Best Resale Apps for Clothes in the US and Canada

Secondhand apps are one of the best ways to get quality clothes for less, and to turn what you no longer wear into cash. The catch: not every app works in both countries, and the rules for fees and shipping change at the border. Here is what works in the US and how to buy and sell without getting burned.

Which apps work where

In the US you have the widest choice. ThredUp is handy for clearing a closet with little effort, while Poshmark, Depop and Mercari pay more if you are willing to list items yourself.

Buying tips: get the good stuff

1. Search by brand and exact size. If you know a brand fits you, secondhand is low-risk. Use our size guide to know your measurements.
2. Ask for measurements. Pit-to-pit, waist laid flat and inseam beat the size label, especially on vintage.
3. Read the condition notes and zoom on photos for pilling, stains and stretched collars.
4. Make an offer. Most peer-to-peer apps let you offer below the listed price; bundling items from one seller often saves on shipping.
5. Check seller history: number of sales, reviews and how long the account has existed.
6. Keep payment in the app. That is what keeps buyer protection in place.

Secondhand is where wool coats, leather bags and good denim become affordable. See how to look expensive on a budget for what to hunt for.

Selling tips: list once, sell faster

• Photograph in daylight on a plain background, with one photo of the label and one of any flaw.
• Write the measurements in the listing. It cuts questions and returns.
• Use the words buyers search for: brand, item type, size, color, material.
• Price against sold listings, not active ones. Sold prices show what people really pay.
• Ship quickly and keep the tracking number until the sale is final.
• Compare payout costs. Each app takes a fee and some charge for shipping labels or cash-outs. Fees change, so check the current fee page before you price an item.

Red flags: resale scams to avoid

These patterns come up again and again:

1. “Pay me by e-transfer, Zelle or gift card instead.” Off-app payment means no protection.
2. A buyer sends a link to “confirm the payment” or “receive your money”. Real payouts happen inside the app.
3. Requests to ship to a different address than the one on the order.
4. Prices far below market on luxury brands, with stock photos only.
5. Pressure to decide now or move the chat to WhatsApp or text.
6. A new account with zero reviews selling many high-end items.

If something feels off, report it in the app and walk away. The same instincts protect you from fake giveaways; see our guide to SHEIN free-clothes scams.

Combine resale with other savings

• Build a capsule wardrobe under 100 mostly from secondhand pieces.
• When buying new instead, stack cashback apps and student discounts if you qualify.
• Shopping extended sizes? Resale works well once you know your brands: see our plus-size online shopping guide.