Shipping decides a lot
A small parcel costs around $8 with a label bought online, and more at the Post Office counter. On eBay, Mercari, Depop and Etsy you set the shipping, so either the buyer pays it on top or it comes out of your price. On Poshmark the buyer always pays it. That’s why bundles and local sales make sense for anything cheap. See the shipping guide.
Fees, in short
- Poshmark: $2.95 under $15, 20% from $15; the buyer pays shipping. Poshmark fees
- Depop: no selling fee, just 3.3% + $0.45 processing. Depop fees
- Mercari: 10% of item plus shipping. Mercari fees
- eBay: 13.6% of item plus shipping, plus $0.30 or $0.40. eBay fees
- Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp: free for local pickup.
Buy-sell stores and clean-out bags
Stores such as Plato’s Closet, Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads Trading buy clothes over the counter, paying cash or more in store credit. They’re picky about brands, condition and season, but you walk out with money the same day. Mail-in services such as ThredUp take a whole bag at once, but pay very little for most items. Both are easier than listing, and pay less.
Tips that help clothes sell
- Photograph clothes on a plain background in daylight, with a close-up of the label and any flaws.
- Give measurements as well as the size, since sizing varies by brand.
- Weigh the packed item before you list, so you charge the right shipping.