As tariffs invade the attire market, promoting your garments on-line is the transfer — this is how

Desk of Contents

They’re watching you from inside your closet.

The gown you obtain for one singular wedding ceremony two years in the past. The blazer you obtain for an interview at an organization that is apparently not hiring. They taunt you silently each time you push them apart for a monochrome sweatsuit.

That is your signal. Begin promoting your garments on-line.

The aspect hustle that does not require a lot time, or a particular talent

The pandemic closet purge to underconsumption-core pipeline has put a highlight on the artwork of successfully eliminating outdated stuff.

Likelihood is, you have already got a trash bag in your closet the place completely good castoffs go to die — and it is easy to let that bag develop into a everlasting fixture in your to-do listing. Whether or not your gadgets are frivolously worn or had been by no means touched after the preliminary try-on, figuring out the best way to promote them successfully is a slept-on talent.

Being secondhand vendor savvy, you will have a go-to technique to earn additional money for years to come back. It’s going to develop into a very clutch monetary cushion as the consequences of tariffs loom at each the budget-friendly and luxurious ends of the attire spectrum. Individuals will shortly understand that there is one technique to skirt round spiking clothes prices with out frantically Googling which clothes manufacturers have factories the place: Simply purchase clothes that is already in circulation.

Undecided the place to start out? I did not at first, both. After virtually a decade of itemizing my very own stuff and doing a majority of my very own purchasing from different individuals’s closets, I’ve poured every little thing I’ve discovered right into a operating information on promoting your garments on the completely different resale apps, from photograph and outline tricks to transport hacks to the ins and outs of promoting charges.

From the vendor’s perspective, the plain perk of a web-based store is having a go-to technique to earn additional money to cushion towards costlier on a regular basis gadgets. Even a revenue of $10 right here and there might make a weekly grocery invoice really feel much less daunting — a recurring win on this financial hellscape. The very best half is that clothes-selling apps are a aspect hustle that does not actually require you to clock in. Certain, a couple of minutes are required initially to put up the gadgets, plus a pit cease on the put up workplace when a bought merchandise must be mailed. However between that, you are simply ready for the precise purchaser to scroll previous your stuff.

However the purchaser’s POV says lots, too: Individuals will likely be on the lookout for methods to economize the place they will, and shopping for used or refurbished is a technique to try this with out stopping purchasing utterly. If an merchandise is already in circulation (i.e., sitting in some individual’s Mercari store), it is inherently invulnerable to the tariffs that surge the prices of imported items.

Will tariffs make garments costlier?

If you happen to had been a betting individual, would you guess that the tags in your present outfit say “Made in the USA” or “Made literally anywhere else“?

Anybody whose intestine feeling stated the latter is, in fact, right. A 2024 report from the American Attire & Footwear Affiliation estimated that the U.S. will get 97 % of its attire and sneakers from different international locations, which implies that 97 % of garments and sneakers within the U.S. are going to value extra money to herald. So sure, it is almost inevitable that the majority garments will likely be affected by tariffs. For a way lengthy, we do not know, and the hike in worth will likely be depending on the tariff price tied to the nation every garment is coming from.

An enormous chunk of that 97 % comes from Asia, together with China, whose imports have been saddled with a greater than 100% tariff price as of April 9. JSYK, Shein and Temu gadgets ship from China. Trump additionally moved to shut a loophole that beforehand allowed shipments of low-cost gadgets (like garments from Shein) to fly underneath the radar and evade different commerce taxes.

TL;DR: Retailers whose complete success mannequin is constructed on the power to be tremendous low-cost are actually dealing with roadblocks that’ll make staying low-cost a lot more durable. In flip, many patrons may be pressured to wean off of quick vogue and clothes haul mentality.

However we wanted to shift away from that entire mess regardless. Quick vogue manufacturers are solely capable of promote clothes at such low prices as a result of the individuals making them aren’t being paid pretty, with the availability chain usually banking on youngster labor. The fixed churning out of low-quality polyester crap additionally wreaks havoc on the setting. The quick vogue trade is a infamous contributor to landfills and is answerable for almost 10 % of world carbon emissions — that is the equal of 1 rubbish truck full of garments being burned or dumped each second. In 2023, Shein alone emitted extra carbon dioxide than what 4 coal energy crops mixed might emit in a yr.

The thrifting growth proves that individuals are down to purchase used garments

I’ve beneficial resale apps to buddies, and far of their hesitation stemmed from the identical place: “No one wants my stuff.” However that is not essentially true. You would be shocked at what consumers are actively searching down, particularly when costs are cheaper than shopping for the identical precise factor model new.

The surging recognition of thrifting over the previous few years is all of the reassurance it is best to want that individuals are completely open to sporting beforehand worn garments. For these of us who weren’t blessed with the time or motivation to scan Goodwill with a fine-tooth comb for hidden gems, on-line resale platforms are the transfer. There is a marketplace for the stuff that Plato’s Closet or Buffalo Trade turned down for no matter arbitrary motive.

And opposite to common perception, you possibly can nonetheless have a ton of success promoting garments on-line even if in case you have no cool classic items to listing. Consider how attractive a gently worn pair of Lululemon leggings listed at 50% off will likely be now that model new Lululemon leggings, which already weren’t anybody’s concept of reasonably priced, will in all probability get costlier as a result of tariffs. A marriage invitee who feels financially burnt out after shopping for a bathe and wedding ceremony reward would in all probability love to purchase somebody’s Princess Polly gown that was additionally solely worn for a single event and is now $50 cheaper than market worth.

I will always remember the push I felt after discovering a pair of platform SK8-Hello Vans in my measurement on Depop after months of seeing “Out of stock” in all places else. I couldn’t have cared much less in regards to the gentle scuffs. That vendor would not comprehend it, however her not wanting these random sneakers made my life. That is secondhand savviness for you: If it is bought out on the web site, it may be quietly floating round on a promoting app.

Do not let snobby thrift shops who settle for nothing bully you into considering your wardrobe sucks.

It is easy to depend on Amazon or Asos when a shirt is $10 and transport is quick and free, however do not forget that a lot of what is being bought secondhand is simply as reasonably priced. The distinction: Shopping for secondhand takes one thing that is already in circulation off the market. And let’s be actual — that weirdly low-cost shirt positively is not higher high quality than a shirt that is been worn just a few instances.

Which is greatest: Depop, Poshmark, or Mercari?

Every member of the holy trinity will get the job carried out. The truth is, many sellers put up on all three to succeed in a wider viewers. However sure forms of garments could carry out higher on one app or the opposite, primarily based on the demographics of the person bases retaining every platform afloat.

Poshmark, the OG, has 130 million customers versus Depop’s 35 million and Mercari’s 23 million. The most important distinction between the apps might be their person bases: Something common on TikTok or Instagram will probably do nicely with Depop’s viewers (90 % of customers are Gen Z), whereas gadgets focused towards ages 40 and up would possibly fare higher on one of many different two. There are gender variations, too: 70 % of Poshmark’s customers determine as ladies, for instance, whereas 38 % of Depop’s customers determine as males.

Depop might be intimidating. Of the massive three, it is the app that feels most like social media, and with that comes strain to curate an aesthetic theme, put up constantly, and maintenance the vibe of the store as a complete. The group is concurrently eclectic but particular: millennials and Gen Zers who resonate with area of interest stylistic pockets of web tradition (insert phrase right here-core), observe influencers carefully, and respect classic items and full outfit styling.

If you happen to’re stepping into thrifting or seeking to promote from a distinct segment model, head to Depop first. You will have higher luck promoting a recognizable sweater from Todd Snyder or Lisa Says Gah than a generic turtleneck from Zara. (Make sure to use hashtags, together with the model identify and phrases individuals would possibly search, like #plaidpants or #NWT — “new with tags.”)

Fortunately, Depop’s interface is tremendous approachable. The app appears lots like Instagram — you will scroll by means of a feed displaying one merchandise at a time from retailers you observe. (You may as well search by class or change to the Discover web page for a grid of contemporary gadgets, which Depop curates as “the very best gadgets from our neighborhood.”)

Mashable Prime Tales

Poshmark and Mercari are a bit extra chaotic. Your feed will likely be stuffed with updates about new listings, however some will solely be *vaguely* much like stuff you’ve checked out earlier than. Their search options get cluttered, too: Poshmark’s search bar tends to drag up gadgets that do not fairly match the search phrases, and Mercari often turns up gadgets which have already bought. You had one job, filters.

The Poshmark neighborhood’s requirements additionally are usually a bit looser. Many customers are nonetheless younger and hungry for classic and designer items, however older millennials and members of Gen X would possibly really feel extra at residence right here than on Depop. (My mother generally offers me gadgets of hers to promote; in these instances, Poshmark is my go-to.) Poshmark additionally lacks a technique to message different customers immediately. Personally, I do not love having a convo within the remark part, however different customers do not appear to thoughts.

Mercari, for its half, is the place to promote residence items like electronics and decor, new and used. Objects from T.J. Maxx and Marshalls that go viral and promote out shortly usually find yourself listed on Mercari — the Rae Dunn and Whats up Kitty merch lore runs deep on these digital cabinets. When you have undesirable skincare that you simply’re too lazy to return or undesirable fragrance or cologne with just some sprays used, Mercari additionally has a giant marketplace for stuff like that.

In response to a query about Mercari’s audience on the Mercari subreddit, Reddit person chibidesigns writes: “I’ve had a lot of success selling random things on Mercari. Sold automatic toothbrush heads within 10min of posting, and sold a lot of old electronics wires I had laying around. Clothing moves, but at a slower pace than what I move on Poshmark.”

Mercari continues to be nice for vogue resale, although, particularly for issues like sneakers (suppose sneakerhead tradition), kids’s clothes, or outerwear. My brother has given me a number of pairs of his outdated Air Jordans to promote for him, and most bought shortly on Mercari after gaining little traction on Depop.

Making your listings pop is much less work than you suppose

Beginning a profitable store would require some legwork, however observe just a few key ideas and you will be good to go. This is what to concentrate on.

Begin with the background. Contemplate what you, as a purchaser, would wish to see to really feel snug shopping for clothes from somebody. Blindingly synthetic lighting or a carpet lined in pet hair don’t precisely show that the vendor takes care of their garments. A half-assed photograph might ship the message that you simply’ll be half-assed with transport or communication, too.

Assembling a makeshift studio is an efficient transfer. It would not need to be fancy — suppose cohesive and presentable, like a properly embellished nook of your room or a plain wall outdoors your condo advanced. A uniform look is nice, however what actually issues is displaying that you simply take satisfaction within the reselling course of.

Modeling garments isn’t a requirement, particularly if you’re promoting one thing as a result of it would not match. However since returns aren’t quite common on resale apps, consumers do respect seeing what an merchandise appears like on an individual. Nevertheless, there isn’t any want to pull a buddy out for a shoot. The self-timer in your cellphone can work surprisingly nicely, but when that makes you’re feeling rushed, an inexpensive wi-fi shutter distant and mini tripod will provide you with extra management.

Do not feel like being in entrance of the digicam? There are different methods to take eye-catching images. Placing an merchandise on a hanger is a trendy different, so long as the background is comparatively impartial. (Bonus factors if your whole images have a uniform backdrop or theme.) An artsy prop, like a plant within the nook, can add a little bit of flare.

I am not Depop well-known by any stretch, however I have made virtually 300 gross sales. I’ve settled on posing every garment on a white rug on the identical chunk of flooring, with my roommate’s large gold flooring mirror as a little bit accent within the nook. For gadgets which might be too large or awkward for a flooring image, I dangle them on the closet door close by to maintain the vibe as match-y as attainable. (On Depop, images need to be sq., so hold that in thoughts when taking images. Mercari and Poshmark enable images to develop to full rectangular measurement.)

Many customers use an precise backdrop (could possibly be a sheet, could possibly be a $17 cloud backdrop with fairy string lights). Others take away the backgrounds on their images and edit the merchandise onto a enjoyable digital backdrop utilizing a service like Photoshop or Canva Professional.

Such intricate photoshoots aren’t completely obligatory, although, particularly on platforms that are not Depop. Mercari and Poshmark consumers respect practicality, probably simply on the lookout for images that very clearly intensify the merchandise’s coloration and situation. A clean chunk of hardwood flooring was my background for all of these sneakers I used to be promoting. No matter you do, put up multiple photograph. The back and front of an article of clothes, close-ups on zippers, necklines, or different small particulars, the bottoms of sneakers — identical to you’d in all probability study an merchandise by hand in a retailer earlier than shopping for, taking photographs from a number of angles exhibits the customer precisely what they’d be buying.

Listed below are another fast recommendations on making a profitable promoting app put up:

Lighting could make or break a photograph. Pure daylight captures colours and textures as they seem IRL and may spotlight stains or snags that you might have missed. But when pure gentle is not out there, a setup that mimics pure gentle will likely be a godsend. (A 5000K gentle bulb is an efficient place to begin.) Attempt a Lume Dice or an adjustable daylight lamp.

In some instances, particularly with sneakers, turning on flash is a surefire technique to spotlight any discoloration, scuffs, stains, or creasing.

Be as descriptive as attainable within the description. Although “Black hoodie sz large good condition” is faster so that you can sort, it isn’t precisely useful for the customer. Say as a lot in regards to the merchandise as you possibly can, together with the way it matches or the texture of the material — bullet factors are wonderful if it feels such as you’re rambling. Previous deciding on “good” or “excellent” situation within the settings of the itemizing, I like to inform consumers roughly what number of instances the merchandise was worn (if I’ve a common concept). Know the yr it got here out? Add that. Know the precise identify and/or coloration of the merchandise {that a} purchaser would possibly sort into the search bar (i.e., Reformation Gloria gown in “Honeyglow”)? Add that.

Be candid about flaws or different quirks, like whether or not the merchandise matches like a small even when it is tagged as a medium. Duping somebody is only a recipe for a foul evaluate, and that’ll simply hinder your probability of creating extra gross sales sooner or later.

Launder your gadgets earlier than promoting. Take the time to hang-dry gadgets that may’t go within the dryer, and hand wash delicates that say to take action. (A couple of drops of Woolite Delicates within the sink will do exactly wonderful.) This may assist with fading, shrinking, and cloth sturdiness, and could possibly be the distinction between “excellent” or “fair” situation.

Be conscious of wrinkles. Even the cutest little photograph association cannot make ridiculously wrinkly garments look attractive to consumers, and sometimes makes it unattainable to really see how the garment would lay usually. If one in all your gadgets’ earlier storage state of affairs was being crumpled in a ball for a yr, simply develop up and iron it, or ship it by means of a dryer’s wrinkle launch setting.

Primary stitching expertise go a good distance. SNL followers would possibly bear in mind the skit the place Larry-David-as-Bernie-Sanders recommends retaining the little button within the baggie that comes with pants. He is proper: An merchandise with a lacking button will probably fetch a a lot cheaper price. (If you listing the merchandise, word that the additional button will likely be included with the sale. It exhibits the customer you are accountable.)

So long as you may have a needle and a few matching thread, you possibly can exchange a button or mend a gap. Taking the burden of restore off the customer can improve the worth (perceived and precise) of what you are promoting.

A measuring tape is one other staple. Consumers will virtually positively ask for measurements on pants, particularly in the event that they’re denim. And figuring out your individual measurements is useful when searching in your holy grail classic Levi’s.

If you happen to’re feeling bold, you might wish to put money into a stitching machine. This can be a should for thrift flip TikTok fans, but it surely’s additionally good to have one readily available for extra concerned repairs, like changing a zipper. (It is easy, I swear. Purchase a zipper of the identical coloration on Amazon and discover a DIY video.) You must nonetheless inform consumers in regards to the patch job, but it surely’s higher than dropping the “broken zipper” bomb.

Saving your packing containers and mailers will save your ass

Do lots of on-line purchasing your self? Reuse that Amazon packaging as an alternative of paying for brand new mailers. I’ve acquired orders in outdated Sephora packing containers and Goal mailers and have by no means minded, and I do the identical myself (inside motive — skip the tattered ones). Many consumers buy secondhand as a result of they worth sustainability, so that they’ll respect a store that does not let packaging go to waste.

Get conversant in transport

As TechCrunch author Ingrid Lunden famous in a 2019 piece about Depop, “buyers generally do not seem to expect the same kind of shipping, tracking, or delivery professionals appearing at their doors” as they’d for big-box purchases. They perceive that you simply, a fellow common human, are dealing with transport, and usually tend to be chill about it — so long as you attain out and clarify any delays.

Virtually each resale app works with USPS to create printable transport labels, that are paid for by the customer except toggled in any other case. Poshmark makes use of a flat transport price, whereas Depop and Mercari provide a number of choices primarily based on weight. UPS and FedEx are additionally choices on Mercari and are generally barely cheaper than USPS, relying on the merchandise’s weight.

It is sensible to make use of a kitchen scale to weigh packages and select a label accordingly. In any other case, you threat the put up workplace sending your bundle again if it is too heavy.

Promoting charges defined

Although itemizing an merchandise is technically free, every platform sometimes takes a proportion of your sale to cowl different charges.

Observe that these numbers aren’t set in stone. Each Mercari and Depop have lately gone by means of phases the place they ditched the promoting price altogether, simply to interchange it with an alternate sort of cost. Generally, they return to the outdated mannequin, generally they do not.

This is the promoting price state of affairs for the massive apps as of April 2025:

• Depop not fees its earlier 10% promoting price and as an alternative fees sellers a cost processing price (3.3% of the transaction quantity plus $0.45, and consumers a U.S. market price of as much as 5% of the acquisition worth). Allegedly, this enables sellers to maintain barely extra of their revenue.

• Mercari fees a flat 10% promoting price and fees consumers a flat 3.6% purchaser safety price.

• Poshmark fees sellers $2.95 for gross sales underneath $15 and 20% for gross sales of $15 or extra. It is fairly steep, IMO.

• eBay promoting charges vary from 10% to fifteen.55%, relying on the product class and remaining merchandise worth. Clothes, sneakers, and equipment include a 13.25% promoting price, whereas sneakers particularly are at 8%.

• Vinted additionally not fees a straight up promoting price, as an alternative charging consumers a 5% purchaser safety price plus $0.70.

Presumably the toughest capsule to swallow within the on-line promoting recreation is that you simply in all probability will not make the quantity again that you simply paid. An merchandise could possibly be new with tags and consumers will nonetheless in all probability must see a cheaper price to be satisfied to purchase from a random individual as an alternative of the model’s official web site. See how different sellers are pricing comparable gadgets and hold put on in thoughts.

Coping with lowballing

Sooner or later, you are sure to come across a potential purchaser who gives an quantity so low, it feels offensive. A $10 prime is already affordable, however somebody will inevitably attempt to get it for $7 (figuring out rattling nicely that, after transport, you will make about $2).

Making gives could be a helpful tactic when carried out respectfully. Some customers do make truthful options that will not halve your revenue, and acquiescing might encourage an extra-sweet evaluate. If you happen to completely aren’t right down to haggle, word within the description that your asking worth is agency.

The provide characteristic on the massive promoting apps makes it straightforward to ship decrease costs to customers displaying curiosity in your merchandise. Consumers and sellers can negotiate by sending counteroffers, and sellers may also nudge consumers first by sending gives to individuals who have favored the merchandise.

Keep in mind: Good opinions matter greater than follower rely

Getting eyeballs in your profile relies upon much less on follower rely and extra on high quality images, fast transport, and responsiveness to consumers’ questions. Cowl these, and stacked constructive opinions are probably in your future. Whether or not your objective is to construct a following or just eliminate stuff you are not feeling, the information above can assist get your gadgets bought shortly — and get that money into your checking account.