How To Sell Through Consignment Shops

I am excited to bring you a special feature today from New York City! I know this isn’t the usual you see on the blog but I think it is very important not to let things go to waste. That is why I created mypartyisover.com! Please enjoy reading these great tips on How To Sell Through Consignment Shops! Thank you, Claire, owner of Claire’s Closet NYC for being my special guest blogger today!

 Selling Through Consignment: Things to Remember

I discovered the benefits of consignment selling and shopping 7 years ago after frequenting stores like Buffalo Exchange and Wasteland. Going to the mall is a thing of the past… why pay full retail price on something that you can get at a consignment shop for a fraction of the cost? I also like the idea of recycling fashion, rather than constantly throwing stuff away. As the saying goes, one person’s trash is another’s treasure.

Here are some inside tips to keep in mind if you decide to sell your items at a consignment shop.

1. Choose your items carefully. I can’t stress this enough. I am always amazed when I see people with 5 garbage bags of clothing that are out-of-style, out-of-season, or simply not in tune with the store’s brand — therefore 99% of the items are not purchased. Most consignment shops aren’t interested in your ho-hum, plain t-shirts from Forever 21. However, if your plain t-shirt is from a high-end label such as Vince or James Pearse, that’s a different story.

2. Check for wear and tear. Many consignment shop buyers carefully scrutinize and inspect clothing for stains, rips, holes and loose threads. If your items are not in good condition, they won’t take it.

3. Items should either be timeless pieces or trendy items. Think name brand! People want high-end, name brand clothing and know consignment shops have these in abundance. Consignment shops have to stay fashionable too, so it’s safe to say that if you’re having second thoughts about those fluorescent pants and can’t return them, consignment is a good option.

4. Try to bring in items that match what they have in the store. I’d recommend going into the shop and browsing around first, and even asking employees what items they need.

5. Think seasonal. Consignment shops rotate their items on a seasonal basis, just like department stores. If it’s the end of summer and fall is approaching, get out those unwanted sweaters, jackets, and coats.

6. Don’t get offended or take it personally if your items are not purchased. I’ve seen people lug in giant bags of clothing, only for the buyer to purchase one or two things. This takes me back to tip #1. Be choosy and show the buyer that you have carefully selected your items.

7. Don’t expect to make a ton of money selling your items. Most consignment shops I’ve been to will price your item at a fraction of the retail cost, and then give you 30-35% of what they plan on selling it for. For example, a pair of designer jeans you purchased for $200 would probably sell for about $60 at the consignment store, and 35% of that is $21, which is what you will get. Sometimes stores will offer you 50% of what they will sell it for, but that’s only if you take a store credit, rather than cash.

8. You must bring your I.D. with you when you consign, as the store needs your information for tax purposes.

About Me: