4 Ways to Make Money from Your Old Clothes

Selling your old clothes, shoes, and accessories can prove extremely lucrative, with a growing market for second-hand and vintage clothing. Some websites allow you to sell your unwanted clothes and accessories directly to the public, while others provide a way to collect old clothes from your door and provide a cash payment or store credit. If you have unwanted clothing, shoes, or accessories, try these 4 ways to make money from your old clothes.

1 - Poshmark

Poshmark describes itself as a “social marketplace” because besides being able to sell your clothing there, you can also establish a network or community. Users can attend “virtual shopping parties” where they can browse other sellers’ available clothing. In order to list your items for sale, you will need to have an account at Poshmark, then take a photo of the clothing item you want to sell and create a listing for it on their site. Poshmark allows you to set your own price and receive cash for your sales. When someone buys your clothing, they give you a pre-paid shipping label. You will be paid once the item has been confirmed delivered to the new owner.

2 - ThredUp

Consider ThredUp for a more hands-off option. But note - their payouts and consignment windows vary by brand. For premium and designer brands like J.Crew and Gucci, the payout is up to 80% of the selling price. For mid-price brands such as GAP, Nike, and ZARA, the payout is up to 60% of the selling price. For lower-priced value brands like Forever 21 and Old Navy, are not eligible for a payout, but you can still send them in. Essentially, what you would do is request a kit which they call Clean Out Kit, which is a bag that you fill out with your unwanted clothing. Of course, they must be in good condition. Send the bagged clothing to the company using the shipping label provided. After they inspect each clothing item and professionally photograph them, they will market them on their website. They will keep track of what sells, package them, and ship the sold item(s) out to the new owner. You can earn cash or choose ThredUp shopping credits to spend. You don't get to set the selling price, but you also don't have to do all of the work.

3 - Swap.com

Swap.com is an online thrift and consignment store. They partner with people looking to sell gently used clothing in good condition. As a new seller, you will need to sign up, then ship to swap.com the items you want to sell. Their team inspects the clothing to ensure the items meet their standards. If they do, then your shipping is accepted and they will do all the work of creating a listing for potential buyers to browse. When you sell something, you receive a commission that varies depending on the item's price, which is anywhere from 15-70%. You can choose to receive a store credit, which increases your commission, or you can choose to get cash via PayPal.

4 - eBay

eBay allows you to sell or auction your unwanted clothes, shoes, and accessories through their online marketplace. eBay is one of the most popular online selling platforms, with millions of regular customers all around the world, which means that you have a good chance of finding a buyer for your items. To list your items on eBay, you will need to set up a seller account, if you haven’t already done so. You can then list your items for a small fee, with extra options available to enhance your listing. If your unwanted clothes sell, you will need to arrange delivery with the buyer. eBay operates a feedback system, so it is important to be honest in your listings, as dissatisfied customers may share their negative experiences with other users by giving you a lower rating and writing a bad review.

Choosing between the four options above will depend on which option is best suited for your needs. Higher prices are likely to be gained from using online marketplaces like Poshmark and eBay. However, there may be additional fees to consider, such as listing fees, postage costs, and commission. While collection providers like ThredUp and Swap.com may pay less for your unwanted clothing, they will collect your items free of charge and you will not have to pay any other fees.

You can always donate your unwanted clothes to someone in need, or to a non-profit organization, but isn’t it nice being able to make a little money by selling them sometimes? The above-listed places are a good starting point because these companies accept a variety of clothing and provide multiple ways for you to get rid of your unwanted clothes. Some charge a flat fee, others allow you to set your own price, and others set commissions on an individual basis. With so many brands offering store credits, discounts, and even cash for clothes, now is an excellent time to clean out your closet.