Which platform suits which clothes
Everyday clothes: Vinted
High-street brands, kids' clothes, workwear and good-condition basics are what Vinted buyers come for. Sellers pay no selling fee, and the buyer pays for postage, so the price you set is what you receive. Buyers on Vinted expect fair prices, so it suits clearing a wardrobe quickly rather than holding out for top value.
Streetwear, Y2K and vintage styles: Depop
Depop's buyers are younger and fashion-led, so on-trend and vintage-style pieces often sell well there, sometimes for more than on Vinted. UK sellers pay no selling fee, but there's a payment processing fee of 2.9% plus 30p on each sale, including postage. The calculator above includes it.
Branded pieces and bundles: eBay
eBay buyers often search for an exact brand, item and size, which helps with sought-after brands, outdoor gear and sportswear. It's free for UK private sellers selling to UK buyers, and it's good for selling several items together as a bundle or job lot. Unlike Vinted, you set the postage price yourself.
Coats and bulky items locally: Facebook Marketplace
Heavy coats and large bundles can be expensive to post. Selling locally for collection on Facebook Marketplace is free and saves the postage altogether.
Designer clothes: Vestiaire Collective or eBay
For designer pieces, buyers want reassurance that items are genuine. Tick "Designer or luxury brand" in the calculator to compare Vestiaire Collective, and read the designer guide for how authentication works.
How to get a better price
- Put the brand, item and size in the title, for example "Levi's 501 jeans, W32 L32". That's what buyers type into search.
- Photograph in daylight, on a hanger or laid flat, and include the brand label, size label and any marks.
- Add measurements, such as armpit to armpit and length. Sizes vary between brands, and measurements reduce returns and questions.
- Wash and iron first. Clean, pressed clothes look better in photos and sell faster.
- Check sold prices. On eBay, filter a search by "Sold items" to see what the same piece actually sold for.
- Sell in season. Coats and knitwear sell best in autumn and winter, and shorts and summer dresses in spring.
- Offer bundles. Buyers who like one item often want more from the same wardrobe. Vinted lets you set a discount for bundles.
Postage for clothes
Most clothes fold into a small parcel, which keeps postage cheap. On Vinted the buyer chooses and pays for postage, so you only need to pack it and print the label. On eBay and Depop you set the postage price, so weigh and measure the packed item first and put the cost into the calculator.
Do you need to tell HMRC?
Selling your own unwanted clothes for less than you paid usually isn't trading, so there's normally no tax to pay. Platforms do report sellers to HMRC once they make 30 or more sales, or earn about £1,700 or more, in a year, but that's a report, not a tax bill. If you buy clothes to resell at a profit, that's different: check GOV.UK's guidance on selling online, or ask an accountant.
Clothes that won't sell
Worn-out or very cheap fast fashion often isn't worth listing. Charity shops, clothes banks and some retailers' take-back schemes are better homes for it, and the time saved is worth more than a few pence.