Con’t from my series Tips on Shopping Thrift, Consignment, Vintage and Estate Sales.
I’m going to let you in on all my consignment store shopping tips.
Consignment stores are probably where I find most of my secondhand clothing. They are basically an upscale version of a thrift store and often carry current fashion trends.
The merchandise selection has been curated for you in consignment shops. You are less likely to find shabby pieces with holes or damage as the store owner checks for these problems before accepting the items to resell in the store.
Be aware that you pay for convenience, they are more expensive than thrift stores on average but take less time to browse and generally have a better, more organized selection.
What are consignment stores?
Consignment stores sell other people’s items and then provide a percentage of the profit back to the seller. This is usually 30-50% depending on the store and the item.
Where do I find consignment stores?
Online or by word of mouth. I will often ask when I’m in a consignment store if they know of any other ones in the area.
How much should I expect to pay at consignment stores?
In general expect to pay half of retail, less if they are having a sale.
Are all consignment stores created equal?
No. The store owner decides what they will accept to sell and some are more discerning than others. Also the mark-up can vary dramatically between stores. Some stores only sell very high end designer merchandise whereas other stores will sell mid to lower price ranges. You need to visit the stores to see which one best suits your budget and taste.
Can I make money selling my clothing in a consignment store?
Yes. Just remember the percentage you will get from the sale will be dramatically less than if you’d sold the item yourself. Also some stores offer a better percentage if you turn around and spend whatever money you earn in their store on other merchandise.
What should I look for when trying to find a good consignment store?
Most store owners take pride in their stores but I’ve been in some that don’t. Those generally are stores that accept questionable merchandise for resale, are dirty and disorganized. They can also smell. I visit these stores once and never return.
Look for well merchandised stores with a quick inventory rotation. Each time you go into the store it should almost feel like a new store. Quick inventory rotation means they have good merchandise priced appropriately.
Friendly staff. This is true anywhere but especially true in consignment stores. If you are looking for something special they can keep an eye open and then put it aside until you are able to make it in.
Good staff are also skilled at knowing their current inventory and can save you time by pulling things in the store that are suitable for you.
Over enthusiastic sales staff using pressure sales tactics drive me out of a store. I appreciate the staff when they are available when I need them and honest and when I ask their opinion. They won’t hesitate to tell me I could do better.
Things to be aware of at consignment stores.
There is a strict no return policy in effect.
Some stores don’t accept credit cards. Be sure to ask prior to browsing the store.
Some stores don’t know the value of their merchandise. This is rare to find, but can sometimes hold true, in which case you get the best deals on high end products for very little money.
Be sure to check over your merchandise carefully before you purchase. If you find any flaws you can often ask for an additional discount.
Most consignment stores demand that the merchandise is cleaned or dry cleaned prior to selling. Some however don’t pay attention to this rule. Smell the clothes before you buy them. You may end up having to dry clean the item after purchasing. Make sure you mention this at the time of purchase. You may be able to get a discount.
Here are some of the quality pieces I’ve purchased the last 18 months from consignment stores.
Danier leather jacket
Boho style dress.
Anyi Lu shoes.
ABS Collection Allen Schwartz dress
Boots and Nordstrom blouse.
100% silk wrap skirt.
Leather belt made in Italy.
Parasuco blouse
Maeve Anthropologie dress
Anthropologie skirt
If you follow my consignment store shopping tips you are sure to find some treasures at a local store near you.
Do you consignment store shop? If so, do you have any tips you’d like to pass along?
Next up in this series…how to shop vintage.
Linking up with: My Girlish Whims
Some great finds on all these outfits. I have found the two stores I sell at a great place to find deals. The coat on my post yesterday was $20. Same design in the store over $200. I’m always amazed at what they don’t take when I bring things in, I suppose everyone feels this way!
blue hue wonderland
I shop consignment stores and have my favorites here in Denver. Love your “how to” series and your ability to put many different looks together and shine. You are very talented and creative!
such cute looks on you. I especially like that little black dress. fits you so well!
xxx
Lady à la Mode
Another great and informative post, and what great outfits! All the looks are wonderful but I love the Annie Hall look you’re channelling with that silk wrap dress. I shop at a local consignment shop here in Annecy (there are only two, but this one is the best), and I have brought her heaps of stuff to sell from my closet. I’m making pretty decent cash, although I DO often ‘buy’ a lot of things on my account. It feels like free money. 🙂 My tips? If you frequent a shop like the one I do, where half of the female population of Annecy both consign and update their wardrobes, you’d better not tarry: snap up that special find when you see it, otherwise it’ll sell like lightening. And establish a good rapport with the owner. It pays off. Easy for me as I really like this owner. Don’t be afraid to point out issues with pieces to get a better deal. That’s how I scored my Tom ford shades – slightly scratched on the lens, but a good deal. And, of course, go often! I’ve probably just rephrased your tips but those are mine. 🙂
We call it “selling on behalf” here in NZ! there’s a few about town; I only occasionally go into them, as I find them pretty overpriced on the whole. I’m more of an opshopper (thrift store) still, but keep my eyes open!
LOVE that tan belt, second last pic!!! XXX
Yes, I do go to my local consignment store, but not often, as I can’t come out without buying something. Particularly if Jan is the salsewoman that day. I swear, she is the Devil Incarnate! She can find stuff for me that I end up “having to have.” The last time I went there, I admired a pair of red suede boots, but did not want to pay £66 for them. “Oh, no trouble,” said Jan, checking the date the boots had been brought in. “You can have them for £48.” So, there it was. How can you argue with that?! I now have red suede boots, and I tell you, they are amazing!
Cheers,
Rosemary from http://www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com
You have found some great items! I need to hit up more of them in my area.
Great finds there! I really love the boho dress and that last skirt – gorgeous!
So true Ann! I always wonder why the heck they don’t want my stuff! LOL
Next time I’m in Denver I’m going consignment shopping with you!
I could really see you wearing that one : )
Very true…you snooze, you loose!
BTW…we are definitely going estate sale shopping when you are back in Toronto!
You are like me…you always find something to buy. Gotta love Jan… I’ve been on the lookout for some red leather boots forever. I’m a size 7…you know…just in case you come across some : )
It is true that thrift stores are much cheaper. Sometimes I just don’t have the patience for them though.
Once you start you’ll wonder why you ever paid retail for anything.
That last skirt is an Anthro skirt. I tried it on about 3 months earlier when we were in NYC but found it too pricey. When I came across it later for half that price I knew I had to have it.
There’s a great consignment shop about 5 minutes away from my office that I’ve stopped by several times. They carry very high end stuff and have brand new purses at fraction of the cost but I still can’t justify spending that kind of money. I work in a very well to do neighborhood so there’s always great stuff but most of the clothes are sized for the super skinny stay at home botox mommies.
Just curious – do you sell your clothes to consignment stores or ebay?
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
I am learning more about consigment stores, which aren’t very popular in Italy… so, thans! I find they are a bit too expensive here at the moment…
Your outfits are stylish, and in your last photo you are… wow! I love the skirt and your delightful bag!
I sell them at the consignment store. Less hassle. Plus shipping costs from Canada are terrible. Really high.
You need to look for another consignment store, better suited to your budget.
So many wonderful outfits, Suzanne, you are the mistress of a real variety of styles! We have a few consignment-type shops here, but they aren’t for me; too expensive, too up-market! I prefer the rough-and-tumble of the charity shops, though of course you might find nothing at all on many visits. But overall, much of my wardrobe comes from them, and you can find some really cheap vintge pieces too. xxx
Indeed… You have found fantastic items. They all look great on you. I like your versatility in dressing. I see your signature in jeans with boots (feminine and sturdy) and forties style, but you can easily wear that pretty black dress with that gorgeous necklace or a long skirt, or pencil skirt. Very good.
As for consignment stores, yes I once purchased a Versace Jeans Couture coat in python PRINT. Soft as a baby. And my Yeallow coat is also a good find.
My tips: be careful with the size the shop says on the item. They are often wrong which can be in your advantage (that pretty Large blouse turns out to be your Medium size after all) or, of course disadvantage.
Try and locate consignment stores not too far away from expensive areas… They might get better stuff.
Greetje
Wow you’ve gotten some great stuff!! The consignments close to me SUCK!!! Seriously- they price stuff from Walmart for more than it cost NEW!!