What do -you- do with orphans?

I have several nicer "orphans" that I may be looking to place. I've sold things on eBay but that tends to be a pain, IMO. It's pretty expensive and several of the items I listed didn't sell last season. These are fairly basic leather items - purses, never-worn shoes/boots and a leather jacket or two.

OTOH, some of the pieces seem too nice to simply donate to Good Will and if I can sell them then I can get something new (I basically have a $0 budget for clothes).

What do most of you do with your orphans?

15 years ago

General

10 replies

Latest reply was from marianna

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

If it is something that can work for my sister, mom, or close friends I will just give them the items.
If I think I can sell it, I might (especially if I paid a lot for it), but if not, I give it all to Goodwill.
Even if somebody finds it who could otherwise afford for more expensive things, I'm continuing to support a company who helps people in need find work, and that is priceless to me.
And taking that bag of items is just another reminder that I buy TOO MUCH.

15 years ago

Debbie

Veteran

I let my daughter look through them and then I've gifted a few items and then I take the rest to Goodwill. Do you have a consignment store near you. I know that works for some people.

15 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I consign anything they will take. Everything else I donate to our local animal rescue thrift store.

Also, once a year, my girlfriends and I have a giant clothing swap party where we bring everything we're sick of ... we drink a lot of wine, try stuff on, and donate the rest.

15 years ago

Barbara

Veteran

I gift the really nice stuff to my two sisters. It does my heart good to see someone I care about enjoying and wearing something I owned. I donate the rest to Goodwill.

15 years ago

Anonymous

I usually pass on the better things to someone who can use it and donate the rest to a thrift shop that benefits a worthy group. I've also consigned things successfully, but get the best deal if I trade for merchandise.

15 years ago

Active Member

What Sarah said.

I usually try to find a friend or relative who I think would appreciate it, or I end up donating it. We just had a church swap on Saturday and I took over a bag of jeans, dresses, and shoes. Plus, there are a ton of charities around here who'll pick up bags in front of my house.

It makes me feel better knowing it will go to someone who will hopefully appreciate it.

I've never had that much luck selling my clothes on ebay because I get all wrapped up in what I perceive as the money I'm losing. (I had a couple of dresses sell for $1 or 2 once, which wasn't really worth my time to photograph the dress and post the auction!)

I think if I regularly bought clothes that were pricier, I'll probably try to consign.

15 years ago

Lisa

Veteran

After my sister gets a look, I pass most items on to a friend with a large family and low budget. If none of the pieces will work for them, I donate to Goodwill. Handbags, when they are a recognizable name (Coach, Dooney and Bourke, etc) I've sold them on Ebay with great success.

15 years ago

Marley

Veteran

I give my "nicer" orphans to my sisters or girlfriends. Later, I will see it on them and say, "Did I really give that to you? Wow, that looks so good - what was I thinking?" Other orphans go to some friends of ours who live in Mexico. I must admit that I am ashamed at the accumulation of clothing and accessories that I have whenever we visit our Mexican friends.

15 years ago

Mae

Active Member

How about YLF swapping and/or consignment?

15 years ago

marianna

Veteran

If the items are nice, I generally consign or sell on other websites.

15 years ago

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