Author Topic: Anyone use thredUP?  (Read 5045 times)

charis

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Anyone use thredUP?
« on: April 17, 2020, 07:27:16 PM »
This is an online consignment service that I've never used before but was mildly interested in.  Since I normally shop, infrequently, in thrift or consignment shops that are now closed, it appears that the time is now. In a fit of whimsy, I signed up for a "goody box" today.  You answer some style questions and they send you a box of 10 items. The cost is $10 for the box, but you can put it toward a purchase of one or more of the items. You have 21 days to return the clothes via the provided return postage paid container. The prices seem a little high for second hand ($20-40), but we'll see if the quality supports that. I figure what the heck for $10 and 3 week trial.

BZB

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2020, 09:16:42 PM »
I'd be interested to hear how the purchase service works out. I haven't purchased anything from them before. I have sent used good condition kids clothing to Thred Up for resale and got mixed results. When the company was new I got a pretty good amount of cash back. Then the next couple of times I hardly got any money, so I gave up and started donating outgrown clothes to a thrift shop or giving to friends.

charis

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #2 on: April 19, 2020, 09:51:19 PM »
I have read some complaints from sellers. I will report back on the box service.

expatartist

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2020, 01:46:50 AM »
I've only used them as a buyer. Most of my wardrobe now originates from ThredUP's sale or clearance sections. As someone picky about what I wear, the fabrics fit and price, their search function has allowed me to transform how I look and feel at a very affordable rate.

chemistk

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #4 on: April 20, 2020, 05:52:24 AM »
My wife has used thredUP 3 times over the last 5 years. I would steer clear of them, even going as far as to say that you might be better off donating your clothes.

The first time was a good experience, she got the shipping equipment and sent something like 12-18 articles of clothing that, if I recall correctly, most were accepted and eventually sold for somewhere in the ballpark of $60 total. Not too shabby.

The next time I honestly don't really remember the outcome (number of clothes sold and the total take), but the most recent time was certainly the last. I want to say she 'sold' another dozen and a half articles to them and given the average selling price I totally expected another $50 to $60. They rejected a bunch of items and in total she 'earned' $12. Everything met the criteria for listing on the site.

We suspect, based on many others' opinions, that they're 'rejecting' perfectly good clothes from people citing flaws that aren't there only to later list them on the site anyway and take nearly 100% profit. Shit, I'd be mildly okay with that if they didn't pay you 10-15% of the actual sale price for each of the items.

It all sucks because once you ship your clothes away, it's all in the hands of the appraisers and you have absolutely no recourse to challenge the value of a given article.

charis

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #5 on: April 20, 2020, 06:28:15 AM »
chemistk, They keep the rejected clothing and sell it anyway?! That's despicable.

Dicey

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #6 on: April 20, 2020, 07:10:22 AM »
Kristen over at The Frugal Girl has used and commented on them a number of times. She's also used Schoola and has some pretty hilarious posts on her Stitch Fix attempts.

maisymouser

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #7 on: April 22, 2020, 07:34:25 PM »
I doubt it is worth it compared to taking time to shop at a thrift store for some gently used clothes. Plus the thrill of finding actually reasonably priced local clothing is honestly more fun to me. If it's hard to find the right size or whatever, it just makes the chase that much more exciting.

I thought I might leave this link to mmm here below. I think generally people who shop thredup try to rationalize that the convenience is 'worth it'. It seems like consumer sucka culture to me.

Mr Money Mustache: Is it Convenient? Would I Enjoy it? Wrong Question.
https://mmmapp.page.link/e52V

charis

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #8 on: April 22, 2020, 10:30:57 PM »
I doubt it is worth it compared to taking time to shop at a thrift store for some gently used clothes. Plus the thrill of finding actually reasonably priced local clothing is honestly more fun to me. If it's hard to find the right size or whatever, it just makes the chase that much more exciting.

I thought I might leave this link to mmm here below. I think generally people who shop thredup try to rationalize that the convenience is 'worth it'. It seems like consumer sucka culture to me.

Mr Money Mustache: Is it Convenient? Would I Enjoy it? Wrong Question.
https://mmmapp.page.link/e52V

Well, the whole point, as I mentioned, is that I typically shop in thrift stores. But can't now, during a pandemic.  Thanks for the link, lol.

Frankies Girl

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #9 on: April 22, 2020, 10:58:46 PM »
This might help a bit if you're not real happy with Threadup:

shopgoodwill.com



I had looked at this shopping model (threadup/stitchfix) a few years back, but there's no real substitute for me for being able to actually try thing on, and the idea that they make you pay for shipping/returns/subscriptions is just a hard no for me. After reading some of the reviews/crap "stylist" picks, it really bugs me that they base most of their business on people falling for sunk cost fallacy (you paid for it, so you might as well keep something even if you're not happy with it).
« Last Edit: April 23, 2020, 07:58:00 AM by Frankies Girl »

englishteacheralex

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #10 on: April 22, 2020, 11:51:08 PM »
I've had ok luck with them as a buyer. In my opinion they're not good value as a place to just shop, but if you wait for a clearance sale (put something in your cart and then wait for a while; sometimes it'll go on clearance) or a discount coupon code, it can be worthwhile.

I live in Hawaii and with Thredup, I would have to pay potentially more than what I paid for the item in order to ship a reject back--it makes the whole thing untenable for me and I'd rather pay a little more for something new that I can easily return for free. I don't shop thrift shores; I have two little kids and work full time; can't spend time in a shop. You can do pretty well with online shopping even for new clothes. So many sales!

One caveat: when I was shopping for maternity wear, I did a whole Thredup wardrobe for only $100. I think I got maybe three pieces that I didn't want but I got about 15 very nice pieces. Also went with Thredup/Poshmark for my kids' flower girl and ring bearer outfits for my brother's wedding. Wound up doing resell at a consignment store with those, so I barely paid anything for them. Still proud of that.

Bottom line: if I were on the mainland I think thredup would be more attractive to me. I like the ability to browse a thriftshop and they carry well known brands in which I know my sizing, so the return policy isn't a total deal breaker. Selling seems like a crapshoot, they don't take Hawaii clothes so this has been moot. But a perfunctory glance at clothes retailing would suggest that used clothes are pretty much worthless and for thredup's business plan to work, they really couldn't pay folks much for their used clothes.

charis

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #11 on: April 23, 2020, 07:37:05 AM »
I like the idea of reselling at a consignment shop, but thredUp provides a free return package with postage so returns are free and pretty easy.

I have the same issue with shopping, no time to do it with kids. But luckily there's a thrift store by my office so I can pop in at lunch every other month or so.

better late

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #12 on: April 23, 2020, 08:33:49 AM »
Have ordered three shipments over the years so not at all skillful but still. Not a fan.
About 30% of the last order was stained.
And they charged me return shipping and a restocking fee.
I think the lack of a reviewing system for individual sellers makes ThredUP much more hit or miss.
I shop a lot on eBay; sellers there are super careful to represent their items exactly - the review system keeps everyone honest and helpful (like providing measurements).

lindy_zag

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #13 on: April 23, 2020, 08:34:49 AM »
I never sell, just drop donated clothes at a Value Village. As a buyer, I use thredup almost exclusively. For me, the best thing about thredup is the specificity. I usually have really particular things I'm wanting to add to my wardrobe.

If I'm looking for, say, a floral printed sundress with thicker straps, a v-neckline, and a high-low hem, I can input all those requirements and my sizes and see options from dozens of brands. I don't have to spend a bunch of time clicking around to various retailers and seeing what they have, or digging through a bunch of different thrift stores - I can just browse and if they don't have anything I like I can save the search and come back a week later and see what's new.

Even when my wants are a little less specific (like - I'm looking for solid colored tank tops) it's really good for being able to find a bunch of options.

Also great for buying from brands you already know your sizes in.

I would not recommend their Goody Box service, but if you have specific wants it's very good!

SailingOnASmallSailboat

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #14 on: April 23, 2020, 08:40:36 AM »
Our daughter loves ThredUp as a buyer. I looked there but found the prices high IMO - I keep sneaking around on Poshmark because I have certain brands I like where I know the sizes but have not bought anything.


expatartist

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #15 on: April 23, 2020, 09:00:26 AM »
If I'm looking for, say, a floral printed sundress with thicker straps, a v-neckline, and a high-low hem, I can input all those requirements and my sizes and see options from dozens of brands. I don't have to spend a bunch of time clicking around to various retailers and seeing what they have, or digging through a bunch of different thrift stores - I can just browse and if they don't have anything I like I can save the search and come back a week later and see what's new.

Even when my wants are a little less specific (like - I'm looking for solid colored tank tops) it's really good for being able to find a bunch of options.

Also great for buying from brands you already know your sizes in.

I would not recommend their Goody Box service, but if you have specific wants it's very good!

Agreed, if you know what you're looking for it can be brilliant.
I start with size and preferred colors (anything but white, yellow/orange and neutrals)
and go to the Outlet section (50% off sale prices for 20+ items)
Then choose fabric (silk, linen, cashmere, yak, wool, etc)
Then style (wrap dress, black top, thick straps, bolero etc)
Then sometimes brand.

And find things that work for me. Typically I'll pay $3-5 for a dress and $3 for a top. The 20% of clothes I don't love I donate locally. I buy secondhand clothing and furniture whenever possible and since there's not a great selection near me locally this is a wonderful option, it's like having your pick of a dozen different thrift stores. I never shop them full price but their outlet is great.
« Last Edit: April 23, 2020, 09:02:25 AM by expatartist »

englishteacheralex

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #16 on: April 23, 2020, 10:24:07 AM »
I like the idea of reselling at a consignment shop, but thredUp provides a free return package with postage so returns are free and pretty easy.

I have the same issue with shopping, no time to do it with kids. But luckily there's a thrift store by my office so I can pop in at lunch every other month or so.

*Free return package with postage for people on the mainland. In Hawaii, no dice. I think if I lived on the mainland I'd be pretty into Thredup.

charis

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #17 on: April 23, 2020, 10:44:20 AM »
I like the idea of reselling at a consignment shop, but thredUp provides a free return package with postage so returns are free and pretty easy.

I have the same issue with shopping, no time to do it with kids. But luckily there's a thrift store by my office so I can pop in at lunch every other month or so.

*Free return package with postage for people on the mainland. In Hawaii, no dice. I think if I lived on the mainland I'd be pretty into Thredup.

Oh bummer.

maisymouser

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #18 on: April 23, 2020, 01:28:03 PM »
I doubt it is worth it compared to taking time to shop at a thrift store for some gently used clothes. Plus the thrill of finding actually reasonably priced local clothing is honestly more fun to me. If it's hard to find the right size or whatever, it just makes the chase that much more exciting.

I thought I might leave this link to mmm here below. I think generally people who shop thredup try to rationalize that the convenience is 'worth it'. It seems like consumer sucka culture to me.

Mr Money Mustache: Is it Convenient? Would I Enjoy it? Wrong Question.
https://mmmapp.page.link/e52V

Well, the whole point, as I mentioned, is that I typically shop in thrift stores. But can't now, during a pandemic.  Thanks for the link, lol.

Genuinely curious, do you need a lot of new/different clothes right now that can't wait a couple/few months? I'm happy in my 5 year old sweatpants while staying at home and the clothes I was wearing before stay-at-home are still perfectly wearable. In fact I'm getting even more life out of them than I was expecting because of all this.

charis

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #19 on: April 23, 2020, 02:43:45 PM »
I doubt it is worth it compared to taking time to shop at a thrift store for some gently used clothes. Plus the thrill of finding actually reasonably priced local clothing is honestly more fun to me. If it's hard to find the right size or whatever, it just makes the chase that much more exciting.

I thought I might leave this link to mmm here below. I think generally people who shop thredup try to rationalize that the convenience is 'worth it'. It seems like consumer sucka culture to me.

Mr Money Mustache: Is it Convenient? Would I Enjoy it? Wrong Question.
https://mmmapp.page.link/e52V

Well, the whole point, as I mentioned, is that I typically shop in thrift stores. But can't now, during a pandemic.  Thanks for the link, lol.

Genuinely curious, do you need a lot of new/different clothes right now that can't wait a couple/few months? I'm happy in my 5 year old sweatpants while staying at home and the clothes I was wearing before stay-at-home are still perfectly wearable. In fact I'm getting even more life out of them than I was expecting because of all this.

I'm not why you would need info about my personal clothing needs, but yes I do.  Most of my clothing is decades old, and I still have to go to work.  I don't think my $10 expenditure on a returnable clothing box is a big issue on the spending front.

Cranky

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #20 on: April 24, 2020, 08:15:36 AM »
I've bought from them and liked it. I try to stick to used clothing and it's another option there. The prices are higher than I'd pay in the thrift store, but I can  buy specific brands, and there are sales.

I recently ordered some kids' stuff for my grandson and it was all pretty nice.

Honestly, I don't shop for clothes that much, so by the time I get rid of something, no one is going to want to buy it.

imadandylion

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #21 on: May 20, 2020, 10:14:11 AM »
I loved that site when it first came out several years ago, but like another person's experience that was shared here, I also had things 'rejected' and then resold, and I decided not to use them anymore. I was pretty upset because I knew exactly what went into the bag, but I couldn't prove anything (and I had chosen not to receive any rejected items back because I had trusted them). I had a lot of name brand items in perfect condition and they were not accepted, but I saw them being sold later on, so it's not like I'm just out of touch with reality and overvaluing my own items or anything.

Also, I understand that they receive a great volume of items, so the return on two giant bags of great clothing isn't much. It's like 10-20 dollars, if even that. I have much better luck re-selling items on Poshmark, or if it's a luxury brand, then The Real Real. Although re-selling yourself takes more time, at least you know some company isn't technically stealing your items. As a buyer on Thredup, I didn't like that they switched their policy to store credit and a lot of times items were misrepresented (had received some items that obviously had a rip, etc.) when it said it was 'like new.' So I don't recommend Thredup at all. They really have no incentive to do a better job because everyone keeps throwing clothes at them.

For buying, I also like Poshmark, or the local thrift stores, which actually have great stuff.

charis

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #22 on: May 31, 2020, 10:57:47 AM »
Update:  So the goodybox experience was a dud and a headache.  I liked three items in the whole box, which was terribly beatup on arrival.  I decided to keep one bcbg blouse and I wore two other items a few times to decide whether I liked them enough to keep (vince sweater and athleta workout pants).  All the tops were extremely baggy and very thin material (small and xs) - is that the new trend?  Everything was similar to something you could find at goodwill for 1/4 the price.

One shirt was actually damaged and when I contacted customer service, they said thanks, you won't have to pay the return restocking fee? Wtf? It turns out that it doesn't apply to goodybox returns obviously, but the experience immediately turned me off to being a regular buyer.

The icing was when they charged me for the entire box after I returned it - almost $300 in overpriced used clothes.  Someone either didn't check tracking # from the return label that they gave me, or missed that it had been scanned by usps before the deadline (how, I don't know).  There's no phone number (annoying), but they were pretty responsive to a DM on twitter, so I have to give them a little credit for that and issuing a refund right away.

The blouse I kept, from the line carried at Marshalls, was the least expensive item but still $21.  I am going to receive the June box just because my daughter loves clothes and it was fun for her to get the box and have me try stuff on.  Plus I get to wear the stuff I like for a couple of weeks before returning it.  I'll cancel after that since most thrift stores will be back open by then, spending about $40 total for two items (including the $10 monthly subscription cost).

Loretta

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #23 on: May 31, 2020, 03:34:29 PM »
I have sent them my old clothing and also purchased gently used clothing from them with my credits.  I had bariatric surgery so I went down in size quickly.  The quality of clothing seems better than my local favorite thrift store, but results may vary.  I’m about done using them as my weight has stabilized more or less.

BZB

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Re: Anyone use thredUP?
« Reply #24 on: June 03, 2020, 05:50:20 PM »
@charis Thanks for the update on the goodybox. Sounds like it's best to avoid ThredUp altogether.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!