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Ever wondered how much your old clothes could actually make you? If you’re thinking of decluttering your closet and turning those forgotten pieces into cash, you might want to first get a clear idea of what thrift stores are willing to pay.
The amount you’ll get varies—anywhere from pocket change to a few bucks per item. It depends on the condition, brand, style, and how the store operates. Some shops pay cash upfront, while others offer store credit or operate on a consignment basis.
I remember the first time I tried to sell my clothes to a secondhand shop. I brought in a whole laundry basket of clothes, expecting to make a small fortune, but walked away with just $18. It was a wake-up call! That experience taught me to do my homework and really understand what makes certain clothes more valuable at resale.
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Do Thrift Stores Actually Pay Cash for Used Clothing?
If you’ve ever wondered whether thrift stores pay cash for your used clothes, the answer is yes—but the amount and method of payment can vary widely depending on the store’s business model.
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Some stores offer cash on the spot, while others work on a consignment basis, and some only accept donations. Understanding these models can help you decide the best way to sell your items and what to expect in return.
What’s the Difference Between Consignment, Buy-Outright, and Donation Models?
Model | How It Works | Payment |
Consignment | You get paid only if your item sells. Typical split: 40%–60% of the final price. | Payment after the item sells |
Buy-Outright | Store pays you upfront, but at a lower rate—usually 10–30% of resale price. | Immediate payment, but less than consignment |
Donation | You give the item away, often for a tax receipt. | No payment, just the satisfaction of giving back |
Which Types of Stores Offer Instant Cash vs. Store Credit?
Store Type | Payment Method | Description |
Buy-Outright Stores | Cash/Check | These stores buy your clothes outright and pay you immediately via cash or check. |
Pawn Shops | Cash | Provide immediate cash payment, especially for high-end or designer items. |
Online Resale Platforms (e.g., Poshmark, ThredUp) | Cash (local drop-off option) | Some online platforms offer instant cash if you choose to sell your items directly to them. |
Consignment Stores | Store Credit/Cash | Some consignment shops offer either cash or store credit, with store credit being more common. |
Buy, Sell, Trade Stores (BST) | Store Credit | These stores usually provide store credit after purchasing your items, which can be used to buy other products. |
Small Thrift Stores | Store Credit | Smaller thrift stores may only offer store credit to manage their cash flow. |
Donation-Based Stores (e.g., Goodwill, Salvation Army) | No Cash or Store Credit | Operate on a donation model and provide a tax deduction receipt instead of cash or store credit. |
How Is the Value of Your Clothing Determined?
Not all items are priced the same, even if they’re brand new.
The value of your clothing depends on several factors, including brand recognition, condition, current trends, seasonality, and the store’s demand. Each of these plays a role in determining what price your item will fetch.
What Factors Affect How Much a Store Pays You?
Factor | Description |
Brand | Designer or trendy brands typically get higher offers due to their demand and reputation. |
Condition | Clean, undamaged items are valued higher, as they are easier to resell. |
Style | Current trends and in-demand styles sell faster and for a higher price. |
Seasonality | Clothing that fits the current season (e.g., winter clothes in winter) is more likely to fetch a better price. |
Size | Standard sizes (S–L) tend to sell better since they fit a wider range of customers. |
Does Brand, Condition, and Style Really Matter?
Absolutely! A piece from a fast-fashion brand in perfect condition may still fetch a lower price than a lightly used designer item. Trendy and current-season pieces do best, especially in stores catering to younger shoppers.
How Much Can You Expect to Get for Women’s Clothing?
Casual Items: Expect $2–$10 per piece for most casual clothing.
Designer Brands: Luxury items like Chanel or Gucci can earn anywhere from $20 to $50 per piece, especially on consignment.
What Are Typical Payout Ranges for Popular Brands Like Zara, H&M, or Lululemon?
Brand | Typical Payout per Piece | Notes |
Zara | $2–$5 | Payout varies based on style and condition; recent styles in good condition are worth more. |
H&M | $1–$3 | Basic items like tees and dresses generally pay less. |
Lululemon | $10–$20+ | High resale value, especially for popular items like leggings and jackets. |
Is Designer Fashion Clothing Paid at a Higher Rate?
Yes, but only if it’s in demand and in good condition. For luxury items like Chanel or Gucci, consignment stores may pay up to 50% of the resale price. Cash-upfront stores typically offer 10–20%.
Where Can You Get the Best Prices for Your Used Clothes?
Not all resale options are created equal. Some platforms offer higher payouts, while others may be more flexible in terms of how you sell.
Online consignment stores and resale apps typically offer better payouts than physical thrift stores, but they may require more effort. While local thrift stores can be quick and convenient, online platforms often give you access to a larger market, which can translate into higher prices for your items. However, online selling might involve more steps, like photographing your items and waiting for buyers.
Are Online Platforms Like ThredUp or Plato’s Closet More Profitable?
Platform | Profitability | Notes |
ThredUp | Low payouts for most brands | Easy to use, but tends to offer lower payouts. Best for convenience rather than profit. |
Plato’s Closet | Instant cash, but limited to certain items | Pays instantly but focuses on youth-oriented, casual wear. |
The RealReal | High for designer labels | Excellent for designer items on consignment, offering better returns. |
Depop, Poshmark | Higher profits, but more work | Direct-to-buyer platforms that can yield higher profits, but require more effort in listing and communication. |
Should You Sell Direct or Through a Thrift Store?
Selling directly to buyers (like on Poshmark or Depop) offers better potential earnings, but it requires more work—listing items, answering messages, shipping, and handling returns. Thrift stores are ideal for quick cash with less effort.
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Is It Worth Selling Clothes to Thrift Stores?
It depends on your goals—quick cash or higher profit.
Thrift stores offer fast sales, typically paying $10–$50 for a bag of trendy items. If you want speed, they’re a great option. For higher profits, though, selling directly to buyers online is a better choice, but it takes more time and effort.
How Much Can You Earn on Average per Bag or Piece?
Item Type | Average Earnings | Notes |
Per Bag (Casual Brands) | $10–$50 | For a bag of trendy, well-kept casual wear from brands like H&M or Zara. |
Per Piece (Fast Fashion) | $1–$5 | Average payout for items from fast fashion brands like Forever 21 or Shein. |
Premium Brands (Consignment) | $20–$50+ | High-end brands like Lululemon or designer labels can fetch higher prices, especially on consignment. |
What Are the Pros and Cons Compared to Other Selling Options?
Option | Pros | Cons |
Thrift Stores | Fast, low-effort | Lower payouts, limited item selection |
Consignment Shops | Higher earnings possible | Wait time, items must sell before earning |
Selling Online | Best profit margin | Time-consuming, requires effort (photos, descriptions, shipping) |
Donations | Easy, tax benefits | No payment, only a tax deduction receipt |
Conclusion
Thrift stores do pay for clothes, but the payout is often modest. If you’re looking for quick cash and low effort, they’re a solid choice. However, if you’re willing to invest time and effort, online platforms can offer better profits per piece. The choice is yours!
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Lucy Cai
Hi, I’m Lucy Cai, the founder of liantaoapparel.com. I’ve been managing a women’s clothing factory in China for over 16 years. With extensive experience in garment production and OEM services, I’m passionate about sharing insights into women’s fashion, apparel manufacturing, and global sourcing.