What makes a good consignment store?
October 19, 2011 11:54 AM Subscribe
How do you select a good consignment store?
I have a bit of a wardrobe that I will, in all probability, never wear again. Regardless of that my taste has changed (as has my size) and I just don't need this stuff. It's all fairly new and if not newish definitely gently to barely used. I also have a number of cocktail dresses that I no longer need or want. I would give this stuff to Goodwill except that it's a good number of items, and over time they represent a decent investment of money. I would like to recoup a little if only to refresh my current work wardrobe (as I will probably soon stop working from home and go back to a casual office setting).
I've been trying to figure out what consignment store to give these to, but I can't sort out what makes a good store or how to select a consignment store for women's clothing. What are the criteria? What questions should I ask or what should I look for? If I was trying to get rid of furniture I would know where to go.
Thanks!
I have a bit of a wardrobe that I will, in all probability, never wear again. Regardless of that my taste has changed (as has my size) and I just don't need this stuff. It's all fairly new and if not newish definitely gently to barely used. I also have a number of cocktail dresses that I no longer need or want. I would give this stuff to Goodwill except that it's a good number of items, and over time they represent a decent investment of money. I would like to recoup a little if only to refresh my current work wardrobe (as I will probably soon stop working from home and go back to a casual office setting).
I've been trying to figure out what consignment store to give these to, but I can't sort out what makes a good store or how to select a consignment store for women's clothing. What are the criteria? What questions should I ask or what should I look for? If I was trying to get rid of furniture I would know where to go.
Thanks!
Usually they'll only take stuff for the current season (sweaters in winter, sundresses in summer) so check to see what their current wish list is.
They can vary in terms of the amount they pay so be sure you know the percentage they give to you if your item sells. There may be a different rate depending on whether you want cash or credit to the store. You might also check to see how long they'll keep things on the shelf and what they do with the stuff they don't sell. Some will let you come back and pick it up, others just automatically donate to charity.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 12:18 PM on October 19, 2011
They can vary in terms of the amount they pay so be sure you know the percentage they give to you if your item sells. There may be a different rate depending on whether you want cash or credit to the store. You might also check to see how long they'll keep things on the shelf and what they do with the stuff they don't sell. Some will let you come back and pick it up, others just automatically donate to charity.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 12:18 PM on October 19, 2011
Between needing money, being pregnant, and purging for a move, I've been dealing with this a lot lately.
I live in LA and have a lot of time on my hands, and still could not find anywhere that felt like it would be worthwhile to me. From a lot of calling around, it looked like I would get at most 20% of retail, have to leave things on hold for a long time, and that they would only take certain things (and a minimum number of things). And this was for essentially new shoes and accessories from Alexander McQueen and YSL, easier to sell than clothes. It might be different in other cities, but for stuff that wasn't designer my options were places like Buffalo Exchange, where the financial deal is worse (they pay you upfront, but way less), and they generally only take a couple of things from a big bag of decent stuff.
I guess I would try again if I somehow came into a super-rich shopaholic relative's estate (I do not have such a relative) and was super busy or super upset by going through it all. Maybe your situation is closer to that, in which case I think you should Yelp to see what's out there and then call for terms and conditions.
For my own stuff though, I ebay a couple of times and then it goes to Goodwill if it hasn't sold. I've made a lot of money on ebay the past few months, although it is a lot of work and having a decent camera and some photography skills has been a big asset. Interestingly, mid-range stuff (BR, Ann Taylor etc) does much better on ebay than higher end stuff. I wonder if finding a store-front place or a friend to do the ebay leg-work for you would be a better deal than a consignment store?
Oh, and if you do end up at Goodwill, remember to take the tax receipt thingy they offer.
posted by crabintheocean at 12:37 PM on October 19, 2011
I live in LA and have a lot of time on my hands, and still could not find anywhere that felt like it would be worthwhile to me. From a lot of calling around, it looked like I would get at most 20% of retail, have to leave things on hold for a long time, and that they would only take certain things (and a minimum number of things). And this was for essentially new shoes and accessories from Alexander McQueen and YSL, easier to sell than clothes. It might be different in other cities, but for stuff that wasn't designer my options were places like Buffalo Exchange, where the financial deal is worse (they pay you upfront, but way less), and they generally only take a couple of things from a big bag of decent stuff.
I guess I would try again if I somehow came into a super-rich shopaholic relative's estate (I do not have such a relative) and was super busy or super upset by going through it all. Maybe your situation is closer to that, in which case I think you should Yelp to see what's out there and then call for terms and conditions.
For my own stuff though, I ebay a couple of times and then it goes to Goodwill if it hasn't sold. I've made a lot of money on ebay the past few months, although it is a lot of work and having a decent camera and some photography skills has been a big asset. Interestingly, mid-range stuff (BR, Ann Taylor etc) does much better on ebay than higher end stuff. I wonder if finding a store-front place or a friend to do the ebay leg-work for you would be a better deal than a consignment store?
Oh, and if you do end up at Goodwill, remember to take the tax receipt thingy they offer.
posted by crabintheocean at 12:37 PM on October 19, 2011
When I was in your position, I ended up using one of the services that sells your stuff on ebay. My clothing was not super high end, but I still made more than I would have at the consignment places. I second crabintheocean, my mid range items like Ann Taylor & J Crew sold much quicker than my nice stuff.
posted by Nickel Pickle at 1:34 PM on October 19, 2011
posted by Nickel Pickle at 1:34 PM on October 19, 2011
Find out if the store actually makes sales. Many consignment stores operate as "retail therapy in reverse," intended to convey to the consignor that "Hey, my clothes are still worth a lot!" whether or not they sell or not. My observation is that they almost never sell at the high prices many consignment stores offer.
Stores that give you cash up front are generally a better deal in that you are assured of getting the money even if it is not close to what you paid for them.
posted by bad grammar at 5:13 PM on October 19, 2011
Stores that give you cash up front are generally a better deal in that you are assured of getting the money even if it is not close to what you paid for them.
posted by bad grammar at 5:13 PM on October 19, 2011
Check Yelp -- I've read lots of reviews of consignment stores on there that discuss both the quality of selling and shopping.
posted by imalaowai at 5:15 PM on October 19, 2011
posted by imalaowai at 5:15 PM on October 19, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
Most places only take a few items from each consignor, and often ask you to dry clean or wash the items you bring in.
posted by jrochest at 12:09 PM on October 19, 2011