Shopping online has revolutionized the way we buy clothes, and thrift shopping has evolved as well. For anyone who’s interested in extending their clothing budget, ThredUp is one of the popular names that pops up in discussions about online consignment and thrift shopping. But is ThredUp legit? Is it worth your time and money? This article takes a comprehensive look at ThredUp’s pros and cons to answer these questions, especially if you’re new to shopping secondhand.

What Is ThredUp?

ThredUp is an online thrift and consignment store that offers a wide range of secondhand clothing, from casual outfits to designer brands. It aims to make shopping secondhand a convenient experience for everyone who wants to look good without breaking the bank.

The concept behind ThredUp is simple—to buy and sell secondhand clothes easily, all through an online platform. If you have clothes that are in good condition but no longer fit or match your style, you can send them to ThredUp in a “Clean Out Bag.” Alternatively, if you’re on the hunt for affordable, high-quality clothes, you can browse their online thrift inventory.

The platform carries clothing by brands like Banana Republic, Gap, Lululemon, J.Crew, and many more. Whether you’re looking for quality items for work or a comfortable pair of jeans, ThredUp promises options for all preferences. But with mixed reviews and complaints online, is ThredUp legit, and does it really deliver on these promises?

How Does ThredUp Work?

Buying From ThredUp

As a buyer, you start by creating an account, where you will be asked for your size and clothing preferences. This helps ThredUp filter the inventory for you, showing clothing items that match your size and style. The site has a vast inventory that you can filter by size, price, brand, and more, so you won’t find yourself endlessly scrolling through things that don’t suit you.

ThredUp offers a range of affordable price points—from budget-friendly bargains that feel like garage sale prices to higher-end contemporary designer clothing. The website lists articles of clothing from over 35,000 different brands, so there’s something for everyone.

When you find something you like, you simply add it to your cart and go through the checkout process. ThredUp ships the items within 3-8 business days, and your package arrives with signature packaging that includes tissue paper and tags, creating a fun unboxing moment. Despite its appeal, there are both positives and negatives to consider.

The GoodyBox Experience

ThredUp also offers a GoodyBox option, which allows customers to receive a curated box of clothing based on their preferences. While many customers have enjoyed the GoodyBox experience for its convenience and the surprise element, others found it to be hit-or-miss. The return process for GoodyBox items can be more complicated, often incurring return shipping and even a restocking fee, so it’s worth noting that this kind of shopping isn’t entirely risk-free.

Selling On ThredUp

If you want to sell on ThredUp, the process starts with ordering a Clean Out Bag from the website. You fill it with your unwanted items and send it back with a return label provided by ThredUp. However, it’s essential to know that selling your items on ThredUp can be less profitable compared to other online consignment shops.

Sellers often mention that ThredUp offers very little in return for clothing. The average selling price is often much lower than what one might expect, and after the company deducts its commission and shipping costs, the profits can be minimal. For instance, if you have a bcbg blouse or athleta workout pants, you might find that after shipping and fees, the return on investment is just a few dollars—or less.

ThredUp is transparent about the low pricing model because they position themselves as a thrift shop that’s affordable for buyers, but this has led to mixed reviews from sellers who want more value. Some sellers have had a disappointing experience when their items, even those that are new with tags (NWT), fetched very little. Complaints from sellers often involve low payments or no payments at all if items are not accepted.

Pros and Cons of ThredUp

Pros:

• Affordable Prices: ThredUp offers a wide selection of clothes at affordable prices. You can find quality items at a fraction of the retail price, making it great for anyone looking to stretch their clothing budget.
• Designer Brands: There are options to purchase designer clothing without the hefty price tag. This includes brands that are often too expensive for many at full retail value.
• Convenient Way to Sell: Selling is hassle-free, thanks to ThredUp’s Clean Out Bag. It’s an easy way to clear out closet space if profit isn’t your main priority.
• Sustainability: By promoting the use of secondhand clothing, ThredUp supports sustainability and reduces waste.

Cons:

• Low Payouts for Sellers: Many sellers complain about bad reviews related to low profits. The payout is often negligible due to return shipping fees, commission deductions, and shipping costs.
• Slow Processing Times: It can take weeks or even months for ThredUp to process your bags of clothes for sale, which can be frustrating.
• Customer Service Issues: Many users report Horrible, non-existent customer service or difficulty in getting a response. Contact from customer service can be inconsistent, leading to negative user experiences.
• Returns Can Be Costly: The return policy isn’t as flexible as some customers would like. If you decide to send something back, you might need to pay return shipping fees, and there may be a restocking fee.

Tips for Shopping on ThredUp

To get the best out of your shopping experience on ThredUp, consider the following tips:

1. Check the Sales Section

The Sales section is a great place to start if you want to snag the best deals. ThredUp often runs promotions and coupon codes that you can apply to your order. By shopping from the sales tab, you’re more likely to find nice clothes at clearance prices.

2. Use Promo Codes and Discounts

ThredUp frequently offers promo codes that can help you save even more. If you sign up for their newsletter, you might receive discount coupon codes or crazy coupons in your inbox. It’s a simple way to save a bit more on every order.

3. Buy in Bulk for Free Shipping

Another strategy is to combine purchases into one large order so you can take advantage of free shipping. ThredUp offers free shipping over a certain amount, so adding that extra item can save you money on shipping costs.

4. Pay Attention to Condition Descriptions

ThredUp provides descriptions about the condition of kids clothing and other items. These labels include “Like New,” “Gently Used,” or “Fair,” which can give you an idea of how much wear the item has. Make sure you know what you’re buying so you can avoid any disappointing experience.

ThredUp vs. Other Online Thrift Shops

There are several online thrift and consignment shops available today. Here’s how ThredUp stacks up against a few other popular options:

1. Poshmark

Unlike ThredUp, Poshmark allows you to sell directly to buyers. This often means higher profits, but it requires more effort on the seller’s part. If you’re interested in maximizing your profits and don’t mind handling customer interactions, Poshmark may be a better option.

2. Depop

Depop is more suited to those selling contemporary designer clothing and vintage items. It’s a good choice if you have trendy or vintage pieces. ThredUp, on the other hand, is more generalized and caters to a wide audience with everything from everyday wear to occasional designer finds.

3. The RealReal

If you have expensive items or designer brands, The RealReal is a better option because they focus on high-end luxury clothing and accessories. ThredUp may not accept your high-value items or may offer far less than they are worth.

Is ThredUp Legit?

So, is ThredUp legit? Yes, ThredUp is a legitimate online thrift and consignment store. They provide an excellent option for those who are looking to buy secondhand clothes at a reasonable cost while helping to promote sustainability. However, if you’re looking to sell your clothes for a profit, the returns may not be as great as you hope.

Customers have had mixed experiences, ranging from flawless experiences to terrible experiences involving customer service and payout issues. Whether you’ll enjoy shopping or selling on ThredUp largely depends on your expectations. If you’re after cheap finds and don’t expect much when selling, ThredUp could be an excellent fit for you.

Conclusion

ThredUp is a convenient and accessible way to participate in the growing trend of shopping secondhand. With a massive selection of hundreds of clothing pieces and designer items at discounted prices, it’s a great platform to extend your clothing budget and try out new looks. However, selling on ThredUp can be less rewarding, with return shipping costs and low payouts being common pain points.

Ultimately, ThredUp is legit, but like any platform, it has its strengths and weaknesses. It’s an excellent option for those who want affordable clothing and love browsing through thrift shops, but sellers might find it a bit lacking when it comes to maximizing returns.

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