Consignment Shops… One Way to Dress For Less

People are doing all kinds of things these days to make money and save money. And one way to put a little money in your pocket and a new shirt on your back is consignment shopping.

“I traditionally have donated to different organizations. We yard sale too sometimes, but in this economy you have to tighten every way you can.”

-Miranda Singley, Consignment Store Shopper

And for Miranda, as well as thousands of others, that means both selling and buying at consignment shops.

“We have a yard sale coming up soon so I figured I’d try here and if I can get more for the clothes than yard selling them, then it’s better. It’s good.”

-Miranda Singley, Consignment Store Shopper

Resale and consignment stores are nothing new. In fact, this is a multi-billion dollar industry that includes national chains like Plato’s Closet.

“We’ll price items at 70% below the market and we’ll pay out roughly 30 to 40% of what we sell them for. The good news is that we do pay cash on the spot so it’s a very appropriate concept right now for the economy.”

-Steve Africk, Plato’s Closet

Some tips for consignment selling or buying:

First, location matters. If you’re in a high-end neighborhood, plan on buying or selling high end clothes. Then, shop around, especially if you’re selling. What you get for your clothes will vary widely. And if you’re buying, beware of counterfeit labels.

But if you haven’t tried this particular method for cleaning out your closet or “putting on the ritz”, maybe now’s the time.

“I really like to save money when I go shopping − especially nowadays. Anything that lets me save money and get nice clothes is great.”

-Raquel Bliffeld, Consignment Store Shopper

Bottom line? Rediscover consignment shopping. It’s fun, it could put some money in your pocket and a new… or at least different… shirt on your back.