I love to purge my closet. At least once a year, I take a critical look at my clothing and accessories and determine what needs to go. They’re usually items I have not worn, mostly because I dread putting them on—like those uncomfortable skinny jeans, the pumps that squeeze my toes, or that blouse that makes my skin look pasty.
I donate most of these items to local charities but when it’s a name-brand good, I sometimes have a hard time parting with it. So this year, I decided to see if I could make some cash off some of these more expensive items.
I’d had success purchasing gently used clothing and shoes on Poshmark (love it!) so my first thought was to sell on there too, but I didn’t have the bandwidth to do the work posting each item, communicating with potential buyers, then dealing with shipping. So I decided to try ThredUp since they do all the work for you. I also love their mission to help the environment by reducing fashion waste.
The process was easy. I ordered a “Clean Out Kit” on the ThredUp website and shipped out 18 items. These were well maintained, mid-priced to designer brand goods only, as required by the company. For example, mine included never or rarely worn Ugg slippers, a MerSea sweater, Joe’s jeans, and a Free People vest.
The ThredUp staff inspects and takes photos of the items, posts them with descriptions and measurements, and markets them on their site at a price they choose. I get notified once the items are online and when anything sells. I get 80% of the selling price for premium or designer brands (Gucci, Lululemon), 60% for mid-priced brands (Gap, Zara). My payout for sold goods is available once the 14-day window for returns has passed.
So how’d I do?
Of the 18 items, 11 items sold, some pretty quickly, like my Splendid and Hard Tail items. I was surprised at some of the goods that did not sell, like the Joe’s Jeans and AG pants. (I opted to have ThredUp donate the 7 unsold items.) I wish I’d had more of a say in the pricing (I think some items could have sold for more) and that the time frame for sales would have been longer (they limit it to 30-45 days, depending on the brand).
My biggest payouts were on the Dansko clogs ($17), Ugg slippers ($12), Lucky jeans ($9), Free People vest ($9), and Hard Tail pants ($5). The rest of the items paid out at $2 each.
The sum total of my earnings was $65.13, less a service fee of $14.99, for a net gain of $50.14. I was encouraged to use those funds to shop on ThredUp but opted instead to cash out to my Paypal account.
While I’m glad I tried this, I’ll be honest that I was disappointed. I’m not sure I had a figure in mind, but $50 seems pretty measly for the quantity and quality of the items I sent. I’m glad that some of my items have found new homes and that the others will be donated.
I think in the future I’ll stick to pure donations. I do like the mission of ThredUp and will check out the site for purchases, but won’t be selling on there anymore. And I am trying to be more thoughtful in my purchases too so I don’t accumulate items bought on a whim and left unused in my closet.
YOUR TURN: Have you tried selling your clothing and accessories? What were your results? What do you recommend?
This is an interesting column on ThreadUp. I routinely consign clothes, jewelry, shoes, and household stuff at Turnstyle, my local consignment chain here in Phoenix. Probably 80% or more of my clothes come from consignment. It’s the only way I can afford the quality I want. I bought my kitchen bar stools, reading chair, and the large credenza behind my desk there. They have five large stores in town. They only purchase quality and are very picky. Each store varies because they have different buyers and different things brought in. I shop at all of them. I do very well. Occasionally I buy clothes from ThreadUp. But I usually return half of the order either because of the fabric or fit not being right, and now they charge a restocking fee, so I’m very reluctant to do more online consignment. I prefer to try clothes on in person to get the fit and feel of the fabric. The thing about consigning – it’s never about making money. For me, it’s recycling things I no longer need or use, living green, and buying future things for free on store credit (40% on the sale price which can be deeply discounted for buyers.) What they don’t accept is what I donate.
Yes, I agree. It’s a great feeling to live green. I’m definitely striving to reduce my purchases and buy used. Reuse, recycle! Thanks Katrina!
I sell at trusted local consignment stores and do well there. What the owners do not take is good all the way around – I then donate those clothes/shoes/accessories to three organizations that support women and children.
You’ve got it figured out Elizabeth. Sounds amazing thank you!
I tried ThredUp but it was during COVID & they had a very long waitlist to mail out kits & never did receive one. More recently I thought I’d try Poshmark so decided to test a Talbots skirt that I was getting rid of. It never sold so I’ve decided to try local consignment shops & donating
Interesting! Did not know they had such a backlog during Covid. I’ll need to check local consignment stores, great idea!
I have never tried ThredUp. Honestly, I usually donate most stuff to Goodwill except for higher end that I sell through a local consignment shop in Hinsdale. If someone has an idea how to get money out of fur coats, I’m all ears – I have inherited a few and no one will pay anything for them.
Local consignment stores does seem to be the way to go. I’ll need to find some near me. Thanks Sharon!
I sold designer clothing on the RealReal. The clothes all sold for very little even though some were expensive items. Next time i will donate my clothes.
Yep, sounds like donating is a great way to go. Appreciate you sharing your experience!