Our Guide To To Selling Your Unwanted Clothes Online

There’s a whole host of reasons why you might be considering selling your unwanted clothes, from decluttering your home and making some extra money to wanting to make a positive impact on the environment. But right now you are probably wondering where to begin…

One of the main reasons more of us are selling our unwanted clothing online or second clothes is to declutter our homes. With fast-fashion and an abundance of cheap clothing options, it’s easy for us to accumulate a large amount of clothing that we no longer wear or need. By selling these items online, we can clear out space in our closets and drawers, making room for new items we actually use and enjoy.

Another reason close to our hearts at Referandsave for selling our unwanted clothes online is to make extra money. For many people, selling unwanted clothing can be a quick and easy way to earn some extra cash. Instead of letting clothes sit unused in closets, you can sell them for a profit and put that money towards something else. This is especially appealing for people who have items in good condition but no longer fit, no longer fit their style or are no longer in season.

In addition to decluttering and making extra money, selling unwanted clothing online can also be a way for us all to have a positive impact on the environment. The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, and much of the clothing that is produced ends up in landfills. By reselling our unwanted clothing instead of throwing it away, we can all help to keep it out of landfills and extend its lifespan, reducing its environmental impact.

So how do you go about selling clothing online?

Things To Know When Selling Clothes Online

There are lots of people interested in selling their clothing online, but it can be difficult to get started. These tips should help you sell your unwanted clothes but also to get the best price

Get The Timing Right

It’s important to consider the changes in the seasons and what items are most likely to sell right now. Try and sell items which are in demand for the period of the year you are in. For example, there is less likelihood of a sale for shorts and crop tops in late September as most shoppers are probably looking for winter wear.

Looks Say It All

Sometimes a really great photo can make or break an online selling experience. You should ideally try to take your photos in natural (day) light and with no creases. Have the item looking as close to how it would look on a rack in store as possible and remember you can never take enough photos. A fancy hanger will also help to make an item look more attractive.

Write Something Attractive

Make sure you list the size, dimensions, and fabric in your description so that buyers know what they’re getting. The more detail you can provide on the look and feel of the garment the better. We find that detailed measurements of every dimension really help to make a buyer more confident of purchase knowing that it will fit.

Choose The Right Platform

Below, we’ve included the best clothing platforms available. Some are good all-rounders for your standard high-street fare, while others specialise in high-quality designer brands. Pick according to what you have and get the money rolling! Remember there’s no harm in listing on more than one platform – just remember to remove the listing from ALL other platforms if the item sells!

Plan Your Shipping Cost

Royal Mail is trying to reduce its postage costs by offering ‘large-letter size’ envelopes. While this size will not fit items other than an envelope, it’s perfect for some tops and dresses. If the product you’re shipping isn’t standard size and if it’s over 6kg, you’ll need to pay extra in postage. This can really eat into your profits if you don’t plan for it. Just make sure you check some of the main postal services (Yodel, Evri, Royal Mail, DPD etc) and understand the charges. There is nothing worse than selling an item and then finding out the postage charges you have included in your listing don’t cover what it will actually cost to send the parcel.

Take Good Care of Your Stuff

Staying on top of your closet and storing clothes properly will keep them in good condition, which can help them at a later date or make them more valuable in the future. You should also fold sweaters and avoid using hangers to prevent damaging some fabrics. Cedar balls and hangers can be used as natural moth repellants. Vacuuming helps prevent future infestations.

Be Truthful In Your listing

If you’re not sure if something is in good condition, there’s a good chance it isn’t. You shouldn’t sell something that isn’t accurately described. If it is used or has certain damage then clearly describe this in your listing. Only sell clothing as new if it really is new. Otherwise, you can expect returns (with the additional costs this will incur) and damage to your reputation online which will affect all future sales you intend to make.

Be Responsive 

It can be a challenge to keep up with your sales if you have a number of items listed. Make sure you keep on top of all your orders and importantly, make sure you respond to queries as soon as you receive them. Lots of us, myself included sometimes look for clothing at the last minute and need a quick response if we are to order and receive the item in time. So get back to any questions from potential customers as soon as possible. And once the sale has been completed – ship the item immediately. Many of us have become accustomed to quick shipping so expect the same from private sellers.

Think Realistic

Pricing to account for wear and age can be difficult but it is rare to receive anything close to retail price for an item of clothing on the private market (unless it is was a limited-run item) – so you need to set a realistic price or your clothing won’t sell. There is generally an expectation that items on the secondary market are sold at a significant discount to the retail price so you will need to take this into account when selling your unwanted items.

Promote Your Stuff

Selling on multiple platforms can help to sell a product, but it can also lead to duplicate listings and lost sales. To avoid bad reviews, keep a close eye on your sales and remove products from other sites when they sell. There are no set rules saying that you can’t list the same item on multiple sites or not see it to multiple different people. You may find out that your items appear differently across platforms or does not show up at all. If you’re not sure what platform is best for your inventory, test a few out and see how customers view your products.

Best Platforms To Sell Clothes Online In 2023

There are a lot of websites and apps for selling clothes online. Select the one that makes you most comfortable and suits your needs. Making cash from your secondhand clothes really depends on getting people who want what you’ve got. Let’s discuss what platform will suit you to sell clothes online.

Depop

Depop is a platform that allows users to sell their clothes online. The platform is similar to eBay, but it only allows users to sell secondhand clothes. Depop was founded by a group of former eBay employees who wanted to make the process of selling secondhand clothes easier. After launching in 2011, the company has grown exponentially and now boasts over 2 million listings and a valuation of £1.3 billion.

There are several reasons why someone might choose to sell clothes on Depop:

1. Reach a global audience: Depop has a large user base of over 20 million people worldwide, providing sellers with a broad platform to reach a diverse and engaged audience. This means that you can sell your clothing to people all over the world, expanding your potential customer base.
2. Make money: Depop allows you to turn your gently used or pre-owned clothes into cash. This can be especially helpful if you’re looking to declutter your closet, or make some extra money.
3. Support sustainable fashion: Depop is committed to promoting sustainable fashion and encourages its users to reduce waste by buying and selling pre-owned clothing. By selling your clothes on Depop, you’re helping to reduce waste and promote a more sustainable fashion industry.
4. Showcase your personal style: Depop is a platform for individuals to express themselves through their fashion choices. By selling your clothes on Depop, you can showcase your personal style and connect with like-minded people.
5. Easy and accessible: Depop is user-friendly and easy to use, making it accessible for anyone to start selling their clothes. You can create a seller account in just a few minutes, and list your items for sale quickly and easily.

They offer items from vintage and quirky brands as well as new releases, and it is currently 10% off each sale, plus PayPal fees. For shoppers looking for access to the largest and most diverse selection of secondhand clothing, Depop is the undisputed winner.

To sell your items on this app, you need to upload an image of your item and a brief description. It works in the same gallery-style format as Instagram and includes information about the condition of the product and its description. It takes only a few minutes to start selling your used items on Depop. The process is easy and safe, so anyone can make their first sale!

Vinted

Vinted is a UK-based online clothing retailer that allows customers to buy clothing without having to visit the store. They sell over 3,500 products from top brands like Adidas, Nike and Ralph Lauren. Additionally, they also offer their own collections of clothes. They were founded in 2011 by three friends who wanted to create a more personal shopping experience. They wanted people to be able to browse and find clothes that were tailored to them and their tastes rather than just browsing through a generic selection. With this idea, they created Vinted with the intention of changing the way people shop for clothes.

Vinted is a platform for selling clothes where you put your items for sale, set a price and ship them when they sell. It’s similar to Depop in that you can sell practically anything. Design agencies and upmarket brands can expect a lot of success with this website. Costs are negligible, while the profile increase is on the order of tenfold. Although Vinted has a more diverse target audience than Depop, it still has much in common with the other platform. You should find it easy to market your items to these different groups with success.

It’s easier to sell secondhand clothes that don’t fit you anymore since the demand for them is always increasing. They may not be able to stock a number of items in-store, but you can sell them for twice their original price on our site.

eBay

It’s hard to discuss selling stuff online without mentioning eBay. It’s a global marketplace that allows buyers and sellers to trade or buy almost anything, from antiques to zebra stools. eBay has a community of millions of people who come together in the hope of finding the best deal for their needs.

The best thing about eBay is it allows you to sell anything literally. However, it does come with a cost. You will have to pay a 12% charge on all sales and also pay a fixed charge of 30p per order. The listing fee for listing over the free monthly limit is also 35p. eBay has seen an increase in users since the early 2000s. Despite that, it still attracts many visitors to its site every day, making it a great option for reselling clothes online.

As people continue to search for information on eBay, it’s becoming more important than ever before. This is why the platform has had its ups and downs so far. The key to lasting success is to identify your target markets or search terms and create listings that specifically address those interests.

There are two types of bidding: Buy It Now and Auction. If you set a non-negotiable price, someone who wants to take it will place a bid no matter where they might be geographic. This means that you’ll be getting a lot more money (a lot more than you imagined) while having control over the price. This is great if you want your item to sell quickly but with a price, you’re happy with when it does.

Vestiaire Collective

Vestiaire Collective is a platform that allows people to sell their clothes online. It was founded in London in 2016 and has since then expanded to the US, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. The company aims to make selling more accessible for everyone by providing an easy-to-use website with helpful tools for those who want to sell their clothes online.

The commission is quite high, but worth it if you don’t want the hassle. They provide authentication for all different types of designers. You can either list an item(s) yourself and then send it to Vestiaire so they can check everything and send it on to the buyer. OR you can trust them from the start. 

The platform has become a popular destination for fashion lovers looking to find unique and rare pieces from top designers such as Chanel, Gucci, and Prada, among others. The site operates on a community-based model, where buyers and sellers from all over the world can connect and transact with one another, allowing for a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to fashion consumption. Vestiaire Collective also ensures the authenticity of all items sold on the platform through a rigorous process of expert authentication and quality control. Overall, Vestiaire Collective provides a convenient and trustworthy way for fashion-conscious consumers to access high-end fashion items at a more affordable price point.

ASOS Marketplace

ASOS Marketplace is an online platform that operates as a marketplace for independent fashion brands and vintage sellers. Launched in 2010, it is a part of the ASOS brand, one of the world’s largest online fashion retailers.

The marketplace allows small businesses and independent sellers to reach a wider audience and sell their unique and curated collections of clothing, accessories, and jewelry. ASOS Marketplace features a wide variety of styles and price points, from affordable to high-end fashion, catering to a diverse range of customers. The platform also provides a community-driven shopping experience where buyers can directly connect with sellers, ask questions, and leave feedback. ASOS Marketplace has become a go-to destination for fashion-forward consumers looking for unique and one-of-a-kind pieces from independent sellers around the world.

ASOS Marketplace is where dedicated sellers can find a place to sell clothes they want to get rid of. It also allows them to turn their old season clothes into a new business opportunity. Clothing entrepreneurs who need to promote their brands online but don’t have time for advertising, promotion, and other sales-related activities can find ASOS the perfect platform.

Remember – ASOS Marketplace is only open to independent fashion brands and vintage sellers who meet certain criteria. To be eligible to sell on ASOS Marketplace, you must:

1. Have a registered business: You must have a registered business with a valid tax ID or VAT number.
2. Sell fashion products: ASOS Marketplace only allows the sale of fashion-related products, including clothing, shoes, accessories, and jewelry.
3. Offer unique and curated collections: ASOS Marketplace requires sellers to offer unique and curated collections of products that cannot be found elsewhere.
4. Meet quality standards: All products sold on ASOS Marketplace must meet ASOS’s quality standards, including the condition, authenticity, and accuracy of product descriptions and images.
5. Be able to handle shipping and customer service: ASOS Marketplace requires sellers to handle all aspects of shipping, returns, and customer service for their own products.

It’s important to note that ASOS Marketplace reviews each seller application on a case-by-case basis and may have additional requirements or criteria beyond those listed above. Therefore, it’s important to carefully review and follow the application instructions provided on the ASOS Marketplace website.

Preloved

Many people have a hard time parting with their old clothes. But there are many ways to make money from your Preloved clothes. The online platform, Preloved, enables people to sell their old clothes and get cash for them. It is a marketplace where you can sell your preloved items and shop for secondhand goods. Preloved has been able to connect over 2 million sellers and buyers in the UK since its launch in 2014.

Claiming to be the best place for people to sell their clothes online, completely free, even when you’re selling them locally. Sounds too good to be true, right? Preloved has built a huge community of people who love selling their preloved items online and getting cash for them, which also means less clutter at home!

Although fairly new to the UK market, there are over five million people using Preloved’s classified site every day. How it helps you find things for sale in your local area or marketplace is by letting users post activities they’re looking to do, like renting furniture and buying an appliance.

Preloved is a good selling channel for several reasons. First and foremost, the platform has a large and engaged audience of buyers who are specifically looking for second-hand and vintage items, making it an ideal marketplace for sellers to reach potential customers. Additionally, Preloved offers a simple and straightforward selling process that allows individuals and small businesses to list and sell their items with ease.

The platform also provides a messaging system that enables direct communication between buyers and sellers, allowing for negotiation of prices and creating a more personal and community-driven shopping experience. Preloved is also known for its affordable pricing structure, which includes both free and paid listing options, making it accessible for sellers of all sizes and budgets. Finally, as a platform that promotes sustainable and eco-friendly practices, Preloved aligns with the values of many consumers who are looking for more environmentally conscious ways to shop, making it an attractive channel for sellers who prioritize sustainability and ethical fashion.

Reluxe

Reluxe is a website that enables people to sell their clothes and shoes online. It is a platform that provides an opportunity for people to sell their old clothes and other items in exchange for money.

The website offers a range of services, including the option of selling your unwanted clothes online. The site also offers an opportunity for people to buy new clothes from the site with discounts.

Founded by stylist and industry veteran Clare Richardson, Reluxe is all about luxury fashion items (Balenciaga era, Chloé era, etc.). Working with customers, independent designers, and brands in the process of selling their products on your site is a great step for many. Not only will this process help them save time & effort, but it will allow them to focus on other aspects of the business as well. Reluxe takes care of this entire process from start to finish.

A concierge service collects items from the customer and ships them to the appropriate destination. This person will go through what the customer got and write about each item, photographing it as well. They’ll also be able to list all of these items for purchase with descriptions.

The commission is 35%-50% of the value of your total collection, with a higher rate for lower values and lower rates for high values. You will receive a monthly summary of your completed and sold customer orders, with the funds being deposited straight into your bank account.

Facebook Marketplace

The Facebook Marketplace is a place where you can sell your clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories. You can also find items for sale from other sellers. It’s easy to list your items on the platform and start selling them with just one click of a button. Facebook Marketplace is a good alternative for sellers who wish to sell their items locally. It provides free registration, offers a chargeback, and it’s easy to manage your listings. It has ads designed to connect people with what they are looking for from others who may have that item available.

Groups of people interested in buying the same item are sometimes designated to locations rather than individuals. With this, you can potentially save on postage costs by conducting a group shopping event. This service is designed to make it easy to quick money by cutting the need to charge a commission to the customers. This means you can be more competitive, and chances are people will buy your items.

Thrift+ For Browns

Thrift+ For Browns is a new service that helps you make money by selling your clothing and accessories. You can store your items in our huge warehouse and wait for buyers to buy them. The company also offers you the opportunity to earn cash back on every item that you sell.

Those are the questions most of us would ask when buying pre-loved or secondhand, especially in the designer and high-rise clothing category. With this partnership, Browns hope to offer their customers an easy way to sell their unwanted goods at a very reasonable price. Brown has a clothing donation service for those that want or need to throw out some of their old items. You get extra discounts when you pledge to donate and it’s easy to do by simply visiting Brown!

Brown bags are a great way to get money for your old clothes and save a few pennies by donating them. You can choose to have them delivered or collect your pre-loved items locally. At Thrift+, they handle the photography, listing and charity donation of your purchases before you ever worry about it.

Brown’s offers great discounts, and you will receive £60 in your bank after expenses have been deducted. If you sell an item worth £120, then you will get £60 in your bank.

Etsy

Etsy is the world’s largest online marketplace for handmade goods, where anyone can sell anything. It also provides a place for buyers to find unique items they cannot find anywhere else. They are the leading online platform to sell handmade and vintage items, both online and off. It’s an international company that helps sellers set up their shops.

You might not have considered Etsy as a place to buy secondhand clothes if you’re only traditionally selling homemade items there. But, if you’re interested in selling unwanted clothing, it could give your store more attention on the platform and entice more visitors to buy your products.

The listing fee is £0.16, which is charged for every new ad page, and there is also a transaction fee of 6.5% as well as a payment processing fee of £0.20. Etsy does have strict rules on what you’re allowed to sell, but it’s definitely worth the risk. You should first check their terms and conditions for the full run-down of what goes into selling on their site.

Rebelle

Rebelle is a luxury online marketplace based in Germany that specializes in buying and selling second-hand designer fashion. Founded in 2013, Rebelle offers a carefully curated selection of pre-owned items from top luxury brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, among others. The platform offers a convenient and safe way for sellers to list and sell their luxury items, with a focus on quality and authenticity. Rebelle employs a team of experts who authenticate and verify all items before they are listed for sale, ensuring that buyers can shop with confidence. Rebelle’s mission is to promote sustainable and ethical fashion by providing a platform that extends the lifecycle of luxury items, reducing waste and environmental impact

To sell on Rebelle, you must first create an account on the platform and submit an application to become a seller. Here are the general steps to follow:

1. Visit the Rebelle website and click on the “Sell” link located in the footer section of the website.
2. Create an account by filling out the registration form and agreeing to the terms and conditions.
3. Submit your seller application by providing information about your business, including your VAT number, and the brands and products you plan to sell.
4. Wait for Rebelle to review your application. This process can take up to two weeks, and you may be asked to provide additional information or documentation during this time.
5. Once approved, you can begin listing your items for sale on the platform. Rebelle offers a simple and user-friendly listing process, which includes uploading photos and providing detailed descriptions of each item.
6. When a customer purchases one of your items, you will receive an email notification from Rebelle, and you will be required to ship the item within a specified timeframe.
7. Once the item is received by the buyer, Rebelle will release the payment to you, minus a commission fee.

Rebelle charges a commission fee on all sales made through the platform, which varies depending on the price of the item. It’s important to read and understand the terms and conditions of selling on Rebelle before submitting your application.

Summary

Selling your unwanted clothing online can be a great way to declutter your wardrobe, make some extra cash, and reduce your environmental impact by promoting sustainable and ethical fashion practices. There are many online platforms available for selling second-hand clothing, including ASOS Marketplace, Preloved, Rebelle, and others. Each platform has its own unique features and requirements, so it’s important to do your research and choose the one that best aligns with your needs and goals.

To sell your clothing online, you will need to carefully prepare your items for sale, including cleaning, ironing, and taking high-quality photos that accurately showcase the item’s condition and details. It’s also important to provide accurate and detailed product descriptions, including the size, material, and any flaws or signs of wear.

When selling online, it’s important to be patient and persistent. It may take some time to find the right buyer, and you may need to adjust your pricing and listing strategies along the way. However, with the right approach, selling your unwanted clothing online can be a rewarding and profitable experience that supports sustainable and ethical fashion practices.