If you’re looking to clean out your closet, make a little cash, and support the circular fashion economy, ThredUp is one of the easiest ways to get started. Marketed as the world’s largest online thrift store, ThredUp lets you send in your gently used clothing, and they do the rest—from photography to pricing and shipping.
For casual sellers, it’s a hassle-free solution. But for those who want to treat resale as a side hustle or business, it’s critical to track what you’re sending, what’s selling, and how much you’re really earning.
That’s where Wakewall helps you turn a passive resale habit into a structured resale plan.
✅ Pros of Selling on ThredUp
1. Extremely Hands-Off Process
You simply order a Clean Out Kit or print a label, send in your clothes, and ThredUp handles:
- Inspection
- Photography
- Listing
- Pricing
- Customer service
- Shipping and returns
2. Promotes Sustainability
ThredUp is ideal for environmentally-conscious sellers. You’re helping extend the life of clothing while earning back value.
3. Trusted Brand with Strong Buyer Traffic
ThredUp is a well-known name with millions of users, especially among women shopping for mid-tier brands and wardrobe staples.
4. Free Shipping for Sellers
There’s no cost to send in your Clean Out Kit or prepaid shipping label (unless you want your items returned).
5. Donation Options Available
Unaccepted or unsold items can be donated to charity with tax-deductible receipts available.
❌ Cons of Selling on ThredUp
1. Low Payouts for Most Items
You may earn as little as 5–15% of the sale price for common brands. Higher percentages are reserved for premium items.
2. Limited Control Over Pricing
ThredUp sets the initial price. You can sometimes adjust it (if the item is high-value), but you don’t have full control.
3. Strict Acceptance Standards
Only items in excellent condition, on-trend, and from accepted brands are listed. Others are donated or recycled.
4. Long Processing Times
It may take 1–4 weeks before your bag is processed and listed. During busy seasons, it can take even longer.
5. Items Are Discounted Over Time
Your listed items are subject to markdowns and limited selling windows. Unsold items are removed after a set time (often 60–90 days).
For more information:
- For more information about different states and local SEO click here: Wakewall’s 50-State SEO Guide for Small Businesses
- Click here for more information on other platforms: Wakewall Seller’s Guide for Online Marketplaces
- Official Link: ThredUP
👗 What Sells Best on ThredUp?
ThredUp focuses on women’s and kids’ clothing and select premium brands. Their audience is looking for quality, style, and affordability.
Best-selling categories:
- Casual and workwear for women
- Maternity clothes
- Premium denim (Madewell, AG, Paige)
- Athleisure (Lululemon, Athleta)
- Outerwear and jackets
- Shoes in near-new condition
- Handbags (especially from mid- to high-end brands)
- Brand-name kids’ clothing (Cat & Jack, Zara Kids, Mini Boden)
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📝 How to Sell on ThredUp
1. Request a Clean Out Kit or Shipping Label
You’ll receive a bag with prepaid shipping (or print your own label) to send in gently used clothing and accessories.
2. Prepare and Send Your Items
Items must be:
- On ThredUp’s accepted brands list
- In excellent condition
- Clean, odor-free, and not damaged or altered
3. Wait for Processing
ThredUp evaluates your items, accepts what they believe will sell, and prices them based on condition and market demand.
4. Items Go Live
Accepted items are listed for up to 60–90 days, during which they may be marked down periodically to encourage sales.
5. Get Paid
Once items sell and the return window passes, you’ll receive payment through PayPal, Stripe, or store credit. High-ticket items may qualify for consignment payout tiers.
🚀 How Wakewall Helps ThredUp Sellers Stay Organized and Scale Beyond the Platform
ThredUp takes care of the logistics. Wakewall helps you take control of your resale strategy—whether you’re decluttering or building a secondhand brand.
Here’s how Wakewall supports mindful sellers and fashion resellers:
1. Track What You Send and What Gets Accepted
Use Wakewall to log:
- Date you sent in a Clean Out Kit
- List of items included by brand, category, and size
- Which items were accepted or rejected
- Estimated payout for each accepted item
- Final sale price and date of sale (if applicable)
That way, you’re never left wondering what happened to your best pieces.
2. Set Reminders for Expiration and Reclaim Deadlines
ThredUp gives you limited selling windows. Wakewall reminders can help you:
- Check item status after 30/60/90 days
- Reclaim high-value items before they’re donated
- Track seasonal trends (e.g., list coats in fall, dresses in spring)
Perfect for making sure you don’t lose inventory or potential earnings.
3. Calculate True Profit and ROI Over Time
Wakewall helps you compare:
- What you originally paid for each item (or if it was sourced for free)
- What it sold for
- The percentage you earned after ThredUp’s commission
- The overall return on your Clean Out Kits
Over time, you’ll know which brands, categories, or styles are worth submitting—and which aren’t.
4. Create a Public Reseller Profile
ThredUp doesn’t let you brand yourself—but Wakewall does.
With your Wakewall public profile, you can:
- Showcase your personal resale story or sustainability mission
- Link to any other platforms you use (Poshmark, Depop, eBay, etc.)
- Share updates about your inventory or favorite fashion finds
- Use hashtags like #secondhandstyle, #closetswap, or #consciouscloset
- Build a community or client base for your resale efforts
Especially useful if you’re also reselling outside of ThredUp.
5. Manage Multi-Platform Resale Strategy
If you’re cross-listing or experimenting with:
- Poshmark
- Mercari
- eBay
- Facebook Marketplace
- Instagram resale stories
Wakewall gives you a central dashboard to track:
- Where each item is listed
- Which items are pending sale, sold, or returned
- Which platforms bring the best return by category or brand
Goodbye spreadsheets. Hello clarity.
✨ Final Thoughts
ThredUp is a fantastic entry point into sustainable resale—especially if you’re looking for a hands-off way to clean out your wardrobe and earn some cash. It’s simple, trusted, and ideal for non-technical users who prefer someone else to handle the selling process.
But if you want to get serious about fashion resale—either as a side hustle or full-time plan—you need a better system to track, plan, and grow.
That’s what Wakewall delivers.
ThredUp simplifies resale. Wakewall helps you scale it.
Together, they help you turn sustainability into strategy—and clutter into consistent income.
