In recent years, secondhand fashion has surged in popularity, driven by sustainability and affordability. The resale market is now worth $96 billion, per Forbes in October 2022.
This trend has given rise to apps dedicated to reselling, like Poshmark. But it’s not for everyone; some seek alternatives due to fees or other factors.
Whether you’re a seasoned seller or just starting, this blog will explore Poshmark alternatives, examining key features and suitability based on your preferences.
Key Takeaways
- The secondhand fashion market has grown significantly due to sustainability and affordability factors, with the resale market now worth $96 billion.
- Poshmark is a popular platform for reselling, but there are alternatives to consider.
- When picking a resale app, think about its ease of use, who it’s meant for, costs, user community, shipping, item restrictions, payments, and safety.
- The article suggests 14 Poshmark alternatives, each with unique features suited for various items and sellers, including Facebook Marketplace, Vestiaire Collective, Depop, eBay, and more.
The Rise of Resale Apps
The market for secondhand items has been growing in recent years due to a surge in sustainable fashion trends, rising awareness about the fashion industry’s impact on the environment, and an increased interest in affordable shopping. This has fueled the growth of resale apps like Poshmark, which was reported to have over 80 million registered users and more than 200 million listings. Resale apps offer a user-friendly interface. This makes it easy to list items for sale and find potential buyers.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Resale App
Choosing the perfect resale app can be daunting, but with the below factors in mind, you can narrow down your options and find the best app that fits your preference.
User Interface
The first thing to consider when choosing a resale app is the user interface. You want a platform that is easy to navigate and attractive to the eye. A messy and confusing app interface can reduce sales and hinder your experience as a buyer or seller. Some of the best resale apps with excellent user interfaces are Mercari and Depop.
The Target Audience
Another you should consider is your target audience Knowing your audience is crucial when choosing a resale app because it will determine where you will most likely get the best results.
Say you’re selling high-end luxury items. In this case, you may want to choose an app that caters to that market, such as The RealReal. On the other hand, if you’re selling more affordable clothes, apps like Mercari and Depop may be a better fit for you.
Fees and Charges
As a buyer and seller, it’s ideal to know the fees and charges of using a particular resale app. The differences in fees among resale apps can be huge and have a major impact on your profit as a seller. For instance, Mercari charges a flat fee of 10%, while Poshmark’s fee is variable, starting from $2.95 for sales under $15 and increasing as the sale price increases. If your sale amounts to $15 or more, you retain 80% of the sale price, with Poshmark’s commission set at 20%. Your sales earnings become yours once your buyer has delivered and received the item. On the other hand, Vinted is the go-to app for cost-conscious individuals, as it doesn’t charge any fees on the sales made through its platform.
Community and Audience
The audience and community of a resale app can play a vital role in your sales. A vast audience will increase your reach as a seller, while a vibrant community will make you feel more comfortable selling and buying.
However, it’s essential to note the audience’s quality. Each app has its audience, and choosing one with your specific niche will be suitable. If you sell streetwear, the best platforms to use will be Depop and Grailed, which have a young and trendy audience.
Shipping and Handling
Shipping can be a significant headache for both the buyer and seller. Choose an app with an efficient shipping process that works for you. Mercari, for example, has super easy-to-use shipping labels that sellers can print at home with affordable pricing. Poshmark also offers excellent shipping, but it can be costly depending on the item’s weight and size.
Item Restrictions
Certain resale apps may restrict what items can be listed, such as luxury brands or certain types of clothing. If you want to sell a specific type of item, double-check the app’s restrictions to ensure you’re not wasting your time listing items that won’t be allowed.
Payment Methods
Payment methods are essential when selling on a resale app. Payment options range from direct bank deposits, PayPal, or app credits. Some apps may also provide the option for a physical check via mailed post. Consider which payment options you require, especially if you want to access your earnings quickly.
Security and Safety
Lastly, safety and security should be considered before choosing a resale app. Check out reviews and research the measures each app has in place to keep you safe from fraudulent sellers and buyers. Here are additional tips to ensure the safety and security of a resale app:
- Verify User Identities: Choose a resale app that requires users to verify their identities. This can include email verification or linking to a social media account. Verified users are generally more trustworthy.
- Secure Payment Options: Ensure the app offers secure payment methods like PayPal or credit cards. Avoid apps that request unusual payment methods or wire transfers, as these can be red flags for scams.
14 Best Alternatives to Poshmark
Many Poshmark alternatives offer unique features, specific items, and reasonable prices. By exploring these alternatives, you may find a better fit for your selling needs and can earn extra money as a side hustle.
1. Facebook Marketplace
Great for Local Sales and has No Listing Fees
With billions of active users, Facebook Marketplace presents a massive audience for your listings. It is primarily known for buying and selling furniture, home decor, and electronics. However, it’s also a great place to sell secondhand clothing and beauty products. Similar to Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace has an easy-to-use interface, and you can list your items for free.
The platform is also great if you’re looking to sell to local buyers since the buyer is responsible for picking up the item. This is a great option if you’re looking to make a quick sale because it can save you on shipping costs. Additionally, since Facebook Marketplace is a social media platform, you can easily promote your listings on your Facebook page to reach more potential buyers.
Sign up here:www.facebook.com
2. Vestiaire Collective
Best For Luxury Items and Professional Selling Experience
If you have designer items or luxury fashion pieces in good condition, Vestiaire Collective may be the perfect platform for you. With over 23 million users and a vast inventory of 5 million items, Vestiaire Collective is the largest online marketplace for luxury secondhand fashion items.
The platform has a strict vetting process to ensure that the items sold are genuine, and the website takes care of all the transaction details, including shipping and returns. The commission fee for Vestiaire Collective ranges from 12% to 15%, depending on the selling price.
Sign up here:www.vestiairecollective.com
3. The RealReal
Ideal for Vintage and Sustainable Fashion
If you’re passionate about sustainable fashion and vintage clothing, The RealReal is an excellent option. The platform specializes in designer clothing, shoes, and accessories, but it also has an impressive selection of vintage items and sustainable fashion pieces.
The RealReal has a unique feature called “the missing piece.” This allows sellers to upload photos of unique pieces they can’t find on the platform. If a buyer is looking for this type of item and sees your listing, they can easily reach out to make an offer. The commission fee for The RealReal ranges from 15% to 85%, depending on the selling price and item type.
Sign up here:www.therealreal.com
4. Depop
Ideal For its User-friendly Interface and Affordable Fees
With a registered user base of over 35 million, Depop offers a user experience similar to Poshmark. The app allows you to create your own virtual store where you can sell your clothes to other users. In addition, it’s popular among vintage clothing enthusiasts and is perfect for those who want to sell rare vintage clothing items or deadstock.
The app is perfect for users who want to create a unique online presence and who want to showcase their personal style. It has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to list items and connect with potential buyers.
Depop also has lower fees than many other resale apps. The selling fee is 10%, and you can receive your funds in your bank account or Depop Wallet.
Sign up here:www.depop.com
5. Crossroads Trading
Best For Selling Your Old Clothes to a Thrift Store
Although Crossroads Trading is primarily a thrift store, it also has an online selling process for people looking to sell their old clothes. Its website has a straightforward selling process, and you can either sell your items in-store or by mail. If you choose to sell your items by mail, Crossroads Trading offers prepaid shipping labels, making it easy to ship your items. The store will then assess your items and offer you a fair price based on their condition and the type of item.
Sign up here:crossroadstrading.com
6. Mercari
Best User Friendly Online Store
Mercari is a mobile app and online marketplace that simplifies selling secondhand items. Sellers can list items quickly, and Mercari provides prepaid shipping labels for easy shipping to the buyer. Their commission fee is a reasonable 10%, with no insertion fee. This makes it a great option for those looking to sell unwanted items quickly and for a fair price.
Sign up here:www.mercari.com
7. OfferUp
Best Mobile Resale App
OfferUp is an online marketplace for buying and selling anything from furniture to clothes. It’s a great option for selling items locally and meeting potential buyers in person. You can list your items for sale for free, and the app offers shipping options. There are no transaction fees, but there are additional fees for certain features.
OfferUp offers a wide variety of items in your local area, including electronics, furniture, fashion, and vehicles. It prioritizes safety with user profiles and reviews, making it a trusted option for local transactions.
Sign up here:www.offerup.com
8. eBay
Best Oldest Online Marketplaces Buying and Selling Items
eBay is one of the oldest and largest online marketplaces for buying and selling items. It’s a great option for selling vintage items and rare finds. It is suitable for selling all items, from vintage clothing to luxury items like Louis Vuitton.
With eBay, you can list your items for free but will be charged a final value fee when your item sells. eBay also has an auction system that allows you to set a starting bid and let potential buyers place their bids. This way, you can get the best price for your item. However, selling on eBay can be quite competitive as millions of other listings are available.
The app has a unique “Buy It Now” feature that allows you to sell items at a fixed price instead of an auction. The insertion fee is free for the first 50 listings, and the final value fee ranges from 10% to 14.35% of the selling price.
Sign up here: www.ebay.com
9. thredUP
Best Affordable and Stylish Clothing Options For The Whole Family
thredUP is an online consignment and thrift store that focuses on sustainable fashion. It’s a great place to sell clothes in good condition, fashion accessories, and shoes. The app has a unique feature called “Clean Out,” which allows you to send your items using a prepaid shipping label. You can also choose to donate your items to charity – even old prescription glasses. The app takes a commission fee of 3% to 80% depending on your selling price.
Sign up here:www.thredup.com
10. Rebag
Best Platform For Selling Luxury Handbags
Rebag is another great platform for selling designer handbags. Rebag specializes in top luxury brands such as Chanel, Hermes, and Dior. They offer free shipping and give you a fair and reasonable price for your handbags. The best part about Rebag is that they have a feature called the Rebag Infinity program. This allows you to sell your handbag for credit towards a new purchase.
Sign up here:www.rebag.com
11. Vinted
Best Place to Sell Vintage Items and Thrift Store Finds
Vinted is a great place to sell old clothes that are still in good condition. It operates as a social marketplace where you can connect with potential buyers and negotiate the selling price. It also has a reasonable price for its seller fees, which are capped at 3% of the selling price. Unlike Poshmark, Vinted focuses more on women’s clothing and fashion accessories. It is available in the United States and is a perfect app if you are looking for a user-friendly interface.
Sign up here:www.vinted.com
12. Etsy
Great Place to Sell Unique and Handmade Items
Are you a creative person who sells unique, handmade items? Then Etsy is the perfect platform for you. Etsy is the leading online marketplace for vintage items, handmade products, and craft supplies. Unlike Poshmark, Etsy charges a small listing fee of $0.20 per item and a commission fee of 5% for each sale. However, Etsy has a massive community of potential buyers willing to pay a fair price for your handmade and vintage items.
Sign up here: www.etsy.com
13. Worthy
Best Place to Sell Luxury Items
If you have designer goods from luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Hermes, or Gucci, consider selling them on Worthy. Worthy is an online platform specializing in selling designer jewelry, watches, and handbags to potential buyers worldwide.
To compare: Poshmark covers a broader spectrum of fashion and accessories. Whereas Worthy zeroes in on high-end jewelry, watches, and other valuable items. What makes Worthy unique is that they use a professional seller model to ensure you get the best price for your luxury items.
Sign up here: www.worthy.com
14. Grailed
Best Place to Sell Men’s Fashion Items
If you are a guy who loves fashion and wants to sell men’s clothing, shoes, and accessories, then Grailed is the perfect platform for you. Grailed is specifically designed for men’s fashion items and has a massive community of potential buyers always looking for great deals.
It offers free access for buyers and allows sellers to list their items without any listing fees. Moreover, they only charge a 9% commission fee for items that sell, and you can use PayPal to receive payments straight to your bank account.
Sign up here: www.grailed.com
Wrap Up!
Selling your preloved items online has become more accessible than ever, thanks to the rise of alternative resale apps like Poshmark. This blog post provides insight into some of the best alternatives and the ideal factors you should consider when choosing a platform. While Poshmark remains one of the best sites for selling different types of items, these apps offer unique features and affordable prices that may suit your particular needs.
Whether you’re looking to sell luxury items, fashion accessories, or vintage clothes, there’s a platform that suits your needs. By exploring these alternative apps, you’ll reach a wider audience and potentially earn even more money from your side hustle or decluttering efforts. Happy selling!