I’ve consigned my clothes for 20 years. Until recently I’ve never purchased a thing at a consignment store. I’m not sure why. Perhaps I was always in a hurry to drop off clothes. A quick glance through the racks told me that they were full of some of the same styles I was bringing into the store. I’ve been content to be a consignor; I love picking up that check. Writing this blog has caused me to venture out and explore. In a previous post I encouraged you to get out of your shopping rut and try different stores. I’ve done the same thing the last months and it has been fun!
If you’ve never consigned your clothes, this article may give you a different perspective. When I work with a client in the closet editing phase we form three piles: Consign, Donate, Throw Out. Although all stores are different, I feel I have a pretty good eye on what is consign-able, and I try to guide a new consignor in that direction. Why Consign? It’s smart , it’s green and will stretch your clothing dollars. Spend a few minutes on the Internet researching stores in your area. There may be a little trial/error. Here are a few tips if you are new to consignment.
1. Before visiting a store, make a few phone calls or visit websites. I like to know if the staff stays current and visits departments stores/boutiques frequently. It’s also important to know if the store’s clientele will be a match for your clothing. Find out about their typical customer (age & profession) You want your clothes to sell! I’ve consigned at two different stores over the years but one is a better fit for my clothes, another for my kids’ clothes.
2. Carefully examine your items for stains, tears and holes. A little TLC goes a long way in presentation. Take the time to press the garment and remove excess “pilling” with a sweater shaver. Generally 2 years old is a good rule of thumb. I typically wear my clothes 3-4 years and still am able to consign many pieces because they are classic pieces in good condition.
3. If your items are turned down, do not take it personally! Politely ask why the items were not taken; this will help for future visits. Many times the store owner is using past sales as a guide. Remember she is trying to move the clothes. Full racks do not help her turn a profit. Almost always my clothes are accepted. I know what they are looking for and my items sell. Soon you too can be an expert consignor! Check out this site for some great tips. I only scratched the surface!
I visited Here We Go Again at their two Portland locations and found great clothing at both stores. It seemed like their consignors were bringing in items that I would buy in the store today. The detailed website has everything you need to know about consigning there! Upon visiting the Broadway store, I met Chris, the owner. It didn’t take long to learn that she is passionate about consignment, a smart, experienced businesswoman and I’m excited to give Here We Go Again a Style by Karen stamp of approval! Chris is generously donating TWO $25 gift certificates–one at each location. Yes, that means two winners!
You can also find them on Facebook. When you “like” you’ll receive feeds on recent items that have come in. Take a virtual step inside HGWA:
Now take a peek at my finds! View #1 Brown wrap/shrug to go over sleeveless dresses and tops: $35. View#2 Paige cropped jeans: $60 This is one of my favorite brands that would sell for $150+ in the stores. View #3 Blue sleeveless top with ruching: $25. The day I shopped, I received a promo for 20% off my highest item. What a deal!
What do you think? Are you a regular consignor and/or frequent local shops? If not, will you give it a try? If this article comes to your e-mail, click on the title and it will take you to my site. Click on comments at the top right corner of the post. It will say “share your thoughts” until someone comments. A comment of any length enters you in the drawing which will take place on Saturday, May 8th 9 am PST.
Your blog is very helpful! You’ve challenged me to not only consign, but possibly to BUY with later reconsignment in mind.
It’s amazing how many consignment shops are around! Most are small and easy to pop in and out of quickly. I plan on making a list of where the ones in portland are located, so if I’m in that area of town and have time, I can check them out. Thanks for the info!
Karen – I think you were reading my mind on consignment. I had you on my list to e-mail to ask about shops in Portland that buy ‘classic’ styles. Eugene is a little small and there is only shop that takes the more classics and she pays very low $’s. It would be nice to hear more from you on other shops in the Portland area that you have used. Do the Portland shops buy or only consign? Loved this article!
Thanks for your great information. I appreciate you encouraging us to step outside our comfort zones!!!
I don’t think I have ever bought anything from a consignment store and though I have taken my son’s clothing to one, I’ve never taken mine. I’m going to check some out in my area right now. : ) Thanks!
I have been a fan of consignment shops for a long time, and Here we Go Again is one of my all time favorites. I don’t get there often because they are both on the other side of town from me, but I am always happy with what I get there. I get most of my daughter’s clothes at consignment shops, I figure why pay full price, especially since she’ll grow out of it so fast? All About Kids is the one I go to the most, they have a location at SE 122nd & Glisan and one in downtown Gresham.
This is SUCH a great store, and they are always so friendly and willing to help! While I don’t consign, I do love to shop here… they are really fantastic!
I am a fan of consignment stores – I can’t wait to check out Here We Go Again – Thanks!
Whether for fun or financial necessity, I love consignment places. My Nordstrom’s-assistant-manager son, who has always been fashion conscious, likes my Spanky’s jeans better on me than the full-price ones from Macy’s. Last year I looked all over for an argyle vest. Didn’t find one, but accumulated two cardigans and a Liz Claiborne pullover that were all argyle, fun and less than $12 each.
I grew up wearing my cousin’s hand-me-downs, so that may have given me a comfort level with used clothing. She was an only child of my richest aunt and uncle. Some of her dress clothes went from her, to me, to my younger sis, to another cousin. We still raid each others closet when we visit.
Hi Karen,
I had always bought new and still do when I find great pieces on sale. But after I lost my previous job due to the economic downturn, I became a consignment shopper. Now I love it, as I not only save money, but I still look stylish and feel good about participating in the 3 R’s, reduce, recycle, reuse! I have consigned some items and bought others. It’s great!
My favorite shops are Spanky’s and de Javue. I have not ventured into Portland yet and I would love to try HWGA!
Consign I’ve got to try it.
Since losing weight I’ve taken clothes in for consignment but not shopped. I need to set aside some time for some shopping too!
I generally buy, I don’t consign, but I may give it a try now. I think I wear what I have and usually wear it out! Love to get money so this could work!
When I lost weight a couple of years ago, I took ALL my “big” clothes to a local consignment shop and I loved it! Then, I started selling kikaPaprika and I haven’t purchased anything outside of our clothing line, except jeans. I have shopped in consignment shops because they are a great alternative, it just takes time to look through the racks.