Consignment stores allow you to sell slightly worn items in your wardrobe for re-sell, and receive either cash or store credit.
Here is the Breakdown:
35% cash or 50% in store credit.
So, say for example I take bag of clothes I desire to sell to a Consignment store. The store decides to buy $100 dollars worth of clothing. If I sell $100 dollars in clothing, I can then either receive 35% in cash which in this case is $35 bucks or, I can take 50% in store credit or $50 dollars. I can now peruse the store, find something absolutely fabulous and use my store credit to purchase the item. Guess what...You've updated your wardrobe and you haven't spent a dime!!!
Let's go through this step by step.
- 1. Call a consignment store to see what they are currently buying. This changes as do the trends. Sometimes Neons are in but then, just as fast as the trend came, it's out. It changes also due to the season. Sometimes they start buying for summer in the spring to prep themselves in advance. You don't want to waste your precious time and GAS! (Good Lord help us all...SMH) so it's always good to put in a call. Sometimes this info can be retrieved through the automated voice system.
- 2.Go through your closet and pull out stuff that matches what they are buying. I generally try to look for stuff I know they are buying but also anything which I think is stylish or cute. Note: If you don't wear it because you think it is raggedy, chances are, they will too. They will kindly decline the item and put it back in your bag! Also note: Vintage, Classics, and Basics are always in!
- 3. Prep the garment. The items they buy from you get tagged and go directly on the floor so if it's stanking (and yes stanking with an A), dingy, has a bunch of deodorant stains or is too wrinkled, they will again decline the item regardless of how cute it is. Imagine how frustrating it is to know you could have added to your capital or wardrobe if you just would have cleaned up those shoes a little better or ironed that garment.
- 4. Take the clothes to the consignment shop. There is almost always a line but wait patiently until called.
- 5. THIS IS A BIGGY! Don't get butt-hurt if they pass up some items you would go without food and water to have (Been there done that...I luv food too much to do it again lol!). I can't tell you the amount of times I've seen someone trying to sell their items, arguing with the buyer. Really!?! Do you know nothing about business etiquette? This may not be your business per se, but you are in the business of trying to get something for those clothes RIGHT?! Well think about it and don't burn your bridges! We are all human and the same person you are yelling at, is the same person who will be going through the rest of your clothes and pricing them. Do you really want to sit there and argue with them? The fact of the matter is, even if an item you bring in is fashionable, sometimes they are fully stocked on an item and are no longer buying those.
Case in Point-I took in a pair of uber cute Cowboy boots from Aldo. They were well stocked on their cowboy boots. She told me to bring them in another time. I brought them back a month later and they bought them!
Another good reason not to argue with the buyers: If you are a consistent seller as am I, you will be remembered. If you are going to be remembered, make it a positive one!
- 6. You must have your I.D.
- 7. Have fun Perusing the store with your new store credit or Get the heck out of dodge with the cash! (or use that money to shop elsewhere.)
Either way, ROCK ON Fashionista (or Fashionist-O for men) for being fabulous and a good steward over your finances!
Since I live in California, I will list some stores in LA that buy, sell, and trade clothing.
(also note each consignment store varies as to the inventory it buys. Each store has their own vibe according to the vibe of that city. It's always safe to call in advance.)
Buffalo Exchange http://www.buffaloexchange.com/
Crossroads Trade Co. http://crossroadstrading.com/
Wasteland https://www.shopwasteland.com/
Upon doing my research, I stumbled onto this website that has various consignment shops across the US which buy clothes as well as other items.
http://consignmentshops.com/
STAY TUNED FOR PART 2. YOU WON'T BELIEVE WHAT I GOT FOR FREE, SHOPPING CONSIGNMENT!!!
Kisses-P
