The world of online thrifting is booming, offering a sustainable and budget-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe. At the forefront of this movement are two giants: ThredUp and Poshmark. While both platforms help you buy and sell secondhand clothing, they operate on fundamentally different models. Choosing between thredup vs poshmark can be confusing, whether you’re looking to clean out your closet or hunt for hidden gems.
This comprehensive guide will break down the key differences, pros, and cons of each platform. We’ll explore everything from the selling process and fees to the buying experience and return policies, helping you decide which service is the perfect fit for your style and needs.
Table of Contents
- What Is ThredUp? The Consignment Powerhouse
- What Is Poshmark? The Social Marketplace
- Key Differences at a Glance
- Selling on ThredUp vs. Poshmark
- Buying on ThredUp vs. Poshmark
- The Final Verdict: What’s Better, ThredUp or Poshmark?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is ThredUp? The Consignment Powerhouse
Think of thredup as the world’s largest online thrift store, built on a consignment model. Their mission is to inspire a new generation to "think secondhand first" by delivering a modern and convenient resale experience. The core concept is simple: they do all the work for you.
So, how thredup works for sellers is incredibly streamlined. You order a "Clean Out Kit," fill it with your gently used women’s and kids’ clothing, and send it back with a prepaid label. From there, ThredUp’s team takes over. They sort, inspect, photograph, price, list, and ship your items to buyers. With the capacity to process over 100,000 unique items daily from 55,000 different brands, their scale is immense.
For buyers, the experience mirrors a traditional e-commerce site. You browse a massive, professionally curated inventory, use detailed filters to find exactly what you’re looking for, and check out with a standard shopping cart.
What Is Poshmark? The Social Marketplace
Poshmark operates as a social commerce marketplace. In contrast to ThredUp’s consignment service, Poshmark is a peer-to-peer platform where individuals manage their own "closets." The entire process is DIY (Do It Yourself).
Here’s how poshmark works: sellers are responsible for every step. You take the photos, write the descriptions, set the prices, and communicate directly with potential buyers. When an item sells, Poshmark provides a prepaid shipping label, but you handle the packaging and drop-off. The platform has a strong social element, encouraging users to follow other closets, share listings, and join virtual "Posh Parties" to showcase items. This model gives sellers complete control over their listings and pricing.
Key Differences at a Glance
The primary difference between thredup and poshmark lies in their business models: consignment versus marketplace. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | ThredUp | Poshmark |
|---|---|---|
| Business Model | Online Consignment | Peer-to-Peer Social Marketplace |
| Seller Effort | Low (Send a bag and you’re done) | High (DIY photos, listing, shipping) |
| Pricing Control | ThredUp’s algorithm sets the price | Seller sets the price (negotiable) |
| Item Curation | Professionally inspected and photographed | Seller-photographed (quality varies) |
| What You Can Sell | Women’s & kids’ clothing and accessories | Clothing, accessories, home goods, etc. |
| Returns | 14-day return policy (restocking fee applies) | Generally no returns, unless item is not as described |
Selling on ThredUp vs. Poshmark
Deciding where to sell your clothes is one of the biggest dilemmas when comparing poshmark vs thredup. Your choice largely depends on how much time and effort you’re willing to invest.
The Selling Process
Selling on ThredUp: The biggest draw is convenience. If you have a pile of clothes you want gone with minimal fuss, the thredup sell process is ideal. You simply order a Clean Out Kit, pack your items, and mail them in. ThredUp handles the rest. This is a "set it and forget it" approach.
Selling on Poshmark: This is a hands-on experience. You are the business owner. You’ll need to style and take clear photos, write compelling descriptions, measure items, research competitive pricing, and respond to buyer questions. When you make a sale, you pack the item yourself and ship it. It requires significantly more work but offers complete control.
Fees and Earnings
This is where the debate of selling on thredup vs poshmark gets intense.
ThredUp Fees: ThredUp has a more complex payout structure.
- Service Fee: A service fee (currently $14.99 for a standard bag) is deducted from your total earnings after your items sell. If you earn less than the fee, you aren’t charged the difference.
- Commission: What percentage does thredup take? It’s a sliding scale based on the final selling price. For items selling for $5.00-$19.99, you earn 3%-15%. For items selling over $200, you can earn up to 80%. Generally, you’ll earn less on lower-priced brands than you might on other platforms, but for upscale brands, the earnings can be competitive.
Poshmark Fees: The poshmark selling fee is straightforward.
- For sales under $15, Poshmark takes a flat commission of $2.95.
- For sales of $15 or more, Poshmark takes a 20% commission. You keep 80%.
So, do you make more money on thredup or poshmark? It depends. For high-demand, mid-to-high-end items, you’ll likely make more on Poshmark due to the flat 80% take-home and your control over pricing. For a large volume of mixed-brand clothing where convenience is key, ThredUp can be more efficient, even if the per-item payout is lower. When considering is selling on thredup worth it, you must factor in the value of your time.
The Verdict for Sellers
- Choose ThredUp if: You are busy and prioritize convenience above all else. You want to clear out a large number of items without the headache of listing each one individually.
- Choose Poshmark if: You want maximum control over your listings and pricing. You enjoy the process of merchandising and interacting with customers and want to potentially earn a higher profit margin on your items. This is the core of the poshmark vs thredup selling debate.
Buying on ThredUp vs. Poshmark
For shoppers, the thredup vs poshmark buying experience is just as different as it is for sellers.
The Shopping Experience & Item Quality
Buying on ThredUp: This feels like shopping on any major online retail site. Photos are standardized and professional, descriptions are consistent, and the inventory is vast. You can apply detailed filters for size, brand, color, and even item condition ("Excellent," "Very Good," etc.). Because every item is inspected, there’s a baseline level of quality assurance. Many shoppers ask, "is thredup safe to buy from?" and its centralized quality control and return policy make it a very reliable option.
Buying on Poshmark: This is more of a treasure hunt. The quality of photos and descriptions varies from seller to seller. You might find incredible, unique pieces, but you’ll also have to sift through poorly lit photos and vague descriptions. The social aspect allows you to ask the seller questions directly in the comments. When considering poshmark vs thredup buying, the ability to interact with the seller is a key differentiator. The question "is it safe to buy off poshmark?" is also common; Poshmark protects buyers by holding payment until the item is delivered and confirmed, ensuring you get what you ordered.
Pricing and Returns
ThredUp: Prices are set by ThredUp’s dynamic pricing algorithm. While you can’t negotiate, ThredUp frequently runs sales and offers promo codes. The biggest advantage for buyers is the return policy. Most items can be returned within 14 days for a refund (a $3.99 restocking fee per item applies). This makes trying new styles or brands much less risky.
Poshmark: Prices are set by the individual seller, and negotiation is a core part of the culture. You can use the "Make an Offer" button to propose a lower price. However, all sales are final. Poshmark only allows returns if the item was not accurately described in the listing.
The Verdict for Buyers
- Choose ThredUp if: You want a reliable, easy-to-navigate shopping experience with a huge selection and the safety net of a return policy. This answers which is better to buy from thredup or poshmark for those who value convenience and security.
- Choose Poshmark if: You are looking for a specific, hard-to-find item, enjoy negotiating for a better deal, and don’t mind the "no returns" policy. It’s the platform of choice for the thrill of the hunt.
The Final Verdict: What’s Better, ThredUp or Poshmark?
Ultimately, the "thred up vs poshmark" winner depends entirely on you. There’s no single right answer to is thredup or poshmark better.
- Is ThredUp worth it? Absolutely, for sellers who are time-poor and for buyers who want a trusted, streamlined shopping experience akin to a regular online store.
- Is Poshmark worth it? Yes, for sellers who want to act as entrepreneurs and control their virtual storefront, and for buyers who love social shopping and finding unique pieces directly from other people’s closets.
Both platforms are champions of sustainable fashion and excellent sites like poshmark and sites like thredup have their place in the circular economy. Try both and see which one best fits your secondhand style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ThredUp legit?
Yes, ThredUp is a legitimate and one of the largest online consignment stores in the world. Based on numerous thredup reviews and its established presence, it is a reputable company for both buying and selling secondhand clothes. Thred up reviews often praise the convenience of its Clean Out service. Is thredup legit 2025? It continues to be a major player in the resale market, partnering with major brands through its Resale-as-a-Service® (RaaS®) platform.
How does ThredUp differ from a traditional thrift store?
ThredUp is a curated online experience. Unlike sifting through racks at a physical store, ThredUp processes and inspects every item for quality before listing it with professional photos and detailed descriptions on its website, making it much easier to shop. Many consider it an elevated thrifting experience.
What are the Poshmark selling fees?
Poshmark’s fee structure is very clear. For any sale under $15, they take a flat fee of $2.95. For any sale of $15 or more, they take a 20% commission, and the seller keeps 80%.
Is ThredUp or Poshmark better for selling?
This is a frequent topic on forums like Reddit. The consensus on poshmark vs thredup reddit threads is that it depends on your goals. Is thredup or poshmark better for selling? Poshmark is better if you want higher profit margins and control. ThredUp is better if you value convenience and want to offload clothes with zero effort.
Which is better for buying, Poshmark or ThredUp?
If you want a traditional, secure shopping experience with easy returns, ThredUp is better. Based on thredup vs poshmark buying reddit discussions, users love ThredUp for its reliability. If you’re looking for rare items, enjoy haggling, and are confident in your purchases (since returns are limited), Poshmark is your go-to. So, is poshmark or thredup better for buying? It comes down to your shopping style.
What is a good thredup alternative?
If you’re looking for a thredup alternative, consider other managed resale services like The RealReal for luxury goods. If you’re looking for peer-to-peer sites like thredup, platforms like Depop (for trendier, younger styles) and Mercari are great options. The ultimate poshmark vs threadup debate often includes these other platforms as well.
