Estimated reading time: 17 minutes
Learn the best ways to sell used clothing in Canada and discover what buyers want when shopping for second-hand garments.
Not everyone has the luxury of purchasing a new wardrobe, as it can be expensive in Canada.
The smart way to dress is to clean the closets and sell used clothing you no longer wear for profit.
Luckily for Canadians, many options exist to sell used clothing to help offset the costs of future purchases.
Today, I want to investigate these opportunities to sell used clothing for the best prices.
Customer Expectations Differ When Buying Used Clothing
What do people care about the most when buying used clothing?
As seasoned buyers and sellers of used clothing, we’ve learned lots about what sells and what does not.
Also, almost every buyer has something important to them on the list I’ve curated below.
Not every buyer wants washed, used clothing, but some do, so we always launder and fold them.
It alleviates any concerns about odours and increases the seller’s chance of finding a buyer.
- Brand names are easiest to sell
- Listing by size and gender
- Bulk purchases by size for a discounted price
- Quality clothing, even if it’s an off-brand
- Seasonal organization
- Properly folded clothing
- Photos of the used clothing that are clear
- Delivery option (most people charge a $5-10 fee)
- Ability to try something on before buying it (jacket, pants over pants, etc)
- Laundered clothing to eliminate any odours
- Pet disclosure due to allergies is important
Explore These Top 10 Options To Sell Your Used Clothing
Whether you have used clothing or pieces that still have tags, because they are new, selling them for cash puts money back in your bank account.
What is the most profitable way to sell used clothing?
First, you will continually earn more money selling used clothing online than at a garage sale.
Expect to sell used clothing at a garage sale for bargain basement prices; otherwise, you likely won’t make a sale.
If you have brand new clothing, skip the garage sale and sell it online to get the best bang for your buck.
Sell Used Clothing Fast
How quickly are you able to sell used clothing?
Since our son was born, we have sold his used clothing by size and boxed it with the number of pieces in each box.
Most parents have a clothing budget and are only willing to spend so much money on each article of clothing.
For example, a box of boys’ excellent condition, 6-month summer clothing, 20 pieces, which include shorts, t-shirts, onsies, etc.
Include the brand names by stating brands, such as Carters, Gap, Nike, etc.
If you can include a photo of what’s in the box or lay the clothing out and take a picture, that will help you sell your used clothing fast.
Always be transparent with your used clothing ads; if any pieces of clothing need repairs, let the buyer know.
An organized seller can move used clothing fast online, so it’s not hanging around the house longer than needed.
We would often sell boxes of clothing within a week of a listing on Kijiji or Marketplace.
However, for the person who wants no turnaround time and is looking for fast cash for used clothing, there are options available.
Plato’s Closet
Plato’s Closet buys and sells gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories for teens and young adults.
With over 500 locations across North America, Plato’s Closet is the largest chain of teen and twenty-something resale stores.
How Plato’s Closet Works
Bring in gently used items and get cash on the spot, or shop around for your favorite brands at affordable prices.
We buy styles for all seasons, every day, with no appointment necessary.
Each location is individually owned and operated, so it’s easy to support local while shopping sustainably and affordably.
Plato’s Closet makes it easy for sustainability-focused teens and young adults to buy affordably and sell gently used clothes, shoes, and accessories for cash on the spot.
Each Plato’s Closet location is individually owned and operated by local business owners, so you can feel good about shopping small.
Sustainable: it prevents them from filling up landfills and puts cash in your pocket.
Affordable: gently used styles from your favorite brands at affordable prices. We keep things sustainable and on-trend.
Convenient: easy to buy and sell styles for all seasons, all day, every day, with no appointment necessary.
Popular Brand Name Clothing
Plato’s Closet buys seasonal clothes year-round, and you don’t need an appointment to drop in.
They buy gently used clothing, accessories, footwear, outerwear, and athletic wear, and will review your offer.
Although they don’t accept everything, they look for various items in many categories, such as t-shirts, pants, tanks, sweatshirts, dresses, etc.
Some of the many brand names they are looking for in girls’ sizes 0- 6xl and guys’ sizes 28 to 3xl
- Adidas
- Old Navy
- Hollister
- Gym Shark
- Aritzia
- Nike
Karrot App
With over 30 million users, the Karrot App buys and sells goods, community groups, job listings, real estate, and auto listings, and offers payment solutions.
Karrot is a safe place to buy and sell with ID-verified neighbors, so you don’t have to worry about who you are dealing with.
It can be scary sometimes when buying and selling online, but not with Karrot.
The best part is that zero fees are charged for using the Karrot services.
Our North American division aims to expand our communities across the US & Canada, starting with Toronto, Vancouver, and New York City.
Kijiji Canada
The buy and sell website Kijiji has been around for many years and was once very popular, but it is still somewhat popular.
Since 2006, we’ve bought and sold everything on Kijiji and earned thousands of dollars back on items we purchased and no longer needed.
Once Facebook Marketplace came onto the scene, it became easier for Canadians to list and buy on an app they were already using.
However, Kijiji is still widely used and our second option for listing used clothing for sale.
As for buying used clothing, we don’t often trek to Kijiji, but many people still do.
It’s a personal preference for us, but there are many opportunities to make and save money on Kijiji.
Yes, Kijiji classifieds are free to use. However, they limit the number of ads per category and household.
Read my post 6 Tips To Sell Your Stuff Fast On Kijiji Canada for more insight about buying and selling used clothing.
Facebook Marketplace Canada
With almost 30 million active Canadian Facebook users, selling used clothing on the app makes sense.
We’ve bought and sold so much stuff using Facebook Marketplace, as it’s one of the easiest online spaces to get your product in front of millions of people.
The process is simplified with the ability to post used clothing locally in Mom and Dad parent groups or by using your own Facebook profile.
The best part about Facebook Marketplace is that there are no fees involved, and you can see and touch before you buy.
Nextdoor App Canada
The Nextdoor App is relatively new and is specific to city and homeowner neighbourhoods.
Nextdoor by the numbers
- 11 countries
- 305,000 neighbourhoods globally
- 55 million business recommendations from neighbours
You will find groups similar to what you would find on Facebook and the opportunity to buy and sell used clothes.
Using the Nextdoor App is a great way to build community with neighbours and support local businesses in your area.
For example, we have a neighbour who fixes lawnmowers and another who does simple car repairs and changes tires.
It’s nice to see neighbours supporting retired folks looking to earn extra money working from home.
It’s where communities come together to greet newcomers, exchange recommendations, and read the latest local news. Where neighbours support local businesses and get updates from public services. Where neighbours borrow tools and sell couches. It’s how to get the most out of everything nearby. Welcome, neighbour.
eBay Canada
I’ve never used eBay Canada to buy and sell used clothing, but millions of people have succeeded.
Years ago, we had a friend who has sadly passed away who did this and earned an extraordinary profit.
Her small business venture was to buy used clothing at secondhand shops and sell it for profit on eBay.
Sellers open a used clothing storefront and use the platform as if it were a website they owned.
The only difference is that eBay is massive and has a global audience with users worldwide.
In the 90s, eBay was the place to buy and sell, with the ability to purchase straight-up or bid on an auction.
You can buy and sell almost anything on eBay, as it’s not limited to clothing and accessories.
Since eBay is predominantly auction-based, it makes sense to list clothing pieces that are rare or expensive.
Many storefront sellers will even find the product if you message them what you are looking for.
It’s a fantastic way to send someone shopping for you. However, the costs depend on the seller.
Unlike other buy-and-sell programs, eBay has a protection program for buyers and sellers to ensure the transaction goes smoothly.
Nothing beats knowing that you are covered and have a bit of protection to back your sales and purchases.
eBay Money Back Guarantee covers most transactions on eBay. It means buyers can get their money back if an item didn’t arrive, is faulty or damaged, or doesn’t match the listing.
Selling Fees eBay Canada
We charge two main types of selling fees: an insertion fee when you create a listing, and a final value fee when your item sells.
The amount we charge depends on the item’s price, the format and category you choose for your listing, any optional upgrades you add, and your seller conduct and performance.
Etsy Canada
If you’re into vintage and handmade products, Etsy Canada is where you want to sign up.
Mrs. CBB purchased a handmade replica Gucci Harry Styles cardigan years ago for $120, which was fantastic on her.
Etsy offers one-of-a-kind pieces, and sellers are known to create used clothing surprise boxes.
There are so many options for sellers to be creative and market their new or used items that it’s worth signing up.
Etsy selling spans weddings, to art, crafts, jewellery, bags and purses, beauty products, home decor, electronics, gifts, and more.
We like how Etsy offers more than just clothing to entrepreneurs who are opening small online businesses.
As a buyer, you are protected by Etsy if something doesn’t turn out as intended.
Sellers are also protected on Etsy.
Etsy’s Purchase Protection programme for sellers applies to cases where the item does not arrive, arrives late, or has disputes about listing accuracy.
What’s eligible for Etsy Purchase Protection:
- Your order doesn’t match the item description or photos
- Your item arrived damaged
- Your item arrived after the estimated arrival date
- Your item didn’t arrive or was lost in the mail
Garage Sale
How To Flip Garage Sale Purchases
We’ve been to hundreds of garage sales in Ontario, and we would occasionally see used clothing for sale.
Selling clothing at a garage sale will yield profit, but not as much as it would if it were sold online.
Garage sale buyers’ expectations of pricing are bargain basement plus, meaning you’re practically giving it away.
One garage sale sold clothing on racks, art, and home decor. Seeing the clothing hung by size and a pricing schedule on a whiteboard was neat.
Selling a significant amount in this fashion will yield better results than having a few articles of clothing.
Expect to sell used clothing at a garage sale anywhere from $0.25 to $5, and if it’s an expensive piece, sell it online.
Consignment Store
What is a consignment store?
Not everyone is familiar with consignment stores and how they work, but they are the middleman for sellers with no interest or time to sell items independently.
A consignment store is the consignee who sells an item, for the owner called the consignor.
Most consignment stores in Canada are independent small businesses and rely on the community for stock.
For example, Mrs. CBB has her wedding dress that she will bring to a consignment store to look at.
They will agree on an earning percentage if the dress is up to their standards and sellable.
So, if the dress is listed for $100 and Mrs. CBB and the consignment store agree that she will get 1% of the sale and the store keeps the rest, it would look like this.
$100 x 0.01% = $1 for Mrs. CBB and $99 for the consignment shop.
The price won’t be that low, as it’s just a simple example of how a consignment store works.
Most consignment stores take between 40% and 60% profit for selling your stuff.
Also, you will have to factor in Canadian taxes, etc, but you get the gist of it.
Poshmark Canada
With over 80 million users across North America and Australia, Poshmark has quickly become one of the popular clothing apps.
Buyers follow their favourite closets and brands run by sellers to find used or new clothing that they like.
Find a seller with a style similar to what you like and shop their Closet.
There are also discounts, promotions, and live show auctions where buyers can bid on items.
Poshmark also allows items that pertain to the home, including electronics.
Poshmark connects you to people and closets filled with unique styles, hard-to-find pieces, and endless items to discover.
How To List New or Used Clothing On Poshmark Canada
- Add the Poshmark App to your Android or iPhone mobile phone
- Take a photo with your device
- Include a description of the item you are selling along with the price.
- Done
- Poschmark provides the seller with pre-paid labels to ship with Canada Post when you sell an item.
“Posh Parties are virtual buying and selling events in the app. You can browse, buy, and even list together with your friends. With a wide variety of themes and brands, there’s a Posh Party for everyone!”
Protected Payments
Poshmark also guarantees that if a buyer does not receive what was described, they will get their money returned to them.
Item Authentification
For sellers, Poshmark will authenticate any items and expedite shipping with a discount for anything over $700.
This option offers buyers reassurance that they are getting what they pay for.
Depop Canada
Like Poshmark, Depop follows a similar platform where you can buy and sell clothing in a secure environment for a small fee.
Geared toward younger youth, Depop allows sellers to list used clothing that may be trending, one-of-a-kind, and not found in mainstream brick-and-mortar stores.
For example, you might find a vintage piece purchased in New York and want to sell it on Depop.
Random Depop Info
- Depop was founded in 2011, our community of 35M registered users has helped popularise preloved fashion and drive forward resale culture globally.
- Get paid fast when your item sells. Ship. Repeat.
- A 10% Depop fee is charged on the total transaction amount (including shipping costs).
- You could arrange shipping independently, where you decide on the courier and service you feel most comfortable with using. Alternatively, you can choose to use ‘Ship with Depop’.
- You can drop off your item at the local depot or have a courier collect it from your address.
Watch this YouTube video by a Canadian Depop seller who shares her tips for shipping.
Sellers Using Depot or PayPal
You will also be charged a standard transaction fee by either PayPal or Depop Payments of around 2.9% + £/€0.30.
Transaction fees may vary based on your location and PayPal account setup.
Cash4Clothes Canada
Cash4ClothesCanada
About Cash4Clothes
All clothing must be washed or cleaned before being sorted and folded, but not ironed.
Clothing is weighed using a digital professional, accurate scale to ensure fairness for all customers.
Cash 4 Clothes Canada buys all types of used clothing as long as it is in good, wearable condition. They also accept toys, handbags, coats, suits, and baby clothing.
Items torn or stained, uniforms, undergarments, single shoes, pillows, and bedding are not accepted.
Can I bring a minimum or maximum amount of clothing at once?
No. If the items are clean, dry, and salable, you can bring as little or as much clothing as you like. The more items you bring in, the more money you can make.
Over the past 10 years, Cash4Clothes has helped countless schools, churches, individuals, and businesses by offering an alternative to binning unwanted clothing.
Sellers get the benefit of a cash payment for their clothing while buyers enjoy a much higher quality of clothing than would typically be found in donation-based resale stores.
Varage Sale
VarageSale is considered a virtual garage sale, which was started in 2012 by expecting mom and elementary teacher Tami Zuckerman.
She was frustrated with other buy-and-sell sites and some creepy experiences. Tami and her husband reside in Toronto, Ontario, where the VarageSale headquarters are located.
VarageSale brings buyers and sellers together in the same city or surrounding cities in a safer environment than other online buy and sell options.
The best part is you can sign up for many communities, not just the one you live in, once you set up your VarageSale profile.
To join VarageSale, you must have a Facebook account and a mobile phone.
Each community on VarageSale is managed by an admin who verifies every Facebook account that signs up to weed out any fake accounts.
You can read my Varage Sale Review for more info about the company and how to sign up for free using Facebook.
Donate Your Used Clothing To Receive A Tax Deduction
How much can I claim on my tax return?
You can claim a maximum of 75% of your net income in one year.
The ability to carry forward charitable donation credits means that if you reach the maximum claim amount this year, you can always claim amounts left over next year.
The donation tax credit is a non-refundable tax credit which means other tax credits must get claimed first to bring your tax payable to zero. If you cannot claim your donation amount on your tax return, pool your donations with your partners for a larger tax credit on their tax return.
Canadahelps.org
Calculate Your Donation Tax Credit Eligibility
How much tax credit do I need for charitable donations in Canada?
Donating your used clothing through charity tax deductions can earn as much as 4%.
For example,
- Total donations for the year
- Enter any dollar value of $10 or higher, $1000
- Choose your Province/Region: Ontario
- Your tax credit eligibility is $361.38
Canadahelps.org – Free tax credit for donating used clothing
Shelters and Churches
Most Canadian cities have churches that accept used clothing and other items, which they pass to those in need.
Consider calling a church to ask if they are accepting donations and where you can drop them off.
Also, there are often drop-off centres for shelters that clothe people experiencing homelessness, refugees, and anyone else in need.
Our country is diverse, and nobody is safe from job loss or feeling the strain of looking for work.
Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities
Lastly, if you plan to donate, consider local nursing homes and long-term care facilities for residents who cannot buy new clothing.
Unfortunately, not everyone living in long-term care facilities or nursing homes has money saved or relatives to help replace clothing as needed.
Keep the residents in mind if you don’t care to sell on Varage Sale and pass them along.
You do not have to claim all of the donations you made in the year they were made. When you donate over $200, you are automatically eligible to carry them forward and claim them on your tax return for any of the next five years. This flexibility means the unclaimed carry-forward portion may qualify for a larger tax deduction, in the future.
How To Calculate Your Charitable Tax Credit
Tax advantage of the tax credits you’ll receive when you donate used clothing, and always ask for a receipt or donation summary if the store offers one.
Below you will find a calculator to help you discover how much of a tax credit you would get.
By donating to your favourite charity, you may receive as much as 49% of the amount you donated back at tax time. That could mean a $494 tax credit on a total of $1000 donated in a single year in some provinces.
