Finding clear information about ThredUp returns online can be frustrating. Often, searches lead to dead ends with error messages instead of helpful answers. If you’re a user of the popular online consignment shop, ThredUp, knowing how to navigate their return system is crucial. Whether you’re looking to return an item that wasn’t quite right or curious about using your ThredUp points to cover restocking fees, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step.
Table of Contents
– Understanding ThredUp’s Return Policy
– Step-by-Step Guide to Returning Items
– Redeeming ThredUp Points for Returns
– Recent Changes to ThredUp’s Payouts: A Buyer Beware
– Alternatives to ThredUp for Resellers
– FAQ Section
Understanding ThredUp’s Return Policy
Before initiating a return, it’s essential to understand ThredUp’s specific return guidelines:
- Eligibility: Not all items are returnable. For instance, items purchased from the ThredUp Outlet are generally considered final sale. If you’re unsure about an item’s return eligibility, you can always check within your account by visiting the “My Returns” tab, where you’ll find a list of all eligible items.
- Timeframe: ThredUp allows a 14-day window from the date you receive your purchase to initiate a return. After this period, returns are typically not accepted.
- Return Options: ThredUp offers three distinct return methods:
- Store Credit with Free Shipping Label: This option provides a free prepaid shipping label that you can print and use to send back your items. However, you’ll only receive store credit for the returned items, not a refund to your original payment method.
- Original Payment Method with Paid Return Label: You can opt to receive a refund to your original payment method by purchasing a prepaid return label from ThredUp. This method comes with a fixed return fee of $8.99, as per information shared by a reseller in a recent video.
- Create Your Own Label: You have the flexibility to create your own shipping label through a carrier like USPS if you prefer. However, you’ll be responsible for the shipping costs associated with this method. You’ll receive a refund to your original payment method once the return is processed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Returning Items
- Initiating the Return:
- Begin by logging into your ThredUp account.
- Locate your recent purchase within the “My Orders” section or a similar area of your account.
- Select the item(s) you wish to return and click on the “Return” button associated with those items.
- Choosing Your Return Method:
- Store Credit with Free Shipping Label: Select this option if you prefer store credit and want to utilize a free prepaid label. You’ll receive a printable label via email.
- Original Payment Method with Paid Return Label: Choose this if you prefer a refund to your original payment method and are willing to pay the $8.99 return fee.
- Create Your Own Label: Select this if you want to use your preferred shipping carrier and handle the shipping costs yourself.
- Packaging and Shipping:
- Crucially, remember to include the ThredUp return form inside the package with your items. This form helps ThredUp efficiently process your return.
- Package your items securely to prevent damage during transit.
- Attach the chosen shipping label securely to the outside of the package.
- Ship the package via your selected carrier, whether it’s USPS or another service.
Redeeming ThredUp Points for Returns
ThredUp operates a point system where users can earn points for various activities, such as making purchases, sending in items for consignment, and participating in site activities. These points can be redeemed for benefits like free shipping and waiving restocking fees.
- Restocking Fees: ThredUp currently charges a $1.99 restocking fee per item returned. However, if you have 675 ThredUp points, you can waive the entire restocking fee for one whole order.
- Redeeming Points for Returns:
- Access your points balance within your ThredUp account.
- Look for the option to redeem points for waiving restocking fees.
- Follow the prompts to apply your points toward your current return order.
- Important Tip: If you plan to use your points to cover restocking fees, redeem them before initiating the return process. Once you redeem the credit, an option to apply it to your return (“Go to returns”) will appear. Select each item within the bundle that you want to apply the credit to.
Recent Changes to ThredUp’s Payouts: A Buyer Beware
ThredUp recently implemented a policy change that significantly impacts sellers on their platform. While they’ve always run promotions and sales with discount codes, they previously had a rule protecting sellers from excessive profit reduction. This rule capped the discount applied to seller payouts at 20%, even if a buyer used a promo code for a larger percentage.
However, ThredUp now allows buyers to use larger promo codes, drastically cutting into seller payouts. For example, a reseller recounted selling a top for $63.99 with a 38% payout. But when a buyer used a 61% off promo code, her actual payout was only $9.
ThredUp’s policy on this is vaguely worded, stating that payouts “may be adjusted accordingly” if an item is purchased using a discount offer and that “payout calculations may be subject to change from time to time without notice.”
This lack of transparency and control over potential payouts is a significant concern for sellers. When the reseller in the audio contacted customer service about the issue, the response was that ThredUp has the right to change payouts at any time without notice.
This change has led many sellers to reconsider using ThredUp. The reseller in the audio has decided to stop sending in new boxes due to this policy change and now focuses on selling her items on other platforms.
Alternatives to ThredUp for Resellers
If you’re a reseller concerned about ThredUp’s recent changes, there are several other platforms worth exploring:
- eBay: A longstanding giant in the reselling world, eBay offers a vast marketplace and allows sellers more control over pricing and payouts.
- Poshmark: A popular platform focused primarily on fashion, Poshmark offers social features and community engagement for resellers.
- Mercari: A streamlined platform known for its ease of use, Mercari provides another avenue for listing and selling your clothing and accessories.
While these platforms require more hands-on work compared to ThredUp’s more passive approach, they offer greater control over pricing, payout structures, and overall selling experience.
It’s worth noting that, even with these alternatives, challenges can arise. The reseller in the audio mentioned experiencing slow sales on Poshmark, potentially due to the popularity of their live selling feature, Posh Lives. However, she also pointed out that she has more higher-priced sales on Poshmark compared to eBay.
FAQ Section
- Why am I seeing error messages when trying to find ThredUp return information? This is a common issue, likely indicating technical difficulties on ThredUp’s end. If you consistently encounter these errors, it’s best to contact ThredUp’s customer support for assistance.
- Can I get a refund if my items haven’t sold within the 90-day timeframe? No, unless you chose the return assurance option during the initial checkout process. If items don’t sell and you didn’t opt for return assurance, they will either be recycled or resold elsewhere by ThredUp to recoup their costs.
- How long does the entire ThredUp process take? From ordering your kit to receiving your payout, the process typically takes around two months. This timeframe can fluctuate depending on factors like ThredUp’s current processing volume and whether you opted for expedited services.
- Is ThredUp still worth it for resellers? ThredUp remains a convenient option for generating passive income from clothing resale. However, their changing policies, particularly those impacting seller payouts, introduce risks. If you’re seeking greater control over pricing and higher profit margins, exploring alternative platforms like eBay and Poshmark might be a better fit.
ThredUp offers a convenient way to declutter your closet and earn a little extra cash. However, as with any platform, it’s important to be aware of their policies and potential drawbacks. By following the steps outlined in this guide and considering the recent changes, you can navigate ThredUp returns successfully and make informed decisions about how and where to sell your used clothing.