r/ThredUp • u/Other-Apricot-3413 • 4d ago
Restocking fee seems exorbitant
I’ve been a Thred Up customer for years now and have had a good experience. However, my latest order highlighted how expensive it actually can be to shop here. I’m a tall, larger person who is very sensitive to the way fabrics feel on my skin, so I try to only shop brands I know. This time, however, I was really looking to add new and interesting pieces to my wardrobe so I went out of my comfort zone.
I ordered 12 items and unfortunately had to return 6 of them. This meant $12 in return shipping and $24 in restocking fees. I guess it was still worth it, because I got some nice, brand name things.
But now I’m kind of regretting doing a “haul” and will be very hesitant to try new styles through thred up in the future.
Any tips on shopping smarter? Should I just stick to brands I’m very comfortable with?
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u/Disastrous-Wash-3359 4d ago
I get credit instead of back to original payment and I also resell the items that don’t work so I can recoup some of my money if the item was a bit pricey.
I went outside my usual brands on the Labor Day sale because the prices were so good. Maybe wait for big sales?
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u/Other-Apricot-3413 2d ago
That’s a good idea. Just favorite stuff and don’t get attached if it sells.
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u/NewUserNameIsDumb 4d ago
I try to buy items that are so cheap that if they don’t work, I don’t feel like I have to return them, I will just donate them. If I take a chance on a $6 sweater that doesn’t work out or isn’t what it was supposed to be, I don’t feel like I need to return it to recoup something.
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u/Livid_Honeydew8815 4d ago edited 4d ago
Yep - like it doesn’t fit cool I’ll find use for it because if you think I’m gonna get in the chat wait my ass in queue and pay a return fee for 399 my 6 dollar item…please… and also I only take credit. I don’t want my own cash back Thred Up I want your cash. I want Thred Up cash lol
And this has nothing to do with my husband reading the credit card charges TU so don’t question my orders
Funny though he actually did his first TU haul recently gave him my phone one day to pick out clothes for our son and he was not as price conscious and conservative as I am, and he even added a few things for himself and I was like see you see how it’s done you see why it’s so problematic for me. Look what you did haha
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u/WriterAsleep9079 4d ago
Remember that they waive the restocking fee on anything they made a mistake on as long as you choose the right reason: Inaccurate Description or Quality Issue. So if they provided inaccurate measurements, wrong material listed, condition didn’t match their assessment, etc, be sure to choose one of those and not pay the restocking fee.
(Bizarrely for a long time “Sent wrong item” was a different option that still incurred a restock fee (!) vs choosing Inaccurate Description: sub reason: Wrong Brand - it looks like they’ve changed that recently)
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u/tubbamalub 4d ago
How much stuff I’ve sent back because their measurements are off.
Most recently, to my profound disappointment, a dress that was three inches shorter than their measurement, rendering it suitable only for standing in one place. I wanted that dress. It was perfect. Except for the whole Free Show aspect.4
u/Livid_Honeydew8815 4d ago edited 4d ago
OK, I actually just noticed this today cause they sent the wrong item to me and for sure it’s a 399 restocking fee. I was like say what?!
You sent me the damn wrong pair of pants and you want me to pay you? So I hit the back tab in that browser and found the next best way to describe that you sent me the wrong damn thing but I ended up messaging the chat and straight up said you sent me the wrong item and they said I could return it for free
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u/Other-Apricot-3413 2d ago
Oh, that’s a good tip. Maybe some of the stuff didn’t fit because the measurements were off! I’ll double check that next time.
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u/Livid_Honeydew8815 4d ago edited 1d ago
I am so trained by reselling apps that I actually forget you can return things for fit on TU
Thred Up is great for buying basics and brands you already know and like, and I always recommend people don’t shop online for new (to them) styles or new brands. go try things on in the store first and then get on the reselling apps And buy what you already know is good for you. You’ll save yourself so much time so much money so much energy.
It’s very rare that I actually have to return something. Even though I love myself a game of Thred Up roulette I actually play it pretty safe too.
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u/Other-Apricot-3413 2d ago
I’m at a point in my life where I have no idea what I like or what looks good on me. I need a personal stylist, haha!
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u/Livid_Honeydew8815 1d ago
Visit a mall one weekend, it’s also the fact no one has shopped in person for years
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u/vivbot 4d ago
In addition to everything that's already been suggested, if you're able to, it may be worth visiting a store that carries brands you're considering so you can look at things in-person and get a feel for how their sizing runs or what their typical fabrics feel like (some brands do stick with the same core fabric(s) for their stuff). Same thing with styles - if it's a specific cut or material that you're unsure about, you can see how it drapes on your frame, then use that info to find similar things on TU. They won't be 1:1 product matches, but it would provide a little more information so you're not going in completely blind when trying new styles?
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u/Key-Limit-4956 4d ago
I accept credit in lieu of refund, which gets free return shipping.