For a while now there have been websites available to sell your stuff on. Craigslist and Ebay are well known and have been around for years. As smart phones and apps have become more popular, more selling apps have popped up as well. Now there are many websites and apps available for resellers to use. But what platform should you get started on? How many platforms should you be using at the same time?
Every site or app has a few factors to consider when picking a primary platform and complimentary ones. Factor in commission or fees, how shipping is handled, target audience and the size of that audience when making a choice. I tend to focus on one platform first and then cross list as I have the time or feel the need.
The Major Platforms
Here are some of the top selling platforms in no particular order. Of course there are more options out there. But these seem to be the most fluid and simple platforms to use.
- Poshmark – Poshmark is an app based community powered by millions of Seller Stylists, who sell style and can build bundles or looks for shoppers. When selling from your closet, start by listing 5-10 items. Search and follow other shoppers like yourself who are interested in the same brands or sizes and may also be interested in your closet. Each seller sets their own price and when it sells Poshmark emails a prepaid shipping label. Shipping is always priority USPS shipping, meaning your customer gets the item quicker and you get paid sooner.
- Mercari – The Mercari app is great for selling clothing, shoes and accessories at whatever price they like. Whatever sells is subject to a flat 10% fee. You can also sell other things from around the house, electronic gear, collectibles, watches and toys. You can sell just about anything on Mercari as long as you can ship it. The app is intuitive and easy to use.
- Tradsey – Tradesy is a buy-and-sell marketplace for pre-owned bags, shoes, clothing, and more from TOP designers. If you have great name brand bags in your closet this might be the best site for you. You can set your price, choose your preferred shipping method, and review your earnings breakdown before you list. Tradesy charges a flat commission fee of $7.50 for any item under $50 and 19.8% for anything over $50. In addition to handbags, you can sell everything from shoes to clothing to wedding dresses. I may be listing my wedding dress soon.
- ASOS Marketplace – started in 2010 and has become the leading online platform for independent brands and vintage boutiques. Their unique product range is what sets them apart. You can find styles and trends that are current with a few clicks and filter styles to your needs easily. If you a lot of vintage clothing or are setting up you own boutique of a small independent brand this marketplace may be a good platform for you. ASOS takes a 20% commission on the sale price and photos need to be approved before your items go live. They also recommend international shipping because they have a global audience.
- Ebay – pretty much paved the way for reselling. The upside of selling your stuff on Ebay are bidding wars when you have a desirable item. The downside is Ebay has all sorts of items available and clothing can get lost among teapots and electronics. Be sure to give very descriptive headlines on your Ebay listings to ensure shoppers can find your stuff.
- Facebook Marketplace – Facebook has tons of daily users. If you’re on Facebook all the time anyway why not list your clothing on Facebook Marketplace makes as well. There no seller fees or taxes involved, you can easily share your listing to your network and offer porch pick ups or add shipping into the cost and mail it out. You never know who might be interested in gently-used denim or a once-worn prom dress or bundles of kids clothes.
- ThredUp – lastly if you want to pair down your closet but don’t want to do the work if listing and shipping out individual items ThreadUp may be for you. They send a “clean out kit” (a.k.a. an empty bag) so all you need to do is fill it up and ship it back for free. The convenience means that sellers take a lower cut, earning a maximum of 80% of the resale price, but the no-fuss process makes it super easy for busy girls. ThredUP’s biggest selling point for buyers is the huge inventory. They list more than 5,000 items each day meaning its great to shop on as well.
How To Pick a Platform
When picking your main platform and complementary ones consider the item you are listing. What platform would it most likely sell for the highest amount on. Start there. And if you are really working reselling as a business or trying to sell quickly cross list on a few other platforms as well. I would post a wedding dress or designer hand bag on Tradesy first before cross listing on eBay or Mercari. Just remember if an item sells on one platform to delete it from all other platforms as well so you don’t double sell.
For my typical inventory I usually list an item first on Poshmark. I will wait a day or two and then cross list the item on Mercari as well. I keep the photos on my phone from my first listing and then copy photos and the descriptions into the second platform so I only do all that work once. I have noticed that some items will get more hearts or likes on one platform vs the other. Diversifying how many people see your item gives it the best chance of selling.
Now that you have a list of various selling platforms to look out I hope you will be trying some out. Let me know how it goes!
Related Questions
What is fashion flipping? Fashion flipping is when you buy clothing used and at a low cost and then sell it at a higher price. You can find used clothing at thrift stores, years sales and consignment shops for low prices. Then compare similar items on any of the platforms above and list them at a higher price.
Can you make a living buying and selling second-hand clothes? If you are willing to put in the work, of course you can make a living buying and selling second hand clothes. Consider how much money you would need to make to maintain your lifestyle and how much profit you can make from sales. To find out if it is doable for you.
Is Mercari better than Poshmark? No one platform is perfect. Each platform has different users and policy. Mercari continues to release new features regularly and is a great platform for selling lightweight lower priced items in comparison because the fees are lower and shipping is cheaper for items under 1 lb because they will provide a first class shipping label vs a priority label with Poshmark.