Selling clothes online is a popular way to declutter wardrobes and earn some extra cash. It can also be a great way to launch a business, whether you’re dropshipping or making the clothing yourself. Various e-commerce solutions cater to different needs and preferences, offering unique features and benefits. Here’s a breakdown of some prominent options:
thredUP
Founded in 2009, thredUP is a major online consignment and thrift store that specializes in secondhand clothing, and it’s also one of the easiest to use. This is because sellers send their clothes to thredUP, and the company takes care of everything from photography to pricing. For those who prefer a hassle-free selling experience, thredUP is ideal. However, sellers have less control over pricing and longer wait times for items to sell. They’ll send you a Clean Out Kit, which is a bag for you to ship your items to them. They’ll inspect every nook and cranny of the item to look for wear and tear. Only 50% of items are accepted, so make sure to only send in your best stuff.
eBay
As one of the oldest C2C online marketplaces, eBay allows sellers to reach a huge audience. However, it’s not just consumers selling on it. People have made entire businesses off selling their clothing on eBay. It offers flexibility in how you sell—auction-style listings or fixed-price formats. This platform is suitable for both casual sellers and those with more unique or high-end clothing items. The key advantage of eBay is its extensive reach and the ability to set your prices, but it requires more effort from the seller in terms of listing, shipping and customer interaction.
Depop
Depop caters to a younger, trendier audience, focusing on unique and vintage clothing. It operates much like a social media platform where sellers can create a following and interact with potential buyers. Depop is ideal for sellers with an eye for fashion trends and those who enjoy social media marketing. However, its niche audience may limit the potential buyer pool for more common clothing items. You can list up to four photos before setting your own prices for your listing.
Shopify
For those looking to establish their own brand or online store, Shopify is one of the best e-commerce platforms, and not just because it’s used by millions of brands in 175 countries (brands such as SKIMS, Netflix, Kylie Cosmetics and Mattel). It offers customization, branding options and complete control over pricing and inventory. While Shopify requires more initial setup and a monthly fee, it’s an excellent choice for serious sellers who want to build a business and have complete autonomy over their sales process.
While Shopify offers great autonomy and customization for sellers, some customers express hesitation due to its relatively hands-off approach in dealing with fraudulent sellers; instances of buyers receiving no communication or products from a store, with minimal intervention from Shopify even after complaints, are notable concerns shared by many in online forums.
Poshmark
Poshmark creates a community-focused environment for buying and selling clothes. It combines elements of social media with e-commerce, allowing sellers to build a following and engage with customers. Poshmark is suitable for those who enjoy community interaction and have a keen fashion sense. The platform takes a percentage of each sale, but its social nature can lead to a loyal customer base.
Etsy
Etsy is known for handmade and vintage items, and it’s a great platform for selling unique or artisanal clothing. It’s especially suitable for sellers with a niche product, such as handmade garments or vintage finds. Etsy’s audience appreciates the craftsmanship and uniqueness, providing a supportive environment for specialized sellers. However, it may not be the best choice for more everyday clothing items.
Vinted
Vinted offers a simple platform for selling used clothes. It’s user-friendly and free to list items, making it a great option for casual sellers. Vinted allows you to set your prices and communicate directly with buyers, giving you control over your sales. It’s particularly suitable for those looking to sell gently used everyday clothing.
Bottom Line
Whether it’s the convenience of thredUP, the eclectic audience of Depop or the discerning eye of The RealReal, your success hinges on matching your wardrobe to the right stage. It’s about more than just unloading clothes; it’s about finding the right eyes to appreciate the stories woven into your garments.
FAQs
Present your clothes properly.
Either lay or hang the clothes so that the customer can see them clearly. Consider putting them on a mannequin or fluffing them, so they look full-bodied and vibrant. If they're made of material that wrinkles easily, make sure everything is ironed and looking at its most presentable.
How profitable is selling clothes online? ›
In the U.S., online clothing store owners earn more than $32,000 per year on average. However, starting an eCommerce store isn't just profitable in terms of revenue. The investments in selling clothes online are much less than in a brick-and-mortar store.
How do I succeed in selling clothes? ›
If you're selling clothes and apparel online, you'll need to consider factors like age, gender preferences, geographic location, lifestyle type, budget concerns and more. Think about which trends and styles would appeal to your ideal customer, and focus on delivering the value they're looking for.
Is selling clothes on Amazon worth it? ›
20% of Amazon sellers sell in the Clothing, Jewelry & Shoes category, making it the 3rd most popular Amazon product category for third-party sellers. 87% of Amazon's Clothing sellers are profitable, and 37% say they have average profit margins over 20%.
What is the easiest platform to sell clothes on? ›
Here are some options for online consignment and secondhand stores for you to sell used clothes.
- thredUp.
- Tradesy.
- Poshmark.
- The RealReal.
- Swap.com.
- Le Prix.
How to stage clothing for sale online? ›
Here's a quick look at each option:
- Photograph Clothing on a Mannequin. eBay recommends using a mannequin to show how the clothes fit. ...
- Try the Ghost Mannequin Technique. There are cases where mannequins can take the focus away from the items you're trying to sell. ...
- Use a Hanger. ...
- Hire a Model. ...
- Take Flat Lay Photos.
Which is better, Mercari or Poshmark? ›
The best sellers on Poshmark are generally products from big brands; while you may be able to sell a generic pair of jeans, you probably won't be making big money. In contrast, Mercari is more like an upmarket garage sale. The platform lets you sell almost anything, from collectibles to beauty products.
Is it better to sell on eBay or Poshmark? ›
If you're planning to sell more expensive items, then eBay may be the better platform as it offers a lower standard sales fee. There are no returns or refunds on Poshmark. That means you don't have to worry about returns once the buyer receives and accepts your item.
How much does thredup pay? ›
Estimate your payout
Selling Price | | Your Payout |
---|
$5.00-$19.99 | → | 3%-15% |
$20.00-$49.99 | → | 15%-30% |
$50.00-$99.99 | → | 30%-60% |
$100.00-$199.99 | → | 60%-80% |
1 more row
How can I sell my clothes fast and easy? ›
Best Places To Sell Clothes Online
- thredUP. Founded in 2009, thredUP is a major online consignment and thrift store that specializes in secondhand clothing, and it's also one of the easiest to use. ...
- eBay. ...
- Depop. ...
- Shopify. ...
- Poshmark. ...
- Etsy. ...
- Vinted. ...
- Bottom Line.
A good rule of thumb is to price your clothes at 25% to 40% of their original retail value, depending on their condition and demand. However, you should also be flexible and willing to negotiate with buyers if they make reasonable offers. Remember that the goal is to sell your clothes, not to keep them.
Do you need license to sell clothes on Amazon? ›
A business license is required to conduct business—sell goods—in California. Even if you do not have a physical storefront, you may still need one.
Is it really hard to sell on Amazon? ›
Yes, Amazon is competitive. It takes a decent amount of time and money to start, and contrary to popular belief, it isn't a set-it-and-forget-it type of venture. Navigating an Amazon FBA business requires learning, perseverance, and hard work.
Do you actually make money as an Amazon seller? ›
Selling on Amazon can be a very lucrative business for many — more than the average side hustle. 19% of Amazon sellers surpass $10,000 in average monthly sales. 30% of Amazon sellers report sales above $5,000/month. 31% of sellers make under $500/month in sales when first starting out.
How to pose clothes to sell online? ›
Make sure to position the clothes attractively and dynamically. For example, you can drape a shirt over the back of a chair or hang it from a clothesline. Finally, consider using props like a hat, jewelry, and other accessories to add extra context and your photos.
How to snap clothes for sale? ›
Start by steaming and lint-rolling the clothes to make them look their best, then showcase them with a mannequin, model, or flat lay format. Use a light backdrop, bright lighting, and lots of different angles to capture the colors and details of each garment.
How to take pictures of clothes to sell without a mannequin? ›
Flat-lay clothing photography is a great way to take beautiful pictures of clothes without using mannequins. You simply lay the clothes flat on a table or the floor and take the picture from above. This perspective shows off the details, patterns, and textures of the clothes in a nice way.
How to photograph clothes for Poshmark? ›
Use detailed photos to capture important information about the item, including:
- Rips, stains, and signs of wear.
- Tags with sizing information and care instructions.
- Close-up of textures or notable details.
- A sense of scale (e.g., putting the item next to a ruler.)