Navigating Online Vs. In-store Clothes Sales – Pros & Cons
So you’re ready to clean out your closet and turn that gently-used trench coat or those never-worn-before designer heels into cash.
But where should you sell them?
While selling your pre-loved fashion pieces can be a fun side hustle or a full-blown business, the big question is whether you should sell them online or in a brick-and-mortar store.
If reselling is just a part-time gig for you, I’d say stick with online sales.
But if you’re a serious fashion entrepreneur, the choice between digital and physical is a major one.
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you decide.
The Digital Closet: Selling Online
Selling your clothes online has become the go-to for many of us, and for good reason.
It’s convenient and can be surprisingly profitable.
The Perks
Zero-cost launchpad:
One of the best things about selling online is that you don’t need a huge upfront investment. Most reselling platforms are free to list on, so you can start selling your clothes without paying for a physical storefront.
More money, fewer problems:
Selling online means fewer middlemen. You list it, you sell it, and you keep a higher percentage of the profits since you aren’t paying for store rent or other overhead costs.
Instant gratification:
The transaction process is lightning-fast. As soon as a buyer receives and approves their order, you get paid. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace pay directly into your bank, while others like Mercari and Poshmark hold your funds as store credit until you request a transfer.
Shop ’til you drop (nationwide):
You’re no longer limited to the shoppers in your zip code. Selling online lets you reach people across the entire country, meaning your clothes are seen by a much larger audience.
Flexibility is key:
Selling online gives you total control. You set the prices and can even add disclaimers to your listings, like “no returns” or “price is firm,” which helps you avoid low-ball offers and unwanted hassles. Plus, you can do it from anywhere—your phone, your laptop, even from a different city!
The Pain Points
Of course, the digital world isn’t without its challenges. Getting your fashion pieces ready for their close-up often comes with a few headaches.
The never-ending to-do list:
The listing process can be a total drag. You have to take good photos, get accurate measurements, write detailed descriptions, and figure out the perfect price. If you sell across multiple marketplaces, this can be exhausting. P.S. There are tools like Crosslist that can help you cross-post items from one platform to another, making the process a little less painful.
Fees that sneak up on you:
Most reselling platforms charge selling and processing fees that can eat into your profit. These can be a flat fee or a percentage of the sale. My advice? Factor these fees into your pricing from the start so you don’t end up selling at a loss.
Inventory overload:
We often sell clothes to declutter, but online selling can be slow. Those pieces might sit in your closet longer than you’d like. This is especially true if you buy inventory to resell—you’ll need a good storage system to keep everything organized.
Buyer beware:
Scam buyers are everywhere in the online world. They might try to get you to sell off-platform, lie about the condition of an item, or claim they never received their package. A few rules to live by: never accept payment outside the app, always use the platform’s shipping label, and take photos of the item before you ship it as proof of its condition.
Shipping, shipping, and more shipping:
Getting packages to the post office can be a hassle, especially if you have a busy life. Plus, you have to worry about lost or damaged packages in transit.
The return dilemma:
Online marketplaces have strong buyer protection policies, which is great for shoppers but can be abused. Some buyers will return an item because it doesn’t fit or because they simply changed their mind, even after reading your detailed description.
The Boutique Experience: Selling In-Store
Selling your clothes in a physical store offers a whole different kind of experience—one built on personal connection and high satisfaction.
The Perks
Face-to-face fashion:
The tangible connection you get with walk-in customers is something you can’t replicate online. You can build trust and loyalty, which leads to repeat visits and word-of-mouth referrals.
Higher satisfaction, fewer returns:
Shoppers love the ability to touch, feel, and try on clothes. This hands-on experience reduces the chances of returns and leads to more satisfied customers who are likely to become repeat buyers.
The Pain Points
The high cost of doing business:
The rent for a physical storefront can be a huge drain on your profits, especially in a popular shopping district.
The income rollercoaster:
Some days your store will be packed, and others, you might not see a single customer. This can make financial planning a real challenge. I’ve been to so many vintage shops that are bustling one day and completely empty the next.
Window shoppers vs. actual shoppers:
A walk-in isn’t always a sale. Many people browse without buying. You know the type—it’s like a sport for them. I’ve done it myself and felt a little guilty for the store owner.
The price of profit:
To cover rent and other overhead costs, you often have to price your items higher. This can be tricky, especially if you’re selling second-hand clothes, since most people expect to find a deal.
Wear and tear (and theft):
When customers try on clothes, they can cause wear and tear. And let’s not forget about the possibility of theft. Installing security can be expensive and cut into your profits. Plus, you can’t put cameras in changing rooms, leaving you vulnerable to theft.
The Verdict: What’s Best for You?
Choosing between online and in-store selling really comes down to your personal goals and lifestyle.
If you love the idea of convenience, a wider audience, and the flexibility to work from anywhere, online selling is your perfect match. You can get started with minimal investment and keep more of your profits.
If you thrive on personal interaction and want to offer a hands-on experience that leads to higher customer satisfaction, a physical store might be the right path. Just be prepared for the financial commitment and the potential for inconsistent sales.
Got a closet full of high-end items? Be extra cautious with online scams. And if you have no time for either of these options, consider a service like ThredUp. They’ll do all the work for you—pictures, pricing, and shipping—while you just sit back and declutter your life.
Where do you currently sell your clothes, and what have your pros and cons been? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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