Should I sell my old clothes online or at a thrift shop?

If your closet is overflowing with clothes you no longer wear, selling them can be a great way to make extra money. But should you sell online or take them to a thrift shop?

Selling clothes online allows you to set your own prices and reach a wider audience, while thrift stores offer quick, hassle-free sales. If you want convenience, thrift stores are better. If you want more profit, online selling is the way to go.

Both options have pros and cons, and the best choice depends on how much effort you're willing to put in.

What is the best place to sell secondhand clothes?

There are many platforms and stores where you can sell secondhand clothing¹, but which one is the best?

The best place to sell secondhand clothes depends on your goals. Online marketplaces like Poshmark, Depop, and eBay offer higher profits, while local thrift stores and consignment shops provide quick sales.

Fashion Photography Session

Best Platforms for Selling Clothes

If you have branded or trendy items, online selling is more profitable. If you want to sell in bulk quickly, local thrift stores are a better choice.

Do thrift stores pay you for your clothes?

Many people donate clothes to thrift stores, but do they actually pay for them?

Most thrift stores do not pay for clothes. However, consignment shops and buy-sell-trade stores² like Buffalo Exchange or Plato’s Closet offer cash or store credit for quality secondhand clothing.

How Thrift & Consignment Shops Work

1. Donation-Based Thrift Stores – Stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army accept donations but do not pay sellers.
2. Buy-Sell-Trade Stores – Shops like Buffalo Exchange and Plato’s Closet pay upfront for trendy, lightly used clothing.
3. Consignment Shops – These stores sell items for you and take a commission (typically 30-50%).

If you want quick cash, buy-sell-trade stores are the best option. For higher payouts, consignment shops work better, but you’ll have to wait for your items to sell.

Is selling thrift clothes profitable?

The secondhand clothing market is growing, but is it actually a profitable business?

Yes, selling thrift clothes can be profitable, especially if you focus on vintage, designer, or high-demand brands. However, success depends on sourcing quality items and pricing them correctly.

How to Make Money Selling Thrift Clothes

1. Find Valuable Pieces – Look for name brands, vintage items, and unique fashion trends.
2. Use Online Marketplaces – Poshmark, Depop, and eBay offer better profits than local stores.
3. Price Strategically – Research similar listings to price competitively.
4. Offer Bundle Deals – Selling multiple items at once increases your earnings.
5. Take Quality Photos – Good presentation attracts more buyers.

If you’re willing to thrift, list, and market items, flipping secondhand clothes can become a profitable side business.

What is the future of second-hand clothing?

Sustainability and affordability are driving demand for secondhand fashion, but what does the future look like?

The secondhand clothing industry is expected to grow significantly as more consumers prioritize sustainability and affordability. Online resale platforms and thrift store chains will continue expanding.

Key Trends in the Secondhand Clothing Industry

By 2027, the secondhand fashion market³ is expected to double, making it an increasingly profitable and sustainable industry.

Conclusion

Selling secondhand clothes online is more profitable but requires more effort, while thrift stores offer a quick and easy way to offload items. As the resale market grows, both casual sellers and business owners can benefit from the rising demand for secondhand fashion.