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thredUP review: thredup is stealing clothing & money from consumers 33

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1:15 am EDT
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Thredup is an online resale shop. The premiss is you order a bag from their website and fill it with quality clothing then send it back and thredup will pay you for the clothing. However, what they won't tell you is that you will receive only pennies for brand new clothing you send in. I sent in 3 bags, about 150 items, of mostly brand new with tags Gymboree and Gap. Thredup paid me less than $1 for almost every item and didn't pay me for some of the items. After numerous emails and phone calls, thredup refused to pay me a reasonable amount for my clothes. I notified every consumer complaint site I could find. The San Fransisco Attorney General's Office opened a criminal investigation into thredup after I complained to them. Thredup responded to my BBB complaint with a lie. Here it is:
On July 26, 2013, the business provided the following information:
At the time Leanne shipped three bags of clothing to thredUP there was a period of time in which our price calculator was not operable. This was a bug we were aware of and actively fixing. Over the weeks that had elapsed from the day we received Leanne's clothing and the day we fully processed the items, the price calculator was fixed and was working again.

In addition to our price calculator we have our bag feed showing what other customers have earned for their clothing (http://www.thredup.com/bags/feed). This feed is live and is in no way manipulated to inflate payouts. Lastly, it is stated in multiple places that thredUP may not be the most profitable way to earn money by selling used clothing because we pay up to 40% of the resale value.

In efforts to resolve this issue, I explained I would double-check and correct any mistakes made on the pricing of the items we accepted, and offered to pay for the 20+ items we did not accept based on what would've been earned. This equated to an additional $45. I apologize but an additional $45 is still the only offer I can provide.

Leanne has continued to contact other organizations in efforts to resolve this issue. Now damages have exceed $300.

Thank you,
Daniela

MY RESPONSE SENT TO THE BBB:

Daniela states with this response, that there was a problem with the website that they were aware of before I sent in my bags. I started emailing Thredup with questions a month before I sent anything to them. AFTER I complained on Gymboree's facebook website because of what little reimbursement I received for clothing I sent to Thredup, I was then contacted by a representative of Gymboree who then, on my behalf contacted Thredup to forward my complaints. It was well after several exchanged emails and finally a phone call from Daniella, where I made her aware of the website issues (which she told me thredup had been UNAWARE of), that the website issues were finally repaired--more than 2 months after she says they were aware and trying to correct it? They were aware of the problem for sure! There had been no attempt to repair the website because in doing so, people would have been able to see how little Thredup was paying for clothing and no one would have sent anything to them! It has been their intent all along to keep customers from discovering their true payout amounts. Sure, thredup had a few posts on their website showing what other were paid for their clothing. These posts clearly showed thredup paying a lot of money for even used clothing. I went by those posted statistics (which was all that was available at that time)--thinking I would receive even more money since what I was sending in was brand new with tags attached clothing. As far as Daniela's statement regarding people being able to make more money sending in used clothing because they pay up to 40% of the value, is absolutely absurd! Since when is used clothing worth more than brand new clothing? If that was the case, every store would be a resell store and there would be no market for new clothing. Daniela made an utterly ridiculous statement regarding that. Daniela did go through my payout amounts and found many that were inaccurate. She offered an additional $45 for those errors which is nothing considering I had sent in about 150 mostly new designer clothing items. This works out to about an additional 30 cents per item. It does not even begin to reasonable compensate me for my clothing. Initially, when I requested an additional $300 over what thredup had said they would pay me, I was trying to make a point. I wanted them to take full responsibility for their deception. I was asking very little reimbursement. However, after thredup refusing to properly compensate me and discovering many other people who were victims of Thredup's scheme, I asked for a more accurate compensation. This was a deliberate tactic on Thredup's part to deceive customers, pay pennies for valuable clothing, then resell it on the Thredup website for a HUGE profit--all without the customer's being able to accurately discover what they would be paid PRIOR to sending clothing to Thredup. I want to be compensated the full monetary loss for my clothing. In addition, after filing my complaint with the Better Business Bureau, I continued to pursue the case and notified the San Francisco District Attorney's Office. They found enough evidence to open a criminal investigation into Thredup's business. It is very clear that Thredup designed their business to scam people in order to make a huge profit reselling clothing sent in from unsuspecting people. It is only because of my continued pursuit of my complaint, that Thredup repaired their website to disclose more information regarding payouts. However, if that disclosure had been made PRIOR to my sending in my clothing, I would never have sent them anything! I am still seeking an appropriate compensation for my clothing, as well as an end to Thredup's website.

Update by Leanne F
Aug 01, 2013 10:15 am EDT

There wasn't a firm price. However, the thredup website posted what they paid other people for their USED clothing. By sending in brand new clothing with the tags still attached, I should have been paid a lot more than what they paid for used clothing. I wasn't. I was paid pennies per item. The website boasted paying top dollar for clothing. It was a blatant lie and a bait to get people to send clothing which thredup paid pennies for then turned around and sold for at times more than 100% of what they paid the person for it. Thredup knows exactly what they are doing and had and still has every intent to defraud the consumer. They have done this to many people and continue to get away with it. I aim to stop them and make people aware that they will be robbed if they send new clothing to thredup.

Update by Leanne F
Aug 01, 2013 3:04 pm EDT

You obviously didn't read what the thredup representative said in her response to the BBB complaint. To use your analogy--she is saying that a used car is more valuable and can be sold for more money than a new car--and we are not talking comparing a refurbished vintage corvette or 1957 chevy to a 2014 kia. She's trying to say that the reason why they aren't paying me and others a fair value for our new clothes is because they pay more money for used clothing which is more valuable than new clothing and they can resell on their website for more money than they can for new clothing. A blatant lie for two reasons: 1) I went to the site and saw they are selling new clothes for more than used clothes. 2) If used clothes are more valuable, then why are there so many stores selling new clothes and so few selling used? Now for the capitalism portion of your comment--I know all about capitalism. It's not about making the profit. It's about not disclosing to people what they would be paid for the clothing, keeping the calculator portion of their website ineffective so people couldn't determine what they would be paid, advertising big payouts for clothing sent to them, posting only the payouts where people were paid a lot of money and not posting those were they were paid pennies--fraudulent advertising and intentional deception. In addition, poor customer service where they don't answer people's questions or return messages and when they do answer the questions, they are deceptive. You have no business even commenting here as you are clueless as to all the details of this case. I have spent months investigating and speaking to people with the same complaints as me so don't talk to me about capitalism!

33 comments
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Rachelim
, US
Jan 04, 2024 10:24 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I shipped them Two trash bags full of clothes some really expensive designer stuff. They sold everything only to give me 0.47 cents Is this some sick joke? You can't get a hold of anybody For support. This company is a scammer they are thieves and they need to be shut down

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helen hwang
, US
Dec 16, 2023 1:53 pm EST

Thredup customer service sucks.

In july I was given a credit of $55. Acknowledged in email from them but when I ordered items using the credit the response was account banned. There is no way to determine the why?!

The links for Thredup customer service and chat links are inaccessible.

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Angela Amoako
, US
Aug 22, 2023 2:34 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I sent in High end items that were never listed. I tried to contact to see if they would return the items but was told that the items were sent a third-party vendor.

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Melissa Widener3
, US
Jul 20, 2023 1:20 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I agree horrible company to sell with I sent a bunch of name brand expensive things barely worn bc I lost weight fast they only accepted two things out the whole bag and kept everything else some things where never worn they sell it for 40 something dollars yet I get below $10 I will owe for shipping after all sold I will never use this company again better off listing them online yourself

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Heidi Milliner
, US
Nov 02, 2022 10:29 pm EDT

Not only did they just process bags that were sent in April and June, but they can't process? And no more explanation? Maybe they sat in a storage unit and got nasty form who k ows what?

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rinrinoyabin
Seattle, US
Jul 28, 2022 7:18 pm EDT

I don't know if I've been lucky in the past or this recent experience is the result of new practices, but they've started listing my clothing for lower 'quality' than it actually is. I have a pair of Gap jeans that are clearly new with tags in the photos -- there are tags on the front and back, and the back is the kind that's attached with plastic so it's not like I could wear the jeans like that -- and they're listed as 'minor wear with stain'. These jeans have never been worn, and other than being sent to ThredUp, sat in a closet for a year. IF there is a stain, 1) it's not visible in the photos, and 2) it came from ThredUp during processing. I contacted customer service who took the item down to correct the listing, but then put it right back up a few hours later without changing anything.

Between this, the crazy long processing times, and the utter lack of transparency on where/what they are doing with the items we send them, I'm done with ThredUp. No more buying, no more selling. ThredUp is a scam marketed as saving the environment, and I hope they fold.

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Madeline McC
, US
Jun 30, 2022 4:09 pm EDT

Hello, I have been sending items in over the last year and had sold 70+ items and earned a commission on many items. not great but since most my items were heavily used I was pleased. Because I had built up trust with them .. I decided to send a clean out box with some used handbags to which I know fully regret doing. The box I sent them had 4 handbags. 1 very heavily used Rebecca Minkoff bag 1 ,not brand name leather bag with gold headwater from some boutique in new York 3. a used marc by marc Jacobs bag that had some ink staining . black leather and 4) a brown leather Marc Jacobs handbag that was in fabulous condition. Had only light wear and I even sent it in the dust cover. with tissue. I figured the first 3 might be rejected and if accepted wouldn't earn much. But I was hopeful the brown Marc Jacobs bag would sell well and given it's great condition and being an authentic designer, never fathomed it would be rejected.

Mysteriously bags 1, 2 or 3 were all accepted but bag 4 was mis recorded as marc by marc Jacobs and was "rejected" and after several emails inquiring immediately about why it was not listed and where it was and how odd it was that the most expensive item in the best condition was rejected I have received no real explanation or apology. after sending pictures of it they confirmed that bag was upcycled and rejected.

I will never be sending them another item of clothing and I would caution you from sending them anything of value.

Additionally I had marked that I wanted my items back .. and I have inquired about this and have not heard a response as to why that didn't happen.

I first thought this might have happened because they had changed how they are processing things but after reading many of the posts on here I realize it's not new that sadly this seems to be a core business practice of their that is completely antithetical to the the whole service they are providing.

the short version: don't send anything designer to them. It will be rejected and upcycled and you will never see it again. .. because they are either selling these elsewhere and pocketing the profit or they have employees that are stealing the items..and you won't see your item or any money for it again.

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Vassi
glenview, US
Jan 01, 2023 2:12 am EST

Same thing happened to me with a designer bag! never using them again.

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Heavensent
, US
Apr 23, 2022 1:02 am EDT

The received my items worth over $900 last year. They emailed they received it in a week. Then they Kept saying they are backed up. Last month after almost six months they say they are processing it and after I email them how disgusted I was they claimed they lost my entire bag. I have pictures of the Tory Burch pants with tags almost $300 a pant and they somehow lost it and want to compensate me with $50 and when you request to cash out they keep $1 for fee. So $49 for almost $1,000 items all brand new with tags. Can we please join together and file a class action lawsuit? Dm me @gg_goddess.glow I’m calling a lawyer tomorrow

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LGCorbett
, US
Mar 28, 2022 1:20 pm EDT

They sold me shoes that had completely tattered bottoms. I couldn't get anyone at the company to respond. Had to go through the BBB. They finally agreed to take back the shoes and waive the shipping. So, I agreed as well and the BBB case was closed. They then reneged on the deal and withheld the shipping refund. I severed my relationship with them at that point.

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Indulekha Brooks
, US
Mar 09, 2022 3:14 am EST

Thieves Up is more like it. I have sent in bags and bags of high quality, high end brands of clothing. I have received pennies for my things, I paid the $10.99 to have my items sent back to me if they did not sell but instead they gave away my items to be “recycled or find new homes.” When I contacted them regarding my Hunter boots that were immaculate because they were only worn twice, they sent me a blow off email informing me that I should, “ specify that I want my items back.” When I explained that I had checked that I want my items back they were simply unconcerned, uncaring and it was another blow off. This company lies and steals with blatant disregard for anything or anyone.

DO NOT SEND YOUR ITEMS TO THEM! THIEVES, LIARS AND BS, sums them up pretty well.

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christinaSM
NYC, US
Jun 19, 2023 3:55 pm EDT

I wish WISH i would have seen this before i sent So many of my things, I am so upset about it. I lost so many articles of clothing in thredup land and still didnt make a dime after they take away fees and take our clothing for free! I am sickened!

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LisaBeth Lent
, US
Jan 14, 2022 11:54 am EST

Id love to be a part of a lawsuit and try to shut this company down if my issue isn't resolved.

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christinaSM
NYC, US
Jun 19, 2023 3:55 pm EDT

I will go in on this!

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Rachelim
, US
Jan 04, 2024 10:23 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Same

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Shannon 1234
, US
Feb 25, 2021 12:06 am EST

Look at the attachment. They are paying barely 25 per item I sent in to sell. They are raping us and banking off our sales and no one is stopping this. So disgusting.

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Beth Silva
, US
Feb 11, 2021 12:43 am EST

I had a very similar experience when I stupidly sent in several boxes of clothing. I got a gushing email telling me that 91 percent of my items were sellable, but strangely enough the items that were brand new with tags and name brand I.e. Betsey Johnson and J Jill were never seen again. I also sent new with tags LAMB shoes.
They are incredibly dishonest. I just hope that Karma bites them in the [censored].

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jieunlee911
, US
Sep 13, 2020 6:54 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

They took 6m to process my boxes. I sent in a lot of premium designer clothing. They are listing it for like 20-30% of the original price then giving me 7% of what they are listing it for so getting like $2 for something that cost me a lot of $$ stuff with tags on.

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Michel!
, US
Oct 25, 2019 5:20 am EDT

They literally stole my items and listed them on the site for sale without giving me credit. This company is horrible!

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Ashlen
, US
Sep 24, 2019 9:22 pm EDT

I sent a bag of about 25 items - most of which were brand name and in new and/or great condition. I was told that nothing in my bag was sellable, and that everything would be donated.

A few months later - I found a few of my items on their website. The EXACT same items I donated and they were selling them for a high price. There were a pair of Steve Madden wedges that I KNOW were mine because of a tiny defect on the heal that I recognized in the photo. In fact - a DKNY sweater I sent them is currently listed and there's no question that it's mine.

They stole my items and are now selling them for a profit.

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Michel!
, US
Oct 25, 2019 5:20 am EDT
Replying to comment of Ashlen

They literally stole my items and listed them on the site for sale without giving me credit. They listed the stolen items the same time as the other items they accepted. This company is horrible!

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Nini85
Alexandria, Virginia, US
Nov 03, 2021 1:27 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Ashlen

I had same experiences. When I sent them about 10 items, only high quality items among them were not listed. Their conditions were almost knew and I expected the highest price from them. The items listed were absolutely worse. ThredUp said those items that I mentioned were poor condition so they donated... I couldn't believe it because there was a high quality lether coat and knew boots with a tag... I thought there is an employee who stole my items.
BUT after few months, I had same experience again so I decided not to use them. I wish I was a famous YouTube creator so that I can let people know about it.

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The Kidman
, US
Sep 01, 2019 2:06 am EDT

I was about to use your service to clean out my closet and then I saw an ad with Nike on it. I absolutely refuse to do any business with companies that use Nike in anyway in tv or print ads-EVER!

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Susan Stoyanoff
, US
Jul 31, 2019 1:26 pm EDT

We need to stop them ! They did the same to me and told me when I didn't agree that the transaction is irreversible. let get together and submit group complaint - if we are more people maybe the Department of Consumer Affairs will be able to stop them.

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Alicia Thompson Trotter
, US
Oct 20, 2018 7:58 pm EDT

When my bags were cleaned out and posted to my account I noticed two of the Coach bags were missing. Mind you my bags are like new, hardly used. One of the missing bags also included a matching Coach wallet, with has since been sold. I immediately reached out to them and their response was that it was determined that the bags were either too stained or damaged to sell. This was an outright lie because the bags were in excellent condition, just like the wallet they sold! I offered to pay to have them returned to me but was told I had to specify that when the bags were sent to them. Had I had any inkling that they would act like my items were in any way damaged I would have specified return my items to me. I know what condition my items were in. But if they were in such poor shape why should they profit from selling my bags instead of me? It's just extremely shady! Like I said before they are either going to sell them out or someone there is using them. This ordeal has left me feeling scammed.

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Thred UP
, US
Aug 21, 2018 12:14 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Pending receipt of refund for 2 skirts returned to Thred UP on 04/16/18. (items did not fit)

Item # [protected]
Item # [protected]

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csfngy
, US
Aug 14, 2018 12:55 pm EDT
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i tried to activate my visa card and it's not going through

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HLin
, US
Dec 01, 2017 1:15 pm EST

Call the District Attorneys Office and file a formal complaint I already did that a few years ago regarding the same thing, they were investigated

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Heavensent
, US
Apr 23, 2022 1:04 am EDT
Replying to comment of HLin

They need a lawsuit. I need to get everyone together to file!

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Sandra Bock
, US
Oct 05, 2022 2:26 pm EDT
Replying to comment of Heavensent

I believe that when you send in your items to ThredUp that you agree to arbitration--meaning you can not bring a lawsuit against them. I also sent in a couple of bags about 6 months ago--they have not been processed yet--in fact, they just moved the October 3rd date to October 27, 2022; I've had it with this company and I will not deal with them again. If my items are not up for sale by Christmas, I will complain to Better Business and if they respond to my response--I'll wait until I receive my bags back/money/whatever before I leave a comment on the Better Business website. This stinks!

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amnes
, US
Aug 26, 2012 2:27 am EDT

I sent big bag of good quality clothing for poor people to Thredup. I called them after some time to find out if they got the package. Some 2 times they told that bag is still not received. Then they told that it was lost. I think they have stolen all the clothing to resell. They don’t have heart…

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priceco compare
, US
Jun 16, 2018 12:56 am EDT
Replying to comment of amnes

practically fraudulent site.

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Heavensent
, US
Apr 23, 2022 1:04 am EDT
Replying to comment of amnes

Yes they just stole my bag almost $1000 worth of new expensive clothing. I’m not letting them slide. I promise to make this known worldwide!