What should I look for in a consignment shop?

Question

I want to sell some of my clothes through a consignment shop. What should I take into consideration when searching for the "best one" in my area? Do you believe that it is likely that certain stores sell items much better than others do to location/customer service/etc.?

Answer 1

Location is very important. A place like that needs a lot of foot traffic around it. People don't typically make a point of going to places like that, they see them and spontaenously go in.

Also, check out what the store has for sale and what the store's appearance is like. A store that's more discerning of what it takes (i.e. takes nice stuff in good shape, not just anything) and stays clean and tidy is likely to have a good reputation among shoppers. If a store has a lot of dirty, damaged or cheap-looking stuff, they might not be a popular shopping spot.

Next, check how much the typical piece is being sold for. If it's too cheap, you won't make much selling there. If it's too much, you'll make more on the pieces you sell but might sell less. The best store will be somewhere in between.

And finally, don't take less than a 40% return on your sales. Anything less just won't make it worth your effort. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

You'll do better selling on ebay but if that's not possible, look for a consignment shop that caters specifically to the age group your clothes fit into. Location is also important and you should also ask the store owners how they advertise. Also, some shops have a clause in their agreement saying the clothes will become their property after a certain amount of days so make sure your ok with their policy. Ebay selling is easier than you might think. They walk you through the whole thing. Good luck!

Answer 3

I would look at how many customers you see, how much the shop offers and how old the clothing is on the shelves. They are usually color coded to tell how long they have been out. Also- some consignment shops are so packed full of merchandise it could take years for your stuff to sell.

For the most part, eBay is the best way to get rid of clothing. You make more money after the sale and you can have your cash in as little as 3 days.

Answer 4

If you would shop there, then it's probably worth looking into. I would stay away from shops that are not in "good" areas of town...if you have a college nearby, you may want to find a store near there since college students are always needing deals and have social function which require different costumes. If it stinks when you walk thru the door, turn around and walk back out. If it's dirty, do the same. Where I live, there are several consignment shops close together and each ones caters to a slightly different crowd. One sells manily to "mom-style dressers, one to funky, trendy dressers, only one takes formal dresses and several carry maternity stuff but most kids clothes are at another one. Chances are that you may have to take your clothes to several stores before they are all or mostly taken for resale. And you may want to call around and find out what percentage the consignment stores take off your sales. I'd definately act like a shopper and look around first before you load and unload your clothes numerous times...check out prices and how they treat customers. Also, consider giving the clothes that several stores turn down to a charity or emergency service organization.

Answer 5

Well you should have the option for in store credit cash or a gift certificate option, Yes some stores have higher quality merchandise than others. They should have a good variety of clothes to choose from the workers/owners should be friendly they should have at least clothes and shoes it would also be good if they had perfume and jewelery. One consignment shop like the above i would recommend is My Girlfriends Closet on 45 and Fremont in Portland Oregon

Answer 6

Location / location / location
Visit some shops.. you can spend a day doing this and have a little fun along the way. Check their prices and see if it is something you can live with. You may find yourself selling a $400 blazer for 30 bucks...

A main strip resale shop is usually a safe bet and will sell the name brands. Shop carefully for your shop... lol

Once you find one.. ask them how long they have been in business and what the traffic count is per week. =2 very important questions.

If one is brand new / looks very nice but is in a wrong area.. you might want to keep away from it... If you are a gambling gal... go for it.... this one is up to you.

GOOD LUCK

Answer 7

I've used consignment shops before and found that they usually don't call you to let you know if anything has sold. If you do use their service you have to stay on top of them to let you know about your things. One that I found was busy happened to be next to a salon. They did pretty good. I would look for a high traffic area. Good Luck

Answer 8

Make sure the store is clean, neat, and clearly organized. Make sure the clothes have to be clean, pressed, and on hangers. Those are the things I look for when trying to buy from a consignment shop!

Answer 9

Look at how neat the store is and what kind of customers you think they'll have. Then ask them what cut they take out of the selling price. And how often they'll send you a check. I sold some stuff at a local place and they took 25% of their price and only sent the check once a month. It's not quick turn-around sometimes.

Answer 10

I really think location is a factor as well. Personally, I have only been to/used childrens clothes shops.

They gave me the option to sell each piece for $1 or give me $2 credit for something in their store. They scrutinized my daughters clothing for any rips or stains very closely.