Lindsey Desmet
There aren’t many places in the U.S. where you can sell clothes by the pound, but a few companies do buy clothing in bulk, including Global Clothing Industries.
You can also sell large amounts of clothing through online platforms like eBay and thredUP or exchange your old clothes for store credit through H&M’s recycling program.
We have the details on these options below.
The List
Selling clothes by the pound can be faster and easier than selling items individually. When you sell in bulk, the buyer does all of the sorting and evaluation of the clothing items after purchase; all you have to do is pack the items and either ship them to the buyer or schedule a pick-up.
But, places that buy clothes by weight in the U.S. are hard to come by, especially as an individual seller (versus as a resale clothing business). We were only able to identify a few places that buy clothing in bulk, so we’ve also identified a few alternatives below.
Global Clothing Industries (GCI)
- How it works: GCI accepts used clothing, shoes, and bags, as well as vintage items. GCI can accommodate shipments of any size.
- Pricing information: GCI doesn’t list or publicly share its pricing information. Contact GCI if you are interested in selling clothes in bulk.
- Find out more on Global Clothing Industries’ website
Recycler’s World
- How it works: Recycler’s World lists “Wanted” ads that can help you find a buyer for your bulk clothing. Mixed-used clothing, men’s clothing, coats, blue jeans, and vintage clothing are among the most requested items. Most buyers would like the items to be in wearable condition.
- Pricing information: Varies; Recycler’s World lists ads for third-party buyers, so prices and shipping costs will vary. As of press time, prices range from about $0.10 per pound to $1.50 per pound, depending on the types of items and the quantity desired.
- Find out more on Recycler’s World’s website
Trans-Americas Trading Co.
- How it works: Trans-Americas Trading Co. partners with municipalities and nonprofit organizations — not individual sellers. It accepts usable clothing and other textile waste.
- Pricing information: There is a $100 per ton fixed price for municipal and charity partners; Trans-Americas Trading Co. will pay a higher rate for collections of high-quality goods.
- Find out more on Trans-Americas Trading Co.’s website
If your items don’t match the above-listed criteria or you don’t have enough clothing to sell, consider one of the following options:
- Donation: You won’t receive payment for your clothes, but your donation can help charitable causes and reduce the amount of textile waste sent to landfills. Donation bins like Planet Aid and stores like Goodwill accept used clothing.
- eBay: Some buyers use eBay as a source for bulk clothing purchases. You can box your items and list them as a bulk lot. Your description can give buyers an idea of what you’ll include in the box (such as size ranges and the number of items), but you won’t have to catalog each item in detail.
- H&M garment collection: Visit your local H&M store and drop off a bag of items from your closet (in any condition) in exchange for a store credit voucher.
- Thrift and consignment stores: Online and local thrift and consignment stores may buy your best-quality items. One online resale store, thredUP, allows you to fill a bag and mail it in, at which point the retailer will sort the clothes and pay you for the items it selects. All unaccepted items are reused or recycled. For more options, see our list of consignment shops that pay cash upfront.
Note: The U.K. offers many more by-weight textile recycling options for individuals, such as Bristol Textile Recyclers. If you happen to live in the U.K., most of these companies will pay 50 pence per kilogram for clothing, footwear, and accessories, and some offer pick-up services.
William Lipovsky
