ThredUp is one of the largest online consignment and thrift stores, offering a convenient way to buy and sell secondhand clothing. Whether you’re looking to declutter your closet or start a side hustle flipping fashion finds, ThredUp provides an easy-to-use platform to turn your gently used clothes into cash. Here’s everything you need to know about making money on ThredUp.
Contents
1. Understanding How ThredUp Works
ThredUp operates as a consignment service where sellers send in clothing, and ThredUp does the listing, pricing, and selling for them. Unlike peer-to-peer marketplaces like Poshmark or eBay, you don’t have to interact with buyers directly. Instead, you send your clothes to ThredUp, and they take care of the rest.
2. What to Sell on ThredUp
Not all clothing items are accepted by ThredUp, so it’s important to know what sells best:
- Brand Name and Designer Clothing – Popular brands like J.Crew, Madewell, Free People, and designer labels tend to sell quickly.
- High-Quality, Gently Used Items – Clothing should be in excellent condition with no stains, rips, or heavy wear.
- In-Season and Trendy Pieces – Seasonal and trendy items tend to move faster.
- Women’s and Kids’ Clothing – ThredUp primarily focuses on women’s and children’s fashion, though some men’s items are accepted.
3. How to Sell on ThredUp
Step 1: Order a Clean Out Kit
- Visit ThredUp’s website and request a Clean Out Kit.
- You’ll receive a pre-labeled shipping bag to send in your items.
- You can also use your own box and print a prepaid shipping label.
Step 2: Pack and Send Your Items
- Fill your bag with acceptable clothing.
- Drop it off at the post office or a shipping partner (USPS or FedEx).
Step 3: Wait for Processing
- ThredUp sorts through your items and lists accepted pieces for sale.
- Rejected items can either be returned to you (for a fee) or recycled.
4. Understanding ThredUp’s Payout System
ThredUp offers two ways to get paid:
- Consignment Earnings – If your items are listed on consignment, you earn a percentage of the sale price once they sell.
- Instant Payouts – Some high-demand brands qualify for an upfront payout.
Payout percentages depend on the item’s selling price:
- Items under $20 = 5-15%
- $20-$50 = 15-30%
- $50-$100 = 30-60%
- Over $100 = 60-80%
Earnings can be cashed out via PayPal or as ThredUp shopping credit (which usually offers a bonus).
5. Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
- Sell High-Demand Brands – Check ThredUp’s brand list to see which labels sell best.
- Send in Seasonally Appropriate Clothing – Spring and summer items sell better in warmer months, and vice versa.
- Keep Your Items in Excellent Condition – The better the condition, the higher the payout.
- Monitor Your Listings – Adjust pricing to increase your chances of selling faster.
6. Alternative Ways to Make Money on ThredUp
- Buy and Resell – Some sellers source high-value items from thrift stores and resell them on ThredUp.
- Use Store Credit for Savings – If you shop on ThredUp, cashing out in store credit often comes with an added bonus.
Final Thoughts
ThredUp is a hassle-free way to make money from unwanted clothing, especially if you prefer not to handle the selling process yourself. While payouts may not be as high as selling directly, the convenience factor makes it a great option for busy individuals looking to turn clutter into cash.
By following these tips, you can maximize your earnings and make the most out of selling on ThredUp!
