Making extra money is a goal for many, and the internet offers numerous avenues to boost your income. If you’re wondering What Can I Make And Sell To Make Money, reselling items online is a fantastic option to consider. One popular and sustainable approach is reselling clothes. In this article, we delve into the real-world experience of a reseller who spent a year selling pre-owned clothing on platforms like Poshmark, Mercari, Depop, and Vinted. Discover the potential earnings, the time investment involved, and whether this could be a lucrative side hustle for you.
Is Reselling Clothes Online a Viable Way to Make Money?
The appeal of reselling clothes lies in its accessibility and relatively low barrier to entry. Most people have clothes in their closets they no longer wear, which can become your initial inventory. The motivation for many resellers, like the person in this case study, goes beyond just profit. It’s also about sustainability – keeping clothes out of landfills and giving them a second life.
This reseller’s primary goal was environmental responsibility. She resold clothes she already owned, cycling through her wardrobe to identify items with resale potential. Her process involved listing items on resale apps for a year. Unsold items were then offered to a consignment store, followed by a local “Buy Nothing” group, and finally, donation as a last resort.
In 2021, this reseller sold 171 items, proving that a consistent effort can lead to a significant number of sales. Initially, she aimed to clear out 144 earmarked items. By the end of the year, 100 of these were sold online. The rest found new homes through other means, with only a small fraction ending up as donations. This highlights the effectiveness of online reselling in directly connecting unwanted items with new owners, minimizing waste compared to traditional donation routes where a large percentage of clothes may end up in landfills or exported to overburdened markets.
The environmental impact of clothing waste is substantial. Studies show that a small percentage of donated clothes are resold directly in thrift stores. A significant portion is processed by textile companies for various purposes, including shredding, repurposing, or export, often to developing countries that struggle to manage the influx of used clothing. This reseller’s approach, prioritizing direct online sales, actively combats this cycle of waste and contributes to a more sustainable fashion ecosystem.
However, reselling isn’t without its complexities. While it offers a way to make money and promote sustainability, it’s crucial to acknowledge the trade-offs. Shipping items across the country generates a carbon footprint, and the use of packaging, even when reused, adds to waste. Furthermore, the time commitment involved in listing, packaging, and shipping should not be underestimated.
Breaking Down the Earnings: Platform by Platform
To understand the earning potential, it’s essential to analyze the performance across different online platforms. The reseller in this study meticulously tracked her sales and fees on Poshmark, Mercari, Depop, and Vinted. Here’s a platform-specific breakdown of her year-long reselling journey:
Poshmark: High Sales Volume and Solid Earnings
Total Earnings: $874.09
Number of Items Sold: 66
Average Earnings Per Item: $13.24
Fees: 26% of sales
Poshmark emerged as the top platform for both sales volume and total earnings. Despite a fee structure that averaged 26% due to shipping incentives offered to buyers, its established user base and effective selling tools contributed to its success. The reseller’s prior history and larger following on Poshmark likely played a role in its strong performance. Her strategy focused on daily listing shares and weekly offer sends, demonstrating that consistent, but not overly time-consuming, activity can yield positive results.
Mercari: Second Highest Sales, Optimized Selling Tools
Total Earnings: $532.96
Number of Items Sold: 56
Average Earnings Per Item: $9.52
Fees: 28% of sales (initially higher due to free shipping offers)
Mercari secured the second-highest sales, although average earnings per item were slightly lower. The platform’s auto-price drop feature, allowing for automated incremental discounts, proved effective in maintaining listing visibility and driving sales. Initially, offering free shipping increased fees to 28%, but discontinuing this practice later reduced the fee percentage. Mercari’s user-friendly selling tools and streamlined interface make it a strong contender for resellers.
Depop: Highest Per-Item Earnings, Niche Market
Total Earnings: $344.10
Number of Items Sold: 20
Average Earnings Per Item: $17.20
Fees: 38% of sales (initially higher due to free shipping offers)
Depop stood out for the highest average earnings per item, reflecting its appeal to buyers seeking unique and often higher-value clothing. Despite the lowest number of items sold and the highest fees (driven up by initial free shipping), Depop’s niche market and lower maintenance listing requirements made it a worthwhile platform. However, the platform’s lack of transparency regarding fees and shipping costs was noted as a significant drawback, especially for new sellers.
Vinted: Lowest Fees, Buyer-Focused Approach
Total Earnings: $437.90
Number of Items Sold: 29
Average Earnings Per Item: $15.10
Fees: 0% (fees charged to buyers)
Vinted, despite having the smallest audience among the four platforms, delivered respectable sales and a good return per item. Its unique fee structure, charging fees to buyers instead of sellers, is a major advantage. The platform’s drawbacks include the cost to boost listings and occasional glitches, but its seller-friendly fee policy makes it a favorite among resellers.
Key Takeaways and Tips for Aspiring Online Resellers
This real-world example provides valuable insights for anyone considering what can I make and sell to make money through online reselling, specifically with clothes.
- Profitability is Real, But Not Passive: Reselling clothes can generate a tangible income. In this case, over $2,000 was earned in a year. However, this wasn’t passive income. It required consistent effort, time investment, and strategic platform utilization.
- Platform Choice Matters: Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses. Poshmark for volume, Mercari for tools, Depop for higher-value items, and Vinted for low fees. Understanding your target audience and preferred selling style is crucial for platform selection.
- Fees Impact Profit Margins: Platform fees, transaction fees, and shipping costs significantly impact profitability. Carefully consider these expenses when pricing items and calculating potential earnings. Avoid absorbing shipping costs unless strategically beneficial.
- Time Investment is Significant: Don’t underestimate the time required for photographing, listing, marketing, packaging, and shipping items. Efficient workflows and batch processing can help optimize time management.
- Sustainability is a Strong Selling Point: Highlighting the eco-friendly aspect of reselling can resonate with environmentally conscious buyers and add value to your listings.
- Transparency and Seller Tools Vary: Platforms differ in their transparency regarding fees and the seller tools they offer. Choose platforms that align with your needs and provide the necessary information and features for effective selling.
Final Verdict: Is Reselling Clothes Worth It?
If you’re looking for what can I make and sell to make money and are drawn to sustainable practices, reselling clothes online is a worthwhile venture. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but with dedication, strategic platform use, and a keen understanding of the market, you can generate a meaningful income while contributing to a more circular economy. Just remember to factor in the time commitment, fees, and shipping logistics to ensure your reselling business is both profitable and sustainable in the long run.
