You know how it goes: your kids wear their clothes for a ridiculously short period of time. Sure, there’s always hand-me-downs, or consignment and Craigslist, if you’re motivated enough to try to make some money. But those routes require time and energy that many of us are sorely lacking at this time of year.
So we’re happy to discover that thredUP has newly relaunched, as a very easy, very good-looking online consignment shop.
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ThredUP features familiar brands many of us already have stashed away in our dresser drawers or would like to: Old Navy, Gap, Circo and (be still, my heart) Oilily, Ben Sherman, Mini Boden and Tea Collection.
So how does it work? Well, the shopping part is easy: sort by size, color, sex or brand, and check back often, as the site is updated very regularly. With the strict quality-control review that each item goes through at thredUP, you can trust you’ll get what you’re expecting, with no icky surprises like stains, rips and pilling.
A quick peek reveals a Ben Sherman boys shirt for $4.99, an on-trend Carter’s tutu for under $4, a $10.99 Lacoste girls jumper, and Ralph Lauren cords for $15.99 — down from $51. Sweet.
As for the selling used kids clothes? Here’s where it gets fun. thredUP will mail a bag to your home. Stuff it full of lightly used or new-with-tags clothing, then send it back. No hidden costs; just a $4.95 shipping deposit for the bag, which will be credited back to you as soon as thredUP receives your items. When your items sell on the site, you receive your earnings via Paypal or a store credit to put towards a new season’s wardrobe.
ThredUP suggests sending clothes for the current season to boost your chances of selling, but of course feel free to send your summer clothes and hope that SoCal is in the house. Also, be sure to take a peek at the list of items they do not accept.
Compared to many online consignment shops we’ve seen, this is a very a navigable and well-structured system that seems to be working very well for many parents. So if you are looking to build a quality back-to-school wardrobe on a budget, or to clear some space and make a little extra dough, this could be for you. Happy thrifting! –Stephanie M
Shop or sell on consignment at thredUP.
