How to sell clothes online: The guide to selling on Depop, Poshmark, Mercari

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They’re watching you from inside your closet.

The dress you bought for one singular wedding two years ago. The blazer you bought for an interview at a company that’s apparently no longer hiring. They taunt you silently every time you push them aside for a monochrome sweatsuit.

This is your sign. Start selling your clothes online.

The side hustle that doesn’t require much time, or a special skill

The pandemic closet purge to underconsumption-core pipeline has put a spotlight on the art of effectively getting rid of old stuff.

Chances are, you already have a trash bag in your closet where perfectly nice castoffs go to die — and it’s easy to let that bag become a permanent fixture on your to-do list. Whether your items are lightly worn or were never touched after the initial try-on, knowing how to sell them effectively is a slept-on skill.

Being secondhand seller savvy, you’ll have a go-to way to earn extra cash for years to come. It’ll become a particularly clutch financial cushion as the effects of tariffs loom at both the budget-friendly and luxury ends of the apparel spectrum. People will quickly realize that there’s one way to skirt around spiking clothing costs without frantically Googling which clothing brands have factories where: Just buy clothing that’s already in circulation.

Not sure where to start? I didn’t at first, either. After almost a decade of listing my own stuff and doing a majority of my own shopping from other people’s closets, I’ve poured everything I’ve learned into a running guide on selling your clothes on the different resale apps, from photo and description tips to shipping hacks to the ins and outs of selling fees.

From the seller’s perspective, the obvious perk of an online shop is having a go-to way to earn extra cash to cushion against costlier everyday items. Even a profit of $10 here and there could make a weekly grocery bill feel less daunting — a recurring win in this economic hellscape. The best part is that clothes-selling apps are a side hustle that doesn’t really require you to clock in. Sure, a few minutes are required at the beginning to post the items, plus a pit stop at the post office when a sold item needs to be mailed. But between that, you’re just waiting for the right buyer to scroll past your stuff.

But the buyer’s POV says a lot, too: People will be looking for ways to save money where they can, and buying used or refurbished is one way to do that without stopping shopping completely. If an item is already in circulation (i.e., sitting in some person’s Mercari shop), it’s inherently invulnerable to the tariffs that surge the costs of imported goods.

Will tariffs make clothes more expensive?

If you were a betting person, would you guess that the tags on your current outfit say “Made in the USA” or “Made literally anywhere else“?

Anyone whose gut feeling said the latter is, of course, correct. A 2024 report from the American Apparel & Footwear Association estimated that the U.S. gets 97 percent of its apparel and shoes from other countries, which means that 97 percent of clothes and shoes in the U.S. are going to cost more money to bring in. So yes, it’s nearly inevitable that most clothes will be affected by tariffs. For how long, we don’t know, and the hike in price will be dependent on the tariff rate tied to the country each garment is coming from.

A big chunk of that 97 percent comes from Asia, including China, whose imports have been saddled with a more than 100 percent tariff rate as of April 9. JSYK, Shein and Temu items ship from China. Trump also moved to close a loophole that previously allowed shipments of low-cost items (like clothes from Shein) to fly under the radar and evade other trade taxes.

TL;DR: Retailers whose entire success model is built on the ability to be super cheap are now facing roadblocks that’ll make staying cheap much harder. In turn, many shoppers might be forced to wean off of fast fashion and clothing haul mentality.

But we needed to shift away from that whole mess regardless. Fast fashion brands are only able to sell clothing at such low costs because the people making them aren’t being paid fairly, with the supply chain often banking on child labor. The constant churning out of low-quality polyester crap also wreaks havoc on the environment. The fast fashion industry is a notorious contributor to landfills and is responsible for nearly 10 percent of global carbon emissions — that’s the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes being burned or dumped every second. In 2023, Shein alone emitted more carbon dioxide than what four coal power plants combined could emit in a year.

The thrifting boom proves that people are down to buy used clothes

I’ve recommended resale apps to friends, and much of their hesitation stemmed from the same place: “No one wants my stuff.” But that’s not necessarily true. You’d be surprised at what buyers are actively hunting down, especially when prices are cheaper than buying the same exact thing brand new.

The surging popularity of thrifting over the past few years is all the reassurance you should need that people are totally open to wearing previously worn clothes. For those of us who weren’t blessed with the time or motivation to scan Goodwill with a fine-tooth comb for hidden gems, online resale platforms are the move. There’s a market for the stuff that Plato’s Closet or Buffalo Exchange turned down for whatever arbitrary reason.

And contrary to popular belief, you can still have a ton of success selling clothes online even if you have no cool vintage pieces to list. Think of how enticing a gently worn pair of Lululemon leggings listed at 50% off will be now that brand new Lululemon leggings, which already weren’t anyone’s idea of affordable, will probably get more expensive due to tariffs. A wedding invitee who feels financially burnt out after buying a shower and wedding gift would probably love to buy someone’s Princess Polly dress that was also only worn for a single occasion and is now $50 cheaper than market price.

I’ll never forget the rush I felt after finding a pair of platform SK8-Hi Vans in my size on Depop after months of seeing “Out of stock” everywhere else. I could not have cared less about the light scuffs. That seller doesn’t know it, but her not wanting those random shoes made my life. That’s secondhand savviness for you: If it’s sold out on the website, it might be quietly floating around on a selling app.

Don’t let snobby thrift stores who accept nothing bully you into thinking your wardrobe sucks.

It’s easy to rely on Amazon or Asos when a shirt is $10 and shipping is fast and free, but remember that much of what’s being sold secondhand is just as affordable. The difference: Buying secondhand takes something that’s already in circulation off the market. And let’s be real — that weirdly cheap shirt definitely isn’t better quality than a shirt that’s been worn a few times.

Which is best: Depop, Poshmark, or Mercari?

Each member of the holy trinity gets the job done. In fact, many sellers post on all three to reach a wider audience. But certain types of clothes may perform better on one app or the other, based on the demographics of the user bases keeping each platform afloat.

Poshmark, the OG, has 130 million users versus Depop’s 35 million and Mercari’s 23 million. The biggest difference between the apps is probably their user bases: Anything popular on TikTok or Instagram will likely do well with Depop’s audience (90 percent of users are Gen Z), whereas items targeted toward ages 40 and up might fare better on one of the other two. There are gender differences, too: 70 percent of Poshmark’s users identify as women, for example, while 38 percent of Depop’s users identify as men.

Depop can be intimidating. Of the big three, it’s the app that feels most like social media, and with that comes pressure to curate an aesthetic theme, post consistently, and upkeep the vibe of the shop as a whole. The crowd is simultaneously eclectic yet specific: millennials and Gen Zers who resonate with niche stylistic pockets of internet culture (insert word here-core), follow influencers closely, and appreciate vintage pieces and full outfit styling.

If you’re getting into thrifting or looking to sell from a niche brand, head to Depop first. You’ll have better luck selling a recognizable sweater from Todd Snyder or Lisa Says Gah than a generic turtleneck from Zara. (Be sure to use hashtags, including the brand name and phrases people might search, like #plaidpants or #NWT — “new with tags.”)

Luckily, Depop’s interface is super approachable. The app looks a lot like Instagram — you’ll scroll through a feed showing one item at a time from shops you follow. (You can also search by category or switch to the Explore page for a grid of fresh items, which Depop curates as “the best items from our community.”)

Poshmark and Mercari are a bit more chaotic. Your feed will be full of updates about new listings, but some will only be *vaguely* similar to things you’ve looked at before. Their search features get cluttered, too: Poshmark’s search bar tends to pull up items that don’t quite fit the search terms, and Mercari frequently turns up items that have already sold. You had one job, filters.

The Poshmark community’s standards also tend to be a bit looser. Many users are still young and hungry for vintage and designer pieces, but older millennials and members of Gen X might feel more at home here than on Depop. (My mom sometimes gives me items of hers to sell; in those cases, Poshmark is my go-to.) Poshmark also lacks a way to message other users directly. Personally, I don’t love having a convo in the comment section, but other users don’t seem to mind.

Mercari, for its part, is the place to sell home goods like electronics and decor, new and used. Items from T.J. Maxx and Marshalls that go viral and sell out quickly often end up listed on Mercari — the Rae Dunn and Hello Kitty merch lore runs deep on these virtual shelves. If you have unwanted skincare that you’re too lazy to return or unwanted perfume or cologne with just a few sprays used, Mercari also has a big market for stuff like that.

In response to a question about Mercari’s target audience on the Mercari subreddit, Reddit user chibidesigns writes: “I’ve had a lot of success selling random things on Mercari. Sold automatic toothbrush heads within 10min of posting, and sold a lot of old electronics wires I had laying around. Clothing moves, but at a slower pace than what I move on Poshmark.”

Mercari is still great for fashion resale, though, especially for things like sneakers (think sneakerhead culture), children’s clothing, or outerwear. My brother has given me several pairs of his old Air Jordans to sell for him, and most sold quickly on Mercari after gaining little traction on Depop.

Making your listings pop is less work than you think

Starting a successful shop will require some legwork, but follow a few key principles and you’ll be good to go. Here’s what to focus on.

Start with the background. Consider what you, as a buyer, would need to see to feel comfortable buying clothing from someone. Blindingly artificial lighting or a carpet covered in pet hair don’t exactly prove that the seller takes care of their clothes. A half-assed photo could send the message that you’ll be half-assed with shipping or communication, too.

Assembling a makeshift studio is a good move. It doesn’t have to be fancy — think cohesive and presentable, like a nicely decorated corner of your room or a plain wall outside your apartment complex. A uniform look is great, but what really matters is showing that you take pride in the reselling process.

Modeling clothes isn’t a requirement, especially when you’re selling something because it doesn’t fit. But since returns aren’t very common on resale apps, buyers do appreciate seeing what an item looks like on a person. However, there’s no need to drag a friend out for a shoot. The self-timer on your phone can work surprisingly well, but if that makes you feel rushed, a cheap wireless shutter remote and mini tripod will give you more control.

Don’t feel like being in front of the camera? There are other ways to take eye-catching photos. Putting an item on a hanger is a stylish alternative, as long as the background is relatively neutral. (Bonus points if all of your photos have a uniform backdrop or theme.) An artsy prop, like a plant in the corner, can add a bit of flare.

Here are some examples of photos I’ve taken to sell clothes

Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

I’m not Depop famous by any stretch, but I have made almost 300 sales. I’ve settled on posing each garment on a white rug on the same chunk of floor, with my roommate’s huge gold floor mirror as a little accent in the corner. For items that are too big or awkward for a floor picture, I hang them on the closet door nearby to keep the vibe as match-y as possible. (On Depop, photos have to be square, so keep that in mind when taking photos. Mercari and Poshmark allow photos to expand to full rectangular size.)

Many users use an actual backdrop (could be a sheet, could be a $17 cloud backdrop with fairy string lights). Others remove the backgrounds on their photos and edit the item onto a fun digital backdrop using a service like Photoshop or Canva Pro.

Such intricate photoshoots aren’t absolutely necessary, though, especially on platforms that aren’t Depop. Mercari and Poshmark shoppers appreciate practicality, likely just looking for photos that very clearly accentuate the item’s color and condition. A blank chunk of hardwood floor was my background for all of those sneakers I was selling. Whatever you do, post more than one photo. The front and back of an article of clothing, close-ups on zippers, necklines, or other small details, the bottoms of shoes — just like you’d probably examine an item by hand in a store before buying, taking shots from multiple angles shows the buyer exactly what they’d be purchasing.

Hit allll the angles.

Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Here are some other quick tips on creating a successful selling app post:

Lighting can make or break a photo. Natural sunlight captures colors and textures as they appear IRL and can highlight stains or snags that you may have missed. But if natural light isn’t available, a setup that mimics natural light will be a godsend. (A 5000K light bulb is a good starting point.) Try a Lume Cube or an adjustable daylight lamp.

In some cases, especially with shoes, turning on flash is a surefire way to highlight any discoloration, scuffs, stains, or creasing.

Be as descriptive as possible in the description. Though “Black hoodie sz large good condition” is quicker for you to type, it’s not exactly helpful for the buyer. Say as much about the item as you can, including how it fits or the feel of the fabric — bullet points are fine if it feels like you’re rambling. Past selecting “good” or “excellent” condition in the settings of the listing, I like to tell buyers approximately how many times the item was worn (if I have a general idea). Know the year it came out? Add that. Know the exact name and/or color of the item that a buyer might type into the search bar (i.e., Reformation Gloria dress in “Honeyglow”)? Add that.

Be candid about flaws or other quirks, like whether the item fits like a small even if it’s tagged as a medium. Duping someone is just a recipe for a bad review, and that’ll just hinder your likelihood of making more sales in the future.

Launder your items before selling. Take the time to hang-dry items that can’t go in the dryer, and hand wash delicates that say to do so. (A few drops of Woolite Delicates in the sink will do just fine.) This will help with fading, shrinking, and fabric durability, and could be the difference between “excellent” or “fair” condition.

Be mindful of wrinkles. Even the cutest little photo arrangement can’t make ridiculously wrinkly clothes look enticing to buyers, and often makes it impossible to actually see how the garment would lay normally. If one of your items’ previous storage situation was being crumpled in a ball for a year, just grow up and iron it, or send it through a dryer’s wrinkle release setting.

Basic sewing skills go a long way. SNL fans might remember the skit where Larry-David-as-Bernie-Sanders recommends keeping the little button in the baggie that comes with pants. He’s right: An item with a missing button will likely fetch a much lower price. (When you list the item, note that the extra button will be included with the sale. It shows the buyer you’re responsible.)

As long as you have a needle and some matching thread, you can replace a button or mend a hole. Taking the burden of repair off the buyer can increase the value (perceived and actual) of what you’re selling.

A measuring tape is another staple. Buyers will almost definitely ask for measurements on pants, especially if they’re denim. And knowing your own measurements is helpful when hunting for your holy grail vintage Levi’s.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you may want to invest in a sewing machine. This is a must for thrift flip TikTok enthusiasts, but it’s also nice to have one on hand for more involved repairs, like replacing a zipper. (It’s easy, I swear. Buy a zipper of the same color on Amazon and find a DIY video.) You should still tell buyers about the patch job, but it’s better than dropping the “broken zipper” bomb.

Saving your boxes and mailers will save your ass

Do a lot of online shopping yourself? Reuse that Amazon packaging instead of paying for new mailers. I’ve received orders in old Sephora boxes and Target mailers and have never minded, and I do the same myself (within reason — skip the tattered ones). Many buyers purchase secondhand because they value sustainability, so they’ll appreciate a shop that doesn’t let packaging go to waste.

Get familiar with shipping

As TechCrunch writer Ingrid Lunden noted in a 2019 piece about Depop, “buyers generally do not seem to expect the same kind of shipping, tracking, or delivery professionals appearing at their doors” as they would for big-box purchases. They understand that you, a fellow average human, are handling shipping, and are more likely to be chill about it — as long as you reach out and explain any delays.

Almost every resale app works with USPS to create printable shipping labels, which are paid for by the buyer unless toggled otherwise. Poshmark uses a flat shipping fee, while Depop and Mercari offer multiple options based on weight. UPS and FedEx are also options on Mercari and are sometimes slightly cheaper than USPS, depending on the item’s weight.

It’s smart to use a kitchen scale to weigh packages and choose a label accordingly. Otherwise, you risk the post office sending your package back if it’s too heavy.

Selling fees explained

Though listing an item is technically free, each platform typically takes a percentage of your sale to cover other fees.

Note that these numbers aren’t set in stone. Both Mercari and Depop have recently gone through phases where they ditched the selling fee altogether, just to replace it with an alternate type of charge. Sometimes, they return to the old model, sometimes they don’t.

Here’s the selling fee situation for the big apps as of April 2025:

• Depop no longer charges its previous 10% selling fee and instead charges sellers a payment processing fee (3.3% of the transaction amount plus $0.45, and buyers a U.S. marketplace fee of up to 5% of the purchase price). Allegedly, this allows sellers to keep slightly more of their profit.

• Mercari charges a flat 10% selling fee and charges buyers a flat 3.6% buyer protection fee.

• Poshmark charges sellers $2.95 for sales under $15 and 20% for sales of $15 or more. It’s pretty steep, IMO.

• eBay selling fees range from 10% to 15.55%, depending on the product category and final item price. Clothing, shoes, and accessories come with a 13.25% selling fee, while sneakers specifically are at 8%.

• Vinted also no longer charges a straight up selling fee, instead charging buyers a 5% buyer protection fee plus $0.70.

Possibly the hardest pill to swallow in the online selling game is that you probably won’t make the amount back that you paid. An item could be new with tags and buyers will still probably need to see a lower price to be convinced to buy from a random person instead of the brand’s official website. See how other sellers are pricing similar items and keep wear in mind.

Dealing with lowballing

At some point, you’re bound to encounter a prospective buyer who offers an amount so low, it feels offensive. A $10 top is already reasonable, but someone will inevitably try to get it for $7 (knowing damn well that, after shipping, you’ll make about $2).

Making offers can be a useful tactic when done respectfully. Some users do make fair suggestions that won’t halve your profit, and acquiescing could inspire an extra-sweet review. If you absolutely aren’t down to haggle, note in the description that your asking price is firm.

The offer feature on the big selling apps makes it easy to send lower prices to users showing interest in your item. Buyers and sellers can negotiate by sending counteroffers, and sellers can also nudge buyers first by sending offers to people who have liked the item.

Remember: Good reviews matter more than follower count

Getting eyeballs on your profile depends less on follower count and more on quality photos, quick shipping, and responsiveness to buyers’ questions. Cover those, and stacked positive reviews are likely in your future. Whether your goal is to build a following or simply get rid of stuff you’re no longer feeling, the tips above can help get your items sold quickly — and get that cash into your bank account.