"Upscale Consignment Store" - ?Make an appointment? - YouLookFab Forum

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"Upscale Consignment Store" - ?Make an appointment?

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I have never really shopped "upscale consignment" but a new one has opened about 2 blocks from where I live. I read their website and it seems like they have good intake criteria and are very strict about what they are selling - which is good for me, as a buyer.

Is it bizarre that you need to make an appointment to SHOP there? Should I not be able to go in whenever? I emailed the company to ask - but I have never done this consignment thing before and wonder if it is common? Will they give me a personal shopper?

Thanks!
L

Shopping

15 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Weird. I've had to make appointments to sell but never to buy.

MsMary

Veteran

What the heck? I'd give it a try if only to see what the heck is the deal!

Anonymous

Yeah, maybe those directions are just for the consigners.

Jjsloane

Veteran

It could be that because they are new they only are staffed when someone has an appointment. I'd be curious to check it out.

Mochi

Veteran

It is odd. If it were me, I might (incorrectly) feel some pressure to make a purchase. Maybe they're not fully up and running yet.

krishnidoux

Veteran

Have you seen the shop itself? Is it someone's home?

Coffeegirl28

huh. that's odd....but like others have said, maybe they are not up and running fully yet?

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Ewww how annoying

rae

(website)

Veteran

I see these around sometimes in LA. Usually the sellers want to keep overhead low and not hire a cashier, they need time to be out finding more stock, and/or they don't want to deal with people who are just playing around with the clothes and not serious shoppers.

Personally, I have never done this, because I hate the idea of it just being me and the owner in the store, having her full attention, and feeling pressure to buy.

But you may be more resistant to this than I am. If it fits into your time, and you don't mind the 1-1 thing, it doesn't hurt to look.

Queen Mum

Veteran

I wouldn't be able to think straight in that situation...

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I have seen several small owner operated stores go to this format. Don't be intimidated by their policy, my guess is that they are grouping appointments so that they only have to be at the store certain days/hours. If you can get a couple friends to go with you to your appointment, it might be more fun.

MsMary

Veteran

I will say that not long ago I visited a new vintage store here in town, and I happened to be the only person in the store at the time so I was there alone with the owner. It was a blast! I tried on everything in the store that fit me, she was super helpful but not pushy, and I ended up with a ton of great stuff for not a whole lot of money. So I wouldn't be worried about being alone with the owner.

And of course I never feel pressured to buy. It's just not my nature! LOL

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I'm going to bring two shopping buddies to distribute the pressure - one of them is very straight forward (to the point of being rude) so she will not let me take home anything less than fab I count on her support!

Will let you know how it goes.

It's not someone's home - it looks like a house that was converted into a few businesses (a parcel service, a nail salon, a handbag boutique and a coffee bar).

MNsara

Veteran

Sounds interesting and fun! Hope you find some goodies

rachylou

Veteran

Not usual. Owner probably doing the flexible-lifestyle thing. But it does mean the shop is providing an upscale service, not just product, and the shopping will be serious. Even if the goods are second hand. You are supposed to sit back in situations like this and take a lot of input and let someone else pull the clothes. This is good if you want that, bad if you don't.