Apps to Buy and Sell Used Stuff: A Breakdown
Commission: The RealReal’s layered commission structure makes it dependent on the specific item you sell, how in demand it is, and whether or not you’ve sold with them before. For most items, The RealReal takes a fee of anywhere from 15% to 70%. For a full breakdown, you can check their website.
If you’re a luxury lover, you’ve most likely heard of The RealReal, a secondhand consignment start-up based in San Francisco that focuses on selling designer goods. You can find practically anything on the platform, from Gucci mules to Bottega Veneta bags to an Issey Miyake pleated skirt from the ’90s.
If you’re looking to offload luxury items, it’s worth noting that the site does all the legwork for you. Unlike other secondhand apps, TRR will measure, authenticate, list, and post your castoffs for you when they’ve been accepted for resale.
What it’s good for: Women’s clothing and accessories, common luxury goods, athlesiure, menswear, and kidswear.
Commission: For sales under $15, the fee is $2.95. For all items above that, Poshmark takes 20% of the total sale price.
Poshmark is rising in the ranks to become one of the largest secondhand peer-to-peer selling sites, joining the likes of eBay and Depop to define a generation. When the company first went public at the beginning of 2021, they were valued at $3 billion—and so far there aren’t any signs of the community slowing down. Like many online marketplaces, Poshmark relies on social selling, in which users are encouraged share and like sellers’ closets, often developing relationships with them, negotiating prices, and joining Posh Parties—themed selling events that take place within the app.
If you’re interested in turning a quick buck, though, it can be overwhelming to close a sale. Poshmark has more than 80 million users, and the key to success is constantly being active in the app.
What it’s good for: Both vintage and new men’s sneakers, hypewear, and luxury goods.
Commission: 9% on all sales along with a processing fee depending on your payout method.
Supreme Box Logo–wearing hypebeasts shop secondhand too, and Grailed is the perfect example of that. The peer-to-peer marketplace functions almost like a mirror to reflect what today’s fashion boys are into, with labels like Prada, Supreme, The North Face, Carhartt, Rick Owens, and Nike making constant appearances. Grailed lists both gently used clothing and new items, depending on buyers’ preferences, so there’s something for everyone.
What it’s good for: Reworked vintage and thrifted clothing
Commission: Rather than pay a fee on every order, boutique owners pay a monthly “rent” depending on their services and inventory. When items in a boutique go on clearance, ASOS Marketplace takes 10%.
While ASOS Marketplace may not be as big as its cooler retail sibling, it is more sustainable. The subbrand operates as a shopping destination, with different indie sellers and labels serving as digital boutiques. While there are some shops on the platform that consist of small, independent businesses, a curated selection of vintage shops make browsing worthwhile.
What it’s good for: You can find literally everything on Mercari, but you’ll have the best luck with inexpensive clothing from fast fashion retailers and chain stores, as well as electronics.
