Cleaning out your closet has never been easier thanks to the multiple websites and apps out there that will help you sell your old clothes. You no longer have to choose between hauling your used items to a consignment shop or going through the work of listing them on eBay (where it could be difficult to find a buyer) to try to make some extra cash.
According to Business Insider, used clothing has evolved into a $16 billion industry, but even though there are so many online options when it comes to selling your clothes, it is difficult for many people to determine their value, and often people think their items are worth more than they really are. So, to help you get the most money you can for that Coach purse or Anthropologie dress, here are some of the best places to go online, and some tips to ensure you will make a sale.
Getting Started
Nobody wants to buy stained or wrinkled clothes, so before you take your pics or place your items in a shipping bag or box, make sure to wash or dry clean your items before putting them up for sale, and also make sure they are wrinkle-free. And when it comes to shoes and handbags, be sure to polish them to remove scuff marks.
When you take your pictures, you want to make sure you have plenty of light so that your items stand out. Once you’ve got that set up:
- Lay your item on a flat, plain surface or a solid-colored sheet or blanket.
- Take multiple pictures from the front and back, plus any special details the item has that gives it character.
Then, when describing your item, be honest and tell the prospective buyer everything they need to know. The most important details are:
- Brand
- Condition
- Size
It’s also a plus to add tidbits like where a pair of pants hits on the hips or waist, and the type of fabric.
Finally, when you are setting the price, it will be easier to sell your items if you give customers a good deal. That doesn’t necessarily mean pricing your clothing ridiculously low, but overestimating the value can cause your item to sit for months, or not sell at all. Do a quick internet search to see if similar items are selling online, and price your item accordingly.
You can also easily share the items you have for sale on your Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest accounts.
Tradesy
If you have the time to take your own pictures and write the description of your name brand fashion, then Tradesy is a great option that will make you the most money. It only takes a minute to post your item on the site, they walk you through the description process, and they also provide help in determining the best price point. But ultimately, your asking price is up to you.
Your items must be in good condition, and this site only takes women’s clothing. Tradesy provides a shipping kit (unless you want to handle the shipping yourself) which includes a bag or a box, tissue paper, a tag, and a prepaid USPS Priority label with tracking and insurance. The shipping method you choose is added into the price of the item, which means the buyer pays your listing price plus shipping when they checkout.
Tradesy provides a list of brands they will accept, and they will authenticate the items with their “special technology” that makes sure you aren’t selling a replica.
Once your item sells, Tradesy will get a commission based on the item’s selling price. For items under $50, they will take a flat $7.50, and for items $50 or more, they take a 19.8% commission. So, you will end up earning your asking price minus the commission. They will then put the money into your Tradesy account, which you can transfer to your Paypal account, debit card, or bank account for a 2.9% fee.
Poshmark
Just like Tradesy, Poshmark only takes a minute for you to post your item, and you will have to take your own pictures and write your own description. This site does focus on higher end brands like Tory Burch, Chanel, and Michael Kors, but you can also sell lower-priced items from stores like H&M and Forever 21. And in addition to women’s clothing, you can also sell men’s and children’s items.
This site has a similar look to Instagram, and the buyers and sellers can follow each other, comment on the items, and mark their favorites.
On Poshmark, they will send you a shipping label so you can ship your item when it sells, and they have a flat rate of $6.49 which the buyer pays for. And, they take a 20% cut, leaving you with 80% of your sales price.
ThredUp
If you don’t have the time to take your own pictures and create your own listings, or if you just want everything done for you, then Thred Up is a great option that will do all of the work. First, you order a Clean Out Bag that the site will send you so you can load it up with your “like-new” clothing (they do accept maternity and plus-sizes). The bag comes with a prepaid shipping label so you can send it back to them for free.
To help get you an idea of what your payout will be, you can use their Clean Out Calculator to get an estimate. But, you won’t know for sure until a resale professional reviews your items, and then they will give you 40 percent of the resale value (which is usually about 70 percent of the original retail price).
You can use the money you make to buy items on Thred Up, cash out with Paypal, or donate your proceeds to charity.
The Real Real
The Real Real is similar to Thred Up, but it focuses on luxury brands like Hermes and Chanel. They will send you a shipping label so you can send in your items, and then once they receive your clothing, they take the pictures, create the listing, and set the price for you. Once your items sells, you will get 70 percent of the sales price.
Twicely
Unlike Thred Up and The Real Real, Twicely has a men’s and children’s section, and it features popular brands like J Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Banana Republic. They also send you a bag and shipping label, and once you send them your items, they will evaluate them and make you an offer, so you don’t have to wait for your items to sell. Items typically sell for around 70 to 90 percent of the original retail price.
No matter which method you choose, remember to make sure your clothes are clean and wrinkle-free before you ship them. And, for best results, know your customer. Choose the right site for the brand you are trying to sell. And, if you are on a site where you set the price, remember that your item probably isn’t worth what you think it is, so don’t price your clothing so high that it sits forever. Making quick cash on the items in your closet is easier than ever. And, no matter how much effort you are willing to put into the process, there is a site out there that will work for you.
