Allegedly (although we were just in a blizzard warning last weekend), warmer temps are around the corner and you know what that means--time to slim down . . . closets. As a hoarder myself, I can honestly tell you that I will not be getting rid of any clothes. But if you are in the market, you have lots of options for getting rid of those clothes you are ready to part with--give them to friends (thanks so much to my boss lady who always blesses me with her hand me downs), donate them to the thrift store, sell them via Etsy or Poshmark or the like. But you can also consign them. This is where you take the clothes you don't want to a consignment shop. Those pieces selected will be sold at the store and you will get a percentage of the proceeds from that sale. It can be pretty lucrative. But if you are going to consign, here are some tips for you:
Tip #1--Perfect condition. No, really.
Consignment shops are picky. And rightfully so. As discussed previously, consigning is a bit of an upscale secondhand endeavor. So if you want to consign something with a missing button, a stuck zipper, a lipstick stain, a rip in the cuff--these very may well be deal breakers. Consignment shops pride themselves on their quality product. And thus, they may reject your offering, even if it is designer/high end/vintage.
Tip #2--What season is it?
Much like your pieces need to be in good condition, you also need to make sure that they are in season. Most consignment stores wont' take your sweaters in late May or your miniskirts in November. They keep their stock season appropriate to keep their customers excited for things they can use rightnow.
Tip #3--NO SMOKING
As a former smoker--I get it, ok? I get the stigma and seeming discrimination. But girl--your stuff will stank if you have smoked in it. And a lot of consignment stores have strict policies about not taking your clothes if it has been in a smoking environment. I'm for real.
Tip #4--Appointments only
Don't count on being able to walk in with your stack of clothes on a whim and just drop it off. A lot of consignment shops will require you to make an appointment and/or have specific days and/or times of which they will allow you to come in and consign your clothes. So make sure you call ahead and keep apprised of their polices.
Tip #5--Read your contracts and policies carefully
Maybe you'll take it as the legal worker in me, but it is to your benefit to review in detail the policies for consigning to where you consign. This information is important and affects issues like how long your clothing will be left on the sales floor before it goes back to you, the percentage of the sale that will go to you and retrieval of your pay (some companies specifically state that they will not contact you when your items sell and it is left up to you to check the status).
Bottom line--consignment is a great option to make a little extra cash, clean out your closet and not have to worry about the hassle of trying to get rid of your clothes for cash yourself (as someone who has tried out an Etsy shop and a Poshmark with no success I can say, next time I'll leave it to the professionals). Hopefully this post will help you out.
Denim Romper-Calvin Klein, thrifted
Belt-thrifted
Cognac OTK Boots-Charlotte Russe
Straw Woven Tote-thrifted
Necklace-Charming Charlies
Earrings-gifted
Photos by Allison Clark
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