The world of online consignment shopping is booming, and for good reason. It’s a sustainable, budget-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe while giving pre-loved items a second life. Two platforms leading this charge are ThredUp and Poshmark, both offering unique approaches to buying and selling secondhand fashion. This post breaks down the ins and outs of each platform, helping you choose the best one for your needs – whether you’re cleaning out your closet or searching for your next hidden gem.
Table of Contents
- Overview of ThredUp
- Overview of Poshmark
- Head-to-Head Comparison: Selling
- Head-to-Head Comparison: Buying
- Who Should Choose ThredUp?
- Who Should Choose Poshmark?
- The Importance of Metadata
- Conclusion
- FAQ Section
Overview of ThredUp
ThredUp is best described as a massive online consignment shop with a focus on convenience and user-friendliness. Their interface is simple and intuitive, and they offer a “Clean Out Kit” service, making it easy to sell clothes in bulk. Just order a pre-paid bag, fill it with clothes, ship it off, and ThredUp takes care of the rest – photography, listings, pricing, and even shipping to the buyer. If you’re looking for a hands-off way to declutter your closet and make a bit of cash, ThredUp is a great option.
Overview of Poshmark
Poshmark is more of a social marketplace where sellers have individual “closets” and actively engage with potential buyers. It has a strong emphasis on brands, with features like brand-specific followings and virtual “Posh Parties” that resemble the experience of a physical consignment store. While it requires more effort from the seller, Poshmark offers the potential for higher payouts, especially for brand-name items. It also caters to a wider variety of products, including new and used items across multiple categories like clothing, accessories, home decor, and beauty products.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Selling on ThredUp vs. Poshmark
Listing Process
- ThredUp: Order a “Clean Out Kit,” fill it, ship it. ThredUp handles everything else, including pricing and photography. They have strict quality guidelines and focus on specific brands and categories, so items may be rejected.
- Poshmark: Sellers handle the entire listing process, taking photos, writing descriptions, setting prices, and managing shipping. This offers greater control but requires more time and effort. Poshmark accepts a wider range of items and categories.
Payout and Commission
- ThredUp: Uses a tiered payout system based on the selling price (higher percentages for higher-priced items). Payout assignment isn’t transparent and can vary based on demand and brand. Payouts can be received in cash, ThredUp credit, or brand-specific credit with potential bonuses. High commission fees make it less ideal for committed resellers.
- Poshmark: Simple commission structure: flat $2.95 fee for items under $15, 20% for items over $15. Potentially higher payouts than ThredUp, especially for mid-range items. Sellers can set their own prices and even negotiate with buyers.
Shipping and Handling
- ThredUp: ThredUp completely handles shipping and handling for both the “Clean Out Kit” and buyer orders.
- Poshmark: Sellers are responsible for packaging, printing shipping labels, and dropping off packages. Buyers pay a flat-rate shipping fee.
Customer Service and Returns
- ThredUp: Customer-friendly return policy allows returns for any reason. ThredUp handles customer service inquiries and disputes, minimizing seller involvement.
- Poshmark: Stricter return policy – returns only accepted for items “substantially not as described.” Sellers are directly involved in customer service inquiries and potential disputes.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Buying on ThredUp vs. Poshmark
- ThredUp: Offers a curated selection, ensuring quality and authenticity, especially for luxury brands. The “Goody Box” provides a personalized shopping experience based on your style preferences. Streamlined buying process and customer-friendly return policy. May have less variety and availability compared to Poshmark.
- Poshmark: Boasts a vast selection and variety of both new and used items. Buyers can interact directly with sellers and negotiate prices. Provides a “thrill of the hunt” experience, similar to browsing physical consignment stores. Potential risks of dealing with individual sellers and a less forgiving return policy. May encounter inconsistencies in sizing and product descriptions.
Who Should Choose ThredUp?
- Sellers: Ideal for those who want a convenient, hands-off way to clean out their closets and aren’t focused on maximizing profit.
- Buyers: Good for bargain shoppers seeking a curated selection of quality secondhand clothing, especially those who appreciate the “Goody Box” service.
Who Should Choose Poshmark?
- Sellers: A better option for committed resellers willing to invest time and effort in listing, marketing, and engaging with buyers to maximize profits.
- Buyers: Great for those looking for unique, brand-name items at potentially lower prices who enjoy the interactive element and “treasure hunt” aspect of consignment shopping.
The Importance of Metadata
Clear and consistent metadata – product descriptions, sizing, category tags, etc. – is essential for successful online consignment shopping.
ThredUp excels in this area, using controlled fields for most product attributes, leading to more accurate search results and efficient browsing.
Poshmark, however, falls short, relying heavily on user-generated descriptions that can be inconsistent and lack important details, leading to frustrating search experiences for buyers.
Conclusion
Both ThredUp and Poshmark offer unique advantages for both buyers and sellers. ThredUp prioritizes convenience and simplicity, ideal for casual sellers and bargain shoppers. Poshmark, with its social marketplace approach, provides greater control and earning potential for dedicated resellers and offers a more diverse selection for buyers seeking specific items. The best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities.
FAQ Section
- What are the specific payout percentages for different selling prices on ThredUp?
- $5.00–$19.99: 5%-15%
- $20.00–$49.99: 15%-30%
- $50.00–$99.99: 30%-60%
- $100.00–$199.99: 60%-80%
- $200.00 and above: 80%
- What types of items are most likely to be accepted by ThredUp?
- In-season, on-trend women’s and children’s clothing in excellent condition, especially from popular brands like J.Crew, Banana Republic, Madewell, etc.
- How do Poshmark’s “Posh Parties” work?
- Virtual shopping events where sellers in specific categories or with similar styles can showcase their items to a wider audience within the Poshmark community.
- What are the shipping costs for buyers on Poshmark?
- Poshmark has a flat-rate shipping fee of $7.95 (paid by the buyer) for all orders.
- How can I maximize my chances of selling successfully on Poshmark?
- Take high-quality photos, write detailed and accurate descriptions, utilize relevant keywords, actively engage in the Poshmark community, participate in Posh Parties, and offer discounts and bundles.