"Lavender Clothesline Thrifting" refers to the YouTube channel and reselling business run by Karen, a 62-year-old woman who makes a living by finding items at thrift stores (like Goodwill), estate sales, auctions, and flea markets, and then reselling them on platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. Her content often involves "thrift with me" videos, where she shares her finds and insights into the reselling game.

If you're interested in selling thrifted clothes from Goodwill on Facebook Marketplace and eBay, here's a breakdown and some tips:

Facebook Marketplace vs. eBay for Thrifted Clothes

Both platforms have their pros and cons:

Facebook Marketplace:

Pros:

No selling fees: This is a big advantage, as you keep 100% of your sale price (unless you choose to pay for promoted listings or shipping labels through Facebook).

Local focus: Great for larger items or if you prefer in-person pickups, saving on shipping costs and hassle.

Direct communication: You can easily chat with buyers via Messenger, answer questions, and negotiate prices.

Ease of listing: Generally simpler and quicker to create a listing.

Large user base: Facebook has billions of users, so there's a huge potential audience.

Cons:

Limited reach for shipping: While shipping is available, it's often more geared towards local sales, and you might not reach a global audience like on eBay.

Less seller protection: Compared to eBay, Facebook Marketplace has fewer built-in seller protections against fraudulent buyers or issues with transactions.

No formal feedback system: It's harder to build a consistent seller reputation based on ratings and reviews.

Less robust selling tools: Fewer features for managing inventory, tracking sales, or promoting listings compared to eBay.

eBay:

Pros:

Global reach: Access to a worldwide audience of buyers, which is especially good for unique or niche items.

Seller protection: eBay offers programs to protect sellers from fraudulent buyers.

Feedback system: Builds trust and a reputation as a reliable seller through buyer ratings and reviews.

Robust selling tools: More features for listing, promoting, and managing your inventory, including options for auctions and "Buy It Now" pricing.

Diverse product categories: Can sell almost anything, including a wide range of clothing.

Cons:

Selling fees: eBay charges various fees, including insertion fees and final value fees (a percentage of the sale price), which eat into your profit.

Higher competition: A vast marketplace means more sellers, so you need to optimize your listings to stand out.

Shipping can be complex: Requires careful attention to shipping costs, packaging, and tracking.

Returns: eBay generally favors buyers in disputes, so you may encounter more returns.

Tips for Selling Thrifted Clothes Online (on both platforms):

Source Wisely:

Quality over quantity: Look for items in excellent condition, without stains, tears, or excessive wear. Imagine if you'd give it to a friend.

Brand recognition: Popular brands (especially those that hold their value well) tend to sell faster and for more.

Trends & Niche: Keep an eye on current fashion trends or specialize in a niche (e.g., vintage, specific styles, designer brands).

Seasonality: Sell seasonal items when they are in demand (e.g., winter coats in fall/winter, swimsuits in spring/summer).

Prepare Your Items:

Cleanliness is key: Wash or dry clean all items before listing.

Iron/Steam: Wrinkles make clothes look cheap. Present them professionally.

Inspect thoroughly: Note any flaws (even minor ones) and be transparent in your listing.

High-Quality Photography:

Good lighting: Natural light is best. Avoid harsh shadows.

Clear background: Use a plain, uncluttered background that doesn't distract from the item.

Multiple angles: Show the front, back, sides, and any unique details (buttons, embroidery, tags).

Model/Mannequin: Showing the item on a person or mannequin helps buyers visualize how it looks when worn.

Close-ups: Include close-ups of fabric texture, brand tags, and any imperfections.

Craft Compelling Listings:

Detailed descriptions: Include brand, size (both tag size and actual measurements like waist, inseam, chest), fabric content, color, condition, and any unique features.

Keywords: Use relevant keywords in your title and description to help buyers find your item (e.g., "Vintage Levi's Denim Jacket," "Anthropologie Floral Dress Size M").

Be honest: Disclose any flaws or imperfections to build trust and avoid returns.

Tell a story (optional): For unique vintage pieces, a little backstory can add appeal.

Pricing Strategy:

Research comps: Look at what similar items have sold for on both platforms. This is crucial for pricing competitively.

Consider fees: Factor in any platform fees (eBay) when setting your price to ensure a profit.

Be flexible: Be prepared to accept offers, especially on Facebook Marketplace where negotiation is common.

Shipping & Packaging:

Secure packaging: Use appropriate packaging to protect items during transit.

Timely shipping: Ship items promptly after payment.

Tracking: Always use tracking for shipped items.

Clear shipping costs: Be upfront about shipping costs or offer free shipping if it makes sense for your profit margin.

Customer Service:

Respond quickly: Answer buyer questions promptly and professionally.

Be polite and helpful: Good customer service leads to positive feedback and repeat buyers.

Handle issues gracefully: If a problem arises, try to resolve it amicably.

By following these tips and understanding the strengths of each platform, you can successfully sell your thrifted Goodwill finds on Facebook Marketplace and eBay, much like Lavender Clothesline Thrifting has done.