For more than a year, a concerted effort has been focused on decluttering my closet by selling various items while also generating income for new purchases.

This journey has introduced a spectrum of emotions and a mix of resale applications, some proving to be significantly more beneficial than others. In addition to generating some extra cash, this initiative has substantially reduced my clutter. Popular decluttering methodologies often recommend categorizing belongings into “keep,” “throw,” or “donate,” but incorporating a fourth category—items to sell—has effectively opened up substantial space in my closet. Moreover, my strategy involves utilizing any earnings from sales to fund new acquisitions, adhering to my interpretation of the “one in, one out” philosophy for maintaining order.

Having spent numerous months navigating this process, along with countless trips to the post office, valuable insights have emerged regarding the online buying and selling landscape, along with app recommendations.

Key Considerations for Selling Clothing Online

Certain sellers on these platforms take a professional approach by sourcing unique or high-value pieces to resell for profit, treating it like a full-time venture. However, this isn’t a requirement for all users. Don’t be intimidated by accounts featuring high-quality images and extensive listings; there’s a buyer out there for what you’re offering, regardless of whether your item is showcased on a mannequin or simply laid out on a flat surface, as long as you have the correct size and pricing.

Tips for Getting Started

1. Only list items you genuinely wish to sell.

   This may seem straightforward, but it’s common to get excited and post an item still in use, only to feel regret once it sells. One precaution involves pricing items I enjoy at elevated rates, allowing interested buyers to express interest or negotiate. If someone ends up purchasing at the original price, it’s simply meant to be, and that diminishes the sting of letting go.

2. Avoid listing items you urgently need to clear out.

   Even if priced competitively and promoted daily, it’s unpredictable how quickly an item will sell. If your decluttering mission is hindered, consider local consignment for truly valuable pieces or simply donate them.

3. You can still use items while they’re listed, but tread carefully.

   Should any wear or damage occur, even minor scuffs, it diminishes the item’s value and necessitates updating the listing. Misleading buyers regarding the condition can lead to returns and negatively affect your seller rating.

4. Take numerous photos.

   No need for professional staging; setting items against a neutral backdrop helps. Capture multiple angles, close-ups of flaws, and necessary tags or serial numbers, especially for high-value goods. Buyers appreciate seeing all aspects upfront.

5. Be responsive to inquiries and flexible with offers.

   In my experience, it’s rare to achieve the initial asking price, but being open to negotiations accelerates the sale process, keeping your items moving quickly.

6. Research comparable listings.

   Check what similar items are selling for and consider undercutting slightly to increase the likelihood of a sale.

7. If cross-listing, keep track of your items.

   There’s nothing worse than selling an item on one site while it’s still listed on others. If that happens, you may need to cancel orders leading to potential penalties on your seller rating.

8. Stay alert for scams.

   This advice applies more to buyers than sellers. Always communicate through the app and avoid off-platform transactions to ensure that reputable customer service is available should problems arise.

Essential Application: Vendoo

Before delving into specific apps for buying and selling, it’s imperative to mention Vendoo. This cross-listing application allows users to create listings and share them across multiple marketplaces like Poshmark, Vestiaire Collective, and Depop. It streamlines your selling efforts by providing price tracking and organizational features aimed at maximizing efficiency.

Cross-listing broadens exposure; while many shoppers browse various apps, each platform has its own loyal customer base that utilizes only one space. This approach improves the likelihood of a sale.

The Best Apps for Selling Clothing and Accessories

With experience in purchasing across these platforms for years and more recent activity in selling, the following applications stand out for their user-friendly interfaces and seamless functionalities: Poshmark, Vestiaire Collective, TheRealReal, and Depop. Here’s a breakdown of their features:

Poshmark: Versatile Selling Platform

On Poshmark, you retain 80% of sales above $15; while items under that incur a $2.95 fee. This app allows buyers to make offers lower than your asking price, and you can choose to accept or counteroffer. The platform features an option for buyers to “like” items, enabling you to send bulk discount offers to interested parties. Additionally, it allows you to participate in themed “parties” for targeted promotion, but requires active engagement for optimal results, including timely responses and sharing listings during relevant events.

Vestiaire Collective: Premium Selling Platform

Vestiaire Collective specializes in high-end goods and offers a stringent authentication process. Items often go to VC for verification before being sent to buyers, providing added security for luxury items. With a selling fee of 10% per sale and an added payment processing fee, this platform offers opportunities for sellers but is generally slower-paced due to the verification steps involved.

TheRealReal: Designer Focus

Dedicated to luxury brands, TheRealReal operates similarly to a consignment store. Commission rates depend on your loyalty status, where initial sales yield around 55%. Boots higher as sales increase. This platform is great for sellers looking to offload high-value items, but note that it may not be the best choice for frequent sellers due to pricing volatility.

Depop: Casual and Eclectic Marketplace

Depop welcomes a broad range of items—everything from mainstream fashion to unique finds. While the platform charges a 10% selling fee, the listing process is intuitive, with suggestions based on photos. It fosters a vibrant community, but caution is advised due to a prevalence of counterfeit goods.

Mercari: Simplified Selling Experience

Mercari stands out for its ease of use, especially for newcomers. Listing items is straightforward with options for automated price reductions via “Smart Pricing.” However, sellers should be mindful of buyer protection fees which may impact final pricing.

Bonus Mention: Renting via Pickle

Although the focus here is on resale, Pickle offers a unique angle—renting rather than selling. Serving as a viable option, this app facilitates the rental of clothing and accessories, maintaining ownership and generating income repeatedly, unlike traditional sales. Their service covers various transportation options making it convenient for both parties involved in the transaction.