How to Exchange Clothes with Online Clothing Swap Sites

Do you have old clothes to get rid of but are not sure what exactly to do with them? Consider using an online clothing swap site to exchange them for someone else's unwanted items.

Online clothes swap sites have become very popular. The idea began, and still takes place, as in-person parties where people get together and trade their old clothes, accessories and other items for new (used) ones. A clothing exchange not only lets you recycle your clothes by giving them a new home, but it allows you to add new items to your wardrobe in return.

How does online clothes swapping work?

To begin with, you will need to register with a reliable online clothing swap website. Read my article on Associated Content titled "The 3 Best Places to Swap Clothes Online Free" for information on and direct links to three of the best free clothes swapping sites online.

Once you have created an account, you can then begin listing items you wish to trade. Each of the many online swap sites can accommodate different types of products, but nearly all of them allow for the exchange of clothing and accessories. Some will also list your jewelry items and cosmetics.

Before listing the stuff you wish to trade, you should already have a photograph of each item saved and easily accessible on your computer hard drive. When you create a new entry on your list of items to exchange, the swap site will give you the option to upload a photo of the article of clothing or accessory. A photograph is not required but you will probably find few swappers that will agree to trade their stuff for something they have not seen.

It is also helpful to have the items you are exchanging in front of you when listing them on the site. You will be asked for the clothing size and on some sites, the brand name and clothing material. Detailed information is not always required, but the more thorough a description you provide, the easier it will be for other swappers to find what they are looking for. If you are honest from the beginning about any holes or discolorations, loose seams, etc. that your clothing might have, the less chance that a conflict will arise. Detailed descriptions lead to trust between swappers which leads to positive feedback after the swap is completed, which then of course leads to more swap requests.

Once you have created a list of your swap inventory, you can start making offers with other users to swap clothes or other items. Each online clothing swap site is set up differently, but this is essentially how it usually works:

Browse through the clothes items for trade that are posted on the site. When you find something you want, you should then notify the owner. You should be able to do this by initiating an official swap request though the site or by sending them a direct message to their online swap site inbox. You will have the option to propose what you will give them in return, but it usually works better if you invite the person to view your list and propose something themselves.

Once you let them know what you are interested in, they will then take a look at your list of clothes swaps to see if there is anything they would like. They will then send the offer back to you, reflecting the proposed item they want for the item you want. Or, if they cannot find anything they want on your list, they can decline your swap request.

The process works the same when someone initiates a swap negotiation with you, only of course, they will make contact first. Most of the swap sites will notify you when someone initiates a swap request or has responded to yours. You can also access the information on your account page.

So now you have communicated with another user and agreed upon an exchange. At this point you will need to exchange addresses. Usually the website will provide both parties with the others information automatically, but it is always good to confirm it with the other person directly. This also allows for more personal communication.

You are free to work out any arrangement you see fit with the person you are swapping with, but is a standard practice for the person with a lower rating score, less feedback, or less time as a member of the swap website to send their item first. This helps prevent swaplifting, which unfortunately is a legitimate concern in the world of online clothing swaps. When the person receives your item they will then ship you theirs.

When the swap agreement has been fulfilled, both parties now have the option of providing feedback for the other, at least on the major online clothing swap sites. Detailed comments and/or numeric ratings are not required but are highly encouraged. It is this info that not only deters swaplifters but it also helps swappers establish a reputation on the site as well as earn the privilege to swap second.