How To Sell Clothes Online In 2024

Diving into the numbers reveals that a striking portion of U.S. consumers—nearly nine out of 10—are purchasing casual and athletic wear online. This behavior isn’t just limited to the younger crowd; a substantial segment of older shoppers, about three-quarters of those aged 65 and above, are also actively engaged in online fashion shopping.

In terms of preferred shopping destinations, approximately one-fifth of these consumers are drawn to retailer and brand-specific websites for their fashion needs. Meanwhile, online marketplaces such as Amazon attract around 15% of fashion shoppers, with other platforms such as eBay also playing a significant role. These statistics highlight not just the popularity but also the diversity of online fashion shopping habits.

To sell clothes online and actually make a profit takes effort. It’s not just about having a great collection of clothes to sell; it’s about understanding the market, identifying your niche and choosing the right platform for your business. This applies whether you’re just offloading used clothes from your own closet or starting your own e-commerce empire.

Ideation and Concept Development

Begin by brainstorming the type of clothing you want to sell. Are you looking at vintage pieces, designer wear or everyday casuals? Or are you upcycling thrifted finds and breathing new life into them before listing your new pieces? And if so, is this something you can scale? Understanding your product range is the first step in defining your business.

Conduct Market Research

Research is key. Look into current fashion trends, potential customer needs and what competitors are doing. Using a site such as AnswerThePublic can help you figure out what specific things people are searching for. You can even check trending searches on social media to help you figure out what’s in demand. This step helps you understand the demand and positioning of your products in the market.

Choose the Right Platform

Decide whether to build your website or use existing marketplaces such as eBay or Amazon. Consider factors such as audience reach, cost and the level of control you want over your store. If you use your own website, you’ll face a few more barriers without an already-established audience, but you’ll have greater control over your store.

Set Up Your Online Store

If you choose to build your website, focus on the design, user experience and the ease of navigation. For marketplaces, learn about their selling policies, fees and how to optimize your listings for better visibility. Will you take part in marketplace ads? For example, Etsy allows sellers to create sponsored listings, which can help bring you an audience if you have few sales.

Marketing and Customer Engagement

Develop a marketing strategy that includes social media, email campaigns and possibly collaborations with influencers. If you’re listing your clothes on TikTok Shop, for example, you can enroll affiliates who can create videos and do TikTok Lives, tag your product, and earn a small commission for each sale they send your way. Either way, it’s important to engage with your customers through these channels to build a loyal customer base.

Manage Inventory and Logistics

Organize your inventory and decide on your shipping and return policies. Will you dropship, where the manufacturer handles logistics? Or will you maintain an inventory at your home, office or garage? If you’re selling on a site such as TikTok Shop, you’re required to have items shipped within three days. If this isn’t something you can reasonably do, you risk your shop getting shut down because TikTok will ding you one point per delayed shipment. Too many, and your store will be closed, and you’ll likely lose out on any accumulated money not yet paid out.

Selling clothes online is a popular way to declutter wardrobes and earn some extra cash. It can also be a great way to launch a business, whether you’re dropshipping or making the clothing yourself. Various e-commerce platforms cater to different needs and preferences, offering unique features and benefits. Here’s a breakdown of some prominent options:

thredUP

Founded in 2009, thredUP is a major online consignment and thrift store that specializes in secondhand clothing, and it’s also one of the easiest to use. This is because sellers send their clothes to thredUP, and the company takes care of everything from photography to pricing. For those who prefer a hassle-free selling experience, thredUP is ideal. However, sellers have less control over pricing and longer wait times for items to sell. They’ll send you a Clean Out Kit, which is a bag for you to ship your items to them. They’ll inspect every nook and cranny of the item to look for wear and tear. Only 50% of items are accepted, so make sure to only send in your best stuff.

eBay

As one of the oldest C2C online marketplaces, eBay allows sellers to reach a huge audience. However, it’s not just consumers selling on it. People have made entire businesses off selling their clothing on eBay. It offers flexibility in how you sell—auction-style listings or fixed-price formats. This platform is suitable for both casual sellers and those with more unique or high-end clothing items. The key advantage of eBay is its extensive reach and the ability to set your prices, but it requires more effort from the seller in terms of listing, shipping and customer interaction.

Depop

Depop caters to a younger, trendier audience, focusing on unique and vintage clothing. It operates much like a social media platform where sellers can create a following and interact with potential buyers. Depop is ideal for sellers with an eye for fashion trends and those who enjoy social media marketing. However, its niche audience may limit the potential buyer pool for more common clothing items. You can list up to four photos before setting your own prices for your listing.

Shopify

For those looking to establish their own brand or online store, Shopify is one of the best e-commerce platforms, and not just because it’s used by millions of brands in 175 countries (brands such as SKIMS, Netflix, Kylie Cosmetics and Mattel). It offers customization, branding options and complete control over pricing and inventory. While Shopify requires more initial setup and a monthly fee, it’s an excellent choice for serious sellers who want to build a business and have complete autonomy over their sales process.

While Shopify offers great autonomy and customization for sellers, some customers express hesitation due to its relatively hands-off approach in dealing with fraudulent sellers; instances of buyers receiving no communication or products from a store, with minimal intervention from Shopify even after complaints, are notable concerns shared by many in online forums.

Poshmark

Poshmark creates a community-focused environment for buying and selling clothes. It combines elements of social media with e-commerce, allowing sellers to build a following and engage with customers. Poshmark is suitable for those who enjoy community interaction and have a keen fashion sense. The platform takes a percentage of each sale, but its social nature can lead to a loyal customer base.

Etsy

Etsy is known for handmade and vintage items, and it’s a great platform for selling unique or artisanal clothing. It’s especially suitable for sellers with a niche product, such as handmade garments or vintage finds. Etsy’s audience appreciates the craftsmanship and uniqueness, providing a supportive environment for specialized sellers. However, it may not be the best choice for more everyday clothing items.

Vinted

Vinted offers a simple platform for selling used clothes. It’s user-friendly and free to list items, making it a great option for casual sellers. Vinted allows you to set your prices and communicate directly with buyers, giving you control over your sales. It’s particularly suitable for those looking to sell gently used everyday clothing.

Bottom Line

Whether it’s the convenience of thredUP, the eclectic audience of Depop or the discerning eye of The RealReal, your success hinges on matching your wardrobe to the right stage. It’s about more than just unloading clothes; it’s about finding the right eyes to appreciate the stories woven into your garments.