Does the $75 include cost to tailor?
Tailoring prices are all over the map. Before buying, I'd find a tailor and talk to them about their prices, and what can be done, and how much they charge. The usual advice is that as long as the coat fits in the shoulders, you can get the rest tailored.
However, my tailor told me she can do "anything" - including tailoring a coat that's too big in the shoulders!!
Last time I was in picking up my jacket, she was in process of doing just that for another client, who has similar issue that I do: if it fits in the shoulder, it may be a tad too tight in chest/waist area. For me, a simple fix might be moving buttons. But this client buys one size up - to fit her chest - then has the shoulders taken in. My tailor told me this is a very expensive alteration, quite tricky and best to avoid if possible, but she knows how to do it. (She originally came from a country where all clothing is custom-made, so she can do that too).
I should think taking a coat in at the waist should be fairly simple and straightforward - if all you need is to have the side seams taken in.
As for buying on consignment, the shops here don't allow returns. So you need to be absolutely sure that it is tailorable without breaking your budget, before you purchase. It may be smarter to buy something on sale at regular store, then take it to the tailor. If the tailoring is too costly, you can always return the coat to the store.
Finally, my tailor advised me that I should focus on the material more than the cut and fit. If the material is high-quality and, in case of consignment item, in great condition, then she can do virtually anything with it.... and if the material is worth it, then the cost of tailoring should be too. For example the material of my Mango coat is really NOT worth anymore than moving buttons or shortening the sleeves. But a cashmere wool coat in the right color and in excellent condition found on consignment - even if it's the wrong size - would be worth extensive alterations.
