Selling Clothes On Ebay | 11 Top Seller Tips

Last Updated February 18, 2024 by Davina Kelly

Want to learn some tips for selling clothes on eBay? In this post, I am going to share some helpful ideas.

With the cost of living continuing to rise, now is the time to think about ways to make some extra money. Selling clothes on eBay is a great way to do this.

I have been selling clothes on eBay for a few years now and have done well, so I will share what I have learned.

This post is all about selling clothes on eBay.

Top Tips for Selling Clothes On eBay

Selling Clothes On eBay: Tip 1 – Create an account:

This is probably obvious, but I will include it anyway lol

If you don’t already have an eBay account you should set one up. Creating an account is easy, all you need to do is enter your full name, your email address and create a password.

You can click the link to get started https://signup.ebay.co.uk/pa/crte

When you create your account, you can have a personal or business account.

If you want to use the account to sell and also buy on eBay you should create a personal account. Or if you only intend to sell and you have a business set up, then you should create a business account.

Selling Clothes On eBay: Tip 2 – Decide what you want to sell:

There are many options for selling clothes on eBay. You can resell new unworn clothes, or worn unwanted clothes, or you can buy clothes and resell them.

Clothes from good brands and new unworn clothes tend to do better, but if the item has been worn and is still in good condition it will still sell well.

If you are just getting started I would recommend starting with clothing you have at home that you no longer wear. This is because you already own the item and don’t have to spend money.

Look through your wardrobe and remove any items that you no longer wear, are no longer in love with, or have outgrown.

I am pretty sure you can find a few items in your wardrobe. Most of us have clothes in our wardrobe that we haven’t worn in over a year that we don’t want to get rid of lol

Ebay is a big marketplace so there will be buyers for all different styles of clothing and different budgets.

As I mentioned, well-known brands tend to sell the best, here is a list of the labels which sell for the most on eBay.

Topshop
Nike
H&M
Tommy Hilfiger
Ganni
Zara
Barbour
All Saints

Selling Clothes On eBay: Tip 3 – Take good quality photos:

The quality of your photos when selling on eBay is very important. This is the first thing the buyer sees when they are shopping and can determine if they click on the item or scroll past.

They are already searching for the item you are selling so having good-quality photos can be the deciding factor in whether they decide to click on the item and see more or scroll past.

Here are some tips.

Lighting:

You want to ensure your photos are clear, not blurry and the lighting is good. Use natural light where you can, if that isn’t an option you can use a lamp to light the area.

Background:

The best background for your item will depend on the colour of your clothing. A white or light colour background is best for darker clothes, and a dark background is best for light and white clothes. This will make the item show up clearly on camera.

For example, you can put your item on a hanger and hang it on your wardrobe, or a door. You can also lay in on your bed if that is easier.

Angles :

You want to take at least one photo of each component of the item. The more photos, the better you want to show the buyer as much as possible.

For example, if you are selling a leather jacket you should have at least 4 pictures. One of the front, the back, an up-close showing the details such as the zip and any pockets, and an up-close including the label. If the item is damaged in any way, take pictures to show these details as well.

Think of what you would like to see if you were shopping for an item yourself, then show all of those details.

The photos don’t need to be professional, the camera quality on your phone or tablet will suffice.

Selling Clothes On eBay: Tip 4 – Decide on a selling strategy:

Think about how you would like to sell your item. You can sell it auction style with an option to ‘Buy it Now’ or you can sell it for a fixed price.

Each strategy has its pros and cons.

Fixed price gives you more control over the price, but it may take longer to sell. An auction-style listing will mean the item sells faster, but you have less control over the final price.

The strategy you choose will also depend on what you want from the sale. For example, if you have a certain amount you would like to sell the item for, selling for a fixed price will be a better option. But If you don’t mind how much the item sells for then an auction is the best option.

You could try both options and see which one works best for you.

Price:

When deciding the price of your item, I would recommend doing some research. You can look at items similar to the one you are listing and see how much they have sold for some ideas.

Also, think about how much you would be willing to pay for an item. For example, if you were looking for a Topshop black leather jacket and you see one that has been worn a few times you wouldn’t want to pay the full retail price for it. Therefore it is unrealistic to price it at the full retail price.

I would recommend thinking about a minimum amount you would be happy with receiving and also factoring in fees and postage. Once you have this number you can work backwards.

Using the Topshop black leather jacket as an example, as it has been worn I would be happy with receiving about $25 minimum. This would mean I would have to sell the item for $33.84, this is including the selling price of $25, postage of $5, and fees of $3.84 (12.8% of the total price).

If you list the item auction-style, you could start the bid at $5 and include $25 as the buy it now price. Or if you want to list it as a fixed price, the total you would list it for is £33.84.

When you are listing your items eBay will show items similar to yours that have sold and show how much they sold for. They will also suggest how much you should start the bid for.

This is a guideline, but some factors play into this. If I am selling an item from a popular brand like Topshop and the item is in good condition, I can sell the item auction-style and know it will sell for a good price. So, when deciding on your strategy, think about the brand and the condition of the item as it will also be a factor.

If you do decide to sell your item auction-style, I have found it is best to end the listing on Sunday evening. More people tend to be home on a Sunday evening with time to shop than on a Friday or Saturday.

You can also schedule the listing in advance. For example, if you have some time earlier in the week to take the photos, and add the title and description, you can then schedule it to be listed on Sunday.

Selling Clothes On eBay: Tip 5 – List your item in an optimal way:

Before you list your item, you should research eBay to see how other sellers have titled items similar to yours. Look at the items that have actually sold.

The idea here is to get inspiration, you don’t want to copy their titles or include anything that isn’t true.

You want to include as much detail as possible in the title as once the buyer sees your amazing photos, the next thing they will look for is the details of the item. If you can tell them a lot in the title that is great, as it will mean they won’t have to waste time searching for the information.

Here is what I would include in the title, the gender of the item, the brand, the item description including colour and material, state (brand new or worn), size, and any other important details.

Here is an example of how I would list a black leather jacket. Ladies Topshop black leather jacket, UK size 8, brand new with tags.

This description is to the point so the buyer knows exactly what they are getting.

Add a short description:

You want also to include a short description of the item. You would have given most of the details in the title, so you can just add a little more information. For example, you could mention how long you have owned the items, how it fits, and any other important details.

Choose a category

If you start typing in the clothing keyword the system will suggest categories for you. Look through them and if they are correct you can choose them instead of having to type out all of the information.

You will also be shown listings similar to what you are selling from other sellers, this is to help you with choosing the details of your item.

We want to be totally honest and specific so do not include anything in your listing that isn’t true. Doing this could lead to the buyer complaining that the item wasn’t as described and we don’t want those problems.

Selling Clothes On eBay: Tip 6 – Choose postage:

Choose a delivery company:

When you come to choose your delivery service you will be given some suggestions by eBay. I would recommend choosing the best option for you, not what is suggested for you.

There are many options now such as locker and courier drop-off, and regular post office services.

You want to choose an option that is convenient for you and also a company that provides a good service as I am sure you want the buyer to receive their items on time.

Delivery time:

You will also need to choose a delivery time. How long do you want the buyer to wait until they receive their items? I think a reasonable amount of time is 2 – 3 days which is 2nd class delivery.

If you want to send the item 1st class it will cost a little more, so keep that in mind.

Fees:

Who will cover the fees? Most sellers on eBay including myself will choose the option of the buyer paying the delivery fees.

If you want to pay for the fees you can change it so delivery is free, this is your choice.

Tracking:

I would recommend sending the package recorded. Once you have posted your item you should update the listing with the tracking details.

This is important because it shows proof of postage so you cover yourself in case the item gets lost in transit. It also means the buyer will need to sign to confirm they have received the item and it makes you look professional.

Selling Clothes On eBay: Tip 7 – Packaging:

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on packaging. I know you may want to send your items in a fancy package lol, but trust me it isn’t worth it.

All you need is something that is secure and big enough to fit your item.

In my opinion, mailing bags are the best option. You can buy them on eBay, Amazon, or in your local pound stores. The mailing bags from the pound store won’t be the best quality, but they can do the trick.

I would recommend buying them in bulk from eBay or Amazon. They are fairly cheap and good quality. You can get different sizes, you can gauge which size you need depending on the size of your clothing.

When packing my item what I do is fold the item neatly and place it carefully in the mailbag, as long as it fits and is closed securely I am happy.

You need to ensure that you label the package clearly with the correct details.

There is an option to use eBay’s print postage feature, this will allow you to pay for postage and print the label.

See more details here https://www.ebay.com/sellercenter/shipping/choosing-a-carrier-and-service

Or you can just write on the package. If you choose to write on the package, use a good quality pen so the name and address can be read easily.

Selling Clothes On eBay: Tip 8 – Dispatch your item as soon as possible:

Dispatching your items as soon as possible is in the best interest of you and the buyer.

Although you may have chosen your postage option of 2 – 3 days, this doesn’t include the amount of time you take to post it.

I aim to dispatch my items within 24 hours of receiving payment and update the tracking information.

If you take too long to do this the buyer will send you messages asking when it will be dispatched which isn’t a good look.

If you run into any issues, I would recommend contacting the buyer to inform them.

Selling Clothes On eBay: Tip 9 – Respond to any questions promptly:

Even if you are only a casual seller on eBay, it is important to provide good service.

If you receive any questions from buyers you should respond as soon as possible.

This will make you look professional and may result in you getting a good review which goes a long way.

Selling Clothes On eBay: Tip 10 – Post sale tasks:

Payments:

When the buyer makes payment you will be notified by PayPal via email, this is usually on the same day.

If you are a new seller PayPal may hold your funds for a few days for security reasons. This usually only happens with the first sale, after that the funds will be available in your PayPal account as soon as the payment has been made.

You can leave the money in your PayPal account or transfer it to your bank account.

Leave buyer feedback:

Leaving feedback for your buyer can go a long way and contribute to good service.

It doesn’t have to be a long message, you could simply say thank you for receiving prompt payment.

Seller fees:

Once you have sold your item you will have to pay a final value fee to eBay.

This is currently calculated as 12.8% of the total amount including the price and postage.

For example, if you sell an item for $60 including shipping, you will have to pay $7.68 in fees.

The fees will automatically be deducted from your sale, so the amount that will hit your PayPal account for this sale would be the net amount of $52.32.

To be honest I think this fee is quite high and is something to consider before you start selling.

If you want to read more about it click on this link https://www.ebay.co.uk/help/selling/fees-credits-invoices/fees-private-sellers?id=4822

Selling Clothes On eBay: Tip 11 – Keep going:

It may be intimidating when you are first getting started, but the more clothing you sell the easier it becomes.

The listing process will get faster and you will have your selling strategy figured out.

You will be able to see what works for you, what doesn’t work so well and make adjustments.

Keep going and no matter what don’t give up. Once you find your stride, I am confident you will become a top eBay seller!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it worth selling clothes on eBay?

In short, I would say yes!

Ebay is a big marketplace and has buyers from all over the world with different preferences and budgets.

Getting started is super easy and it is a great way to make some extra money reselling items of clothing you already own.

To be honest the only downside is the high fees as this will eat into your profit.

How fast do clothes sell on eBay?

This depends on the clothing item and how you decide to list it.

Auction-style listings will sell the fastest. Creating your listings in this way will give the buyer a sense of urgency to purchase it. This is the option I go for when selling clothes on eBay.

Here is a link to start selling https://cgi5.ebay.com/sl/sell

I have shared some tips for selling clothes on eBay and things to consider. I hope this post has been helpful and you now feel prepared to start selling your clothes.