Kleinanzeigen (formerly eBay Kleinanzeigen): Your shirt finds a new home

Do you have a closet full of shirts you just don't wear anymore? Maybe one doesn't fit right, another is out of style, and yet another has hung untouched on a hanger for months. The good news is: You don't have to just throw it all away. Your shirts can find a new home, and you might even make some money in the process.

This is where Kleinanzeigen comes in, the platform formerly known as eBay Kleinanzeigen. With millions of users across Germany, it's the perfect place to sell used clothing quickly and easily. Sounds good, right? But if you've never sold anything online before, you might wonder where to even start.

Don't worry, that's exactly what this article is for. We'll show you step-by-step how to create an account, post an appealing ad, and successfully sell your shirt. Even as a complete beginner, you'll know exactly what to do.

What is Kleinanzeigen – and why is it no longer called eBay Kleinanzeigen?

Perhaps you recently googled "eBay Kleinanzeigen" and are now wondering why you suddenly landed on kleinanzeigen.de. Don't worry, you're not on the wrong page. In May 2023, the platform was officially rebranded after the Norwegian media group Adevinta acquired it. "eBay Kleinanzeigen" simply became "Kleinanzeigen", and the domain changed to kleinanzeigen.de. A new name, a new owner, but essentially the same familiar platform.

The best part: Anyone familiar with the old version will immediately find their way around. The user interface has remained almost identical. Nothing was turned upside down, no complete reboot. The change was more of a brand-related step than a functional cut.

What makes the platform so special is its principle: There is no integrated checkout like in an online shop. Buyers and sellers message each other directly, agree on a price, and jointly decide whether to meet in person, pay via bank transfer, or use PayPal. This direct interaction makes the platform human and uncomplicated, exactly what a shirt that deserves a new story needs.

And the demand is enormous: In the fashion and beauty category alone, there are around 10 million active listings. This makes Kleinanzeigen one of the most widely used second-hand platforms in Germany. For anyone who wants to pass on a well-made piece of clothing, this is a huge opportunity.

Is Second-Hand Really Sustainable? An Honest Answer

Let's be honest, because the topic deserves it.

SWR Eco-Checker publicly scrutinized second-hand platforms and asked: Is it all really as green as it feels? The answer isn't a simple yes or no, and that's exactly what you should know before listing or buying a shirt.

The Difference That Matters

Not every second-hand purchase is ecologically equal. Someone who resells a quickly produced fast-fashion item every week is essentially engaging in accelerated consumption with a green veneer. However, someone who passes on a carefully manufactured piece of clothing that was thoughtfully designed and produced is doing something fundamentally different. They are extending the lifecycle of a product that was designed for longevity from the outset. This is not a marketing phrase; it is circular economy in its purest form.

The Rebound Effect: A Fair Objection

There's a well-known criticism you should be aware of: the rebound effect. If second-hand purchases are so cheap and easy, it can happen that one buys more overall than before, which negates the ecological advantage. This is not a marginal problem but a real mechanism. The conscious counter-approach is: Before every purchase, ask yourself if you really need the item, not just if it's worth it.

Consciously Passing On Instead of Discarding

If a shirt doesn't fit, there are three options: return it, throw it away, or pass it on. The first two often end up being incinerated or in the trash. The third option, for example via Kleinanzeigen, keeps the item in circulation. According to a PwC forecast from 2023, the German second-hand fashion market is expected to grow to up to 6 billion euros by 2025. Conscious consumption is no longer a niche topic but mainstream in society. It's worth participating if done right.

What does it cost to sell on Kleinanzeigen?

Good news first: For occasionally passing on a single shirt, Kleinanzeigen costs you simply nothing.

As a private seller, you can list up to 100 ads free of charge within 30 days. That's far more than you'll ever need to pass on a few high-quality shirts. Only from the 101st ad onwards, according to Kleinanzeigen's official fee overview, is a fee of 1.99 euros per listing charged. For most people who occasionally want to pass on a favorite item, this limit is simply never relevant.

However, the crucial point is another one: Kleinanzeigen does not charge any commission on the selling price. If you sell a shirt for 45 euros, you get 45 euros. No deduction, no percentage, no hidden platform fee. What you agree upon is entirely yours.

This makes a real difference when you pass on a carefully crafted piece at a fair price. The full value is retained, and with it, the silent recognition for the hours that went into its creation. A shirt that was made with care deserves to be passed on with care. And not a single euro of it should be lost along the way.

Step 1: Create an account and post an ad

Here we go, the first step is easier than you might think. Go to kleinanzeigen.de and click "Register" in the top right corner. All you need is a valid email address and a secure password. You'll also be asked for a phone number, as the platform performs a quick SMS verification. This sounds like more effort than it is, because the code usually arrives within seconds. This step also noticeably strengthens buyer confidence, as verified accounts appear more reputable.

Do you still have an old eBay Kleinanzeigen account? Then you can simply log in with your existing credentials. The rebranding to "Kleinanzeigen" has not affected existing accounts; everything remains the same.

After logging in, click the "Post ad" button, which you can hardly miss on the homepage. Then select the category Fashion & Beauty, and below that either Women's Clothing or Men's Clothing, depending on who the shirt is for. There's no elaborate merchant verification or complicated product listings like on large online shops. The entry barrier is deliberately kept low.

Also, enter your location carefully. Especially if you prefer personal pickup without shipping, this is crucial. More on this in Step 5.

Step 2: Take photos that show its value

Good photos are the difference between a shirt that sits in an ad for three weeks and one that finds a new home within days. And the best part: you don't need expensive equipment for it.

Natural daylight is your best studio equipment. Stand by the window, lay the shirt flat on a light, neutral surface, such as a white sheet or simple printer paper, or hang it against a light background. This way, the color and texture of the fabric come across authentically, without anything being distorted. Direct sunlight can cast harsh shadows; soft daylight on a slightly cloudy morning is often ideal.

Show the shirt from multiple perspectives. Front, back, and at least two to three detail shots. Especially with a handmade shirt, it's the little things that convince someone: a carefully sewn seam, a special label, a unique print. These details tell the shirt's story even before someone reads the description.

No filters, no over-editing. Those who buy an honest shirt want to see honest photos. According to Kleinanzeigen itself, overly perfect pictures even arouse suspicion. Authenticity trumps perfection.

If the shirt has minor signs of wear, photograph them too and mention them openly in the description. Transparency will save you long messages later and protect both sides.

Kleinanzeigen allows up to 20 photos per ad. Upload at least five so that interested parties get a fair, complete picture.

Step 3: A description that tells the story

The description is your silent salesperson. It works for you even when you're sleeping. That's why it's worth investing a few extra minutes here.

Start with the facts. Size, cut, material, condition. This sounds dry, but it's golden. Someone who knows from the start that the shirt is a loose, oversized M, made of 100% organic cotton, and worn once, will only message you if it's a real fit. That saves both of you time.

Then comes your personal touch. Something like: "Handmade in Germany, from sustainable materials, designed with great care." This isn't advertising. This is relevant information for someone who wants to know what they're buying. And on Kleinanzeigen, a platform with over 50 million active ads, precisely this line sets your offer apart from the crowd.

Write clearly and honestly, without exaggeration. Buyers read dozens of ads daily. Phrases like "absolute dream piece, unique and incredibly rare" create skepticism. "Good condition, color slightly faded on one shoulder seam" creates trust.

Don't forget the shipping information. State directly whether you ship or only offer local pickup. If shipping, then also: insured or uninsured. This prevents the typical back-and-forth after initial contact.

And then, at the very end, a sentence of genuine conviction: "This shirt is looking for someone who will truly wear it." This phrasing appeals precisely to people who are looking for a consciously chosen piece, not the next bargain that will disappear into the closet again tomorrow.

Step 4: Finding a fair price that respects its value

Before you type a number into the price field, it's worth taking a quick look at the platform itself. Search for similar shirts on Kleinanzeigen, filter by the appropriate category (for example, "Men's Clothing" or "Women's Outerwear") and select the condition "used/well preserved". This will give you a realistic idea within minutes of what buyers are willing to pay. These prices are, by the way, asking prices, not final selling prices. The actual amount transferred in the end is usually lower.

Negotiating room is not a coincidence, but a strategy. On Kleinanzeigen, price negotiation is culturally ingrained. Buyers expect it, and the platform even allows you to submit a counter-offer directly. Therefore, consciously set your starting price about 10 to 20 percent higher than the amount you would at least accept. This gives you room to maneuver without appearing dishonest.

A georgwerner shirt is not a fast-fashion item. If you know how much care goes into each piece, then you also know: a surcharge compared to comparable mass-produced shirts is completely justified. Briefly explain this in your description, for example with a sentence about the material or origin. Conscious buyers understand and respect this.

In good condition, 40 to 70 percent of the original purchase price is a realistic and fair resale value. And because Kleinanzeigen charges 0% commission, this amount stays entirely with you. You don't have to factor in platform fees, which allows for a more honest price for both sides.

Step 5: Local handover and avoiding emissions

Kleinanzeigen was designed from the outset as a local marketplace. The platform is built around your postal code, and personal handover, often simply called "Abholung" (pickup) in German, is not an added feature but the original core of the concept. Many users underestimate this, but it offers one of the best ways to truly pass on a shirt consciously.

Why local handover is so much better

When you hand over your shirt in person, the entire shipping process is eliminated: no plastic film, no cardboard, no transport across Germany. This means fewer emissions, less packaging waste, and no risk of the shirt arriving damaged. According to a study by the Wuppertal Institute in collaboration with Kleinanzeigen, 64 percent of Germans are convinced that reusing and re-purposing products actively contributes to climate protection. Local handover makes this contribution tangibly real.

How to do it practically

Simply state in your ad that you prefer personal handover, or select the "Pickup only" option. This automatically attracts interested parties from your region and makes the entire process easier for both sides. A public place is particularly suitable as a meeting point: a café, the marketplace, a train station. This is uncomplicated, safe, and works in almost every city and village in Germany.

And then there's something else that can hardly be expressed in numbers. The shirt goes directly from your hands into the hands of someone who truly wanted it. With all the stories it carries. This is passing on in its most human form, and that's exactly what we mean when we say: A shirt from GeorgWerner isn't looking for a buyer, but a friend.

Your statutory right of return always remains in effect

We want to tell you clearly and unequivocally: Your statutory 14-day right of withdrawal from georgwerner.com remains fully intact. Always. Without exception. No plea, no recommendation, and no well-intentioned advice can limit this right. This is valid consumer law in Germany, enshrined in the Civil Code, and it protects you with every online purchase.

The request to pass on a shirt instead of returning it is precisely that: a request. An appeal to your conscience, not a contract. You are not entering into any obligation, you are not waiving anything, and you owe us no explanation if you decide otherwise. If you send it back, you are doing everything correctly. Truly.

However, if you choose to pass on a shirt, you do so out of conviction, not obligation. And precisely this distinction is important to us. A resale on Kleinanzeigen, a gift to a friend, a spontaneous exchange with neighbors: these are voluntary, conscious decisions that have nothing to do with legal waiver.

Transparency is not a marketing promise at georgwerner.com, but part of its foundation. Those who speak honestly about rights build trust that extends beyond the purchase. That is the difference between a transaction and a genuine relationship.

Conclusion: The shirt is looking for its next person

For occasionally passing on a high-quality piece of clothing, Kleinanzeigen is one of the best options in Germany: free, transparent, and with genuine human contact. The combination of 0% commission, up to 50 free listings per month, and the option for personal pickup makes the platform particularly suitable for slow fashion items whose value should be preserved. Not a cent is lost, nothing disappears into anonymous shipping chains.

A georgwerner shirt was designed and manufactured with care. It contains silent hours, genuine thoughts, a piece of Bad Säckingen. It deserves a second owner who wears it just as conscientiously, for a long time, and with joy. According to Statista, Kleinanzeigen is one of the most frequently used platforms for second-hand goods in Germany, and with around 10 million fashion items on offer, your shirt is guaranteed to find an attentive audience there.

Acting sustainably doesn't mean perfection. It means taking a step in the right direction with every small decision. Passing on a shirt is such a step. Not a big one. But a real one.

And once your shirt has found a new home, please write to us. Such stories mean more to us than any platform statistics.

Conclusion

As you can see, selling your old shirts on Kleinanzeigen is easier than you might have thought. With a well-set-up account, attractive photos, and an honest description, you lay the foundation for successful sales. A fair price and friendly communication with interested parties ensure that your shirt quickly finds a new home.

The best part: You tidy up your wardrobe, protect the environment, and earn some money on the side. A real win all around.

So, what are you waiting for? Open your wardrobe, pick out the shirts you no longer wear, and create your first ad on Kleinanzeigen today. Your next sale is just a few clicks away!