The Short Answer: Yes, Plato’s Closet Buys Clothes—Here’s the Deal
Yes, Plato’s Closet absolutely buys clothes. Their whole business runs on buying your gently used, trendy items directly from you.
This is not a consignment shop where you wait for your items to sell. Plato’s Closet gives you cash on the spot for the clothing, shoes, and accessories they want to buy from you.
What is Plato’s Closet and How Does It Work?
Plato’s Closet is a retail resale chain with hundreds of stores across North America. They focus on buying and selling gently used, fashionable clothing and accessories for teens and young adults.
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The main thing to know is Instant Cash vs. Consignment. You get money the same day. There’s no waiting weeks or months for payment after your item sells.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Selling at Plato’s Closet
We’ve sold to Plato’s Closet many times. Follow these steps to make your selling experience smooth and profitable.
1. Curate and Prepare Your Items
This step matters most. Don’t just throw your entire closet into a bag. Be picky.
Choose items that are currently in style and that you bought within the last 12-18 months. Think about what you see in malls now, not what was popular years ago.
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Our best tip: Fold everything neatly and put it in a sturdy container like a laundry basket or box. Never use a garbage bag. It makes your clothes look like trash, not valuable items. Also check all pockets and give everything a quick pass with a lint roller.
2. Visiting the Store (No Appointment Needed)
You don’t need an appointment to sell. You can walk in anytime during their buying hours.
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When you arrive, look for the buy counter. A worker will take your items, ask for your ID, and get your phone number to text you when they’re done. Wait times range from 20 minutes to over an hour.
3. The Buying Process—What Happens Behind the Counter
While you wait, a trained buyer goes through your items one by one.
They check each piece based on its style, condition, brand, and what the store needs right now.
They use a computer system to look up brands and items. This helps them set a resale price and figure out how much to pay you. They want items that will sell quickly to their customers.
4. Reviewing Your Offer and Getting Paid
You’ll get a text when the buyers finish. Go back to the counter to see your offer.
The buyer will show which items they’re taking and give back the ones they don’t want. Don’t feel bad about rejections; it’s just business based on what they need.
For accepted items, they’ll offer you cash. You can take the money or sometimes choose store credit, which might give you a bit extra. It’s up to you.
What Plato’s Closet Actually Buys: A Deep Dive into Their Wishlist
To do well, think like a Plato’s Closet buyer. Bringing the right items is half the battle.
The Golden Rules: Condition and Style are King
We can’t say this enough: condition is everything. Items must be “gently used” or “like-new” with no visible flaws.
Style is just as important. They sell to teens and young adults, so they only buy current trends. They won’t take vintage clothing, kids’ clothes, formal wear, or business attire.
In-Demand Brands and What to Avoid
Brand names matter a lot. Popular mall and athletic brands sell best for them. While they might take lesser-known brands if the style is perfect, focusing on popular ones gives you the best chance.
- High-Acceptance Rate Brands:
- Lululemon
- Aritzia
- Nike
- American Eagle
- Urban Outfitters
- Pacsun
- Brandy Melville
- Dr. Martens
- Adidas
- Patagonia
- Free People
- Lower-Acceptance Rate Brands:
- Shein
- Temu
- Forever 21 (unless very current, new with tags)
- Walmart brands (e.g., George, Time and Tru)
- Target brands (e.g., A New Day, Wild Fable)
- Old Navy / Gap (hit or miss; must be very current)
Seasonality is Crucial
Plato’s Closet buys for the upcoming season, not the one you’re in now. They need time to process items before customers shop for them.
This is why items get rejected. Bringing winter coats in May wastes your time.
- Sell Sweaters, Jackets, and Boots: August – October
- Sell Shorts, Tank Tops, and Sandals: February – April
- Sell Jeans, T-shirts, and Light Jackets: Year-round, but best in fall and spring.
Pro-tip: Simply call your local Plato’s Closet and ask, “What season and styles are you buying right now?”
Don’t Forget Accessories!
They buy more than clothes. Good-condition shoes, handbags, belts, scarves, and jewelry are in demand too. Sneakers from Nike, Converse, and Vans do well, as do popular handbags.
How Much Does Plato’s Closet Pay? Understanding the Payout Formula
Let’s be real. You won’t get back what you paid for your clothes. You’re selling for convenience and speed.
The 30-40% Rule
Generally, Plato’s Closet pays about 30-40% of the price they’ll sell the item for in their store.
Here’s an example: If they can sell your American Eagle jacket for $20, your cash offer will be about $6 to $8.
While each payout is small, they’re part of the booming secondhand market, where people look for better value and more eco-friendly shopping.
Factors That Influence Your Offer
The 30-40% is just a guide. What you get depends on several things:
- Brand: A Lululemon sweatshirt will get more than an Old Navy one because it has higher resale value.
- Condition: An item with tags still on (NWT) will be priced higher than a used one, giving you more money.
- Demand & Inventory: Even if you bring a perfect Lululemon jacket, they might pass if they already have ten in stock. They buy what they need, not just what you have.
The Ultimate Seller’s Checklist: Maximize Your Payout & Avoid Rejection
Use this list before every trip to Plato’s Closet. Small details make a big difference.
Pre-Trip Preparation Checklist
- Launder Everything: Even if it looks clean, wash it. Fresh-smelling clothes make a good first impression. Avoid strong scents.
- Meticulous Inspection: Check every item under bright light. Look for tiny stains, pilling in the armpits, or small holes along seams.
- Button, Zip, and Tie: Present your items ready to wear. Button shirts, zip jeans, and tie shoelaces. It shows care.
- Fold Neatly in a Basket or Bin: This is our #1 tip. Neatly presented items show you value them. Never use garbage bags.
- Group Outfits or Sets: If you have matching items, fold them together. These sell well and are easy to process.
- Use a Lint Roller: A lint roller on dark items can help them pass inspection instead of being rejected for “wear.”
In-Store Strategy Checklist
- Call Ahead: A quick call to ask what they need (like “Are you buying summer dresses?”) can save a wasted trip.
- Go on a Weekday: Visit Tuesday or Wednesday morning if you can. Stores are less busy, and buyers can review your items more carefully.
- Bring Your ID: Remember, you cannot sell without a valid photo ID.
- Be Polite and Understanding: If items are rejected, be nice about it. The buyers follow business rules, not judging your style. A good attitude helps.
Is Selling to Plato’s Closet Worth It? An Honest Analysis
So what’s the verdict? It depends on what you want.
The Pros: Why It’s a Great Option
- Speed: This is the biggest benefit. You get cash right away. Nothing converts clothes to money faster.
- Convenience: You drop off your items and you’re done. No photos, descriptions, shipping, or customer questions.
- Decluttering: It’s a great way to clear out lots of unwanted clothing all at once.
The Cons: Potential Downsides
- Lower Payout: You’ll earn much less per item than selling it yourself directly. You pay for the convenience.
- Rejection Rate: They’re very picky about brands, style, and condition. Expect to take some items back home.
- Location Dependent: You need a physical store nearby, which isn’t available to everyone.
Plato’s Closet vs. The Alternatives
How does Plato’s Closet compare to other resale options?
| Platform | Payout Potential | Effort Level | Speed of Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plato’s Closet | Low – Medium | Low | Instant |
| Poshmark/Depop | High | High | After Item Sells |
| ThredUP | Low – Medium | Medium | After Item Sells |
Selling to Plato’s Closet is for people who value time and convenience most. If you want the highest price for each item, you’ll need to work harder on platforms like Poshmark or Depop.
In the end, selling clothes instead of throwing them away is smart. You declutter, earn money, and help the environment. Understanding the environmental benefits of secondhand shopping is rewarding too, fighting fast fashion one piece at a time.
FAQ About Selling to Plato’s Closet
- What types of clothes does Plato’s Closet buy in 2025?
Plato’s Closet buys gently used, trendy clothes for teens and young adults that are current style (within 12-18 months). Popular brands include Lululemon, Nike, American Eagle, and Urban Outfitters. - How much does Plato’s Closet pay for clothes?
Plato’s Closet typically pays 30-40% of their intended resale price. For example, a jacket they’ll sell for $20 might earn you $6-8 in cash. - Do I need an appointment to sell clothes to Plato’s Closet?
No appointment is necessary. You can walk in during buying hours, but you must be at least 18 years old with valid photo ID to sell. - When is the best time to sell seasonal clothes to Plato’s Closet?
Sell winter items (sweaters, jackets, boots) from August-October and summer items (shorts, tanks, sandals) from February-April for the highest acceptance rate. - Does Plato’s Closet buy accessories and shoes in addition to clothes?
Yes! Plato’s Closet buys shoes, handbags, belts, scarves, and jewelry that are in excellent condition and align with current trends.
