15 Best Places To Sell Clothes Online With Minimal Fees -

So, you’re intrigued by the idea of selling clothes online? Whether you’re looking to tidy up your closet for extra cash or toying with launching a full-scale online boutique, we’ll help you find the best place to sell clothes online.

The Marie Kondo decluttering movement inspired some to sell unwanted items that no longer sparked joy. These side hustles uncovered an untapped commercial potential for selling fashion items in digital marketplaces.

In the United States, the clothing sector accounts for over 20% of the ecommerce industry. This market segment has enjoyed consistent growth year-on-year with no end in sight.

By 2027, we expect the secondhand apparel market to reach US 351 billion dollars. The buying and selling resale clothes online is largely driven by people born after the 90s. 42% of millennials and Gen Z will likely shop for secondhand clothes. We’ve now hit the era of generation exchange.

We’ll help you pinpoint the best places to sell your preloved apparel online. Remember, your old clothes might just be someone else’s new favorite outfit!

Read on for a full list of seller fees for each site and get a step-by-step guide on how to sell clothes online.

ASOS Marketplace

ASOS is a collection of one thousand independent labels and vintage clothing boutiques. It offers highly curated items to an international audience.

The bar for acceptance on this platform is significantly higher. Sellers must have a trendy boutique to maximize this opportunity.

To get your items onto the site, you need to apply. However, they’re not always taking applications.

Poshmark

Poshmark is a social media marketplace for new and secondhand fashion. Through an app, you’re connected with a community of people who follow your wardrobe and leave comments.

You can attend four themed daily events called Posh Parties to market your clothing line. Potential buyers make ‘offers’ on your listings, where you can counter or accept. To enhance the appeal of your items, set discounts or reduce shipping costs for those who have ‘liked’ your clothes.

You’ll receive a prepaid and addressed label once you’ve made a sale on Poshmark. With this feature, you can package and post your stuff hassle-free.

Vestiaire Collective

If you’re focused on offering high-end and luxury clothing items, Vestiaire Collective should be your go-to platform. This online marketplace is an international community, giving your products the potential to reach a global audience. Quality control is a key concern for this platform, as they carefully handle designer and luxury goods.

Before your item goes live on the marketplace, it undergoes a strict quality check by in-house experts. Upon approval, your pieces are uploaded to the site and accessible to shoppers from all over. Moreover, an intriguing aspect of this platform is that it also allows selling watches and jewelry.

While your items may take a bit longer to sell, considering the high-price bracket, the return on investment is worth the wait.

Depop

Depop is a global online marketplace focusing on fashion resale and social inspiration. You can sell pieces from your closet or set up your shop page.

Get inspired by the latest trends by viewing what others are wearing. This will help you target a niche audience and build your followers.

If you want to restore the planet, consider Depop a potential fit. They have a mission to promote sustainability by keeping clothes out of landfills.

eBay

eBay should not be overlooked. It’s still a popular space for especially rare or one-of-a-kind products. It has a large, global reach with an active audience.

For everyday items, this is a dependable way to make sales. Just beware of competitive pricing and seller fees. Learn how To Sell On eBay.

Etsy

Etsy is a well-known digital hub for handmade goods. Though you might assume that selling items on this platform requires crafting everything from scratch, that’s not necessarily the case. You’re more than welcome to source pre-existing clothing items and make tasteful modifications to their original designs.

This way, you’re able to add a personal touch without having to dive headfirst into prototyping, manufacturing, and the other detailed processes typically involved with creating a product from scratch.

You might want to check out this article, Amazon Handmade vs Etsy, for a more detailed comparison between Etsy and other platforms.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace has overtaken Craigslist as the best method to make local sales online. It inherently has a huge customer base thanks to the billions of Facebook accounts. Platform users shop with only a few clicks.

Selling on Facebook is a convenient way to exchange gently used or brand-new items from your closet. You can even ship inter-state and globally, so you don’t need to rely on a local consumer base.

Mercari

Mercari is an app-based marketplace catering to various product categories, including clothes for both men and women and a wide selection of handbags. Sellers add over 350,000 items every day, making for a pool of constantly updated styles and trends.

Listing on Mercari costs you nothing. You’re only charged once a sale is complete. This feature simplifies selling items online, making it an affordable and effortless platform for disposing of clothes and accessories, such as handbags, that are no longer needed.

Set the right price by searching for similar pieces and reviewing their sold prices. When a shopper presents an offer, you can message them privately and start the negotiations.

Once you’ve shipped to your buyer, they have three days to confirm the clothes are as specified. Once confirmed, you give them a rating, and they inject the money into your account.

Rebag

Rebag is another ecommerce store that authenticates designer goods to weed out knock-offs. They also have the Clair AI, which can instantly give you the value of an item from a picture and simple details. Use this tool to assess your product and make an informed decision before sending it.

This is another good option for holding onto designer brands like Gucci and Prada.

For eligible clothes and accessories, payouts are between 3% and 80% of the selling price. The calculation is based on various factors, including brand, style, condition, size, and salability.

To speed up the process of receiving a label for your clothes, Rebag has joined forces with thredUP. Thanks to this partnership, you get credit if you sell items outside of the guidelines. To know what type of compensation you’ll receive, check out their inventory of ineligible brands for payouts.

Style Alert

Style Alert combines a personalized styling service with pre-owned, high-end products. To know what to sell, review their list of brands.

To make the process easier, request a free Trade-In Kit. If they approve your items, you’ll get an offer for a payout. If not, you must pay a fee for return shipping or donation. Remember this before sending anything.

The RealReal

The RealReal is an option for high-end designer items like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Having experts to authenticate items is the advantage of this marketplace. This way, they can guarantee that they don’t sell any knock-offs. This is important for prospective buyers but also benefits sellers. When a platform sells fakes, it brings down the entire sales price.

This trusted retailer is perfect for designer clothing or bags collecting dust.

ThredUP

ThredUP is an online consignment and thrift store with a strong focus on sustainable fashion. This company is among those leading the charge towards a more sustainable future.

Taking an active part in changing the horrifying fact that 73% of used apparel is sent to landfill or incinerated. It’s an unfortunate truth, but the reality is that 95% of clothes could be reused or recycled, making a case for the importance of evolving towards sustainable fashion practices.

With ThredUp, they have built one of the largest platforms for women’s and kids’ secondhand attire. They host over 55,000 brands with up to 90% off estimated retail prices.

To make an impact and lighten your workload, explore their marketplace. They offer a unique experience, where once they receive your clothes, they inspect, photograph, and list them for sale.

They may pay you up-front for in-demand items or through online consignment for slower sellers. They will also likely deem not all of your stuff sellable based on style and condition.

For unwanted garments, like old clothes, you must pay return shipping to get them back. Otherwise, you can opt for the company to recycle them for you.

Be cautious; they only accept 40-50% of what’s sent to them. They’re honest about this as they want to maintain the integrity of their store. To send your clothes, order a Clean Out Kit, which includes prepaid shipping.

VarageSale

VarageSale is specifically designed to promote local transactions, fostering a community atmosphere. This means you’ll largely be dealing with local buyers, which can prove safer and reduce the headaches associated with shipping. Plus, the platform implements a member-only policy, further enhancing the safety and trust within the community.

The platform is quite easy to navigate and use. The user-friendly layout allows you to create appealing listings for your products in just a few minutes. Pictures, descriptions, and prices are all easy to input, making VarageSale a stress-free platform for your online sales.

One unique feature that sets VarageSale apart is the ability to organize your items into categorized albums—perfect for keeping similar items together. This helps potential buyers easily find what they are looking for, increasing the likelihood of your clothes being sold.

Vinted

Vinted is a clothing app that boasts zero fees for buying and selling pre-owned apparel. You can add items for free and collect a prepaid label when they sell. This method eliminates the processing fee and sends you money once delivery is confirmed.

Customers cover the shipping rate and other fees, making this a great seller platform.

Your Online Store

Crafting a place entirely your own to sell your clothes online is also a worthy consideration. Platforms such as Shopify, BigCommerce, Wix, and WooCommerce allow you to create an online store unique to your style and brand.

Not only can you sell your used clothes through this platform, but there’s also the opportunity to expand into selling new print-on-demand clothes. This path requires a bit more work upfront, but its freedom is unparalleled. Once your store is live, you’re not limited to traffic from these ecommerce giants.

You can easily capitalize on the power of social media – Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook become your playgrounds. You’re free to advertise and sell your used or print-on-demand clothes to a broader audience, unconfined by the rules of a third-party platform, potentially making your online business even more profitable.

Are you wondering how to start selling clothes online? Well, let’s simplify this process into manageable steps for you.

Step 1: Pick Out Your Sale Items

To kick things off, rummage through your closet for potential salable items. Look for clothing that is lightly worn, oversized, or simply not your style anymore. Keep in mind that in online clothes selling, the value of your collection lies in its quality rather than the quantity.

Step 2: Refresh and Mend Your Items

After singling out the clothes to sell, you’ll want to get them set for display. Clean your items thoroughly to rid them of any stains or odors and smoothen out any wrinkles. Fix any minor wear and tear, such as loose threads or buttons. This additional step can significantly boost your items’ saleability.

Step 3: Capture Quality Photos

Quality photos are key when showcasing items for sale online. Your prospective buyers will largely depend on these photos to purchase. So, go all out with your photography—capture well-lit, clear shots that reveal every detail. Include shots from various angles and highlight any labels or distinct elements.

To achieve this, invest in a state-of-the-art camera and professional lighting. At a minimum, you’ll want a six-megapixel. Ideally, something in the double digits is best. You can claim work equipment on taxes, meaning this equipment is a worthwhile, long-term investment.

For lighting, consumers prefer natural. This makes garments and models look authentic. If you need extra help, consider ring lights for even illumination with few streaks and shadows.

Keep the basics in mind when setting up your photo area. Capture multiple photos of each piece, highlighting unique elements and different angles on the model.

Learn more on how to take high-quality photos.

Step 4: Pen Detailed Descriptions

Besides high-quality photos, meaningful product descriptions can help you land more sales. Noting things such as brand, color, material, and size are important details for many consumers.

Don’t settle for a simple label like “small, red shirt.” Be as specific as possible. For example, “a deep crimson, cotton-blend top with a scoop neck and three-quarter sleeves.”

Since online customers can’t try it on in-store, clarifying the fit is important. Write tags like, “The flowy design gives it a more relaxed cut, so petite body types may want to size down to XS.”

These details are not only helpful to customers but also enhance the professional image of you and your company.

Step 5: Model Your Clothes

Modeling your products helps grab your customers’ attention and boost conversions. Even a mannequin display is preferable to a 2D representation on a hanger.

Styling the clothing items on yourself or with a live model gives you many more options. Quick poses can speed up the process of catching different angles. Action shots give consumers a realistic sense of how the clothes will look and feel.

If you pair with a model, try tapping into influencer marketing.

Step 6: Decide on a Reasonable Price

Opt for pricing that does justice to your clothing’s value and appeals to potential buyers. Avoid underpricing or overpricing; research online to understand the acceptable price range for similar products.

Step 7: Select the Ideal Platform

Your choice of selling platform can be pivotal to your online selling success. While some platforms cater to specific demographics or fashion niches, others adopt a more general approach. Understand your audience and product line, then choose the platform that aligns with them best.

Step 8: Post and Oversee Your Listings

You’re prepared to put your merchandise out there with your high-quality photos, complete item descriptions, and the right pricing. After your items are listed, monitor your listings regularly, address queries, adjust prices, and update posts as necessary.

Step 9: Plan Your Shipping Process

Upon securing a sale, you’ll need to orchestrate the shipping process. Incorporate this cost in your initial pricing or bill it separately. Ensure timely deliveries and provide buyers with tracking details for their purchases.

Luckily, you can calculate the cost for USPS based on weight, packaging, and zone.

Services like UPS and FedEx allow you to cut costs by printing your labels. You’ll need a scale to weigh your package (clothing plus packing materials) and a printer. This can save you time versus waiting in line at the post office. It’s also possible to schedule pickups from your home or workplace.

Figuring out how to price your used clothes can feel like a hurdle, but don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as you think. Here’s a quick guide to help you through this.

Begin with the original cost of the item. An exorbitant designer dress you picked up for $200 shouldn’t be dismissed with a $20 tag now. Ensuring its resale price aligns with the original cost is important. Typically, if your clothes are in great shape, setting the price at roughly 50-70% of the original cost is a smart move.

Fashion labels and quality matter. Prestigious labels and superior-quality clothing maintain better value compared to budget-friendly brands. Hence, a secondhand item from a renowned label should be marked slightly above the average.

Let’s not forget the essential factor—condition. Clothes that still gleam like new or have tags intact can warrant a price at the higher end. However, attire with noticeable signs of usage should be tagged at a lower price, signifying their condition.

Current fashion trends can be a game-changer. A piece in vogue or high in demand could be worth more than items that are out-of-season or passé. So, keep a tab on the latest trends to take advantage of possible retail wins.

Conducting market research sounds tedious, but it helps. Skim through similar items on your chosen selling platform to understand the common price range. Recognizing what prices buyers are comfortable with helps prevent overpricing and lost sales.

Take note, there’s a fine line between recovering most of your initial investment and offering an attractive deal to buyers. Striking this balance may appear challenging – but trust us, it’s totally achievable!

Indeed, selling clothes online has its own significant share of advantages and disadvantages. Like any hustle, success is possible when you carefully weigh these factors. Getting acquainted with both sides of the coin prepares you for what lies ahead. So, let’s examine the pros and cons of selling clothes online.

Pros of Selling Clothes Online

Access to a wider market range, reaching buyers worldwide.
Cost-effective business model with no need for rent, store fittings, or staffing.
24/7 availability for customers – you can make sales around the clock.

Cons of Selling Clothes Online

High competition requires creativity, marketing skills, branding, and quality to stand out.
Time-consuming tasks like product photography, description writing, and customer service.
Challenges related to handling returns, refunds, and difficult customers.

Selling clothes online proffers numerous potentials for growth and profit. There are challenges, but with dedication, resilience, and an effective business strategy, you can turn these hurdles into stepping stones for success.

Indeed, most online platforms do charge certain fees when you are selling clothes. These seller fees can typically be broken down into two categories: listing fees and transaction fees. The listing fee is a charge to list an item on a specific platform, usually varying from free to a nominal fee. On the flipside, the transaction fee is usually a percentage of the sale price and increases with the item’s sale price.

If we talk about specific platforms, Etsy, for example, imposes a $0.20 listing fee per item and levies a 6.5% selling fee based on the sale price, which includes the shipping price. Poshmark, in contrast, takes care of the shipping for all sellers but deducts a flat commission fee of $2.95 for all sales under $15 and a selling fee of 20% for sales valued at $15 or more. Depop, another popular platform, urges sellers to bear a 10% selling fee on each item, which also covers shipping costs.

Then, there are platforms like ThredUP, which do not request any fee upfront. They process your payment once your clothing is sold. However, it’s worth noting that they operate with a slightly complicated payout system, and the payment for non-designer clothes is typically relatively low.

Make no mistake: the costs associated with selling on each platform vary widely, and they do impact your final payment. So, it is crucial that you carefully research each platform to understand the fee structure and select the optimal venue for selling your clothes.

Ready To Sell Clothes Online?

The online fashion industry is worth about 775 billion dollars and growing. Selling clothes from your wardrobe or as a side hustle can be profitable. Many have gotten their feet wet marketing clothing online through Poshmark or a direct sales company. After dipping in their toes, they then launched their ecommerce boutique.

The beauty of ecommerce is the relatively low barrier to entry. Getting started can be as easy as acquiring a small stock of items and posting them on your preferred platform. With popular items, well-built product pages, and the right prices, you should be able to earn some profit. You can then reinvest your earnings to order new stock and repeat the process. Before long, you’ll have a small business going!

With a more considerable investment, you could create your website and order as much stock as you desire. Eventually, you will need to form an actual business entity. But to get started, all it takes is a few products, a good strategy, and a bit of elbow grease.

15 Best Places To Sell Clothes Online With Minimal Fees