In today’s eco-conscious era, thrift shopping and resale have not only become a trendy option but also a sustainable choice.
Two giants dominate this booming market: thredUP and Poshmark. If you’re teetering on the fence between these two, our comprehensive guide will lay bare the unique offerings of each.
By the end, you’ll know just which platform aligns with your values and needs. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started.
thredUP vs. Poshmark: The Showdown Begins
Both thredUP and Poshmark have carved out a niche in the online resale market. But what sets them apart? What are the ins and outs of each platform? Let’s break it down.
Origin Stories: Where It All Began
thredUP:
Founded in 2009, thredUP began as a men’s shirt-swapping service. Over the years, it has morphed into the largest online thrift store and consignment shop.
Besides, here, we will dive into our guide to understand the thredUp return policy. Learn about refunds, processing times, and more to make your ThredUp experience seamless.
Poshmark:
Launched in 2011, Poshmark started as a mobile application for women to swap high-fashion items. It has since evolved into a vast marketplace, allowing users to sell clothes, shoes, and accessories.
And, let’s explore our comprehensive comparison of eBay vs Poshmark. Learn key differences, pros, and cons to make an informed choice for your online selling journey.
User Experience: Navigating the Platforms
Both platforms offer mobile apps and desktop versions. However, their user experiences differ significantly.
thredUP:
Focuses on a straightforward shopping experience. With its clean interface, it resembles traditional online retail shops.
Poshmark:
Emphasizes the social aspect of shopping. It’s a blend of commerce and social networking, where users can follow, share, and even attend virtual “Posh Parties“.
Also, in this article, let’s dive into our detailed comparison of Mercari vs Poshmark. Discover the pros, cons, and unique features of each platform to make an informed selling choice.
Registering on the Platform
The distinct methodologies of these two competitors become evident right from the registration phase.
Registering on Poshmark mirrors the experience on platforms like eBay or Amazon. Simply input your name and address, and you’re set to list items for sale. The entire procedure can be wrapped up quickly.
On the other hand, thredUP’s registration requires you to order a “Clean Out” bag. You’ll pack this bag with items you intend to sell and ship it back to thredUP. This, too, is a swift process.
Both platforms streamline the initiation process, but they cater mainly to those in the U.S. or Canada. For those residing in other countries, thredUP isn’t available. Poshmark, however, extends its services to Australia and India.
Listing Process: Getting Your Items Out There
For sellers, the listing process can make or break the experience.
thredUP:
Offers a “Clean Out Kit“. You send in your items, and thredUP does the listing for you, albeit for a fee.
Poshmark:
Empowers its users to list items themselves, providing them control over photos, descriptions, and pricing.
Types of Products
Poshmark and thredUP both primarily cater to the fashion sector, yet the spectrum of products they accept has some variations.
Poshmark provides a broader range and allows you to list:
- Women’s apparel
- Men’s apparel
- Kid’s wear
- Accessories, including jewelry, handbags, and shoes
- Personal care items
- Home decoration pieces
- Accessories for pets
In contrast, thredUP has a more focused approach, exclusively accepting:
- Women’s clothing
- Kid’s clothing
It’s worth noting that even if items fall under these categories, they could be declined if they’re not season-appropriate or are in subpar condition. Notably, premium brands like Mercari, Gucci, and J.Crew are more likely to be accepted.
The Selling Procedure
Listing products is just the beginning. What ensues after a sale?
For items on Poshmark, sellers must package, print a prepaid shipping label, and dispatch the item via the post office. The shipping expense is borne by the buyer, typically delivered within 1-3 working days.
Upon receiving, buyers have a three-day window to either approve the purchase or initiate a return. Poshmark doesn’t entertain refunds, barring instances where items are not as described or remain undelivered.
Conversely, with thredUP, the company takes over the entirety of the selling process post the dispatch of your Clear Out kit. Sellers can, however, modify the listing price. Successful sales see your earnings reflected in your account.
Revenue and Commission
Structure Your earnings significantly depend on your platform of choice, among other variables.
Poshmark empowers sellers to determine their listing prices, simultaneously providing an estimate post-commission. Their commission system is as follows:
- Listings below $15: Flat fee of $2.95
- Listings above $15: 20% of the listing price This model highlights that listings between $11 and $15 could be most lucrative, while both lower-priced and premium items might fetch lesser net earnings.
While Poshmark identifies as a marketplace, thredUP operates more like a consignment store. Given their operational model, they retain a significant portion of the sale price.
Here’s a tiered breakdown:
- $5.00–$19.99: 5%–15%
- $20.00–$49.99: 15%–30%
- $50.00–$99.99: 30%–60%
- $100.00–$199.99: 60%-80%
- $200.00 and above: 80% Although the payout for luxury items is commendable, as you move towards lower-priced items, your earnings shrink. Demand for the item in question also influences the percentage of earnings. For instance, an in-vogue coat might fetch you more than a timeless piece.
Methods of Payment
Successful sales on both Poshmark and thredUP offer varied withdrawal options.
Post a three-day delivery window, Poshmark allows sellers to cash out, either via direct bank transfer or through a check.
ThredUP, while promoting the use of earnings on their platform, provides external cash-out options as well. Payouts are processed through PayPal ($0.25 fee) or Stripe ($0.25 + 1.5% fee), typically within 1–3 days. Alternatively, credits can be utilized with thredUP partners like GAP and Hollister, sometimes accompanied by bonus credits.
Sustainability: Which Is Greener?
In the age of fast fashion, sustainability in resale platforms is a hot topic.
thredUP:
Prides itself on recycling items and has a transparent report on its environmental impact.
Poshmark:
While it inherently supports sustainability by encouraging resale, its primary focus is not on eco-friendliness.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Offerings
While the primary focus is resale, both platforms have ventured into other areas.
Collaborations and Brands
thredUP:
Has collaborated with famous brands and even has brick-and-mortar stores in select locations.
Poshmark:
Has branched out to home goods and has a distinct section for luxury items, verified for authenticity.
Global Reach and Expansion
thredUP:
Currently serves the U.S. but has plans for global expansion.
Poshmark:
Has expanded to Canada and has its sights set on more international markets.
Customer Feedback: What Are Users Saying?
A platform can shine or crumble based on its user feedback.
thredUP Reviews
Generally, buyers appreciate the vast selection and affordable prices. However, some sellers feel the payout is lower than expected.
Poshmark Reviews
Many adore the platform for its community feel and control over listings. Yet, some note challenges with buyer-seller disputes.
Personal Experiences: Tales from the Trenches
Having dabbled in both platforms, I can share a snippet of my journey.
thredUP:
As a buyer, I reveled in the treasure hunt aspect. Yet, as a seller, the payout was sometimes disappointing.
Poshmark:
The social element was a double-edged sword. While I enjoyed the community, it sometimes felt overwhelming.
Strategies to Boost Sales
Irrespective of whether you choose Poshmark or thredUP, the ultimate goal remains to make sales for maximizing profit. Here are some useful tips that can help you enhance your earnings:
Timing Your Sales Right – If you’re looking to sell a winter coat, listing it in May might not be the best strategy. Seasons influence consumer demand, and timing your listings in accordance with this demand can garner higher prices.
Pamper Your Items Before Listing – While it might be tempting to list items as they are, giving them some TLC, particularly for thredUP, could be beneficial. Go the extra mile and depill your sweaters, use a lint roller, replace missing buttons, and remove stubborn stains with laundry detergents like Tide.
Crafting Engaging Titles – Poshmark provides sellers the opportunity to enhance visibility through descriptive titles. To grab shoppers’ attention, ensure you include relevant brand names and search-friendly descriptors in your titles.
Capturing High-Quality Product Images – Since online shopping heavily relies on visual appeal, having high-quality product images is a key element of successful selling on Poshmark. Ensure your products are well-lit and photographed against a distraction-free backdrop.
FAQs
ThredUP offers a more traditional online shopping experience and handles the listing process for sellers. It’s suitable for those who want simplicity.
Poshmark’s blend of commerce and social networking is its unique selling point. The platform offers more control over listings and a community feel.
While both platforms promote sustainability by encouraging resale, thredUP has a more pronounced focus on eco-friendliness and transparency regarding its environmental impact.
ThredUP’s commission can go up to 80% for lower-priced items. Poshmark charges $2.95 for items under $15 and a 20% commission for items over $15.
Yes, especially on Poshmark. It has a distinct section for luxury items, and each luxury item is verified for authenticity before listing.
Yes, there are several other resale platforms, such as Depop and Mercari. However, thredUP and Poshmark are among the most prominent in the industry.
Conclusion
The debate of thredUP vs. Poshmark doesn’t have a clear winner. It boils down to personal preference.
If you want a straightforward shopping experience and don’t mind a hands-off selling process, thredUP might be for you.
If you crave a community feel and more control over your listings, Poshmark may be the better choice. Whichever you choose, happy thrifting!
