An Honest Review of ThredUp – Is it REALLY Worth It?

An Honest Review of ThredUp – What is ThredUp? How does Thredup work? All of your ThredUp questions answered!

I have a new obsession that I want to share with you. It takes all of the fun of online shopping and joins it with shopping thrift. I think it’s time that someone did an honest review of ThredUp.

I’m going to start the brutal honesty by saying that it took me about a week to write this post. Not because it was difficult, but because every time I got onto ThredUp, I found something cute that I wanted to buy. Before I knew it, I had a cart with 10 items and had completely forgotten why I got on ThredUp in the first place! It’s a little addicting, honestly.

ThredUp Review From a Cheapskate

I started using ThredUp about a month ago when I saw an ad for them on Facebook. I’d heard some great things about them and decided to give it a try. But before we talk about what it was like buying from ThredUp in this ThredUp review, you need to know what is ThredUp.

What is ThredUp?

ThredUp is an online consignment store (or an online thrift store) that allows you to combine the joys of online shopping and great prices of shopping thrift. If you’re a shop-a-holic (like me), shopping in a consignment store is fun, but it could never replace the ease of online shopping.

Enter ThredUp: with all of the fun and ease of online shopping, but with the prices of a thrift store. I can shop for great clothes for low prices at home just by using the ThredUp online marketplace. It’s no surprise that as an extreme cheapskate frugalista, I love my thrift shopping. It’s the only way that I shop for clothes for my whole family. ThredUp makes it easier to shop second hand.

So what is ThredUp? Basically, ThredUp is consignment shopping meets online shopping. It’s an online thrift store that gives you access to premium brands, designer brands, name brand clothing, high-end brands (yes, like Gucci), and more. It’s kind of like Mercari or Poshmark where you can buy almost any article of clothing.

How does ThredUp work?

Have you ever looked in your closet and thought, “I have nothing to wear”? Us too. Thankfully, ThredUp is here to help! But how does ThredUp work? Keep reading to find out!

With ThredUp, simply order a Clean Out Kit, fill it with the clothes you no longer wear, and send it back for free! Once your clothes are received, thredUP will sort through everything and determine what can be sold. Then, they’ll take care of the rest – from taking photos and listing your items, to shipping them out once they sell.

You can also shop on ThredUp for like-new women’s and children’s clothing at a fraction of the retail price! With over 35,000 brands and millions of items to choose from, you’re sure to find something you love.

As a Seller, how does ThredUp work?

Here’s how it works for you if you’re wanting to clean out your closet and make some money from your old clothes as a seller to ThredUp:
1. You order a Clean Out Bag Kit from ThredUp. This kit comes with a prepaid shipping label. (They do charge you for the cost of the bag but they’ll deduct it from the amount that they will pay you for the clothes you send. So if you would make $50 for the clothes you send in, they’ll deduct the cost of the shipping from that.)
2. You pack up your gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories and ship them off using the provided label. (Remember that they won’t accept everything. But if you have a closet stuffed with clothes from last season that are brand name, you’ll likely get a higher payout than someone whose clothes are generic of store brand from more than 3 years ago.)
3. ThredUp reviews and processes your items. They determine what they can sell and send you an email with an offer for each item. (This is something that a lot of people were shocked by what they felt was a low-ball offer. So definitely don’t go into this thinking that you’ll be getting the same price you paid for pieces… even high-end or brand-name pieces.)
4. You have 10 days to accept or decline their offers. If you accept, the money from your earnings is deposited into your PayPal account (minus a $10 processing fee per item). If you decline, ThredUp will donate your items in a donation bag to charity or recycle them.
5. Once you’ve accepted their offers, all you have to do is wait for someone to purchase your items! But your responsibility is done and over! 🙂

As a Buyer, how does ThredUp work?

As a buyer, the best way that I can review ThredUp is if online shopping and thrift shopping had a baby. Kind of the best of both worlds where you can get similar prices to secondhand shops/ consignment shops/ thrift shops, but you don’t have to spend hours pouring over the racks of clothes to find the right stuff.

You can narrow things down by your sizes (which you can set when you make your account and they’ll save your preferences). You can also narrow your searches down by color, details, or accents ( they have an option for glitter, animal print, florals, and more).

Sometimes, they have deals on certain parts of the shop, sometimes they run free shipping deals, always check with Rakuten before checking out to make sure you’re not missing any coupons!

What is the Thredup shipping cost?

ThredUp provides free shipping on orders above $79 within the United States. For orders below $79, a flat shipping fee of $5.99 is charged. 

ThredUp also offers international shipping, and the cost may vary depending on the destination and the weight of the package. It’s always a good idea to check ThredUp’s website or contact their customer support for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding shipping costs.

Plus, don’t forget to checkout their ever-changing coupon codes and deals! Usually you can get free shipping as a perk. 🙂

How long does it take for Thredup to ship?

ThredUp typically takes around 7-14 business days to process and ship an order. However, please note that these timeframes can vary depending on factors such as the volume of orders, the shipping destination, and any ongoing promotions or holidays. ThredUp makes efforts to ensure prompt shipping, and you can track the status of your order through their website or by using the provided tracking number. If you have any specific concerns about your order’s shipping timeframe, it’s best to reach out to ThredUp’s customer support for more accurate information. 

Personal note: I’ve placed orders on a Monday and had my clothes by Wednesday. They really seem to work to get the items to you as quickly as possible.

What can you buy on ThredUp?

ThredUp sells women’s clothes, shoes, accessories, maternity, designer, and more, as well as offering chic boys’ and girls’ clothes too. Since I wrote this original ThredUp review, they’ve added more and more options to their stock. You have to see what options they have.

Things you can get on the ThredUp platform: 

• pants
• jeans
• shirts
• skirts
• shoes (sneakers, flats, sandals, heels, etc.)
• sneakers
• sweaters
• athletic wear
• purses
• accessories like scarves, hats, belts, and wallets (they used to sell jewelry like earrings and necklaces, but it looks like they took that off sometime in 2021)
• Kids’ clothes

You’ll get $10 to spend on ThredUp with your first order when you sign up through my link!

You can even make money clearing out your closet by selling on ThredUp.

All of the clothes you find on ThredUp have to come from somewhere. They come from closets of people who have clothes pouring out of every corner of their rooms.

If you have brand-name clothes in your closet that you don’t wear and you’re just debating when to donate them, you might want to give ThredUp’s buying service a try. After all, wouldn’t you rather make a few bucks instead of throwing it away?

But – to be completely transparent in this ThredUp review and to give an honest answer to what is ThredUp – I can’t speak about selling to ThredUp. I haven’t done it myself, but honestly, from the ThredUp reviews that I’ve read about selling to them, you’d be better off going to your local high-end consignment store to make money. But again, I can tell you what is ThredUp from the point of view of the buyer, but not the seller. (You can read more about that below!)

Selling clothes on ThredUp

First off, if you want to sell your clothes on ThredUp, there are a few things you need to know.

First, you send your clothes in a “clean out kit” bag (sent to you from Thredup) to ThredUp. All you need to do is fill up the bag and go to the post office with your bag.

They will look for stains or any rips or tears on the clothes before they accept your clothes for resale (if there is a tear, they won’t likely accept it). They are also looking to make sure that you are sending them high-quality items that are on trend that can be resold.

A downside that I’ve heard to this is that they will offer a VERY low-balled price for all the items. If you want items that they didn’t want sent back to you, then you will need to pay shipping to have them sent back.

Your “payment” will be given to you in store credit or as a payment via Paypal or Stripe.

Is selling on Thredup worth it?

While ThredUp offers convenience, it may not always yield the highest payouts. If you value the hassle-free process and don’t mind potentially lower earnings, it can be worth a shot. Just remember to manage your expectations and declutter that closet like a boss!

So is thredup a good place to sell clothes? The truth is that if you don’t want to take the time to photograph, list, haggle, etc. with buyers like you would for each item on Mercari or Poshmark, then getting a clean out bag delivered to your door where you can just load it up with everything from your closet means that Thredup is for you. Remember: ThredUp does everything for you, whereas Mercari and Poshmark mean that you’re in charge of listing, pricing, photographing, etc.  

What makes Thredup different than Poshmark or Mercari? (As a seller)

Unlike with Poshmark and Mercari, ThredUp actually sells and ships the clothes for you. They buy your unwanted clothes from you completely. You send in the clothes and then you’re all set.

When it comes to online consignment shops, there are a few big players in the game. But what makes Thredup different than Poshmark or Mercari?

For starters, Thredup is a little more user-friendly. The interface is simple and easy to navigate and the listing process is quick and painless.

Another big difference is that Thredup takes care of all the shipping for you. You just have to pack up your items and drop them off at a UPS location. And if your item doesn’t sell, Thredup will donate it for you.

Finally, ThredUp pays out a little bit more than its competitors.

What’s the best part of using ThredUp?

I’m just a cheapskate through and through. I immediately gravitate toward the clearance or sale section in any store. And ThredUp is no different!

There’s this amazing section called “Basement” in the ThredUp menu full of crazy deals. These items might not have tags or might have small defects that you likely won’t even be able to see.

For my first purchase for this ThredUp Review, I got a pair of Nike running shoes that looked like they’d only ever been worn once or twice for a light jog. They were basically brand new but had a tiny scuff on the underside of the left toe (which, if I’m being honest, I probably would have done in the first 2 minutes of running in them on my own). Because of that stuff, I got these $80+ shoes for $11.

Is there a downside in this ThredUp review?

Personally, I haven’t sold any clothes to ThredUp (I doubt that they’d want any of my old clothes anyway!), but this is the only part about ThredUp where I’ve heard mixed reviews.

I hear that they don’t pay top dollar for clothes. And what’s worse, they charge you to ship them your clothes, and the bag for shipping costs $10. Basically, you’d need to sell them a few Gap t-shirts to just break even.

But, playing Devil’s advocate, we oftentimes assume a higher value to our own clothes because of our personal experiences. If you had your first kiss in a plain ol’ t-shirt, you’re going to think that that shirt is worth $1 million. In reality, it’s only worth $1, meaning that if a consigner is generous, they’ll split the profit with you. But oftentimes, the consigner will take 70% and you’ll get 30%. (Again, I’m not sure if this is the split that ThredUp offers. But speaking of consignment stores in general.)

I haven’t sold anything to ThredUp. Honestly, I don’t really plan to. I don’t really have anything that will be of great value to anyone else (I’m so boring!). Most, if not all, of my clothes, get donated to Goodwill or Salvation Army.

(If you’re not into selling your clothes to ThredUp or consigning them, always donate them to a local organization that accepts clothing donations.)

So should you try ThredUp?

In the spirit of the honest review of ThredUp, I say to go for it when you buy from them. I love how easy it was to browse the equivalent of a giant consignment warehouse all from my couch. Their prices all seem very reasonable for the quality of product that they sell. Not long ago when I was still asking “what is ThredUp,” I was looking for EXACTLY what ThredUp offers: online shopping for consignment store prices!

However, if you’re looking to sell, you might just want to find a local consignment store and save yourself the trouble of paying for shipping.

If you’ve never bought consignment or second-hand clothes because you’re worried about their quality or a designer label, ThredUp is the best of both worlds.

You’ll get $10 to spend on ThredUp when you sign up through my link.

FAQs on ThredUp

What are some of the best tips on how to find good stuff on Thredup?

Finding good stuff on ThredUp can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you discover hidden gems:

1. Use Specific Search Terms: Narrow down your search by using specific keywords, such as brand names, specific clothing items, or styles you’re looking for. This helps you filter out irrelevant items and find exactly what you want.
2. Refine Filters: Utilize ThredUp’s filters to narrow your search by size, color, condition, and price range. This allows you to focus on items that meet your preferences and budget.
3. Shop by Category: Browse through different categories like “New with Tags,” “Designer,” or “Trending” to explore curated collections and discover popular or high-end items.
4. Check Daily New Arrivals: ThredUp frequently adds new items to its inventory. Regularly check the “New Arrivals” section to stay updated and get first dibs on fresh listings.
5. Save Searches: Save your favorite searches with specific filters, so you can quickly access them later and see if any new items match your criteria.
6. Follow Your Favorite Brands: If you have preferred brands, follow them on ThredUp to receive notifications when new items from those brands are listed.
7. Read Descriptions and View Photos: Pay attention to item descriptions and examine the provided photos closely. Look for details on condition, measurements, and any potential flaws. This helps ensure you’re making an informed decision.
8. Utilize the Wishlist Feature: Add items you’re interested in to your ThredUp wishlist. This makes it easier to keep track of them and quickly find them later.
9. Take Advantage of Sales and Promotions: ThredUp often offers discounts and promotions. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to snag even better deals.
10. Leave Feedback: After receiving your purchases, leave feedback on ThredUp. This helps the community by sharing your experience and providing insights for other shoppers.

By implementing these tips, you can enhance your ThredUp shopping experience and increase your chances of finding great items that fit your style and budget. Happy shopping!

Is ThredUp a good deal?

I believe that ThredUp IS a good deal. Look, I get that an online thrift store isn’t perfect and that a lot of people have concerns about the whole platform. BUT. If you’re a person who hates paying retail price for anything and is totally on board with saving the planet by buying secondhand clothes… then there’s no downside to ThredUp.

The prices are great, they run sales very often, and it saves a LOT of hassle of trying to second hand shop in your own consignment or thrift shops. I mean come on… what’s not to love about combining the ease of shopping online with the deals of having everything in one marketplace where you don’t need to pay retail price for anything and get it all shipped to your door!?

Is ThredUp worth it?

I’ve seen a lot of differing opinions and views about selling on ThredUp. Thredup reviews are a mixed bag. Some people say that they saw their item that they were paid $10 for listed on ThredUp for $40 and they felt like this was not fair to them.

But many of the ThredUp sell reviews are positive, too. People who would have otherwise just taken a big bag of clothes to the Goodwill or Salvation Army walking away with cash in hand rather than nothing.

I think it’s pretty fair to say that this is not a side hustle that you would want to start to be making tons of money. If you’re looking to resell clothes, eBay, Poshmark and Mercari are all much better alternatives… but they do require a LOT more work from you as the seller to take pictures of each item, make the listing, etc. Whereas with ThredUp, you send in your clothes, they buy them, and you’re done. You don’t have to list anything, or take pictures, or wait for it to sell to get paid.

So is ThredUp worth it for the casual seller looking to clear out the closet? Yes. For sure.

Is ThredUp worth it for the buyer, too?

Yes it’s worth it! Again, brand name pieces at thrift store prices that ship to your door? I’m in. No question.

As far as a ThredUp review buying… I love it. It’s a little more difficult to search for specifics (like when I shop for dresses, rompers and jumpsuits still show up and the number of times I almost bought a jumpsuit thinking it was a dress… it’s not easy to tell the difference from the pictures.).

There’s also been a few concerns that I’ve heard about buying from ThredUp about the cleanliness of products, or the smell (like if it came from a house of smokers or with animals), or worrying that there are bugs or anything else that you might not want on your clothes. I totally get all of those worries!

That said, I’ve never had a piece that smelled weird or that didn’t fit the description where they say the condition of the piece. If there’s any damage, they’ll explain the extent of it and are usually pretty good at keeping that part real for the buyers.

Something else that’s nice for buyers is that if the item has a defect or did not match the description or didn’t fit the way it should have or anything like that, they’re usually VERY good at giving returns or refund or store credit. Most recently, I needed a new pair of running shoes (LOVE the ones I got by the way), but the initial pair that I ordered was supposed to be my size, but when I got it, it was a half size smaller than they had indicated. They paid for my return shipping and sent me a pair that they happened to have in the correct size… even though the pair I got was on clearance with no returns.

I’ve never experienced something super negative with my buying from them. I’ve bought hundreds of pieces from them over the years and I’m not planning on stopping now. They seem to really understand their buyers and treat them well.

What does ThredUp do with clothes that don’t sell?

ThredUp will donate the unsold or unwanted clothes to a charity or recycle them.

Does Thredup wash their clothes?

Yes, ThredUp washes the clothes they receive before listing them for sale. As part of their quality control process, ThredUp carefully inspects, professionally steams, and cleans the items they accept. This ensures that the items are in good condition and ready to be worn or used by the buyers. ThredUp aims to provide a high standard of cleanliness and quality in the clothing they offer on their platform. (Note: This is just based off of what they have said. I don’t work for ThredUp. 🙂 

What kinds of brands does ThredUp accept?

ThredUp accepts MANY brands ranging from just your average Target brand to high-end and premium brand name items as well.

Normal brands I’ve seen for sale on ThredUp (aka: brands ThredUp Accepts from sellers):

• Old Navy
• Banana Republic
• Zara
• Ann Taylor Loft
• Nike
• Reebok
• Free People
• & literally THOUSANDS more

High-end brands I’ve seen for sale on ThredUp (aka: the best brands on ThredUp as far as top dollar for selling) :

• Lululemon Athletica
• Coach
• Ray-Ban
• Kate Spade
• Chanel
• Dior
• Louis Vuitton
• & more!

It’s not just a collection of crappy or dirty, strained clothes. I’ve not bought anything that I felt was “gross” or “unclean” from them in the more than 4 years I’ve been buying from them.

What brands does ThredUp not accept?

ThredUp has specific brand and item requirements for what they accept in their resale program. Some of the brands that ThredUp does not currently accept include unbranded or no-name items, replica or fake designer goods, and certain brands that have high supply and low demand. Additionally, ThredUp does not accept items that are heavily damaged or have stains, odors, or excessive wear and tear. The full list of accepted and non-accepted brands and items can be found on ThredUp’s website or by contacting their customer service team.

What’s the difference between selling on Thredup vs Poshmark?

Selling on ThredUp and Poshmark offers different experiences and approaches to online resale. Both as a seller and as a buyer, they are hugely different. 

ThredUp: ThredUp is an online consignment store where you send your items to ThredUp, and they handle the entire selling process for you. ThredUp’s team assesses, photographs, lists, and ships the items on your behalf. While ThredUp offers convenience and simplicity, the payout may be lower compared to selling directly on other platforms. ThredUp primarily focuses on accepting women’s and children’s clothing and accessories.

Poshmark: Poshmark, on the other hand, is a peer-to-peer marketplace that allows you to directly sell your items to other users. You are responsible for photographing, listing, and shipping the items yourself. Poshmark offers more control over the pricing and presentation of your listings, allowing you to set your own prices and negotiate with potential buyers. It also provides a wider range of categories, including men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, as well as accessories, shoes, and even home goods.

The key differences between ThredUp and Poshmark lie in the selling process, control over pricing, and the target audience. ThredUp offers convenience and a streamlined process but may yield lower payouts, while Poshmark provides more control and potential for higher earnings but requires more active involvement in the selling process. Consider your priorities, preferences, and the type of items you wish to sell when deciding which platform is the best fit for you.

Which is better: Thredup vs Poshmark selling?

ThredUp and Poshmark both have their perks, so it’s like choosing between a fabulous consignment store and a lively online marketplace. ThredUp offers convenience with their handling of the selling process, while Poshmark gives you more control and a chance to connect directly with buyers. So, it’s all about your preference for simplicity or active involvement.

Poshmark vs Mercari vs Thredup — What’s the difference between them all?

Poshmark, Mercari, and ThredUp each offer unique selling experiences in the world of online marketplaces.

Poshmark is like a lively fashion party, where you can connect with buyers, set your own prices, and engage in negotiations. It’s perfect for fashion enthusiasts who enjoy the social aspect of selling and want control over their listings.

Mercari is like a diverse marketplace bazaar, where you can sell a wide range of items beyond fashion, including electronics, home goods, and collectibles. It’s great if you have a variety of items to sell and want exposure to a broad customer base.

ThredUp is like a convenient consignment shop, where you send your items and they handle everything for you. It offers simplicity and ease, but with potentially lower payouts compared to other platforms.

Ultimately, the best platform for you depends on your preferences, the type of items you’re selling, and the level of control and involvement you desire. It’s worth exploring each platform, considering their fees, audience, and selling features, to find the one that aligns with your goals and style. Happy selling, entrepreneur extraordinaire!

Which is better: Thredup vs Poshmark buying

Deciding between Poshmark vs ThredUp for buying is like choosing between a curated consignment store and a bustling online marketplace. ThredUp offers convenience, quality control, and a streamlined shopping experience. On the other hand, Poshmark provides a wider range of options, direct interactions with sellers, and potential for negotiating prices. It all comes down to your preferences for convenience versus engagement.   

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Have you ever used ThredUp? I’d love to hear about your experience!

An Honest Review of ThredUp – What is ThredUp? How does Thredup work!? All of your ThredUp questions answered!