If you’ve ever looked at your closet and thought, “Ugh… I really need to declutter,” then you know the struggle. I mean, we all have those pieces that we bought with good intentions but never actually wear. And lately, I’ve been thinking: why not turn this clutter into cash?
That’s when I started exploring resale platforms like The RealReal, Poshmark, and Depop. Honestly, the options are kind of overwhelming at first. Each platform has its own vibe, fees, and audience. So, I decided to dive in, try selling a few pieces, and see which one actually works for someone like me. Here’s what I found.
1. The RealReal – Luxury Resale, But With Rules
The RealReal is like the luxury resale playground. If you’ve got designer bags, shoes, or clothing just sitting in your closet, this is the place to go. They handle authentication for you, which is honestly a lifesaver if you’re not a luxury expert.
How it works:
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You create an account and send your items in, either by mail or via a concierge drop-off if you live near a participating city.
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The RealReal authenticates everything, photographs it professionally, and lists it for you.
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When your item sells, you get paid (usually around 55%–85% of the selling price depending on whether it’s consignment or direct sale).
Pros:
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Hassle-free professional listing and authentication
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Access to a high-end audience willing to pay top dollar
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Your items look like they’re in a luxury boutique
Cons:
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Fees are higher, so you take a bigger cut
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Slower process—items may sit for a while before selling
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Not ideal for casual or non-luxury items
Honestly, The RealReal felt like the VIP lounge of resale. If you have designer pieces, it’s worth it. But I realized it’s not for everything in my closet.
2. Poshmark – Social Selling Made Easy
Next, I tried Poshmark. I’d heard people rave about it, and honestly, I love the idea of social selling. It’s like a little Instagram for your closet. You post pictures, write descriptions, and interact with buyers directly.
How it works:
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Snap a few photos of your item, write a description, set a price.
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When someone buys it, Poshmark handles the shipping label.
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You get paid after the item is delivered.
Pros:
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Super easy to use
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Social features—followers, sharing, and parties to boost visibility
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Lower fees compared to some consignment services
Cons:
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You handle your own photos and descriptions
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Can take time to build followers and visibility
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Trendy items sell faster than basics
I liked Poshmark because I could sell a mix of mid-range and designer items, and I felt more in control. Plus, it’s kinda fun interacting with buyers—though I’ll admit, it’s not for everyone if you’re shy.
3. Depop – Trendy, Youthful, and Fast-Paced
Finally, there’s Depop. If Instagram and thrift stores had a baby, it would be Depop. It’s full of trendy, youthful buyers who love unique or vintage items. I started with a few vintage tees and some sneakers, and it sold surprisingly fast.
How it works:
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Take pictures, write a description, and set a price.
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Buyers purchase directly, and you ship the items.
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You get paid through the app after fees (usually 10% per sale).
Pros:
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Great for vintage and unique items
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Fast selling for trendy pieces
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Youthful audience that loves social media interaction
Cons:
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Smaller audience for luxury items
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You’re responsible for your own photography and shipping
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Fast-paced trends mean your items can go out of style quickly
Depop was fun because I could experiment with pricing and styles. I also realized that high-quality photos make a huge difference here, more than anywhere else. People scroll fast, so your item needs to stand out.
Comparing the Three Platforms
Here’s what I learned from my little resale experiment:
| Feature | The RealReal | Poshmark | Depop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Luxury designer items | Mid-range, mixed items | Trendy, vintage, youthful items |
| Fees | 15–45% | Flat $2.95 under $15, 20% over $15 | 10% |
| Audience | High-end shoppers | Socially active fashion lovers | Young, trend-driven shoppers |
| Effort Required | Low (they handle listings) | Medium (you create listings) | High (you create listings + photography) |
| Selling Speed | Slow to medium | Medium | Fast for trending items |
Honestly, I realized there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. If I had a designer handbag, I’d go The RealReal. If I had a bunch of casual mid-range clothes, Poshmark was perfect. And for my funky vintage finds, Depop was unbeatable.
Tips for Success on All Platforms
No matter which platform you choose, a few things are universal:
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Take good photos. Natural lighting is your friend. Backgrounds should be clean.
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Write honest descriptions. Buyers appreciate honesty, and it helps avoid returns.
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Price smartly. Check what similar items are selling for before listing.
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Respond quickly. Quick replies can make the difference between a sale and a ghosted listing.
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Be patient. Some items sell instantly; others take time.
My Personal Takeaways
I learned a lot from selling across these platforms. For one, decluttering can actually feel rewarding when you see money coming back into your account. Also, I realized that not every platform fits every item—choosing the right marketplace is key.
And here’s a fun thing: I now enjoy the process. I take better care of my clothes because I know someone else might buy them. I experiment with photography, writing descriptions, and even pricing strategies. Who knew selling old stuff could be so… fun?
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the fence about selling online, my advice is simple: start small. Try one or two items on each platform, see what sells, and learn as you go.
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The RealReal = luxury, hassle-free, slower sales
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Poshmark = mid-range, social, steady sales
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Depop = trendy, fast-paced, youth-driven
At the end of the day, it’s all about finding what works for you—and having a little fun while you declutter. Plus, your closet will thank you. And honestly, isn’t it satisfying to turn clothes you’re not wearing into cash? I can’t lie, seeing that notification pop up is oddly thrilling.
Happy selling, and may your closet be both tidy and profitable!
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