The digital revolution has transformed clothing resale from dusty consignment shops and weekend garage sales into a thriving online marketplace worth billions. Whether you're decluttering your closet or building a serious reselling business, choosing the right platform can make the difference between frustrating stagnation and profitable success. Each platform has its unique strengths, fee structures, and target audiences, making it crucial to understand where your items will perform best.
Poshmark
ThredUp
The RealReal
Vestiaire Collective
Depop
Vinted
Mercari
Facebook Marketplace
eBay
Grailed
Your Platform Strategy
Poshmark
Poshmark has become the undisputed queen of social fashion reselling, combining e-commerce with social media engagement. The platform specializes in women's fashion, shoes, and accessories, though men's and children's categories have grown significantly. Sellers benefit from Poshmark's built-in community features, including parties, sharing mechanisms, and follower systems that help increase visibility.
The platform charges a flat $2.95 fee for sales under $15 and 20% commission on sales above that threshold. Poshmark provides prepaid shipping labels and handles authentication for items over $500. The social aspect means success often depends on active engagement, sharing other sellers' items, and participating in virtual parties organized around brands or styles.
ThredUp
ThredUp operates more like a traditional consignment store, where you send items to them and they handle the entire selling process. This hands-off approach appeals to sellers who want minimal involvement after shipping their items. ThredUp accepts only certain brands and styles, focusing on contemporary and designer pieces in excellent condition.
The commission structure varies widely based on item value and brand, ranging from 5% to 80% of the sale price. While you'll earn less per item compared to self-managed platforms, the convenience factor is unmatched. ThredUp provides a cleanout bag service, handles all photography and listing, and manages customer service. They also offer an upfront payout option for those who prefer immediate payment over potentially higher consignment earnings.
The RealReal
Specializing exclusively in authenticated luxury consignment, The RealReal caters to high-end designer items from brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès. The platform's rigorous authentication process and luxury focus mean higher sale prices but also stricter acceptance criteria. Items must be in excellent condition and from recognized luxury brands.
Commission rates start at 55% for new consigners and can increase to 70% based on the value of items consigned annually. The RealReal provides white-glove service, including free home pickup for qualifying collections, professional photography, and detailed condition reports. This platform works best for sellers with genuine luxury pieces willing to wait for the right buyer.
Vestiaire Collective
This global marketplace focuses on pre-owned designer fashion and has gained popularity among fashion-forward consumers seeking unique pieces. Vestiaire Collective attracts international buyers, potentially expanding your market reach beyond domestic platforms. The site emphasizes sustainability and authentic designer pieces, making it ideal for luxury and vintage items.
The platform charges sellers a commission ranging from 9% to 18% depending on item price, plus payment processing fees. All items over a certain value go through authentication. The international aspect means longer shipping times but access to buyers worldwide who might pay premium prices for hard-to-find pieces.
Depop
Beloved by Gen Z and millennial fashion enthusiasts, Depop combines social media aesthetics with marketplace functionality. The platform excels at vintage, streetwear, and unique fashion pieces that appeal to younger demographics. Success on Depop often depends on creative styling, trendy photography, and understanding current fashion movements.
Depop charges a 10% selling fee plus PayPal processing fees. The platform's social features, including following, liking, and commenting, create a community atmosphere that can boost sales through engagement. Sellers often build loyal followings who regularly browse their new listings.
Vinted
Originally focused on women's fashion, Vinted has expanded to include men's and children's clothing. The platform operates on a unique model where buyers pay all fees, making it attractive for sellers who keep 100% of their sale price. This European-founded platform has gained significant traction in the US market.
Vinted's fee structure benefits sellers significantly, as the platform charges buyers a protection fee and shipping costs. The interface is user-friendly, and the platform handles payment protection. However, the buyer-pays-fees model can sometimes result in higher total costs for purchasers, potentially affecting demand.
Mercari
This general marketplace has a strong fashion section and appeals to a broad demographic seeking deals on brand-name clothing. Mercari's algorithm-driven feed means less social engagement requirement compared to platforms like Poshmark, making it appealing for sellers who prefer straightforward transactions over community building.
The platform charges a 10% selling fee and offers various shipping options. Mercari's rating system builds trust between users, and the platform provides purchase protection. The diverse user base means items across various price points and styles can find buyers.
Facebook Marketplace
While not exclusively a clothing platform, Facebook Marketplace has become increasingly popular for local fashion sales. The platform's strength lies in local transactions, eliminating shipping costs and delays. It's particularly effective for higher-end items where buyers want to inspect condition before purchasing.
Facebook doesn't charge selling fees, making it one of the most cost-effective options available. However, success requires managing your own customer service, payment processing, and meetup logistics. The local focus can limit your buyer pool but often results in quicker sales and immediate payment.
eBay
The granddaddy of online selling remains relevant for clothing resale, particularly for vintage items, collectible pieces, and hard-to-find sizes. eBay's auction format can drive prices higher for desirable items, while the Buy It Now option provides predictable pricing. The platform's global reach expands your potential market significantly.
eBay's fee structure includes listing fees and final value fees that typically total around 10-13% of the sale price. The platform offers extensive seller tools, detailed analytics, and various selling formats. Success often requires understanding eBay's search algorithm and competitive pricing strategies.
Grailed
Grailed has carved out a dominant position in the menswear resale market, specializing in streetwear, designer fashion, and vintage pieces that appeal to male fashion enthusiasts. The platform is particularly strong for brands like Supreme, Off-White, Fear of God, and high-end sneakers. Grailed's community is highly engaged and knowledgeable about fashion trends and authenticity.
The platform charges a 9% selling fee plus payment processing fees, making it competitive with other marketplaces. Grailed offers authentication services for high-value items and has built a reputation for quality control. The platform's strength lies in its focused demographic and community-driven approach, where users often build followings and reputations within the streetwear and menswear communities.
Your Platform Strategy
Success in clothing resale often comes from understanding each platform's strengths and matching your inventory accordingly. Designer pieces might perform better on The RealReal or Vestiaire Collective, while trendy fast-fashion items could find eager buyers on Depop or Mercari. Many successful resellers use multiple platforms, diversifying their reach and maximizing their potential buyer base.
Consider your commitment level, fee tolerance, and inventory type when selecting platforms. Some sellers prefer the hands-off approach of ThredUp, while others thrive on the social engagement required by Poshmark. The key is finding the platforms that align with both your selling style and your inventory's target market, creating a sustainable and profitable reselling strategy.
