Spring 2018 Outfit 9: How to Sell on eBay

I had a few of you reach out and ask how I sell the clothing I’m no longer using.

Great question!

I’m a big advocate for trying to privately sell vs. donating it to a thrift store chain (although donating to a shelter or charity where you know 100% for certain that it will be used is the best route to take). Sadly, not everything that is donated to a thrift store chain will be sold and there are issues with where that clothing is going (this article is worth a read through).

By selling privately, your clothing is (most likely) going to end up in the hands of someone who will love it and use it. And obviously it is much more manageable to sell clothing on an individual basis when you don’t have a ton of it.

So. How do I sell it?

eBay. Exclusively. Sort of.

99% of the clothing I sell is on eBay. I have tried Poshmark, and found that the search forum on Poshmark makes it much harder for my clothing to be sold. I have had about a 20% success rate using Poshmark. On eBay I have about an 80% success rate, so it’s a no brainer for me.

I’m not going to walk you through exactly how to sell on eBay because all you have to do is set up an account and click the “list item” button and it will walk you through the selling process step by step. It’s super easy!

But here are my best practices:

1. Be specific in your title. List out as much as you can in the title. Often people will skip viewing a listing based on the title alone. So if I were going to be selling the cardigan in these photos, I would say: Excellent Condition Free People Open Front Kimono Cardigan. Gray, Chunky Knit. Sz S. Make sense? Lure them in people!
2. Be realistic. Don’t think your clothing has more value than it does… even if you paid a lot for it. My rule of thumb is to search for other items that are the same (or similar), see what they are listed for and then pick a high to middle ground price. So if the most expensively listed item is $50, and the least expensively listed item is $30 I’ll list it for $45. This almost always works! If it doesn’t, just lower it in increments when you relist it.
3. Use good, quality photos. I take my photos with my iPhone, but I take them in bright daylight hanging up. And if a clothing piece isn’t translating on the hanger, I’ll try it on and take a photo of myself (with my face cropped out).
4. Be aware of the rating system. Your rating on eBay really does affect your sale. So if you’re buying, be timely in paying the seller. If you’re selling, ship out as soon as possible. If someone asks a question about your clothing, respond right away and be courteous. The higher your rating, the more priority eBay’s algorithm gives your item. Moral of the story: be professional!

I think that’s it! Have you guys had luck selling on eBay? What about Poshmark?

Oh and two last things before you go:

I wouldn’t advise ThredUp, unless you have them ship your unused items back to you. They don’t typically pay very much, even if you are sending in high quality pieces. You’re better off doing it yourself or taking them to a local consignment shop.

I do, on occasion, use Noihsaf Bazaar on Instagram, but my success on there hovers around a 50% mark. However, if I have a really high quality item I will try there first. If you’re curious how to sell on there, just e-mail the address listed in their profile, and they will send out step by step instructions.

Oh and if you want to see a throwback post on how I buy on eBay, here you go!

Alrighty then! Happy selling!

Outfit Details:

Si Se Puede Tee: Haute Hope, c/o | More Affordable Option | Everlane Option

Skinny Jean: Thrifted | Same Jean from Original Source | Similar Distressed Ethical Option | Everlane Option

Kimono Cardigan: Thrifted | Similar Ethical Option | Similar in Dark Gray | Similar Vibe | Everlane Option

Black Mules: Thrifted | Everlane Option | Almost Exact | Affordable Option

Straw Circle Bag

Hoop Earrings: Thrifted | Same from Original Source | Handmade Option

P.S. If you like the outfit I shared today, would you consider sharing it on Pinterest? Just over over any of the images and click the “pin it” buttons. Thanks so much!

Until next time,