I’ve built my business around selling kids clothes, but I started out just like you, a mama with kids outgrowing their clothes quicker than I could replace them.  It’s worth your time to think about which of the many ways to sell kids clothes is right for you. To make it a little easier I’ve put together the pros and cons of the top 5 ways to sell your kids clothes!
Consignment sales
Consignment sales were my first introduction to secondhand kids clothes shopping. Â They are held all over the country by churches and moms clubs as well as some are small businesses or franchises. I search consignmentmommies.com to find sales in my area. Â I did also sell clothes this way for a time. Ultimately, I decided to move on from selling and now only shop consignment sales.
Pros:
-All advertising is done for you. Â Sales are typically very well attended.
-You set your own prices. You can also usually denote whether or not you want items marked down on sale days.
-You can sometimes earn early shopping hours before the public by selling or working a shift.
-Some sales have a charitable component which may give back to an issue you value.
Cons:
-You have to prepare all the clothes. This typically involves entering your items into a software system, pricing and printing tags. Then pinning, hanging and delivering your inventory to the sale.
– Some sales require you to work a shift at the sale when can be difficult for some moms.
-Payout varies by sale and you can receive typically 50-70% of your sales.
Local Consignment Store/Resale Chain
As far as consignment stores go, there are 2 ways you can earn money for your items. Most chain stores offer cash or store credit on the spot. Examples are Kid 2 Kid and Once Upon A Child. Consignment boutiques typically issue payments after your items sell.
Pros:
-Low prep. Grab a bin and nicely fold your items inside and you are good to go.
-Cash on the spot! The stores I frequent typically process your items in around 30 minutes.
-They will buy basic brands. Staples like Old Navy, Target brands and Carters are generally always accepted at these stores which are hard to sell through other avenues.
-Supporting local business. I have frequented a shop near me for 10 years!
Cons:
-Lower payouts and no room for negotiation. Payouts are often set in a software system and are 20-50% of selling price when you get a cash payout. Consignment stores often pay 50-70%. Â
-Decreasing sales prices. If the store is on a pay-when-sold method most follow a set discount schedule
-Longer holding times. Instead of picking up your unsold items at the end of a consignment sale, generally stores hold onto your item for an entire season. This may leave you with out of season items once the selling season is over.
ThredUp/Swap/Schoola
One of my favorites is the send it and forget it method provided by these businesses. I typically always have a ThredUp bag I am filling. Â Anything that is a bit nicer than I want to donate to a thrift store I will send in just to try.
Pros:
-Send your items right from home.
-Unwanted items are recycled responsibly.
-Some brands that don’t sell well on other platforms will sell.
-Schoola is donation only and can benefit your kids’ school or other projects.
Cons:
-Payouts really vary. ThredUp has changed their policies lately and I have seen a reduction in payouts.
-It can cost to have any refused items shipped back to you if you desire.
-Unsold items are not returned to you.
eBay/Kidizen/Poshmark
The original way to sell things from home, eBay is still a great place to sell. Â Now apps like Kidizen and Poshmark also have tons of customers ready to shop.
Pros:
-Really popular platforms with people searching daily.
-Customer service departments who will help assist in any disputes.
-Very good for seasonal type items. Even things like ski clothing or bathing suits will sell year round for people vacationing.
Cons:
-Learning curve for using each platform. Photographing, making listings and shipping.
-Fees are between 10-20%
-It can be hard to get views when you have smaller inventory numbers.
Instagram/Facebook
Of course, selling on social media platforms is my favorite way to sell my own kids clothes!
Pros:
-Tons of customers at your fingertips. There are Facebook selling groups for nearly every brand and style of kids clothes.
-Building relationships! It’s a fun way to connect by seeing other kids wearing the clothes you loved for your kids. When they follow you they will often buy from you again.
-Control! You decide when, where, how much and all other details of how you want to sell your items.
-Highest profit! If you process payment through PayPal you will only be charged around 3%.
Cons:
-It does take time to photograph, price and post your items. And deciding what to post where.
-Certain items just won’t sell, sometimes without rhyme or reason.
-You have to store all your items while you are waiting for them to sell.
So, which way of selling your kids clothes sounds good to you?
I would like to invite you to try selling your kids clothes on Facebook by joining the Evolving Style Private Community! All you need to do is subscribe to the Evolving Style email list which will keep you up to date on all things Evolving Style and a bit from Amy’s Evolving Closet! Once subscribed you will receive an invitation to join the group and start selling!