Can you Really Make Money on ThredUp?
Selling clothing online can be time-consuming, but platforms like ThredUp offer a way to sell items with minimal effort. However, is it the best option for resellers looking to maximize their profits? This guide will break down how to sell on ThredUp, what types of clothing the platform accepts, and whether it’s a profitable option compared to other reselling methods.
What is ThredUp?
ThredUp is an online consignment store specializing in secondhand clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, and jewelry. Sellers can send in gently used items, and ThredUp handles the listing, pricing, and shipping. In exchange, sellers receive a percentage of the final sale price.
How to Sell on ThredUp
Selling on ThredUp involves several steps:
- Visit ThredUp.com and navigate to the “Sell” tab.
- Choose between selling or donating your clothing.
- Select a shipping method:
- Print a Label: Print a prepaid shipping label at home and use any bag or box to send items.
- Mail a Bag: Request a Clean Out Kit for a $2.99 fee, which includes a pre-labeled mailing bag.
- Send your items to ThredUp for processing.
Key Considerations for Sellers
- Processing Fee: A $14.99 fee per 30 lb-capacity bag is deducted from your earnings to cover services such as inspection, listing, and pricing.
- Premium Service: ThredUp offers a Consignment Premium service at $35, ensuring all submitted items are listed, aiming to attract higher-quality inventory.
- Processing Time: Standard processing can take several weeks. An expedited option is available for $22.99, reducing processing time to approximately three weeks.
- Item Acceptance: ThredUp accepts approximately 40% of submitted items, focusing on those in excellent condition. Unaccepted items can be returned for a $10.99 fee or recycled.
What ThredUp Accepts and Rejects
Accepted Items:
- Clean, freshly washed clothing
- Recognized brands (over 35,000 accepted)
- On-trend styles, typically less than five years old
- Items free of stains, rips, or visible wear
- Excellent condition items
Not Accepted:
- Clothing with visible wear, stains, or damage
- Outdated styles
- Low-end fast fashion brands
To maximize earnings, inspect each item thoroughly before submission, ensuring they meet ThredUp’s stringent quality standards.
How to Maximize Earnings on ThredUp
ThredUp operates on a tiered payout system based on the final selling price:
- Items sold under $15: Sellers receive a smaller percentage.
- Higher-priced items: Sellers earn a higher payout percentage.
Average Payouts for Popular Items:
- Lululemon Pants: $13
- LuLaRoe Dress: $4
- Nike Hoodie: $4
- American Eagle Jeans: $3
- Ann Taylor Shirt: $2
To optimize earnings, prioritize high-end, in-season items in excellent condition.
Is Reselling on ThredUp Profitable?
While ThredUp offers convenience, profitability varies:
- Platform Comparison: Platforms like eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari offers higher returns but require more seller involvement.
- Fee Awareness: Be mindful of processing fees, expedited service charges, and return fees for unaccepted items, as they can significantly impact net earnings.
- Consignment Period: Post-consignment, reclaiming unsold items incurs additional shipping fees, or they may be donated.
For instance, selling a Free People dress for $40 on ThredUp might yield approximately $11 after fees, whereas selling the same item on eBay could result in higher net earnings after accounting for platform fees and shipping costs.
Should You Buy from ThredUp?
While selling on ThredUp may not always maximize profits, the platform offers a vast selection of high-quality, affordable clothing for buyers. New users often benefit from promotional credits, enhancing the shopping experience.
Final Thoughts
ThredUp provides a convenient solution for those looking to declutter with minimal effort. However, resellers aiming for maximum profit might find platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Mercari more lucrative, albeit with increased effort.
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