The best second-hand clothing websites provide an easy way to make money off of the items that you no longer need. However, beyond scoring some additional cash, climate-conscious consumers can purchase used clothing, shoes, and accessories and help reduce emissions. It’s a win-win situation for buyers, sellers, and the planet!
Nevertheless, with so many reseller websites, choosing the right platform has the potential be confusing. That's why we've selected a handful of our readers' favorite reseller websites and created a quick guide to compare them.
Poshmark
Poshmark is a resale clothing social media platform that combines social engagement with reselling second-hand items. In addition to the website, it also has a mobile app. Anyone can join the platform and list items within seconds for free, as you simply have to upload pictures and some details.
Poshmark differs from other websites because it allows users to create a brand for themselves and use social engagement to drive sales. It’s a good option for those with an active social media presence who frequently resell clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories.
Commissions and Fees
The commission for items under $15 is a flat $2.95. For items $15 or over, the commission is 20 percent.
TheRealReal
If you’re interested in reselling luxury items, the RealReal is the ideal platform to use. In fact, it’s the most renowned and trusted website for second-hand luxury fashion. It has a list of brands that it accepts, and an in-person consignment service is available in select cities. You must send the items to them for verification and condition analysis before they are listed. Notably, all items on TheRealReal are authenticated by their experts.
Commissions and Fees
Sellers earn 55 percent of the sale price for items under $1,500 and 60 percent for items priced between $1,500 and $10,000. Unlike many other resale platforms, TheRealReal sets prices dynamically.
Mercari
The Japanese reselling marketplace Mercari is also available in the United States and the United Kingdom. It’s one of the fastest-growing pre-loved fashion marketplaces on which you can list virtually anything, regardless of the brand or value.
Mercari allows sellers to ship an item on their own or use a prepaid label provided by them at discounted rates. The latter option is great for full-time resellers who simply need to drop off the package at the courier service. It’s also available as a mobile app.
Commissions and Fees
This platform charges a 10 percent commission on every sale.
eBay
eBay is one of the world's largest online marketplaces, making it an ideal choice for vintage clothing, shoes, bags, and more. While you can set fixed prices for your listing, the platform also offers a bidding option through which you can set a starting bid, and buyers can post their bids.
Although eBay is not exclusive to fashion resellers, second-hand clothing and accessories represent a major percentage of its sales. If you’re selling handbags, sneakers, or jewelry, you can also take advantage of the eBay Authenticity Guarantee.
Commissions and Fees
Listing an item on eBay is free. However, a commission is charged plus $0.30 per order. The commission rates vary by category. For most categories, it’s 15 percent or lower. Additionally, every month you can post 250 listings for free. Any additional listing is charged an insertion fee of $0.35.
ThredUp
ThredUp began as a website for parents to sell their children’s clothes, but it has grown into a full-fledged pre-loved apparel marketplace. The platform is most famous for its Clean Out Kit, which allows you to declutter and sell all of your unwanted belongings on the website. Sellers can also receive store credit for their items. Unlike reseller websites, you don’t have to go through the listing and promoting hassle. ThredUp takes care of that and pays you once the items sell.
Commissions and Fees
The payouts to sellers are based on brand and item value. If the sale price is under $20, the payout ranges from 3 to 15 percent. The payout percentage is higher for higher-priced items (e.g., 80 percent for $200 or more).
