Natalie, a Houston-based individual who previously worked in neuroscience research, has found a lucrative side hustle by reselling clothes online, consistently earning close to $3,000 per month. Her journey into reselling began as an escape from a dissatisfying research job with a low starting salary of $30,000, which did not even cover her parking expenses.
Initially posting items on Instagram and then Poshmark, Natalie saw fluctuating sales, sometimes earning only a few hundred dollars a month. However, from 2022 to 2025, her reselling efforts consistently brought in over $1,000 monthly. This success expanded to include Depop, pushing her monthly earnings close to $3,000 at their peak.
"I figured if I could thrift pieces for my own wardrobe, maybe I could thrift pieces for other people, too," Natalie told the Daily Mail. Her venture, operating under the name Curated By Natalie for privacy, has become a reliable source of income, a creative outlet, and a means to fund personal goals, including a trip to Japan.
Natalie attributes her success to several key strategies. She emphasizes the importance of thoroughly cleaning and preparing items before listing them. "Make sure it is spotless, wrinkle-free and lint-free," she advised.
Listing Essentials
Photography is crucial, with Natalie recommending clear photos taken in natural light to ensure accurate color representation. She suggests capturing the front, back, brand tag, and material tag, as well as any unique details or imperfections. Detailed descriptions that include any stains or rips, accompanied by close-up photos of defects, help manage buyer expectations.
Crafting a compelling title is also vital in competitive marketplaces like Depop, where hundreds of thousands of new listings appear daily. Natalie's typical format includes the brand name, style name, item type, color, and size, advising sellers to consider what terms a shopper might use in a search query.
Including precise measurements in the listing description or photos is another key tip, as sizing can vary significantly between brands and with pre-owned clothing. This helps potential buyers assess fit without the ability to try items on in person.
Platform and Market Research
When selecting a platform, Natalie advises researching different resale sites. Depop, popular with younger demographics, boasts over 56.3 million registered users. Poshmark allows for quick listing of items. For those considering physical resale stores, like Uptown Cheapskate or Kid to Kid, inventory is often curated based on current shopper demand and item condition.
Melanie DiSalvo, an apparel manufacturer, noted that AI is increasingly being used to determine resale value. She suggested that the resale market is becoming stratified, with average items losing value while exclusive, well-made, or viral pieces maintain theirs. Staying informed about fashion trends is therefore important for resellers.
Getting Started
For aspiring resellers, Natalie's primary advice is to start small. "I recommend starting with pieces from your own closet and see if you like the process," she said. "If you do, you can take the money you make and reinvest."
Natalie's reselling journey has not only provided financial benefits but also led to career changes and social media growth. She has secured brand partnerships and attended Poshfest, an event hosted by Poshmark for its community members. She transitioned from her research role into a sales career, leveraging her social media presence, which has become a side hustle in itself.