Clearing out your closet has never offered more options—or more confusion. The US secondhand apparel market grew 14% in 2024 and is projected to reach $74 billion by 2029, with online resale accounting for 58% of all secondhand transactions.
Choosing the right platform can mean the difference between earning hundreds of dollars or getting pennies after fees. This guide compares every major platform available to US sellers in 2026.
What's Changed Recently
The landscape has shifted dramatically:
- Kidizen permanently shut down in November 2024
- Vinted launched US expansion in late 2025 with zero seller fees
- Poshmark slashed shipping rates to their lowest since 2017
- Depop eliminated its 10% selling fee for US sellers
- Mercari restructured fees in January 2025
Quick Comparison: All Platforms at a Glance
| Platform | Seller Fee | Best Items | Payout Speed | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinted | 0% | Everyday basics, branded items | 2-7 days | Low |
| Depop | 3.3% + $0.45 | Vintage, Y2K, streetwear | 2-10 days | Medium-High |
| Mercari | 10% | General clothing, athletic wear | 5-10 days | Low |
| eBay | 13.6% + $0.40 | Vintage, designer, collectible | 2-5 days | Medium |
| 0% local / 10% shipped | Bulk, kids', local sales | Instant (local) | Low | |
| Poshmark | 20% (or $2.95 flat) | Women's, activewear, designer | 3-7 days | Medium |
| ThredUp | Keeps 60-97% | Quality brands only | 9+ weeks | Very Low |
| Vestiaire | ~15% | Designer/luxury | 72 hours | Medium |
| The RealReal | 15-80% | High-end luxury | Monthly | Very Low |
Poshmark: The Social Selling Giant
Poshmark remains the dominant force in US clothing resale with 130+ million registered users and a sale occurring every second. The platform operates as a social marketplace where sharing listings and participating in "Posh Parties" drives visibility.
Fees
- Sales under $15: $2.95 flat fee
- Sales $15+: 20% commission
- Listing fees: None
Shipping
The September 2025 update dropped rates from $8.27 to $6.49 flat for packages up to 5 pounds. Prepaid labels arrive automatically—no weighing required.
What Sells Best
Lululemon, Nike, Free People, and Anthropologie consistently perform well. Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel command premium prices, with LV items averaging $341 per sale. The platform excels for women's fashion and activewear in the $15-$80 range.
Payouts
Funds release 3 days after delivery. Direct deposit is free (1-3 business days); instant transfer costs $2.
Recent Updates
- "Smart Sell" auto-accepts offers above your minimum price
- Buyer minimum offers increased to 40% (reducing lowballs)
- Portrait-orientation photos now accepted
- Excessive Listing Removal Policy prevents delete/relist within 60 days
Mercari: Lower Fees, Broader Appeal
Mercari positions itself as a general marketplace where clothing competes with electronics and collectibles. With 350,000+ new items listed daily and fashion representing 36% of sales, it offers a straightforward alternative.
Fees (Updated January 2025)
- Selling fee: 10% of total sale
- Payment processing: Eliminated (was 2.9% + $0.50)
- Direct deposit: Free (was $2)
Shipping
Prepaid labels offer roughly 40% savings versus retail rates and include $200 shipping protection. Rates start at $4.39 for packages under 4 ounces. Items with free shipping sell twice as fast.
What Sells Best
Athletic wear (Lululemon, Nike, Alo Yoga), vintage band t-shirts, and sneakers. The "New With Tags" premium can command up to 80% of retail. Plus-size clothing has strong demand.
Payouts
Free direct deposit takes 5 business days; Instant Pay costs $3.
Depop: Gen Z's Curated Closet
Depop functions like "Instagram meets eBay"—a visually-driven marketplace where 90% of users are under 26. The platform saw 68% download growth in Q1 2025.
Fees (Major July 2024 Change)
- Selling commission: $0 for US sellers (was 10%)
- Payment processing: 3.3% + $0.45 per transaction
- Boosted listings (optional): 8-10% if boost leads to sale
A $50 item with $8 shipping now costs approximately $2.36 in fees, making Depop significantly cheaper than Poshmark for items over $15.
Shipping
"Ship with Depop" provides prepaid USPS labels starting around $4.49. QR codes available for smartphone scanning—no printer needed.
What Sells Best
Vintage clothing (especially true vintage from 60s-90s), Y2K fashion, streetwear, and unique pieces. Sheer mesh tops and vintage Levi's 501s consistently rank among top sellers. Modeled shots perform 2x better than flat lays.
The Downside
Payout speed remains Depop's biggest complaint. New sellers often wait the full 10 business days; established sellers see funds 2-3 days after delivery.
Vinted: Zero Seller Fees (Finally in the US)
Vinted's November 2025 US expansion brought Europe's leading secondhand marketplace—with 105+ million users—to American closets. The core value proposition is unmatched: sellers pay absolutely nothing.
Fees
- Listing fees: $0
- Selling commission: $0
- Payment processing: $0
- Buyer protection fee: 5% + $0.70 (paid by buyer)
Sellers keep 100% of their listed price. Vinted monetizes through buyer fees and optional "Item Bump" promotions ($0.75-$5.00).
Shipping
Integrated USPS prepaid labels provided automatically. Buyers always pay shipping. Strict 5-day shipping window auto-cancels orders if sellers don't ship.
What Sells Best
Everyday branded basics (Zara, H&M, Nike), women's dresses and knitwear, kids' clothing bundles, activewear. Buyers come seeking bargains, so expect haggling.
The Trade-Off
Lower prices are expected. Vinted buyers are bargain hunters, not style enthusiasts willing to pay premiums. Works best for high-volume, lower-margin closet clearing.
Pro Tip: Listing on multiple platforms? SellyGenie can generate descriptions from your photos in seconds, making cross-listing much faster.
eBay: Best for Vintage and Wide Reach
With 150+ million active buyers and nearly 40% of clothing sales coming from pre-owned items, eBay remains powerful for clothing resale—particularly vintage pieces.
Fees
- Final value fee: 13.6% of total sale for clothing
- Per-order fee: $0.30-$0.40
- Free listings: 250 per month
- Sneakers over $150: Only 8% commission
Shipping
Discounted rates through eBay Labels offer 30-40% savings versus retail.
What Sells Best
Vintage Levi's denim remains consistently in demand. Designer items, band t-shirts from the 70s-90s, and cashmere sweaters perform well. Users search "vintage" over 1,200 times per minute.
Facebook Marketplace: Free Local Sales
Facebook Marketplace's billion-user reach makes it invaluable for local sales—and local pickup costs nothing.
Fees
- Local pickup: $0
- Shipped items: 10% (minimum $0.80)
What Sells Best
Bulky items buyers want to inspect, kids' clothes, everyday basics, and anything where shipping doesn't make financial sense. Meet in public locations—many police stations offer designated safe exchange spots.
Consignment Platforms: Hands-Off Options
ThredUp: Send a Bag, Get Paid (Eventually)
ThredUp's consignment model appeals to busy sellers who prioritize convenience. You send clothes in a prepaid bag; ThredUp handles everything else.
What You Receive:
| Listing Price | Your Payout |
|---|---|
| $5-$15 | 3-5% |
| $15-$20 | 10% |
| $20-$35 | 15% |
| $35-$50 | 25% |
| $50-$75 | 40% |
| $75-$100 | 50% |
| $100-$200 | 60% |
| $200+ | 70-80% |
A $15 dress nets you about $1.50. A $100 item returns roughly $60.
The Reality Check: Processing takes 6-9 weeks. ThredUp rejects approximately 40% of items—brands like Forever 21, Old Navy, and H&M often generate $0.
Best For: Sellers with quality brands (Lululemon, Patagonia, Reformation) who genuinely value convenience over profit.
The RealReal: White-Glove Luxury Consignment
For designer items, The RealReal provides complete concierge service with 100+ in-house authenticators.
Commission Structure:
| Item Value | You Keep |
|---|---|
| Under $100 | 20% |
| $100-$200 | 40-50% |
| $200-$5,000 | 60% |
| $5,000+ | 70-85% |
Payouts arrive on the 15th of the month following your sale.
Best Items: Handbags from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès. 94% of items sell within 90 days.
Vestiaire Collective: Higher Payouts, More Work
Vestiaire is peer-to-peer (you photograph and list yourself) with authentication when items sell.
Fees: ~15% total (12% selling fee + 3% processing)
A $500 designer item keeps $425 for the seller—versus $300 at The RealReal. Payouts arrive 72 hours after delivery.
Kids' Clothes: Where to Sell After Kidizen
Kidizen's November 2024 shutdown left a million parents without their dedicated marketplace. Alternatives:
- Poshmark: Dedicated kids' section with strong demand
- Mercari: Easy listing, good for bundles
- ThredUp: Accepts kids' clothing
- Facebook Marketplace: Best for local bundle sales
- Vinted: Growing option with zero fees
Top kids' brands that sell: Patagonia, Tea Collection, Mini Boden, Hanna Andersson. Bundles by size move faster than individual pieces.
Photography and Listing Tips
Photography: Natural lighting near windows produces professional results. Include 5-8 photos covering front, back, tags, details, and any flaws. 85% of shoppers value images more than descriptions.
Pricing: Search "sold" listings for identical items. Factor in platform fees—a $20 item needs to sell for ~$25 on Poshmark to net $20 after the 20% cut.
Descriptions: Lead with brand name, size, and condition. Include exact measurements. Disclose every flaw. Use searchable keywords: "Vintage Levi's 501 Mom Jeans Size 28 High Rise 90s" beats "Cute blue jeans."
Timing: List seasonal items 1-2 months early. Sundays and evenings (7-9 PM) see peak browsing.
Tax Implications
The 1099-K reporting threshold returned to $20,000 AND 200+ transactions in 2025. Both conditions must be met on a single platform. Casual sellers clearing closets typically won't receive 1099-K forms.
Sellers recovering less than their original purchase price on personal items generally don't owe taxes on those sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best app to sell clothes for beginners?
Mercari and Vinted are the easiest platforms for beginners. Both have simple interfaces, no social selling requirements, and straightforward listing processes. Vinted has zero seller fees, while Mercari takes 10%. For everyday clothing from common brands, these platforms get you started quickly without the learning curve of Poshmark's social features or Depop's photography expectations.
Which platform has the lowest fees for selling clothes?
Vinted has zero seller fees—you keep 100% of your listed price. Depop is second-lowest at just 3.3% + $0.45 per transaction. Facebook Marketplace is free for local pickup sales. Compare this to Poshmark's 20% or ThredUp taking 60-97% of sale price. For most casual sellers, Vinted or Depop maximize your earnings.
Is Poshmark or Mercari better for selling clothes?
It depends on what you're selling. Poshmark is better for women's fashion, activewear (especially Lululemon), and designer items—it has a larger fashion-focused audience willing to pay more. Mercari has lower fees (10% vs 20%) and works better for general clothing, athletic wear, and sellers who don't want to participate in social features. Many successful sellers list on both platforms.
How long does it take to get paid when selling clothes online?
Payout speed varies dramatically. Facebook Marketplace local sales are instant (cash). Vinted and Depop release funds 2-7 days after delivery. Poshmark releases 3 days after delivery. Mercari takes 5-10 days for free direct deposit. ThredUp takes 9+ weeks from sending your bag to receiving payment. The RealReal pays on the 15th of the month following your sale.
Should I sell on multiple platforms at once?
Yes, cross-listing typically increases your chances of selling. The math often favors listing on 2-3 platforms: Vinted and Mercari for everyday items, Poshmark for activewear and contemporary brands, eBay for vintage, and Facebook Marketplace for bulky or kids' items. Just make sure to remove listings quickly when items sell to avoid double-selling.
Matching Your Closet to the Right Platform
The "best" platform depends on what's in your closet:
- Everyday basics (Zara, H&M): Vinted or Mercari
- Activewear (Lululemon, Nike): Poshmark or Mercari
- Vintage clothing: Depop or eBay
- Designer/luxury: Vestiaire Collective or The RealReal
- Kids' clothes: Poshmark, Mercari, or Facebook Marketplace (bundles)
- Bulky items: Facebook Marketplace (local pickup)
For typical closets, cross-listing across 2-3 platforms maximizes your chances of selling. The secondhand market continues growing at 5x the rate of traditional retail—more buyers are searching for exactly what's collecting dust in your closet.
Ready to Start Listing?
Creating listings for multiple items across multiple platforms can be time-consuming. SellyGenie generates professional descriptions from your photos in seconds, making cross-listing faster and easier.
