What ThredUp is and how to use it

ThredUp is an online marketplace where you buy and sell secondhand clothing, shoes, and accessories. You can browse items listed by other sellers, purchase what you want, and ship it to your home. If you want to sell your own clothes, you can mail them to ThredUp in a prepaid shipping kit, and the company photographs, lists, and sells them on your behalf — you receive a percentage of the sale price or store credit.

The site operates differently depending on whether you are buying or selling. As a buyer, you search and purchase items the way you would on any online store. As a seller, ThredUp handles the logistics: you pack your clothes, ship them for free using their label, and they manage the listing and sale. You do not set your own prices — ThredUp's system determines what each item is worth based on brand, condition, and current demand.

ThredUp focuses on mainstream and designer brands. The inventory skews toward women's clothing, though they also carry men's and children's items. Most pieces are from recent seasons, though vintage and older items do appear. The condition ranges from like-new to worn, and each listing includes photographs and a condition description so you know what you are buying.

Key Takeaways

  • ThredUp pays you a percentage of the sale price when your clothes sell, or you can choose store credit worth more than the cash payout.
  • You ship your clothes to ThredUp for free using their prepaid label, and they handle photography, listing, and customer service.
  • As a buyer, you pay the listed price plus shipping, which ThredUp calculates based on weight and destination.
  • ThredUp does not accept all items — they decline pieces that are stained, torn, pilled, or from brands they do not stock.
  • The site charges a 20 percent commission on items you sell, taken from the sale price before your payout is calculated.

How to sell clothes on ThredUp

To sell, you start by requesting a free shipping kit from ThredUp's website. The kit arrives with a prepaid shipping label. You fill it with clean, unwrinkled clothes in good condition — no stains, tears, or heavy pilling — and drop it off at a UPS location or schedule a pickup. ThredUp receives the box, inspects each item, and decides whether to list it or reject it.

Items that pass inspection are photographed, assigned a price, and listed on the site. You can track your items' status in your account. When something sells, ThredUp deducts a 20 percent commission and sends you the remainder as either cash (via PayPal or direct deposit) or store credit. Store credit is worth 20 percent more than the cash equivalent — for example, if an item sells for $20, you get $16 in cash or $20 in credit to spend on ThredUp purchases.

If ThredUp rejects items, they are returned to you at no cost, or you can ask them to donate the rejected pieces on your behalf. Rejected items are usually those with visible damage, stains, or from brands ThredUp does not currently accept. The company publishes a list of accepted brands on their site, though they add and remove brands periodically.

Pricing and payouts for sellers

ThredUp sets the price for each item you send them. The algorithm considers the brand, original retail price, condition, current demand, and what similar items are selling for. You cannot negotiate or change the price once it is listed. Prices typically range from a few dollars for basics to $50 or more for designer pieces, though most items sell for between $5 and $25.

Your payout depends on how the item sells. If it sells on ThredUp's main site, you receive your percentage of the sale price after the 20 percent commission is deducted. If it does not sell within a certain window (usually 90 days), ThredUp moves it to their clearance section at a lower price, and your payout adjusts downward. Items that remain unsold after that are either returned to you or donated.

Store credit offers better value than cash. If you plan to buy from ThredUp, choosing credit instead of cash means you keep the full amount ThredUp would have taken as commission. For example, a $20 sale gives you $16 in cash or $20 in credit — a $4 difference on a single item.

Buying on ThredUp

As a buyer, you search by category, brand, size, price, or condition. You can filter by color, style, and fit. Each listing includes multiple photographs, a condition rating (like "excellent," "very good," or "good"), and a written description of any flaws. The site shows the original retail price alongside the ThredUp price so you can see the discount.

Shipping costs vary by weight and destination. A single lightweight item might cost $3 to $5 to ship, while heavier pieces or multiple items cost more. ThredUp displays the total price — item plus shipping — before you check out. There is no membership fee to buy, and you can return items within 30 days if they do not fit or match the description.

ThredUp occasionally runs sales and discounts on specific categories or brands. You can sign up for their email list to see promotions, though you are not required to buy during a sale. First-time buyers sometimes receive a discount code.

Condition ratings and what they mean

ThredUp uses a four-tier condition system. Like New means the item shows no visible wear and looks unworn. Excellent means it has been worn but shows minimal signs — no stains, tears, or pilling. Very Good means light wear is visible, such as minor fading or slight pilling. Good means the item has visible wear but is still wearable — it may have small stains, light discoloration, or moderate pilling.

The condition rating affects price. A like-new designer jacket costs more than the same jacket in good condition. When you sell to ThredUp, they inspect your items and assign a condition rating. If you disagree with their assessment, you can contact customer service, though ThredUp's decision is final.

Photographs show the item from multiple angles and usually include close-ups of any flaws. Read the written description alongside the photos to understand exactly what you are buying. If a listing says "small stain on hem" or "pilling on sleeves," that information is part of the condition rating and the price.

Brands ThredUp accepts and rejects

ThredUp maintains a list of accepted brands that changes over time. Major brands like J.Crew, Gap, Banana Republic, Levi's, Nike, and Adidas are typically accepted. Designer brands like Coach, Michael Kors, and Ralph Lauren are usually on the list. Fast-fashion brands like H&M and Forever 21 are often rejected because they do not hold resale value well.

The company rejects items from brands they do not stock, regardless of condition. They also reject items with damage — stains that do not wash out, holes, broken zippers, or heavy pilling. If you are unsure whether a brand is accepted, check ThredUp's brand list before packing your box. Rejected items are returned to you free of charge or donated at your request.

ThredUp's brand list is not permanent. Brands are added and removed based on demand and resale trends. If a brand you want to sell is currently rejected, it may be accepted later, or it may remain off the list.

Comparing ThredUp to other secondhand options

ThredUp differs from other secondhand platforms in several ways. Unlike Poshmark or Depop, where you list and price items yourself, ThredUp handles all the work — you straightforward mail in your clothes. This means less effort but less control over pricing. Unlike Goodwill or local consignment shops, ThredUp is entirely online, so you do not need to visit a store or negotiate with a manager.

ThredUp's commission (20 percent) is higher than some platforms but lower than traditional consignment shops, which often take 40 to 50 percent. The trade-off is convenience: you do not photograph items, write descriptions, or respond to buyers. ThredUp's reach is also larger than a local consignment shop, so items may sell faster.

If you want maximum control over pricing and presentation, platforms like Poshmark or Vinted may suit you better. If you want the fastest, most hands-off process, ThredUp is designed for that. If you want to sell locally and avoid shipping, a consignment shop or Facebook Marketplace is a better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get paid after something sells?

ThredUp processes payouts weekly. Once your item sells, it typically takes 5 to 10 business days for the payment to reach your PayPal account or bank account, depending on your financial institution's processing time. Store credit appears in your account when ready.

What happens if ThredUp rejects most of my clothes?

Rejected items are returned to you at no cost. You can request a return shipment, or you can ask ThredUp to donate the items on your behalf. If you want to avoid rejections, check ThredUp's brand list and condition guidelines before packing your box.

Can I return something I bought if it does not fit?

Yes. ThredUp allows returns within 30 days of purchase. You can initiate a return through your account, print a prepaid shipping label, and send the item back. Once ThredUp receives and inspects it, your refund is processed to your original payment method.

Do I have to use store credit, or can I always get cash?

You can choose cash or store credit for each sale. Store credit is worth 20 percent more, so if you plan to buy from ThredUp, credit is the better option financially. If you do not plan to shop there, cash is simpler.

Is there a limit to how many items I can send in one box?

ThredUp does not publish a strict limit, but the shipping kit has a weight and size capacity. Most people fit 20 to 40 items in a standard kit. If you have more items, you can request multiple kits or send additional boxes.