How to Buy and Sell Used Clothing on ThredUp

ThredUp is an online secondhand clothing store where you can buy name-brand items for up to 90% off — or mail in a bag of your old clothes and get paid.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Browse and buy clothing
2.Check item details
3.Place an order
4.Sell your old clothes with a Clean Out Kit
5.Track your earnings

Browse and buy clothing

~24s

Go to thredup.com or download the ThredUp app. Use the search bar to find specific brands, sizes, or styles. Filter by size, price range, brand, and condition. Items labeled "Like New" have been worn once or twice; "Good" shows minimal signs of wear; "Fair" shows some wear but is still wearable.

Quick Tip

Create a free account and use the "Save Search" feature to get email alerts when new items matching your preferences are listed.

Check item details

~15s

Each listing shows multiple photos, condition rating, original retail price, and ThredUp's selling price so you can see how much you're saving. Tap the size guide if you're unsure about fit. Read the condition description carefully — ThredUp notes any flaws.

Place an order

~18s

Add items to your cart and check out using a credit card or PayPal. Most orders ship within 1-3 business days via USPS or FedEx. Shipping costs $5.99 for a standard order or is free on orders over a certain threshold. You can return items within 14 days if they don't fit or match the description.

Sell your old clothes with a Clean Out Kit

~28s

On the ThredUp website, go to "Sell" and request a Clean Out Kit. A prepaid bag is mailed to you for free. Fill it with gently used women's or kids' clothing (washed, no major damage, no stains). Seal the bag and drop it at any USPS location using the prepaid label.

Quick Tip

Focus on quality over quantity. ThredUp accepts higher-value brands more readily. Outdated fast fashion may be rejected. Stick to items that are clean, free of damage, and from recognizable brands.

Track your earnings

~29s

Once ThredUp processes your bag (2-4 weeks after they receive it), you'll see your accepted items listed in your seller account. You earn cash when items sell — usually 5-40% of the sale price, with higher-priced items earning you a larger percentage. Cash out to your bank account or use ThredUp shopping credit.

Warning

ThredUp is selective — they may not accept all items from your bag. Items that don't meet their standards are either returned (for a fee) or donated. Review their acceptance criteria on the website before filling your bag.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Buy and Sell Used Clothing on ThredUp

Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

ThredUp is one of the largest online secondhand clothing stores in the United States. It works as a consignment shop — you can send in bags of your old clothes and ThredUp does all the work of photographing, listing, and selling them for you. In return, you receive a portion of the sale price.

As a buyer, ThredUp offers women's and kids' clothing from hundreds of brands at prices that are 70-90% below retail. You can find items from brands like Levi's, J.Crew, Anthropologie, Gap, and more. All items are inspected and authenticated before listing.

The selling process is called a "Clean Out Kit." You order a free bag from ThredUp, fill it with your gently used clothes, and ship it back using the prepaid label. ThredUp processes your items and lists the ones that meet their quality standards. You earn cash or ThredUp credit when items sell.

ThredUp takes a commission that varies based on the sale price — you earn a higher percentage on more expensive items. Items that don't sell can be returned to you for a small fee, or ThredUp will donate or recycle them.

For buyers, ThredUp is free to use with no membership required. Shipping is typically $3-$6, and many items ship free with a minimum purchase. All items come with a 14-day return policy.

Rate this guide

How helpful was this guide?

thredup

secondhand

resale

used clothes

sustainable fashion

consignment