How to Sell Your Kids' Used Clothing Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

As parents, we know how quickly kids grow—and how their closets can fill up with barely-worn clothes that no longer fit. Whether your little one outgrows a size in a season or just prefers something new, you’re left with piles of barely used clothes that deserve a second life. Instead of letting them take up valuable space in your home, why not sell your kids' used clothing and make some extra money? It’s simpler than you think, and the benefits go beyond just decluttering.

Why Sell Your Kids’ Used Clothing?

Before diving into the logistics, let’s talk about why selling kids' clothing is a great option for both you and the planet:

1. Make Extra Money
   Let’s face it, kids’ clothes can be expensive, especially when it is constantly being replaced. By selling the items they no longer wear, you can earn some extra cash—money that can be put toward new clothes, family activities, or just saved for the future.
2. Declutter Your Home
   Kids’ wardrobes can get out of hand quickly. Selling their outgrown clothing frees up space in your home, making it easier to organize.
3. Reduce Fashion’s Impact on the Environment
   By selling used clothes, you're reducing waste and promoting a circular economy. Shopping secondhand, instead of buying new, is better for the environment because it helps to cut down on carbon emissions and the use of natural resources.

How to Sell Your Kids’ Used Clothing in 5 Easy Steps

Step 1: Sort and Prepare the Clothing

The first step in selling used kids’ clothing is to go through their wardrobe and determine which items are a good fit for resale. We suggest making three piles for your outgrown kids’ clothing: 

• Sell: These are the clothes you want to sell, either online or at your local consignment or resale shop. Make sure the items are in excellent condition, with little to no visible wear. Prioritize higher-quality brands, such as Boden, Janie & Jack, and Hanna Andersson, as these are more in demand for resale and will yield better returns.
• Donate: These are the clothes you’d like to donate. However, they still need to be in great shape! It’s important to remember that donating damaged or worn-out items isn’t helpful to families in need. Local nonprofits often lack the resources to sort through poor-condition clothing, so aim to donate gently used basics (e.g., leggings, plain tees) and/or items from value brands like Old Navy or Cat & Jack that still have lots of life left in them.
• Recycle: Did you know you can recycle textiles? Even stained or damaged clothing can often be recycled, so there's no need to toss them in the trash. Many recycling centers or textile banks accept worn-out items to be repurposed, keeping them out of landfills.

Step 2: Take High-Quality Photos

When selling online, the first thing buyers notice are the photos. Good photos can make or break a sale, so it’s important to capture your items in the best possible light. Here are some tips for great photos:

• Take advantage of natural light by taking photos near a window or in a well-lit room.  
• Keep the background neutral, simple, and clutter-free so the clothing is the main focus.
• Show your item from different angles—front, back, side, and any unique details (like embroidery, buttons, or patterns). If there’s a small imperfection, include a close-up shot so the buyer knows what they’re getting.

Full disclosure - taking photos can be time-consuming. One benefit of selling your clothes with a kids’ consignment or resale shop is that they will do the hard work of photographing (if online) for you.

Step 3: Set a Reasonable Price

Pricing your used kids' clothes can be tricky, but it’s important to strike a balance between being competitive and realistic. While there isn’t an exact formula, it’s helpful to keep in mind that secondhand items, even those with tags, sell at a significant discount versus the original price. Consider that most items will sell around 25-30% of the original price, though in-demand brands may be less discounted. We suggest researching similar items on the platform you’re selling on to get a sense of what others are charging for similar clothes, in terms of brand, size, and condition.

The good news is that if you’re selling with a consignment or resale shop, they will price the items for you – no guesswork or trial-and-error required.

Step 4: Choose the Best Platform for Selling

In addition to local kids’ consignment and resale shops in your area, there are several online platforms where you can sell your kids’ used clothing. Some are more suited for local sales, while others allow you to ship the items nationwide. Here are some options:

1. Facebook Marketplace
   Facebook Marketplace is great for selling locally. It’s free to use, and you can easily connect with potential buyers in your area. The downside is that you will have to manage all of the logistics and delivery directly with local buyers, which can be a hassle.
2. Poshmark
   Poshmark is a popular platform for selling secondhand clothing. While it's often used for adult fashion, it also has a kids’ section. A big benefit is that you can control the price you sell items at, though the downside is that you need to do the work of taking photos, creating listings, and pricing.
3. ThredUp
   ThredUp is an online consignment store that buys and resells gently-used kids' clothes. You can send your clothes to them, and they’ll take care of listing, pricing, and shipping. However, their payout can be lower than other options.
4. Bounce Mkt
   Bounce Mkt is on a mission to make buying and selling secondhand kids’ clothing easier than ever. You can ship kids’ clothing to Bounce Mkt using a pre-paid shipping label and then Bounce will do the hard work of selling the items for you. Bounce Mkt buys outright so, unlike consignment, you receive your pay-outs upfront, regardless of if/when/what sales price items sell.

Step 5: Deliver Orders

Once your item sells, it’s time to ship it out! Be sure to package the clothes carefully to avoid any damage during transit. If you’re selling locally, you can arrange a safe, contactless pickup or drop-off location.

Tips for Success in Selling Kids’ Clothes

• Take Advantage of Seasonal Trends: List clothes ahead of the season—winter coats in the fall, swimsuits in the spring, etc. Timing is key when selling secondhand kids' clothing.
• Bundle Items: Offering sets of clothes or bundling similar items (e.g., five pairs of pants) can help increase your sales. Buyers are often looking for deals, so a bulk option might be appealing.
• Build Trust with Buyers: Be responsive, friendly, and honest about the condition of your clothes.

Final Thoughts

Selling your kids' used clothing is a smart way to recoup some of the money you spend on kids’ clothing, all while being kind to the planet. With just a bit of effort, or the help of a kids’ consignment or resale shop, you can easily turn those outgrown clothes into something valuable. Not only will you declutter your home, but you'll also contribute to a more sustainable world by giving clothes a second life.

Happy selling!