It’s fall, which means it’s time to do a serious closet purge. So why not make a little extra cash while you’re at it? There’s no question that donating your clothes to charity is a noble thing (we’re all for it), but chances are you have a few designer duds in your closet that you never or rarely wore—admit it, some with the tags still on—that are in great condition and could fetch you some money. That will help take the sting out of making that purchase in the first place, so you can finally let go of both the item and the guilt—and free up some precious closet space.
There are now a plethora of sites to help you sell new or gently used clothes, shoes and handbags that make the whole process super easy. The result? You can turn your closet into a lean, mean wardrobe machine in no time. Here’s a roundup of some of the best sites to swap your clothes for extra cash.
MORE: Now Trending: Flattering 40s Fashion
1Tradesy
On Tradesy, you can list your new or gently used women’s fashion items simply by taking a photo of your goods (they’ll clean up the image for you) and including some basic information. Not sure what to charge? Tradesy even suggests a price for your items. In return, they take a 9 percent cut, but the site boasts that you’ll get up to 50 percent more cash than if you sold your goods at other online marketplaces, on consignment or in classified ads. When someone purchases your item, you’re sent a free shipping kit to send it off and are paid directly through PayPal. Tradesy also handles all returns directly so you don’t have to deal with that hassle. Easy-breezy, right?
2Threadflip
At Threadflip, you can sell unused or “pre-loved” clothes in good condition, as well as shoes, handbags and jewelry. Simply shoot and upload images of your goods to sell, print the free shipping label, box it up and send it off. In return, Threadflip takes a 20 percent cut of any items sold. Too much trouble for you to handle it solo? No problem. There’s even a concierge-style “white glove service” you can apply to. If approved, the site sends you a bag with a pre-paid shipping label in which you place your items, and then Threadflip will suggest a price point and take care of the rest for you (including a 40 percent commission). Done and done.
3Klury
Have some high-end designer items (think your Louis Vuitton Speedy bag, Diane von Furstenburg wrap dress or Tory Burch sweater) that you’re jonesing to sell? Request a quote from Klury, along with uploading a photo of the item, and you’ll hear back within 24 hours to let you know that your offer is ready. If you accept the offer, you’ll be sent a pre-paid label to ship your goods to Klury, who will authenticate your designer item (i.e. no knock-offs allowed), and they’ll even have it professionally cleaned for you. And voila! Within 48 hours, you’ll get a check or, if you prefer, Klury store credit to buy something that catches your fancy.
4Poshmark
Poshmark lets you sell your clothes and shop the closets of women all over the U.S.—right from your iPhone or iPad. (Don’t have one? You can sell from the site.) Download the Poshmark app from iTunes, take a photo of your item to sell, and use one of Poshmark’s filters to create a stylish shot (they call it the “covershot”). There are also “Posh Parties”—real-time, virtual buying and selling parties with themes such as “Cocktail Dresses” or “Animal Prints” where you can list items with your friends or just browse or buy from your iPhone. When someone purchases your item, Poshmark—which takes a 20 percent commission—sends you a box with a pre-paid, pre-addressed label so you can easily ship it, and then just wait for the cash to roll in.
