Discover the best online thrift stores for affordable fashion, vintage finds, and luxury resale. Learn about prices, seller fees, shopping tips, and how to spot counterfeit items before you buy.
The rise of online thrift stores has made vintage chic and sustainable shopping more accessible than ever. Whether you’re hunting for affordable basics, designer gems, or one-of-a-kind finds, the internet opens the doors to endless secondhand fashion. In this guide, you’ll discover the best online thrift stores, what makes each unique, and how to shop smartly from your screen.
Why People Prefer Online Thrift Stores
Convenience and Accessibility
Shopping online allows you to browse thousands of pieces from the comfort of your home…no hours spent driving to and from stores.
Wider Variety
Online platforms often offer a broader range of sizes, styles, and price points than physical shops, which is helpful as you’re learning how to find your style.
Sustainability and Savings
Thrifted fashion reduces waste and often costs 50–90% less than buying new clothes.
Niche and Luxury Availability
From authentic luxury handbags to retro streetwear, online thrifting unlocks items rarely found locally.
Top Online Thrift Stores: Comparison Table
| Site | Specialty | Price Range | Standout Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ThredUp | Midmarket / high-street brands | Up to 90% off | Huge volume, easy filters, brand variety |
| Thrifted | Curated vintage (UK-based) | Mid-range | 4,000+ new items weekly, retro/rare finds |
| Depop | Trend-forward, Gen Z style | Low–midrange | Social interface, buy-now pricing, popular trends |
| Vinted | Casual secondhand, no seller fees | Budget to mid | In-app shipping, direct offers, great deal potential |
| Vestiaire Collective | Pre-loved luxury items | High-end resale | Authentication, high trust, curated designer pieces |
| The RealReal | Luxury consignment | Premium | Expert-authenticated, large inventory |
| Fashionphile | Designer handbags and accessories | Luxury | Specializes in bags, top-tier authentication |
| eBay | Global auction and buy-it-now listings | Wide range | Massive listings, auction format flexibility |
In-Depth Store Reviews
1. ThredUp
A giant in online resale, ThredUp offers everything from casual denim to premium labels at deep discounts—often up to 90% off original prices. Their massive inventory and intuitive filters make it easy to shop trusted names on a budget.
2. Thrifted
Based in the UK, Thrifted specializes in curated vintage items: sweatshirts, retro outerwear, unique branded apparel…and adds over 4,000 new listings weekly. Perfect for nostalgia lovers and vintage hunters.
3. Depop
A favorite among Gen Z, Depop has a social media-like feed where users sell unique, fashion-forward pieces. Everything is buy-now priced, and many listings are easily bid upon for deals.
4. Vinted
Offered with no seller fees, Vinted makes secondhand shopping affordable. The platform supports direct messaging for price negotiations and includes in-app shipping…making it seamless and crowd-friendly.
5. Vestiaire Collective
For luxury fashion lovers, this platform offers authenticated, pre-loved designer clothes and accessories. The internal vetting system enhances trust in every purchase.
6. The RealReal
A leading authenticated luxury consignment marketplace. With millions of members and daily new listings, this platform offers high-end fashion with expert authentication and sustainability credentials.
7. Fashionphile
If you’re searching for designer handbags, Fashionphile specializes in authenticated luxury accessories and has both online and physical stores.
8. eBay
The OG of reselling, eBay provides the largest variety, from everyday apparel to rare collector items. Buyers can choose auction style or buy-it-now, and there’s strong seller protection for authentic products.
How to Know if an Item is Counterfeit
Buying luxury or designer items online always carries some risk. Here’s how to spot red flags:
- Price Too Good to Be True
If a designer handbag is listed for a fraction of its value, question authenticity. Genuine items rarely come at steep discounts. - Check the Details
Counterfeit goods often have sloppy stitching, uneven logos, and poor-quality hardware. Compare photos with the brand’s official website. - Seller Reputation
Always check seller reviews and ratings. On peer-to-peer apps like Depop or eBay, stick with highly rated sellers. - Authentication Services
Platforms like The RealReal, Fashionphile, and Vestiaire Collective provide authentication services, which significantly reduce the chance of counterfeit purchases.
What to Do if You Accidentally Buy a Counterfeit
- Contact the Platform Immediately: Most resale sites have policies protecting buyers against counterfeits.
- Dispute the Charge: If bought from an independent seller without protection, your credit card provider may help reverse the charge.
- Report the Seller: To prevent others from being scammed, always flag counterfeit sellers.
- Authentication After Purchase: If in doubt, use a third-party authentication service to verify the item.
Things to Consider Before Buying Online
- Sizing and Fit: Review measurement guides and ask sellers for exact dimensions when in doubt.
- Return Policies: Some platforms accept returns, sometimes with a small fee.
- Authenticity: Stick to trusted resale markets when buying luxury.
- Shipping Costs: Factor shipping and duty fees into your final budget.
- Seller Ratings: Always check reviews or ratings for clothing condition and customer service.
How to Shop Smart: Tips for Online Thrift Stores
- Refine your search terms to reduce overwhelm.
- Save searches and set alerts for new items.
- Shop off-season…bidding and prices drop when demand is low.
- Be patient! Great pieces can appear any time.
- For luxury items, always pay extra for authentication.
FAQs
Is online thrifting cheaper than buying new?
Yes, often priced 50–90% lower than retail.
Can I return thrifted items?
Most accept returns, but always check their policies.
How do I avoid counterfeit luxury items?
Stick to platforms with authentication processes like Vestiaire Collective, The RealReal, or Fashionphile.
Selling on Online Thrift Stores
Buying isn’t the only way to take advantage of online thrift platforms. Many people use these sites to downsize wardrobes, resell vintage gems, or even build side hustles. Selling can be both rewarding and profitable if done strategically.
How to Choose the Best Online Thrift Store for Selling
Each platform has its own strengths depending on what you’re offering:
- ThredUp: Best if you want convenience. You ship items in bulk, and they handle photography, listing, and sales. Good for mid-market brands but lower payout compared to direct selling.
- Depop: Great for trendy, unique, or vintage items targeting younger buyers. Best if you enjoy curating and styling pieces.
- Vinted: Easy-to-use platform with no seller fees. Ideal for casual sellers who want a hassle-free way to move everyday clothing.
- eBay: Flexible, with both auction and buy-it-now formats. Great for collectibles, rare pieces, and reaching a global audience.
- The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, Fashionphile: Best for authenticated luxury items. They attract buyers willing to pay more, but they charge higher commission fees in exchange for professional authentication and trust.
Understanding Seller Fees and Commissions
- Flat-Rate vs. Percentage Fees:
- Platforms like Vinted and Facebook Marketplace have little to no seller fees.
- Luxury resellers like The RealReal may take 20–40% commission.
- Transaction Fees: Some platforms also deduct processing fees for PayPal or in-app payments.
- Shipping Costs: Always consider whether you or the buyer pays shipping. Platforms like Poshmark (not covered above but popular) provide prepaid labels but take a flat 20% fee.
Pro tip: If you’re selling luxury or designer pieces, higher commission platforms may actually net you more because buyers trust their authentication process.
Keeping Track of Inventory
If you’re selling more than a few pieces, treating it like a mini-business helps:
- Create an Inventory Spreadsheet: Track item descriptions, listing dates, prices, platform, and current status (available, sold, shipped).
- Photograph Efficiently: Batch your photography so items are ready to list at once.
- Set Reminders for Relisting: Refresh stale listings every couple of weeks to keep them visible in searches.
- Monitor Profit Margins: Keep track of what you’re actually earning after fees and shipping so you don’t undersell valuable pieces.
Comparison of Seller Fees on Popular Online Thrift Stores
| Platform | Fees & Commissions | Shipping | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ThredUp | Payouts vary; many items earn $0.50–$5 unless high-end brands. Commission ranges from 20%–95% depending on selling price. | Buyers usually pay shipping. Sellers only ship to ThredUp warehouse. | Convenience sellers who don’t want to manage listings. |
| Depop | 10% commission on each sale + PayPal transaction fee (~3%). | Buyer pays unless seller offers free shipping. | Trendy, streetwear, vintage items. |
| Vinted | No seller fees; buyers pay small service fee. | Buyer typically pays shipping. | Everyday sellers, casual sellers, fee-averse sellers. |
| eBay | ~13.25% final value fee on most clothing items + $0.30 per order. | Buyer or seller can choose who pays. | Rare, collectible, or high-demand items. |
| The RealReal | Commission ranges 20%–50% depending on category and price. | They handle shipping after authentication. | Luxury and designer resale. |
| Vestiaire Collective | ~12%–15% commission on most sales. Higher on lower-priced items. | Buyer pays shipping; seller ships item for authentication. | Mid-to-high luxury resale with global audience. |
| Fashionphile | Buys items outright; payout is immediate but typically less than resale value. | They cover shipping to their warehouse. | Quick payouts for luxury handbags and accessories. |
| Poshmark | Flat 20% fee for sales over $15. Flat $2.95 fee for sales under $15. | Buyer pays shipping with prepaid label provided. | Mid-range brands, large U.S. audience. |
Key Takeaways for Sellers
- Convenience vs Profit: Platforms like ThredUp or Fashionphile are easier but less profitable. Direct-sale apps like Depop or Poshmark require more effort but higher earnings.
- Luxury Items: The RealReal, Fashionphile, and Vestiaire are safer for high-end goods because of authentication, but they take higher cuts.
- Casual Selling: Vinted is the simplest and fee-free, making it appealing for occasional sellers.
- Global Reach: eBay and Vestiaire attract international buyers, which can increase demand but also add complexity.
Final Thoughts
Exploring the top online thrift stores opens doors to sustainable, stylish, and affordable fashion. From budget-friendly everyday basics to authenticated designer pieces, there’s something for every aesthetic and price point. Keep these tips in mind, shop thoughtfully, and you’ll build a wardrobe that’s both distinctive and conscious.
Thanks for reading Best Online Thrift Stores: A Complete Guide to Secondhand Fashion Online on burlap+blue!