Selling clothes online is an effective way to declutter your wardrobe, make extra money, or even start a small resale business. Choosing the right platform depends on your clothing type, brand, and how much effort you’re willing to put in. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most popular options and how they work.
1. ThredUp
Good for: Those looking to sell multiple women’s or children’s clothes at once.
Effort needed: Minimal — you send your items, and ThredUp handles the rest.
ThredUp is an online consignment store that makes selling large quantities easy. You can order a prepaid bag, fill it with clean clothing, and send it back. ThredUp inspects, photographs, and lists your items. You earn a percentage of the sale:
- 60–80% for items selling $100–$199
- 3–15% for items selling $5–$19
ThredUp also charges a $14.99 service fee for standard bags ($34.99 for premium bags) and recycles unsold clothing unless you pay $5.99 to reclaim it.
Tip: Only send clean, good-condition clothing to maximize your earnings.
Website: www.thredup.com
2. Poshmark
Good for: Sellers who want to list items individually, including accessories and shoes.
Effort needed: Moderate — you take photos, write descriptions, set prices, and ship items yourself.
Poshmark is a peer-to-peer marketplace where sellers control pricing and listings. Once an item sells, Poshmark emails a prepaid shipping label. Fees include:
- $2.95 for sales under $15
- 20% commission for sales $15 or higher
The app also hosts daily “Posh Parties,” where sellers can list items under specific fashion themes to reach more buyers.
Website: www.poshmark.com
3. The RealReal
Good for: Selling designer clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Effort needed: Minimal — send items, and the platform handles authentication, pricing, and shipping.
The RealReal specializes in authenticated luxury items, including Gucci, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. Commissions start at 20% for items sold under $99 and can rise to 70% for high-volume sales. You may print a prepaid shipping label or schedule a drop-off/pickup depending on your location.
Website: www.therealreal.com
4. Vestiaire Collective
Good for: Sellers of high-end fashion items looking for a peer-to-peer experience.
Effort needed: Moderate — list, price, photograph, and ship items yourself.
Vestiaire Collective specializes in luxury resale and focuses on authentication. Once a sale occurs, sellers print the shipping label, pack, and ship the item. Fees include:
- 10% commission for items $83–$16,667
- $10 flat fee for items under $83
- 3% payment processing fee
Website: www.vestiairecollective.com
5. Facebook Marketplace & OfferUp
Good for: Selling locally to avoid shipping costs.
Effort needed: Moderate — you create listings, negotiate directly, and arrange pick-ups.
These platforms allow sellers to reach buyers in their neighborhood. They’re ideal for bulky or quick-sale items. Since you handle everything yourself, there are no platform fees, but transactions rely on trust between buyer and seller.
Websites: www.facebook.com/marketplace
6. eBay & Etsy
Good for: Sellers with a mix of everyday clothing, vintage items, or handmade apparel.
Effort needed: Moderate — list, photograph, price, and ship items yourself.
Both platforms offer global reach. eBay allows auctions or fixed-price sales, while Etsy is best for vintage or handmade fashion. Fees vary:
- eBay: 10–12% final value fee plus payment processing
- Etsy: $0.20 listing fee per item plus 6.5% transaction fee
Websites: www.ebay.com | www.etsy.com
Tips for Selling Clothes Online
- Clean and Prepare Your Items – Wash, dry-clean, or iron clothing. Polish shoes and accessories to improve presentation.
- Take Clear Photos – Use natural light and a simple background. Include close-ups of tags, logos, and unique features.
- Write Honest Descriptions – Include size, brand, condition, and any minor imperfections. Transparency builds trust and encourages sales.
- Price Strategically – Research similar listings to find a competitive price. Adjust if items don’t sell.
Conclusion
Where and how to sell clothes online depends on your items and the effort you’re willing to put in. Platforms like ThredUp and The RealReal handle most of the work, while Poshmark, Vestiaire Collective, eBay, and Etsy give more control. Local options like Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp are great for quick sales. With clean items, clear photos, honest descriptions, and smart pricing, you can sell successfully and maximize earnings.
