Tips for selling second-hand clothes online

Many of us have a bag of clothes stuffed in a corner or rolling around in our car boots waiting to be dropped off at an op shop.

But there’s also that other pile. You know, the ones we no longer wear but determine good enough to sell. Or maybe it was bought on sale and can’t be returned.

If selling second-hand clothes online is more of an ambition than a reality, these tips from experienced sellers might encourage you to start listing and claw back some funds.

‘Be transparent about why you’re selling’

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Soni Valls (@sonivalls), thrifting and upcycling influencer, Melbourne/Naarm 

Platform of choice: Depop and Vinted

Take quality photos using good lighting — preferably natural light, iron or steam the clothes before photographing, and include multiple angles and details like buttons, patterns and tags.

I try to include pictures wearing the piece as it gives a better idea of how it fits and falls.

I know detailed descriptions can be a hassle but it really makes a difference. I make sure to mention the size — the one of the tag and how it fits IRL, along with measurements, material and the condition.

I try to answer inquiries ASAP, set a fair price by researching similar listings, and package them nicely.

I always include a handmade note.

‘Use a relevant platform’

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Jo Bartley (@icurvy), plus-size fashion content creator, Sydney/Dharawal land 

Platform of choice: The Fat Section

The Fat Section is a plus-size only seller, which I like to use to buy and sell, as finding plus-size second-hand clothes is hard.

I’ve tried all the methods before: local markets, Facebook Marketplace, reseller groups, eBay — they were a lot of mucking around.

I also used to sell directly to followers using a closet sale Instagram account.

That was the quickest, highest profit and highest clearance rate.

However, photographing, listing, posting, keeping track of who purchased what, reconciling payments, packing orders and posting was a mission.

‘A fun description helps’

Monique, Brisbane/Meanjin

Platform of choice: Depop and Facebook buy/swap/sell groups

A fun description helps. I bought a dress recently from someone who said they bought it hoping to lose weight, but decided enjoying pasta was the better option.

I love to see the clothes on a real person rather than the model. It’s great to check the IRL fit.

For big name brands, a clear photo of the label and care tag helps show authenticity.

‘Ship items quickly’

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Dominique Jolee (@dominique.jolee), mid-size model and content creator, Brisbane/Meanjin 

Platform of choice: Depop

I’ve been selling my second-hand clothing online for about 20 years now —starting with eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and now on Depop.

Quality photos and descriptions are key. I always recommend searching for the item online to find the original description, including sizing and measurements, to make sure buyers get all the details they need.

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Be clear about your return and refund policies. It’s so important to set expectations up-front to avoid any confusion later.

And always include some styling photos to show how the item can be worn. It helps potential buyers envision how they could style it themselves.

‘Sell in bundles’

Nataasha Torzsa (@tashagetsfrugal), mum and budgeting influencer, Brisbane/Meanjin 

Platform of choice: Facebook Marketplace

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I’ve successfully sold all my son’s old clothes by pricing at $1 a piece in bundles by size and season. For example, size-two winter bundle.

I have photos of the items laid out and am clear about the quality.

I’ve been able to make at least $50 for each season per size.

‘Join a buy/swap/sell group for that brand’

Lucy, Perth/Boorloo

Platform of choice: Facebook buy/swap/sell groups

I join the buy/sell/swap Facebook group for the brand of the item I’m trying to sell and post it there.

I do this mainly for higher end brands.

Some things go quickly, whereas others hang around for months. But most things sell eventually.

It also encourages me to shop high end and avoid fast fashion because I know I can resell.