"Successful" consignment run - YouLookFab Forum

More wardrobe editing stories/ inspiration:

I hadn't been able to make use of our local consignment shops for my offloaded items because of restrictive hours and also they'd fill up and erratically announce" no more" , and they follow the seasons pretty strictly. Was making peace with Goodwill and then found Twice, which was easy and non- seasonal, and then they closed. Was (still may) going to try ThredUp.

Then I had bright idea to ask for a consignment appointment at a time I could go. I had been slowly figuring out poor fits and wrong styles and setting aside things for the past few months. I took quite a few things, fifty- something including shoes and bags, and they
kept almost all of it, with the words you hate to love to hear-" you have great stuff!"
Of course I don't know yet whether it will sell, and I've no illusions about the % return.

I think this was a good thing to help the psyche part of culling items, and seems to open up way to do by appointment, I think( if they find they can move " my stuff"). OTOH I can see it as a problem step because it's always easier (on my time & energy) to take to Goodwill. I'm thinking I should take my few rejects there next weekend and be done with this group.
I'm hoping I might use this as just a way to feel I have options, and overcome some of the initial culling roadblocks and maybe be flexible enough to view it that way- as having options- and not " demand" it (Consignment) of myself.

8 years ago

Anonymous

I did my first consignment run a few weeks ago and have had a similar experience to yours. The store only accepts on weekdays while I'm at work. I'm a rule follower so didn't realise if I asked, they'd let me make a Sat. appt. but they have now told me I'm welcome to bring in stuff anytime, so it's going to be easier. I'm not going to make anywhere near the price of the items, but I do feel good supporting a small business. The owner told me she regularly makes runs to Goodwill because a lot of people don't want to be bothered with consignment! I agree that Goodwill is easier as a 1-stop experience, though, especially when there's a lot to purge.

My DD worked for a local consignment shop for 2 summers and Inthink the only people who make out are the ones purchasing. People look for bargains at a consignment shops, plus the owner usually takes a good chunk. I don't know what other shops do, but this one will not notify you when the consigning period is up and so will keep your items and then later sell as their own. In the end I got a few bucks for the stuff I brought in.

I have found the best place to sell stuff is on Facebook local garage sales. A lot of women sell clothing and handbags and do well. There are also people who host clothing sales parties at their home. For a small fee they set up a date and time where people can bring their items either to exchange with others or to sell. It is very popular for kids clothing.

unfrumped

Veteran

Actually this one pays ouf monthly and lets you track your items online somehow.

Peri

Mine works like that and actually I really enjoy it. It is fun to check back in and see what has sold, and then go get that monthly check. Yes, it is pennies on the dollar, and yes the owner keeps half, but I personally would never go through the work involved in selling the things myself on eBay or some such. I just don't have the time or the interest.

I know I will get back about $10 on a $100 item, but I just remind myself that I wore that item for however long, it isn't new, and it would be silly to expect to recoup much more than that. If people are going to pay a lot, they would buy new things, not used ones. But if you are consigning a lot, it does add up enough to be better than nothing!

That said, I also do strict donation about half the time. But donations in my area go to bargain hunters, not to the truly needy, so I don't feel any obligation to donate something I think could sell. Overall I think the consignment process for me has been pretty positive.

Category