Swap.com...and Why I'm not buying from Thredup as much

I've previously reviewed both MoxieJean and Thredup as places to buy and sell your used clothing online. Since that review, Thredup has made several changes to its policies that make me less likely to purchase from them. Before describing those changes, I'll review another online consignment store I've been using: Swap.com.

Swap.com has a fairly large inventory of items, both new and used. Their pricing of kid's items is pretty good-though I think the seller has more to say in the pricing of the items. Unlike Thredup and MoxieJean, you pay to send your items in to them. As a seller, I'm not likely to do that because, well, I don't want to spend the money. They take more than kid's clothing-they sell movies, toys, etc. Because you pay to send items in to them, you make more money off of selling items...at least that is my understanding. 

If you are a buyer, the website allows several sorting options-by size, brand, type. It doesn't allow by color, which I wish it did. You can create email notifications for certain brands, sizes you like-similar to Thredup's closet settings. They allow returns-read the policy for the specifics. Shipping is free if you spend $50. 

Quality of the items is more variable on Swap.com than on MoxieJean or Thredup. They do have several ratings for the quality. I've returned a couple of items they described as "good condition" that I would describe more as "fair condition." They do have a "like new" descriptor as well. MoxieJean is still the most consistent with regard to quality.

SO, WHY NOT THREDUP ANYMORE??

I've become less likely to buy on Thredup because :1) They got rid of Thredup everyday, which allowed free shipping for a year for $20; 2) They upped their free shipping to orders of $70 and higher, and; 3) They've been doing this "final sale, no returns" thing on many of the items I might want to buy. The reality is, I'm less likely to buy used clothing if I cannot return it. I think this is a big mistake on their part. Most of their competitors allow returns. 

So, checkout Swap.com. I'm glad there is another good consignment option online. I am hoping Thredup reverses some of its changes. I'll continue to also buy from MoxieJean. 

Online Stores for Used Kids' Clothing: Thredup Versus MoxieJean

I'm hardly the first blogger to write about this topic, but I thought I would write a quick update regarding the two sites. I'll summarize the different areas and then make an overall comparison.

Inventory of Items
Thredup easily wins this category. They have a much larger selection of clothing available on their site. If you create a personal closet of items you like, they will send you updates regarding new items. Moxiejean also will e-mail regarding new arrivals, but they also say they put new stuff up twice a week. Thredup seems to put up stuff daily. I think Thredup is overall a bigger operation.

Pricing of Items
I have found both sites to be comparable, but will give the slight edge to Moxiejean here. They have sections with "Recent Markdowns," and "Clearance" items. You can get some real steals here.

Quality of Items
I haven't found much difference between the two sites. Thredup will list items as faded or with a spot and post pictures of both the front and back of the item that allow you to look at the items carefully. Moxiejean only shows the front of the item. They say they only accept "excellent" stuff.

Brands Available
Moxiejean wins here. They take many more brands than Thredup. They even sell items without a brand if it is in excellent condition.

Payout for Items Sent In
I'm wanting to give the slight edge to Thredup here, but it isn't clear cut. I think that Thredup may accept "Very Good" items whereas Moxiejean accepts only "Excellent." Of bags that I've sent in, I've gotten more money from Thredup than MoxieJean, despite MoxieJean taking more brands.

Moxiejean tells you why they did not accept your item; Thredup does not. However, Thredup includes pictures of the items they have kept in your payout email. I like the pictures and knowing when my items sell.

Thredup gives store credit or will give you a payout through Paypal, which has a transaction fee if you want to deposit in your account. Moxiejean will send you a check, but gives you 25% more if you spend it in store.

Processing of Items Sent In
Thredup seems to get items there faster, but processes them slower once they arrive. Moxiejean's items take about 2 weeks to get to them, at least from where I live, but they process them in under a week once they arrive there. So, for me, it's sort of a wash. I like that Thredup sends an email letting me know when my items arrived and estimated processing time.

Shipping Costs of Purchased Items
Both sites offer free shipping for $50 and higher purchases. Thredup also has the option to sign up for free shipping all year long for $20. I will probably sign up at the beginning of next year.

Items seem to get to you quicker from Moxiejean than Thredup after you order them, if that is a factor.

Website Design and Usability
Although I like the "prettiness" of Moxiejean's website and how they present the items, I think Thredup's website is a little bit more user friendly. It also allows you to look at other items from the same collection of stuff in case you are looking for a matching pair of pants. That being said, Moxiejean seems to keep items together a little bit better than Thredup when you send them in. They also will pair items together as matches sometimes.

Overall Winner
I think that Thredup is the slight winner here, but I will continue to buy from both sites. I probably will send in items more to Thredup than Moxiejean, but that may change depending on what I get on my latest items that I have sent in to them.

MoxieJean - Another Online Consignment Store

I know I haven't blogged in a bit, but after my good experiences I've had with Thredup, I decided to see what else is out there. I came across a website called Moxiejean. It only accepts kid's clothing, but, it accepts more brands than Thredup does. I have a lot of Carter's items from my girls' early days and many of my friends like that brand. It's usually reasonable and quality is decent. I've recently been giving stuff to my sister since her daughter is a tiny bit smaller than my youngest, but I still have a ton of clothes in storage.

I just requested a clean-out bag, which is free to get and return. Like Thredup, they seem to have high standards, maybe higher, and there are some "discount" brands they don't take. What I like about them is they will also take infant clothing and they will give you store credit or mail you out a check instead of a Pay Pal credit like Thredup does. Supposedly, you make more money sending in stuff to them than you do on Thredup. I don't know yet. They also take newborn to 12-months. Thredup doesn't take under 12-months items.

I'll let you know how it goes. I think it's hard to say what they will take before I've had a chance to see what they accept. I've got two bags prepped and will probably prep a 3rd one today. 

Any negative or positive experiences anyone wants to share? From what I've seen online, people are mostly happy with them.