folks actively seeking unique pieces.
What’s good:
- Post any item for free.
- Grailed functions like a specialized version of eBay, offering a user-friendly interface and powerful search engine that allows buyers to easily find specific brands, sizes, and categories — i.e. more opportunities for buyers to find your clothes!
- The platform organizes its listings into distinct categories to cater to different buyer preferences. The “Grailed” category is specifically for high-fashion pieces, while “Hype” focuses on up-and-coming brands, and “Basics” encompasses mainstream items. This categorization system ensures that your clothes are showcased to buyers actively seeking those specific types of items. By placing your listings in the appropriate category, you increase the chances of connecting with buyers who are intentionally looking for the type of clothing you have to offer.
Keep in mind:
- Grailed charges a 9% commission fee plus processing fees when your item sells.
- While they have introduced womenswear as a category, the platform's audience remains predominantly geared toward men's fashion.
- Grailed uses a strict digital authentication process to spot fake and inauthentic items. If a seller is found to be attempting to sell inauthentic items, the account will be permanently frozen by moderators with a zero-tolerance policy in action.
OfferUp
OfferUp is a popular online marketplace that provides a convenient platform for sellers to connect with local buyers and facilitate fast and easy purchases. What sets OfferUp apart is its emphasis on local interactions, which is a great way to lower your carbon footprint while eliminating the hassle of shipping items.
While I’ve only used this platform to buy home decor pieces, I’ve found it to be extremely easy to navigate and connect with sellers (like you). If you don’t have a Facebook account anymore and can’t take advantage Facebook Marketplace’s no fees perks, OfferUp is a great alternative!
What’s good:
- No listing fee.
- A great option for those who want to keep it local.
- Check out people’s profiles for ratings, badges, and transaction history.
Keep in mind:
- Your average response time and average reply rate appear on your profile, and users do look at this when deciding which buyer to buy from.
- Sellers are responsible for paying a service fee when they ship items sold via OfferUp.
- If meeting with a buyer in person, it's important to prioritize your safety and choose meet-up locations that are secure, public, and in a neutral spot (avoid inviting strangers into your neighborhood).
