Living the Simple Life {Part 4} Consignment Shops

This series is about finding ways to de-clutter, re-organize and re-prioritize our lives. No one should live in a constant state of exhaustion or burn-out. It’s time to step back and enjoy the little things that make life worthwhile! If you missed the previous posts in this series, you can find them here:
* Living the Simple Life {Part 1}: Closets!
* Living the Simple Life {Part 2} Yard Sale Tips
* Living the Simple Life {Part 3} eBay Tips

Living the Simple Life {Part 4} Consignment Shops

If you have great quality, name-brand clothing and accessories you’d like to part with, consider selling them through your local consignment shop.

When you sell on consignment, you receive a percentage of your item’s sale price back once the item sells, anywhere between 25%-50%. {Some stores offer cash up front.}

Consignment shops will agree to sell your wares on 30, 60 or 90 day terms. This means if your items sell within the allotted time, you’ll receive payment. If not, your items will either be returned or donated to charity.

Here are 5 tips to consignment store success:

1.  Do Your Homework! Review each store’s policies on:

• Unsold items (Are they returned or donated? Donation is worth considering if you don’t want to bother trying to sell them again.)
• Percentage offered (This can vary by style, condition and the store’s current stock)
• Payment (Most pay cash, others offer store credit or both. Find out when you can expect to receive payment, too. Is it immediate or once a month?)
• Contract terms (30-60-90 days)

2.  Make sure your items are in top condition. Clean, polish, iron and mend as necessary.

3.  Keep the season in mind. Most shops aren’t looking to sell sundresses in December.

4.  Scope out each store in person before you sign on the dotted line. Check for things like:

• The amount of traffic it receives. (Is it busy? Or is it “deader than a doornail?”)
• Clean, attractive and organized displays.
• General demeanor of the employees/owner. (Are they charming and hospitable? Or do they need a crash course in customer service?)

5.  Be patient! It can take several weeks for your items to sell. Therefore, maintaining a positive, cheerful attitude toward store owners and employees is a must. Remember—you’re building a business relationship that will benefit you and your family for years to come. A good attitude is crucial!

Have you sold things on consignment before? Or do you visit consignment shops in search of a great bargain? Want to give a shout-out to an awesome consignment store in your area? Tell us about it!