Sell or Trade with Us!

Turn your vintage pieces into cash, or trade for something you love.

Do you have pieces from the 90s/2000s or older that you’re ready to part with? We’re always looking to buy quality vintage and secondhand clothing, and we're also open to hearing out trades for pieces in our inventory.

Whether you’re local to the DMV or shipping from anywhere in the world, working with Sardines is easy and transparent.

Below is everything you need to know: how it works, what we’re looking for, payment and trade options, and an FAQ to keep things simple.

HOW IT WORKS

Option 1: Local Meetups

If you're in DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia, we offer convenient meetups.

How local buying works:

  1. Reach out: Fill out this form with photos and a quick description of the items you wish to sell or trade.
  2. Schedule a meetup: We’ll pick a safe, public location (usually along major metro stops). In rare occasions, we may come directly to you if preferred.
  3. In-person review: We look through everything on the spot.
  4. Choose your payout: Receive cash, Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or discuss a trade for pieces from our inventory.

Option 2: Ship Your Items to Us

Not local? You can still sell to Sardines.

  1. Submit photos first: Send pictures through our form so we can confirm interest. We will discuss a payout which is subject to change based on the condition of items upon arrival.
  2. Ship your items: You mail them to us (you cover shipping).
  3. We evaluate & price: We go through your items on camera so you can see exactly how pricing works.
    • Note: We price your items using verified online listings for comparison, and we’re transparent every step of the way. Most items land in the 40–60% payout range based on what we expect to sell them for and how quickly we expect them to sell.
  1. We send you a final quote: You can accept, decline, or ask about a trade credit toward pieces from our inventory.
  2. Get paid: Once you approve the final quote, we send payment instantly or arrange your trade.

Option 3: Trade With Sardines

See something in our collection you'd rather have than cash? We're open to hearing trade proposals.

How trades work:

  • Send us photos of the pieces you're offering.
  • Let us know if there are items from our inventory you're interested in.
  • We'll evaluate both sides and determine whether a straight trade, partial trade, or trade plus cash makes sense.

Trades are handled on a case-by-case basis and are subject to item availability.

Note: We do not cover shipping costs, and items declined after review will not be returned unless the seller pays shipping back.

WHAT WE BUY

YES — Items We’re Looking For:

  • Vintage clothing (70s, 80s, 90s, Y2K)
  • Graphic tees, band tees, single stitch tees
  • Denim (Levi’s, Dickies, Carhartt, etc.)
  • Jackets & outerwear
  • Crewnecks, hoodies (vintage sportswear, college logos, etc.)
  • Workwear & military items
  • Unique, rare, or one-of-a-kind pieces
  • Designer items with verifiable authenticity
  • Accessories in good condition (bags, belts, minimal jewelry)

Condition we accept:

  • Gently worn
  • Light wear or distressing that adds character
  • Clean and odor-free

NO — Items We Aren’t Taking Right Now:

  • Fast fashion brands (H&M, Shein, Zara, Forever 21, Fashion Nova, etc.)
  • Extremely damaged or stained items
  • Items with heavy odors (smoke, mildew)
  • Modern department store brands unless they’re unique or reworked
  • Shoes (unless high-value vintage or rare sneakers)

WHAT WE PAY

Our offers are based on:

  • Condition
  • Rarity
  • Brand
  • Resale value
  • Demand within our audience

Higher-value or rare pieces may receive individually negotiated pricing.

Trade offers are evaluated using the same criteria.

FAQ

Do I need to send photos first?

Yes. Whether you’re local, shipping, or interested in a trade, photos help us confirm interest before reviewing in person.

Do you cover shipping costs?

No. Sellers cover the cost of mailing items to us.

Will you return items you don’t want?

Yes, but only if you cover return shipping. Otherwise, we will donate or responsibly recycle unwanted items.

How fast do I get paid?

Local deals are instant.
Shipped deals are paid within 24 hours after you approve our quote.

What types of payment do you offer?

Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, Cash App, or trade credit.

Do you accept trades?

Yes. We're always open to hearing trade proposals. Trades can include item-for-item exchanges, partial trades, or trade plus cash depending on the pieces involved.

Do you buy in bulk?

Yes — full closets, estate finds, abandoned storage units, and mixed hauls are welcome.

Do you buy vintage home goods or décor?

Not currently. Unless… 😳

Where do meetups happen?

Typically in Washington, DC or Northern Virginia along major metro stops and occasionally in Maryland.

Do you buy modern streetwear?

Sometimes — brands like Supreme, Stüssy, Palace, Carhartt WIP, etc. Send photos to confirm.

SUBMISSION FORM

Sell or Trade Your Items

Drop photos, descriptions, or a link to a Google Drive folder.

Include your preferred payment method, whether you want a local meetup or will be shipping, and let us know if you're interested in cash, trade, or a combination of both.