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In the days of online shopping, reselling branded items from thrift stores on sites like eBay can be a great way to earn a little extra cash. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for more brands to look for on your next thrift store crawl, we’ve got you covered. We listed all the best selling items and brands to look for, plus tips for avoiding fake brands and making a bigger profit while you’re combing the racks. Keep reading for more!
Steps
Top Selling Clothing Brands to Look for on eBay
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1Shirts Depending on the brand, shirts can sell for $20 to $150. T-shirts tend to be worth less while blouses are generally worth more, and button-downs range anywhere in between. If the piece’s tag is missing or you can’t find the brand right away, search for the name on the buttons or seams.
- Alex Mill (button-downs): $45 to $80
- Alice McCall: $20 to $50
- All Saints: $20 to $40
- Anine Bing (T-shirts, sweatshirts): $50 to $80
- Anti Social Social Club: $35 to $50
- Boden: $20 to $40
- Doen: $70 to $130
- Faherty: $20 to $40
- Frank & Eileen: $55 to $80
- Free People: $40 to $60
- MadeWorn (T-shirts): $50 to $100
- Nili Lotan: $50 to $100
- Proenza Schouler: $50 to $100
- Queen of Sparkles: $85 to $150
- Reyn Spooner (patterned button-downs): $30 to $50
- Taylor Stitch (button-downs): $20 to $60
- Zadig & Voltaire: $50 to $100
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2Pants Pants, especially jeans, can generally resell for around $50 or more. However, some name-brand leggings and everyday pants can sell for around the same price. While you’re combing through the racks, try to look for branded out-of-season items—shorts in winter, for example, may be discounted and overlooked by regular buyers. [1] X Research source
- Agolde (jeans): $40 to $100
- L’agnece (jeans): $40 to $120
- Lululemon (leggings): $25 to $50
- Mother (jeans): $50 to $100
- Moussy (jeans): $50 to $100
- Nili Lotan: $50 to $100
- Pilcro (jeans): $30 to $60
- Re/done (jeans): $40 to $75
- Rudy Jude (jeans): $100 to $200
- R13 (jeans): $60 to $80
- Veronica Beard: $50 to $80
- Vuori (shorts, elastic waist pants): $30 to $40
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3Bags Handbags, purses, and clutches are some of the biggest items you can resell. However, that may make them more difficult to find. To make the process easier, consider looking in thrift stores located near wealthy communities. The people who live in these areas may be more likely to donate high-quality or luxury bags you can resell for a high price. [2] X Research source
- Brahmin: $50 to $200
- CHANEL: $200 to $400+
- Cult Gaia: $70 to $200+
- Dooney & Bourke: $20 to $60
- Gucci: $150+
- Louis Vuitton: $200+
- Michael Kors: $20 to $40
- Kate Spade: $30 to $60
- Rebecca Minkoff (leather): $20 to $70
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4Dresses Dresses are a popular clothing item that can sell for a lot of money on sites like eBay or Poshmark. [3] X Research source To distinguish high-quality dresses from lower-quality fast fashions, touch each item and feel for silk, linen, or 100% cotton, or check the tag to see if they label the material. [4] X Research source
- Alémais: $20 to $350
- Alice McCall: $35 to $200
- Bhldn (wedding/bridal): $50 to $200
- Boden: $40 to $60
- Brochu Walker: $50 to $150
- Bronx & Banco: $100 to $200
- Cath Kidson: $25 to $35
- Farm Rio: $85 to $150
- For Love & Lemons: $50 to $100
- Free People: $35 to $70
- Hill House: $100
- House of CB: $50 to $100
- Jenny Yoo: $50 to $100
- L’Academie: $20 to $75
- Lilly Pulitzer: $35 to $70
- LoveShackFancy: $60 to $100
- Mac Duggal: $100 to $200
- Ml Monique Lhuillier: $50 to $100
- Nicholas: $50 to $100
- Norma Kamali: $50 to $100
- Phase Eight: $30 to $40
- Rat & Boa: $50 to $150
- Reformation: $70 to $100
- Retrofête: $100to $200+
- Sachin & Babi: $50 to $150+
- Saloni: $60 to $200+
- Self-Portrait: $65 to $200
- Sézane: $60 to $100
- Spell & The Gypsy Collective: $60 to $120
- Toteme: $80 to $200
- Tuckernuck: $60 to $100
- Zara: $20 to $35
- Zimmermann: $60 to $250+
- Zhivago: $150+
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5Shoes To get the most out of the footwear aisle, look for shoes in new or great quality in both the men and women’s sections. Trust your gut—if you see a shoe that you think may be worth something, type its brand or name into eBay or Poshmark to see how much they sell for. [5] X Research source
- Adidas (sneakers, slides): $20 to $40
- ASICS (sneakers): $25 to $65
- Beklina (clogs, loafers): $50 to $100
- Birkenstocks: $20 to $70
- Christian Louboutin (heels): $100+
- Canada Goose (sneakers): $160 to $500
- Crocs: $20 to $35
- Dr. Martin (boots, loafers): $40 to $65
- Dubarry (boots): $90 to $150
- Golden Goose (sneakers): $120 to $250
- Hey Dude: $25 to $40
- Hoka (sneakers): $30 to $75
- Loeffler Randall (heels, flats, sandals): $50 to $150
- Loro Piana: $60 to $200+
- New Balance: $30 to $60
- Nike: $30 to $70
- On (running shoes): $50 to $100
- Rothy’s (flats, loafers, sneakers): $35 to $80
- Tieks (ballet flats): $30 to $80
- Tory Burch (sandals, flats): $40 to $80
- Ugg (boots, slippers): $40 to $100
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6Sweaters and hoodies Sweaters with interesting prints or images tend to be worth more on reselling sites, and so do sweatshirts and hoodies with certain brands or designs (like Aviator Nation’s signature red, orange, and blue stripes). However, this may change with the trends—keep an eye on the latest fashions to see what items might sell well. [6] X Research source
- Aran Crafts (sweaters): $40 to $60
- Aviator Nation (hoodies): $40 to $100
- Brochu Walker (sweaters): $60 to $100
- Dale of Norway (sweaters): $30 to $160
- Fear of God Essentials (hoodies, sweatshirts): $40 to $70
- Guizio (sweaters): $40 to $80
- House of Sunny (sweaters): $50 to $100
- Jenni Kayne (cardigans, turtlenecks): $70 to $200+
- Margaret Howell (sweaters): $60 to $120
- Paloma Wool (sweaters): $100 to $150
- Perfect Moment: $180+
- White + Warren (sweaters): $50
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7Jackets and outdoor gear Outdoor jackets and other gear are super timeless and tend to sell at a high price—which means they tend to resell for quite a bit, too. Look for high-quality brands like Arc’teryx or Columbia, which tend to invest in top-of-the-line technology. [7] X Research source
- Arc’teryx: $50 to $150
- Aritzia (puffer jackets): $50 to $200
- Barbour: $60 to $120
- Boden: $40+
- Columbia: $15 to $40
- Karen Millen: $75 to $100
- Maje: $60 to $120
- Moncler: $100 to $300+
- Patagonia (pullovers, vests): $30 to $40
- River Island: $20 to $40
- Toteme: $100 to $250+
Top Selling Items to Look for on eBay
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1Mobile phones and accessories Smartphones, chargers, cases, and charms are all hot-selling items you can put on eBay for a tidy profit. The most popular phones are refurbished or come with a service plan attached, but newer phones also tend to be popular for buyers. [8] X Research source Here are some items to watch out for: [9] X Research source
- Apple iPhone (refurbished, 11 or higher): $200 to $800
- Samsung Galaxy (refurbished, 20 or higher): $200 to $500
- Motorola (One or higher): $50 to $100
- LG (flip phones or V60 smartphones): $140 to $300
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2Computers, tablets, and tech gadgets Sites like eBay are reliable places for consumers to buy tons of different used electronics, including watches, smartphones, earbuds, smart home devices, video game consoles, digital cameras, or drones. Technology is one of eBay’s top-selling categories during the holidays, so try to list these brands around wintertime. [10] X Research source
- Alienware (computers, computer mice, gaming headsets)
- Apple (MacBooks, Apple TV, iPads, Apple Watches, Airpods, iMac computers)
- ASUS (laptops, desktops, graphics cards)
- Beats by Dr. Dre (headphones, earbuds)
- Bose (headphones, speakers, amplifiers, earbuds)
- Canon (cameras, printers, copiers)
- Dell (laptops, servers, computers)
- Lenovo (laptops, computers, monitors, VR headsets)
- LG (remote controls, DVD players)
- Microsoft (computers, Xbox consoles, tablets)
- Nikon (cameras)
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3Toys for children and babies A survey conducted by eBay found that 79% of shoppers were more likely to shop from the “Toys” category than any other during the holiday season. [11] X Research source To make a little extra money during the winter (and the rest of the year), try to sell one of these top-selling brands:
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4Home appliances Both small and major appliances are major selling items on sites like eBay. Look for coffee and espresso makers, waffle makers, bread makers, pasta makers, grills, and portable heating systems, as well as ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers. [15] X Research source
- GE (stoves and ovens): $400 to $9,000
- KitchenAid (countertop mixers): $300 to $2,300
- Miele (dishwashers): $1,000 to $5,800
- Whirlpool (dryers): $500 to $2,200
- DeLonghi (espresso coffee makers): $80 to $800
- MayTag (washing machines): $500 to $2,000
- Sub-Zero (refrigerators): $5,000 to $13,000
- DEWALT (construction heaters): $170 to $550
- Cuisinart (food processors): $40 to $380
- Ninja (grills and griddles): $100 to $360
- Breville (airfryer): $300 to $600
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5Collectables The “Collectables” section on eBay covers everything from vintage items to toys and frequently attracts passionate buyers who are willing to pay top dollar to complete their set. [16] X Research source Unusually rare items might sell for even more. Keep an eye out for these kinds of collectibles while you’re out:
- Funko Pop! (figurines): $10 to $1,000+
- Comic books (Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, manga): $5 to $1,000+
- Model trains: $100 to $5,000+
- Action figures (Batman, Power Rangers, Star Wars, etc.): $10 to $5,000+
- Trading cards (baseball): $1 to $1,000+
- WWII items (bayonets, helmets, etc.): $40 to $50,000+
Finding Products to Sell on eBay
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Use eBay’s research tools to see what items are hot now. eBay’s Product Research tools for sellers can help you determine what to sell, when to sell it, and how much to sell it for in easy-to-understand charts and graphs. To get there, click on the “Research” tab in the Seller Hub . [17] X Research source
- With the Sourcing Insights tool on the same page, you can see the top-performing item categories, see their trends over time, and put items on the market when they’re in demand.
- eBay’s research tools also allow you to research other eBay domains and locations, letting you make informed decisions about which marketplaces to promote your items on. [18] X Research source
- These tools are officially owned by Terapeak, a Toronto-based company acquired by eBay in 2017. [19] X Research source
Spotting Fake Brands
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1Check the label for the brand and size information. The first thing you look for when finding items to sell is the label—if the brand name is misspelled or the size information is missing, it may be fake. To make sure, search up the item online and compare the tags—if anything is out-of-place, it may be better to skip this one. [20] X Research source
- For example, if an item is labeled “one size fits all” but looks like a vintage (pre-1980s) piece, it’s probably not original to the time.
- However, some brands have logos that change over time, so it may be worth it to look up the history of the label to make sure the misspelling isn’t intentional.
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2Make sure the stitching on clothing and apparel is even and well done. Handbags or jackets with lots of details and handmade stitching are often a sign that they’re authentic. If you see a piece that’s labeled as a designer or high-quality brand but has wonky or loose stitching, it’s probably a fake. [21] X Research source
- If you’re not sure whether the item is authentic, compare the item to a close-up picture from the manufacturer’s website. [22] X Research source
- Real holes in leather will have slightly uneven or rough edges, while fake leather stitching holes are usually uniform and perfectly punched. [23] X Research source
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3Use a brand authentication app to make sure your pieces are real. An app like Legit can help you make sure that high-value items are real before you purchase them. [24] X Research source To use it, upload a picture of an item and get verification from professional authenticators in 1 to 24 hours.
- You may ask the checkout person to hold an item for you while you wait, or check in with the store to see if they have a return policy so you can get your money back if it’s fake.
Avoiding eBay Scams
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1Take lots of pictures of your piece before sending it. One of the most common scams on eBay and similar sites is where a buyer claims that you sent them a damaged item so they can get their money back. They may even provide fake photo evidence using a replica of the piece. To avoid this, take tons of photos of the item and the packaging before you send it. [25] X Research source
- You can also file an insurance claim with the shipping provider and tell the buyer to hold onto the item until the agent can come inspect it.
- Even if you don’t actually file the claim, the scammer might stop asking for a refund because they’re afraid of being exposed.
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2Wait for the payment to go through before shipping the item. In an overpayment scam, a buyer may offer a bid way higher than the asking price and pay with a fraudulent check. If you send the item before the check goes through, you’re out of luck. To avoid this, make sure the money is in your account before shipping off the item. [26] X Research source
- In addition, try not to give any personal information to your buyers, like your bank numbers.
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3Only accept payment through the reselling site. Scams can happen to both buyers and sellers if one party asks the other to pay through an alternate site like Venmo. If you only accept the other person’s money through the original site, this ensures that the company will compensate you if you do fall victim to a scam. [27] X Research source
- Try not to agree to exchange texts or emails with your buyer so the reselling site has a paper trail of all the communication between you two. [28] X Research source
Tips for Making a Profit
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1Check your local thrift stores for sales and discounts. Thrift stores tend to have sales on certain days of the week—they might have whole-store discounts, or they might attach colored tags to items that tell you how much they’ll take off. [29] X Research source Ask the workers when their sales days are and try to hunt for clothes on those days to cut down on how much you spend.
- Some stores may have coupons through email or social media groups—a worker may tell you to look there for deals, too.
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2Find pieces that are cheap but may fit current clothing trends. Reselling is all about calculating the cost of the item versus its demand. The more likely your item is going to be super popular online, the more likely it’s going to sell—and on sites like eBay, where sales are auction-based, this may increase its price, too. [30] X Research source
- However, timeless brands like Chanel or Patagonia might be worth a little extra money out-of-pocket because you know that they’ll probably sell.
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3Check for any tears, stains, or defects in your pieces. Minor issues, like a little wear and tear, might not make a difference, but large holes or irreversible stains may make your pieces less valuable to buyers. [31] X Research source Before you head to the checkout line, look over all of your items to make sure there are no super obvious flaws that may make them difficult to sell.
- In some cases, a defect may be worth it. For example, if you found a handbag that’s typically worth $100 online but has a tear in the handle, you may take the risk for a bigger payoff.
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4Take clear, well-lit photos of the pieces you’re selling. Try to get a selection of photos with different angles and take close-up pictures of the fabric and the tag so users can verify that the piece is authentic. You can take pictures with the item hanging up in front of a neutral background, or snap a photo of you wearing it, if you’re comfortable doing so. [32] X Research source
- Make sure there is enough light in the room to see the details in your pieces.
- On eBay, you can use the background removal tool to edit out the backdrop and create a more pleasing image.
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5Begin your title with relevant keywords. When you’re ready to put your item online, start by listing the brand or category (men’s, women’s, children’s, etc.) in the title. That way, customers can find the luxury pieces they want right away. Then, list the type of item, its size, and a short description of the piece. [33] X Research source
- For example, you might write “Karen Millen Puffer Jacket XXL Detachable Fur Hood.”
- If they apply, add keywords like “vintage” or “retro” to the end of your title.
- Try not to use words in all caps, characters like asterisks, or acronyms that users might not understand.
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6Relist your pieces or bring down the price after a few months. If 3 months have passed with no leads on an item, look at the post and see what other details you could add. You might update the photo, change the keywords in the title or description, or lower the price to compete with other resellers. [34] X Research source
- You can also share your piece on a social media site like Pinterest to generate some interest in your item.
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
- On Poshmark, luxury items valued at $500 or more are inspected by the company’s team of experts to make sure the piece is authentic. [35] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://charlottebcloset.com/how-to-find-expensive-clothes-at-thrift-stores/
- ↑ https://mostlymorgan.com/thrift-shopping-tips/
- ↑ https://mymoneychronicles.com/best-brands-to-sell-on-poshmark/
- ↑ https://www.bhg.com/decorating/budget-decorating/cheap/thrifting-tips/
- ↑ https://www.katiesaves.com/a-z-guide-of-clothing-brands-that-sell-well-on-ebay/
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing/shopping-guide/how-to-sell-clothes-online
- ↑ https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/clothing-apparel/why-your-gear-so-expensive/
- ↑ https://pages.ebay.com/buy/guides/cell-phone-selling-guide/
- ↑ https://www.ebay.com/t/Cell-Phones-Smartphones/9355/bn_320094
- ↑ https://export.ebay.com/en/marketing/seasonal-guide-for-ebay-sellers/top-selling-items-for-this-holiday-season/
- ↑ https://ir.ebaystatic.com/pictures/sc/seasonal-playbook/23/2023-ebay-holiday-shipping-guide.pdf
- ↑ https://pages.ebay.com/buy/guides/dolls-selling-guide/
- ↑ https://www.ebay.com/t/Stuffed-Animals/436/bn_1850590
- ↑ https://www.ebay.com/t/Stuffed-Animals/436/bn_1850590
- ↑ https://pages.ebay.com/buy/guides/home-selling-guide/
- ↑ https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/news/ebay-launches-live-shopping-for-collectibles/
- ↑ https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/growth/ebay-research-tools
- ↑ https://export.ebay.com/en/marketing/ebay-services-and-tools-help-seller/terapeak/
- ↑ https://www.ebayinc.com/stories/news/ebay-signs-agreement-to-acquire-terapeak/
- ↑ https://www.nssgclub.com/en/fashion/34677/how-to-recognize-whether-a-garment-is-real-or-is-fake
- ↑ https://www.nssgclub.com/en/fashion/34677/how-to-recognize-whether-a-garment-is-real-or-is-fake
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/consumer-advice/consumer-rights/a30026048/counterfeit-goods/
- ↑ https://www.chicagotribune.com/2019/04/26/real-or-fake-how-to-tell-if-that-thrift-store-handbag-is-leather/
- ↑ https://charlottebcloset.com/how-to-find-expensive-clothes-at-thrift-stores/
- ↑ https://us.norton.com/blog/online-scams/ebay-scams
- ↑ https://us.norton.com/blog/online-scams/ebay-scams
- ↑ https://us.norton.com/blog/online-scams/ebay-scams
- ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/consumer-advice/a561757/how-to-avoid-buyer-fraud-on-ebay-uk/
- ↑ https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgy5eq/how-to-find-the-very-best-stuff-at-thrift-stores
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing/shopping-guide/how-to-sell-clothes-online
- ↑ https://charlottebcloset.com/how-to-find-expensive-clothes-at-thrift-stores/
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/money/article/2024/jun/26/price-fees-tips-selling-clothes-online-ebay-depop-vinted
- ↑ https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/listings/listing-best-practices
- ↑ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/how-to-sell-used-clothes
- ↑ https://poshmark.com/posh_authenticate