Designer clothes at 90% off retail prices? This deal is real.
Modern consignment clothing has grown way beyond local thrift stores. Online consignment stores now showcase authenticated luxury brands, vintage treasures, and everyday fashion at fraction of their original costs. The RealReal’s expert authentication process and ThredUp’s massive inventory have changed how smart shoppers build their wardrobes.
Smart shoppers who want to upgrade their closet without breaking the bank will find this piece helpful. These 15 best consignment websites each bring their own special features, pricing structures, and shopping experiences. Shoppers can easily find the perfect match that fits their style needs and budget requirements.
Image Source: The RealReal
The RealReal leads the luxury consignment market as a revolutionary force in authenticated resale. Their marketplace blends expert knowledge with advanced technology to guarantee product authenticity.
The platform runs a detailed authentication system that checks every item through multiple stages. Their expert team comes from prestigious backgrounds and has former specialists from Tiffany, Hermès, and auction houses like Sotheby’s. The authentication process uses:
The platform processed nearly 490,000 products for consignment in 2019. They rejected over 4,000 items during authentication to keep counterfeit goods off the market.
Sellers can earn money through a tiered commission structure that rewards higher-value sales:
| Sale Price (USD) | Commission Rate |
|---|---|
| 0 – 149 | 40% |
| 150 – 199 | 50% |
| 200 – 299 | 60% |
| 300+ | 70% |
Sellers who choose store credit get an extra 10% bonus on their commission.
The platform’s Designer Directory lists accepted brands and gets regular updates based on market demand and resale value. Vintage pieces from designers like Comme des Garçons, Maison Margiela, and Jean Paul Gaultier have reached high resale values. Some collections are worth up to $100,000.
Image Source: Vestiaire Collective
Vestiaire Collective started its journey in Paris in 2009 and has evolved into a leading force in online consignment clothing. The platform connects fashion lovers across the globe through luxury pre-owned items.
The platform now serves 74 countries with a thriving community of 23 million members worldwide. Each day brings 30,000 new listings to the platform, which now has over 5 million items to purchase. Their motto “Think First, Buy Second” reflects their sustainable approach that makes luxury fashion available to more people.
The platform uses a simple commission structure:
The company runs six authentication centers across the globe – in France, Hong Kong, Korea, the UK, and two in the US. More than 100 experts handle quality control and authentication. Their authentication process consists of:
The platform’s digital authentication team has rejected items worth 360 million euros since 2020. This shows their steadfast dedication to marketplace quality.
Image Source: www.thredup.com
ThredUp stands out as one of the largest online consignment clothing platforms. Their innovative Clean Out Kit system makes the resale process simple, and thousands of items are processed daily to make secondhand shopping available to budget-conscious consumers.
The Clean Out Kit program provides a simple way to sell unwanted clothing. Sellers get a pre-paid shipping bag that comes with detailed instructions and packing guidelines. The processing time usually takes 1-3 weeks, but it can stretch to several months during busy seasons. Sellers can choose Return Assurance for USD 10.00, which guarantees rejected items will be shipped back instead of donated.
The platform’s commission scale varies based on item listing prices:
| Listing Price (USD) | Seller Payout |
|---|---|
| Under USD 20 | 5-15% |
| USD 20-50 | 15-30% |
| USD 50-100 | 30-60% |
| Above USD 100 | 60-80% |
Sellers have the option to receive cash payments through PayPal/Stripe or store credit. Store credit comes with extra perks.
ThredUp welcomes a diverse range of brands and categories but focuses on current, seasonal items in excellent condition. These items cannot be accepted:
Quality control remains a top priority for ThredUp. They only accept items that have visible size tags and are in pristine condition. The platform processes items according to seasons and encourages sellers to send clothing suitable for upcoming seasons.
Image Source: Poshmark Blog –
Poshmark is a 15-year old social commerce marketplace that connects fashion enthusiasts who buy and sell new and pre-owned clothing. This platform blends traditional consignment store concepts with modern social networking features.
Sellers can create listings easily through their smartphones. The platform lets you upload up to 16 photos per item with detailed descriptions and your chosen prices. Sellers boost their visibility by sharing listings during virtual shopping events called “Posh Parties,” which helps them involve more buyers.
The platform keeps its fee structure simple:
| Sale Price | Commission |
|---|---|
| Under $15 | $2.95 flat fee |
| $15 and above | 20% |
Posh Protect buyer protection comes with all transactions at no extra cost. The platform calculates sales tax and gives sellers prepaid shipping labels.
Luxury items priced at $500 or more get free authentication through their Posh Authenticate service. The authentication process checks:
Authentication usually takes 1-2 business days but can extend to 7 days during peak seasons. Buyers get immediate refunds if items fail authentication. This service shows Poshmark’s steadfast dedication to marketplace integrity while supporting high-end consignment clothing sales.
Image Source: Fashionphile
Fashionphile, 24 years old, takes a scientific approach to authenticate luxury consignment clothing. Their Carlsbad, CA campus doubles as a showroom and authentication center where experts verify each item meticulously.
The platform showcases ultra-luxury handbags from more than 40 premium brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès, and Gucci. Their dynamic inventory includes everything from totes and crossbody bags to limited-edition pieces that customers can buy at up to 70% off retail prices.
Fashionphile’s authentication process follows precise scientific protocols. Their authenticators complete comprehensive training requirements:
Expert teams back the platform’s lifetime authenticity guarantee. They check every detail carefully, from stitching and hardware to serial codes.
Sellers receive direct buyouts with upfront payments within 2-4 business days after authentication. Multiple payment options come with different perks:
| Payment Method | Bonus/Fee |
|---|---|
| Store Credit | +10% bonus |
| Neiman Marcus Gift Card | +10% bonus |
| Direct Deposit | No fee |
| PayPal | Fee applies |
| Wire Transfer | $50 fee |
| Check | No fee |
Sellers enjoy complimentary shipping labels and free UPS pickup services for accepted items.
Image Source: Rebag
Rebag brings groundbreaking technology to luxury resale by combining artificial intelligence with expert authentication. Their proprietary Clair AI technology has transformed how luxury accessories get valued and authenticated.
Designer handbags, watches, jewelry, and accessories from more than 40 premium brands are available on this platform. A new partnership with Bloomingdale’s lets Rebag showcase over 2,500 pre-owned luxury items online. The company also maintains more than 500 items in select retail locations throughout New York, New Jersey, Florida, and California.
The platform’s competitive commission rates vary based on item category and value:
| Item Value | Commission Rate |
|---|---|
| High-value watches | 8% |
| Standard items | 15-25% |
| Lower-value bags (<$750) | Up to 35% |
Sellers can boost their earnings through:
Rebag’s in-house authentication team brings over 100 years of combined experience. Each item goes through a detailed multi-touch review that checks:
A 7-day return policy for any reason backs their authentication process, showing their confidence in their verification standards.
Image Source: WGACA
What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA) has made its mark in the consignment clothing industry since 1993. The company stands out by showcasing museum-quality vintage pieces exclusively. Their SoHo flagship store launched a new chapter in luxury vintage retail.
The platform’s remarkable collection stretches from the 1880s to the 1990s and showcases carefully selected pieces from prestigious fashion houses. Expert buyers at WGACA maintain strategic collaborations worldwide. They work closely with auction houses and private collectors to find pristine vintage treasures. A landmark auction with Christie’s in 2018 featured more than 200 rare collectible fashion items.
Their unique authentication process has:
WGACA sets item values based on several key factors:
| Consideration | Effect |
|---|---|
| Market Value | Primary factor |
| Condition | Affects final price |
| Rarity | Influences premium |
| Client Demand | Affects valuation |
| Accessibility | Affects pricing |
The platform excels in ultra-luxury brands and focuses on approximately 15 premium designers such as Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. Sellers receive detailed condition reports and fair market valuations. The selling process typically takes three weeks from acceptance to payout.
Image Source: Built In Los Angeles
Tradesy has grown into a peer-to-peer marketplace with over seven million members. The platform specializes in women’s luxury and designer fashion. Fashion enthusiasts can connect directly on this unique online consignment clothing marketplace.
The marketplace makes shopping easy with 22 categories that include shoes, bags, clothes, and accessories. Their smart photo technology adds a clean white background to listing images automatically. This creates a consistent look throughout the marketplace. Sellers can list as many items as they want without fees. Buyers can save their size preferences and use detailed filters to find what they need.
The fees are simple and clear:
| Sale Type | Commission |
|---|---|
| Items $50+ | 19.8% |
| Items under $50 | $7.50 flat fee |
Users pay a 2.9% transfer fee to move money to PayPal or bank accounts. The good news is that sellers can skip this fee if they spend their earnings on the platform.
The authentication system combines smart technology with expert eyes:
Items that raise authentication questions go to Tradesy headquarters. The team checks materials, serial numbers, and brand-specific details to protect buyers.
Image Source: ESG News
Style Alert adds a personal touch to online consignment clothing with its text-messaging platform. Personal stylists help clients find pre-owned designer pieces through this digital shopping service.
Quality fashion pieces get a second life through this circular economy model that promotes green shopping habits. Authenticated pre-owned designer items fill their inventory from clothes to accessories. Stylists connect with clients through SMS messages on weekdays and pick pieces that match their priorities.
A simple pricing structure makes shopping easy:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Monthly Subscription | $49 |
| Styling Credit | Applied to purchases |
| Return Window | 30 days |
Your $49 monthly styling fee goes toward any purchase you make that month. The first 50 returns qualify for a full refund in shopping credit if items come back within 30 days.
Shopping becomes an unmatched experience through:
Stylists suggest items Monday through Friday, and clients can ask for specific pieces anytime. Each item goes through authentication before reaching clients, which guarantees quality and authenticity. The service partners with brands that share their vision for sustainability and green values.
Image Source: Kidizen
Kidizen built a special marketplace that connects parents looking for eco-friendly fashion choices for their kids. The platform now helps 800,000 registered users find amazing deals on everything from second-hand children’s clothes to toys and books.
Parents can now shop beyond kids’ clothing with a new “Mama” category that features women’s fashion and accessories. The marketplace lets you find:
Sellers work with a simple fee structure:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Marketplace Fee | 12% + $0.50 per sale |
| Shipping Window | 7 days |
Sellers must ship items within seven days after a purchase and add tracking details before they can receive their earnings.
The platform stands out with its community-first approach and innovative Style Scouts program. These dedicated sellers help busy parents by managing the complete selling process. The community thrives through features like:
Kidizen creates a welcoming space where parents support each other by exchanging gently used items. This approach helps promote environmental responsibility while building lasting connections.
Image Source: Mercari
Mercari has grown into a major online consignment marketplace with 23 million monthly users and a market capitalization of USD 1.92 billion. The platform brings together buyers and sellers from every state to trade pre-owned fashion and accessories.
Sellers add about 350,000 new items to the platform each day. They can list any shippable item with up to 12 photos per listing. The platform’s efficient listing tools help sellers optimize prices and make smart offers.
Mercari updated its fee structure on March 27, 2024:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Selling Fee | 0% |
| Payment Processing (Buyer) | 2.9% + $0.50 |
| Direct Deposit | $2.00 |
| Instant Pay | $3.00 |
The platform’s mutually beneficial alliances with major carriers provide competitive shipping rates:
| Shipping Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | Up to 50 lbs, 34″ length limit |
| Local Delivery | $15.99 for items smaller than microwave |
| Furniture Delivery | $199 for up to 3 items |
Mercari protects shipments up to $200 when users ship with their prepaid labels. The platform’s authentication experts verify designer shoes, handbags, and wallets valued between $2,000 and $5,000.
Image Source: www.depop.com
Depop has revolutionized the fashion resale market by combining social media with consignment clothing. The platform serves as a dynamic marketplace connecting 35 million active users across 150 countries who buy and sell fashion items. Young consumers dominate the platform, with 90% of active users under 26.
The platform offers an Instagram-style interface that lets users follow shops, like items, and connect with sellers directly. Users can negotiate prices through direct messaging and share their favorite shops with others. The community actively spots trends and participates in interactive shopping events.
Depop made significant changes to its fee structure in July 2024 by removing traditional selling fees for US-based sellers. The current fee structure includes:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Selling Fee (US/UK) | 0% |
| Payment Processing | 3.3% + $0.45 (US) |
| Boosted Listings | 8% |
Vintage and secondhand fashion stand out as platform favorites. Designer pieces, Y2K fashion, and streetwear lead the top-selling categories. Sellers build unique collections from thrift stores and vintage markets. The creative community has transformed secondhand fashion into a mainstream choice. 75% of Gen Z users now choose pre-owned items to reduce their environmental impact.
Image Source: www.1stdibs.com
1stDibs, a 23-year old marketplace, has become a premier destination that connects buyers with authenticated luxury consignment pieces. The platform works with over 4,700 vetted sellers worldwide. Buyers can find carefully selected vintage furniture, fine art, and designer fashion pieces.
The platform manages an inventory worth over $14 billion in categories of all types. You’ll find rare vintage pieces, contemporary designs, and unique items from prestigious brands. Each item goes through careful selection to meet the marketplace’s high standards.
The authentication process is thorough and reliable. Expert teams conduct detailed evaluations of each item. The platform verifies seller credentials and performs regular inventory checks. They work with 25+ leading estates and foundations to maintain quality standards.
Every purchase comes with an Authenticity Guarantee that covers up to $100,000 for verified claims.
The platform uses a flexible pricing model:
| Fee Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Base Commission | 10-15% |
| Seller Subscription | Required |
| Price Negotiation | Available on select items |
The “Make an Offer” feature lets buyers negotiate prices. Sellers can accept, counter, or decline these offers. The Price-Match Guarantee helps maintain competitive pricing without compromising authenticity and quality.
Image Source: leprix.com
LePrix revolutionizes the luxury consignment clothing industry as the largest B2B wholesale platform. It connects verified retailers with authenticated pre-owned luxury items. The platform handles thousands of luxury handbags and accessories every week, making premium consignment pieces accessible to more people.
LePrix works with over 600 vintage and consignment boutiques worldwide. The company’s global reach extends to Paris and Japan, which enables smooth international trading. Their network combines trusted suppliers from prestigious auction houses and luxury vendors. This creates the largest collection of pre-owned, authentic designer items in the resale industry.
The platform uses a multi-tiered authentication process:
A structured fee system governs returns and transactions:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Return Program | 10% restocking fee |
| Exchange Window | 60 days |
| Authentication Certificate | Nominal fee |
Dedicated account managers help retailers throughout the sourcing process. They give explanations about market trends and analysis to help choose the best inventory. The platform’s advanced technology suggests industry resale pricing, which helps businesses calculate margins quickly for better planning.
Image Source: Queenly
Former pageant contestants founded Queenly to bring their expertise to formal wear consignment clothing. The platform now showcases more than 200,000 dress listings. This makes it the largest marketplace dedicated to formal attire.
Queenly caters to formal occasions like proms, weddings, pageants, and military balls. The prom industry alone generates USD 4 billion annually, showing the market’s potential. Their inventory mix consists of resale items at 75% of listings, while boutique partners contribute 15% and designers provide 10%.
Queenly offers a simple commission structure:
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard Commission | 20% |
| Seller Earnings | 80% |
| Virtual Try-On | Included |
Queenly’s quality assurance team checks all items priced above USD 300 to verify their condition. Their authentication process has:
Google Cloud marketplace verified their virtual try-on technology. This innovation helps buyers see how dresses look before purchase, which builds shopping confidence and reduces returns.
| Platform | Commission/Fees | Authentication Process | Specialization/Focus | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The RealReal | 40-70% based on sale price | Multi-checkpoint system with expert team | Luxury consignment | Store credit offers +10% bonus |
| Vestiaire Collective | 15% for $80-$13,000 items | 6 global authentication centers, 100+ experts | Pre-owned luxury items | 23M+ members worldwide |
| ThredUp | 5-80% based on price | Quality control process | Mass-market clothing | Clean Out Kit system |
| Poshmark | $2.95 (<$15), 20% (≥$15) | Free authentication for items ≥$500 | Social commerce marketplace | Virtual “Posh Parties” |
| Fashionphile | Varies by payment method | 5,200+ hours training for authenticators | Ultra-luxury handbags | Lifetime authenticity guarantee |
| Rebag | 8-35% based on item type | Multi-touch review process | Designer bags & accessories | Clair AI technology |
| WGACA | Not mentioned | Three-tier evaluation system | Museum-quality vintage | Christie’s auction partnership |
| Tradesy | 19.8% (≥$50), $7.50 (<$50) | 99.7% accurate software detection | Women’s luxury fashion | Photo enhancement technology |
| Style Alert | $49 monthly subscription | Pre-authentication before listing | Personal styling service | Text-based shopping experience |
| Kidizen | 12% + $0.50 per sale | Not mentioned | Children’s clothing | Style Scouts program |
| Mercari | 0% + processing fees | Authentication for items $2,000-$5,000 | General marketplace | Local delivery option |
| Depop | 0% + 3.3% processing | Not mentioned | Youth-focused fashion | Social media integration |
| 1stDibs | 10-15% base commission | Expert in-house evaluation | High-end vintage & luxury | $100,000 authenticity guarantee |
| LePrix | 10% restocking fee | Multi-tier third-party verification | B2B luxury wholesale | 600+ boutique network |
| Queenly | 20% commission | Quality checks for items >$300 | Formal wear | Virtual try-on technology |
Online consignment clothing platforms have revolutionized secondhand shopping by creating a sophisticated, tech-driven experience. Each marketplace caters to different customer needs. The RealReal excels at thorough authentication of luxury items, while Kidizen builds a family-focused community. These platforms make designer fashion available to everyone and support green practices.
Authentication is the life-blood of premium platforms. Companies like Fashionphile demand over 6,000 hours of expert training. The RealReal brings in specialized gemologists to verify items. Commission structures vary substantially between platforms. Mercari runs a zero-fee model, while others use traditional tiered rates that can reach 70% for high-value items.
Smart shoppers thrive in this competitive digital world. Luxury hunters can find authenticated designer pieces at 70-90% below retail on The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective. Parents find quality children’s wear through Kidizen. Formal wear shoppers use Queenly’s virtual try-on technology to shop with confidence.
Technology and expert authentication work together to build trustworthy marketplaces for pre-owned fashion. These platforms’ soaring wins show that quality secondhand shopping has evolved into a mainstream alternative to traditional retail. Modern consumers get both value and sustainability.
Q1. What are the best online platforms for buying secondhand designer clothing?
Some of the top platforms for purchasing pre-owned designer fashion include The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, and Fashionphile. These sites offer authenticated luxury items at discounted prices, with The RealReal known for its rigorous authentication process and Vestiaire Collective for its global marketplace of over 23 million members.
Q2. How do commission rates compare across different consignment platforms?
Commission rates vary widely between platforms. For example, The RealReal offers a tiered structure ranging from 40% to 70% based on sale price, while Poshmark charges a flat 20% for items $15 and above. Mercari recently introduced a 0% selling fee but charges processing fees to buyers. It’s important to compare rates across platforms to find the best deal for your specific items.
Q3. Which platform is best for selling children’s clothing?
Kidizen is a popular choice for selling children’s clothing. The platform charges a 12% commission plus $0.50 per sale and offers unique features like the Style Scouts program, where personal sellers act as consignment specialists for busy parents. It’s designed specifically for family-focused transactions in children’s fashion.
Q4. How do authentication processes differ between consignment platforms?
Authentication processes vary in rigor across platforms. The RealReal employs a multi-checkpoint system with specialized experts, while Fashionphile requires over 6,000 hours of training for their authenticators. Poshmark offers free authentication for items $500 and above, and Rebag uses proprietary AI technology combined with expert verification. Always check a platform’s specific authentication policies before making high-value purchases.
Q5. What are some tips for finding the best deals on online consignment platforms?
To find great deals, consider using eBay’s advanced search filters to narrow down by material or country of origin. On platforms like Poshmark, be prepared to negotiate prices with sellers. For luxury items, The RealReal often has significant discounts, especially during sales. It’s also helpful to set up alerts on platforms like Mercari for specific items you’re seeking. Comparing prices across multiple platforms can often lead to finding the best deals.
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