The world of online thrifting has exploded, transforming how we shop for clothes and clear out our closets. At the forefront of this sustainable fashion revolution is ThredUp, an online consignment giant that has made secondhand shopping as easy as buying new. But as the resale market grows, so do the options. Whether you’re a seller looking for a different payout structure or a buyer hunting for specific vintage or luxury finds, exploring sites like thredup can unlock a whole new world of pre-loved fashion.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best alternatives to thredup, breaking down how each platform compares. We’ll explore the key differences in their selling processes, inventory, and overall user experience to help you decide which service is the perfect fit for your style and needs.
Table of Contents
- First, What is ThredUp and How Does It Work?
- ThredUp vs. The Competition: A Head-to-Head Comparison
- A Detailed Look at the Best ThredUp Competitors
- Frequently Asked Questions
First, What is ThredUp and How Does It Work?
Before diving into other platforms, it’s essential to understand the platform that set the standard. So, what is thred up? ThredUp is one of the world’s largest online consignment and thrift stores, built on a mission to inspire a new generation to “think secondhand first.” It aims to combat fashion waste by making it incredibly simple to buy and sell high-quality used clothing for women and kids.
The core of the online thrift store thredup model is convenience. It operates as a consignment service, which means they handle all the heavy lifting for sellers.
Here’s thredup how it works for both buyers and sellers:
For Sellers:
The process is designed to be completely hassle-free.
- Order a Kit: You request a “Clean Out Kit,” which is a large bag you can fill with clothes, shoes, and accessories you no longer wear.
- Fill & Ship: You pack the bag with your gently used items from any brand and send it back to ThredUp with a prepaid shipping label.
- ThredUp Does the Work: Once your kit arrives, ThredUp’s team sorts through your items, accepting those that meet their quality standards. They then professionally photograph, price, and list the items on their site.
- Earn Cash or Credit: When an item sells, you earn a percentage of the final sale price. Payouts vary depending on the item’s selling price, ranging from 3% to 80%. A service fee is deducted from your total earnings.
For Buyers:
Shopping on ThredUp is like exploring a massive, ever-changing online thrift store with items from over 55,000 brands, from Gap to Gucci, often at up to 90% off the estimated retail price. With thousands of new items added daily, it’s a treasure hunt for fashion lovers on a budget who want to shop more sustainably.
ThredUp vs. The Competition: A Head-to-Head Comparison
Understanding ThredUp’s consignment model is key to seeing how its competitors differ. Most sites similar to thredup fall into one of two categories: consignment services (like ThredUp) or peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplaces.
- Consignment Services: The company sells items on your behalf for a commission. This is the “do-it-for-you” model.
- P2P Marketplaces: You are responsible for everything—taking photos, writing descriptions, setting prices, and shipping the items yourself. This is the “do-it-yourself” model.
Here’s a quick look at how ThredUp stacks up against the other major players.
| Platform | Business Model | Best For Sellers Who… | Best For Buyers Who… |
|---|---|---|---|
| ThredUp | Consignment | Value convenience and want someone else to handle the entire selling process. | Want a massive, curated selection of everyday brands at low prices. |
| Poshmark | P2P Marketplace | Want full control over pricing, listings, and interacting with buyers. | Enjoy a social shopping experience and negotiating prices. |
| Mercari | P2P Marketplace | Want to sell a wide variety of items beyond just fashion, from electronics to home goods. | Are looking for a broad marketplace with deals on many different categories. |
| eBay | P2P Marketplace | Are experienced sellers comfortable with an auction format and managing their own store. | Enjoy bidding on items and finding rare or collectible pieces. |
| Vestiaire Collective | Curated P2P / Consignment | Want to sell authenticated, high-end luxury and designer items. | Are searching for authenticated luxury goods from a global community. |
| The RealReal | Luxury Consignment | Want a white-glove service for selling authenticated luxury goods. | Want the highest level of trust and authentication for pre-owned luxury. |
| Depop | P2P Marketplace | Want to sell unique, vintage, streetwear, or one-of-a-kind items to a younger audience. | Are looking for trendy, y2k, and vintage styles. |
A Detailed Look at the Best ThredUp Competitors
Now let’s dive deeper into the best thredup alternative platforms available today.
Poshmark
Poshmark is arguably ThredUp’s biggest rival and one of the most popular selling platforms like poshmark. The main difference between thredup and poshmark is its P2P model. On Poshmark, you are the shop owner. You photograph, list, price, and ship your items directly to the buyer.
- Poshmark vs ThredUp Selling: The choice between poshmark or thredup comes down to effort versus control. Selling clothes on poshmark vs thredup gives you full control over your listings and a potentially higher payout per item, but requires significantly more work. ThredUp offers pure convenience.
- Who is it for? Poshmark is one of the top websites like poshmark for those who enjoy the hustle of running their own small shop and engaging with a community. It’s one of the best apps like poshmark for social sellers.
Mercari
Like Poshmark, Mercari is a P2P marketplace. However, it’s not limited to fashion. You can sell almost anything on Mercari, from video games to kitchen appliances. This makes it one of the most versatile websites like mercari.
- ThredUp vs Mercari: The biggest difference is the scope. ThredUp is a specialist in women’s and kids’ clothing, while Mercari is a generalist marketplace. If you’re cleaning out your whole house, not just your closet, Mercari is an excellent choice. Many people search for thredup mercari comparisons when deciding where to sell a variety of goods.
- Who is it for? It’s one of the best sites like mercari for decluttering your entire home and for buyers looking for more than just clothes.
eBay
The original online marketplace, eBay remains a giant in the resale world. It offers a massive global audience but also has the steepest learning curve.
- Ebay vs ThredUp: The thredup vs ebay debate centers on simplicity versus reach. ThredUp is a simple, fire-and-forget service. eBay offers unparalleled access to buyers worldwide but requires you to manage every aspect of the sale, including complex shipping options and a detailed bidding or “Buy It Now” listing process.
- Who is it for? eBay is for serious sellers who want to build a business and for buyers looking for highly specific, rare, or collectible items that may not appear on other services like thredup.
Vestiaire Collective (Formerly Tradesy)
Many people wonder what happened to tradesy. In 2022, the popular luxury resale site was acquired by Vestiaire Collective. So, who bought tradesy? Vestiaire Collective, a French company, creating a global powerhouse for pre-owned luxury fashion. What is tradesy now is a part of Vestiaire Collective’s platform.
- How it Compares: Vestiaire Collective is one of the premier sites like tradesy for authenticated luxury goods. Unlike ThredUp, which accepts a vast range of brands, Vestiaire focuses exclusively on high-end and designer labels. They offer both P2P listings and a consignment service, with a rigorous authentication process.
- Who is it for? This site like thredup is for individuals buying or selling genuine luxury items who want the peace of mind that comes with professional authentication. It’s one of the top websites like tradesy for designer fashion.
The RealReal
The RealReal is another leading thredup similar sites focused exclusively on authenticated luxury consignment. It offers a true white-glove service, with in-house experts who evaluate every single item for authenticity.
- How it Compares: Think of The RealReal as a high-end version of ThredUp’s consignment model. They handle everything, but their standards for brands and conditions are extremely high. They are one of the most well-known companies like thredup in the luxury space.
- Who is it for? Sellers with valuable designer pieces and buyers who prioritize authentication above all else.
Depop
Depop feels like a mix between a social media platform and a marketplace. It’s known for its unique, vintage, and streetwear styles, with a user base that skews younger.
- How it Compares: While also a P2P platform, Depop’s focus is on curating a specific aesthetic. It’s less about mainstream brands (though they are present) and more about individual style. This makes it one of the most distinct online stores like thredup.
- Who is it for? Creative sellers with a unique sense of style and buyers looking for one-of-a-kind vintage and trendy pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ThredUp legit?
Absolutely. ThredUp is one of the world’s largest and most established online consignment stores. With a transparent process and millions of users, it is a legitimate and trusted platform for buying and selling secondhand clothes. ThredUp reviews from real customers often praise the convenience and the wide selection of high-quality items.
is thredup worth it?
The answer to is thredup worth it depends on your goals. For sellers, it’s worth it if you prioritize convenience over maximizing your profit on every single item. You’ll likely earn less than selling yourself, but with zero hassle. For buyers, it’s an excellent way to find amazing deals on thousands of brands and contribute to sustainable fashion.
How does ThredUp work?
In short, how does thredup work is simple: Sellers send their clothes to ThredUp using a “Clean Out Kit.” ThredUp inspects, photographs, lists, and ships the items. When an item sells, the seller earns a percentage of the price. Buyers shop the massive online catalog of secondhand items at a discount.
What is the difference between ThredUp and Poshmark?
The primary difference between thredup and poshmark is the business model. ThredUp is a consignment service where the company sells for you. Poshmark is a peer-to-peer marketplace where you sell your items yourself.
Which is better Poshmark or ThredUp?
Deciding is poshmark or thredup better depends on what you value.
- Choose ThredUp for ultimate convenience.
- Choose Poshmark for more control, higher potential earnings per item, and a social selling experience.
There isn’t a single answer for which is better poshmark or thredup; it’s about personal preference.
Should I sell on Poshmark or ThredUp?
If you have high-quality, on-trend items and the time to manage listings, should i sell on poshmark or thredup leans towards Poshmark for better returns. If you have a large volume of clothes from various brands and just want them out of your closet with minimal effort, ThredUp is the perfect solution.
Who are ThredUp competitors?
The main thredup competitors are Poshmark, Mercari, eBay, Vestiaire Collective, The RealReal, and Depop. Each offers a different experience, from P2P marketplaces to specialized luxury consignment.
What other sites are like ThredUp?
When people ask are there other sites like thredup, they are often looking for consignment convenience or large thrift selections. The closest online consignment like thredup for luxury goods is The RealReal. For a similar vast inventory but with a P2P model, Poshmark and Mercari are great options.
Is Mercari or ThredUp better?
The question of is mercari or thredup better depends on what you’re selling. For a closet full of women’s and kids’ clothing, ThredUp’s specialized service is ideal. If you’re selling clothes plus electronics, home decor, and toys, Mercari’s broader marketplace is the better choice.
