Top Tips for Selling Your Used Clothing Sustainably

Step 1: Do Your Research and Evaluate Your Clothing’s Value

Don’t sell yourself short! You’ve spent time and money curating your wardrobe, so it’s important to understand the value of your clothes before listing them. Check out platforms like ThredUp, The RealReal, or eBay to get a sense of what similar items are selling for. This will help you decide whether your clothes are worth selling and at what price.

Before listing, make sure your items are in good condition. Fix any minor issues like a missing button or a broken zipper. Spending a little on repairs can significantly increase the selling price, especially for designer pieces. Remember, certain types of clothing sell better than others, such as luxury items, trendy pieces, seasonal clothing, denim, handbags, and accessories.

Decide what’s more important to you: convenience or maximizing your earnings.

• For Convenience: If you want to minimize effort, choose platforms that do most of the work for you. ThredUp, for instance, handles everything from photographing your items to shipping them. Flyp is another great option that pairs you with a Pro Seller who manages the entire process. For luxury items, consider The RealReal or Rebag. Simply create an account, pack your items, and let them handle the rest. Just note that these services take a higher commission, so you might earn less.
• For Maximum Earnings: If you’re willing to invest more time, platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Depop, Tradesy, and Grailed allow you to handle the sales yourself. This means more control and potentially higher profits since the fees are lower. However, you’ll need to take care of customer service and shipping.

How to Sell Your Gently Used Clothing Online 

Prefer to sell in person? Local consignment stores are a great option! Chains like Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads Trading, as well as locally owned shops, offer in-person selling opportunities. They tend to be more selective than online stores due to limited space, so bring trendy or designer pieces in excellent condition.

Make sure your items are clean and well-presented. Remove lint, pet hair, and stains. Steam or iron clothing, shave off any sweater pills, and clean shoe soles with an old toothbrush. Present your clothes in a neat, appealing way to maximize your chances of selling.

Good luck with your selling adventure, and remember to pat yourself on the back for being a sustainable fashionista!