Sorry, to hear about your experience. I can understand the consignment stores being choosy to keep inventory under control. There are usually others that will take the things which some stores don't, depends on their clientele. Like MaryK, I find it easier to donate than to consign much of the time.
There are good consignment stores out there, by that I mean they operate ethically and are very style and business conscious. I can also tell you way to many horror stories as well. To be brief, there are consignment stores in my town that I definitely avoid and spread the news of how they treated past consignors.
One woman purposely keeps bad consignor lists /accounts and keeps the profits to herself. She ripped off my friend by an estimated few hundred dollars (not including the money my friend lent her to help set up her business). I was warned and asked to test her for a student journalism article. I brought her over 20 items and kept a list of everything that she accepted. I also checked her store regularly to keep tabs on my items. When it came time to get paid, the amount was ridiculously low. When I questioned her, she denied anything and when glancing through her accounts list, she accidentally turned to another page that had my items listed -- under a false staff member's account! I showed her my list and she was stunned. Eventually she did pay me out (over $100). We were going to publish the article, but were then warned that she hangs out with some seedy types, and it might not be healthy to do so since she doesn't like being crossed. Word of mouth works too. She is still in business but I let people know to avoid her if possible. I've heard others speaking negatively about her too, people I don't know, so it sounds like she has developed quite the reputation in town. Don't think she'll last too much longer.
There are others that I would consign to, but usually I just shop there. I've found that it's often better to just donate clothing to a worthwhile charity or person. I'd also rather shop thrift than consignment: the prices are usually better and if you learn the thrift store's stocking schedule, you can come in on those days too, when all the resellers are trying to grab the best stuff for themselves. I've scored some great brands -- even designer -- from my local Value Village, Goodwill and Women in Need and other thrift stores. It takes work, but it's worth it.
