Consignment Shops: A Smart Way to Buy and Sell Pre-Loved Goods

Consignment shops are a fantastic way to turn your gently used items into extra cash without any hassle. They handle everything—from showcasing your items to finding the right buyers, ensuring each piece makes a great impression. You can effortlessly declutter your space and turn items you no longer need into cash.

What is a Consignment Shop?

A consignment shop is a place where you can sell your items without handling the sale yourself. You bring your things in, and the shop takes care of displaying and selling them for you.

When your item sells, the shop takes a cut of the sale price. The exact percentage depends on the store, but it’s usually agreed upon in advance. You only get paid if the item sells.

Common items sold in consignment shops include clothing, accessories, furniture, and other secondhand goods in good condition. These stores are usually picky about what they accept because they want to offer high-quality items to their customers.

If your item doesn’t sell, the store will either return it to you or donate it, depending on their policy. Each shop handles this differently, so it’s a good idea to ask before you leave your items.

Examples of Popular Consignment Shops

If you’re looking to make some money by selling your gently-used items, consignment shops offer a great way to do it without the hassle of selling things yourself. Different shops focus on various types of items, so depending on what you have, there’s likely a shop that fits. From trendy clothing to luxury pieces and vintage finds, consignment stores make it easy to turn your old stuff into cash. Here are some popular consignment shops that sellers often turn to.

Plato’s Closet

Plato’s Closet focuses on trendy, gently used clothing and accessories for teens and young adults. It’s perfect if you have fashionable items you no longer wear and want to make some quick cash. They’re picky about what they accept, but that’s what keeps their inventory full of current styles.

The RealReal

The RealReal is an online consignment platform that specializes in luxury items. If you have high-end designer goods, like handbags, clothing, or jewelry, this is the place to sell them. They authenticate every item before it’s listed, ensuring buyers get genuine luxury pieces, which helps sellers get the best price for their items.

Buffalo Exchange

Buffalo Exchange is a popular chain that buys and sells a mix of vintage and trendy clothing. They cater to all genders, making it a great place to sell unique, stylish pieces you no longer wear. With stores across the U.S., Buffalo Exchange is a well-known spot for sellers looking to offload their clothing and accessories while getting something in return.

Crossroads Trading

Crossroads Trading focuses on secondhand clothing, shoes, and accessories trends. This shop is a good option if you’ve got stylish items that are still in great condition. They buy directly from sellers, and their focus on fashion-forward pieces makes it easier to sell items that are still in demand.

Local Consignment Shops

Local consignment shops offer a more personalized experience and often focus on niche markets like vintage fashion, kids’ clothing, or furniture. These smaller shops are great if you have unique items that might not fit into the broader market of larger chains. Selling at a local shop can give you access to a community of buyers who appreciate your specific style or items.

Online Consignment Platforms

Selling online is a simple way to get rid of items you don’t need anymore without leaving the house. Different platforms focus on different things, so depending on what you’re looking to sell, there’s an option that fits. Here’s a breakdown of some popular online consignment platforms where you can make some money.

ThredUp

ThredUp is great for selling gently-used women’s and kids’ clothing. They make it easy by sending you a “Clean Out“ bag. You fill it with clothes, send it back, and they handle the rest. If your items sell, you get paid. If not, they can return or donate them to you, depending on your preference.

Poshmark

Poshmark is a peer-to-peer platform where you can sell fashion and even home goods. You take photos, set prices, and list items directly. The platform is social, too—users can follow each other, share listings, and even participate in virtual “Posh Parties“ to boost their sales. It’s perfect if you want to be more hands-on with your selling.

Vestiaire Collective

Vestiaire Collective focuses on luxury and high-end fashion. It’s the platform to use if you sell designer bags, clothes, or accessories. They authenticate every item before it’s sold, which is a big plus for buyers. It might take a bit more time, but if you’re selling something high-end, it helps you get the best price.

Mercari

Mercari is super easy to use and works for more than just clothing. You can sell anything from electronics to home goods and, of course, fashion. You only need to snap some pictures, set a price, and list the item. Once it sells, they send you a shipping label, so the process is pretty straightforward.

Depop

Depop is popular with younger shoppers and focuses on vintage and trendy fashion. It’s like a social media platform where users follow each other and engage with listings. It’s a great place to sell unique, stylish pieces, especially if you’re into selling vintage or niche items. The community vibe makes it fun to use if you’re into fashion and want to connect with buyers.

Each of these platforms offers something different, depending on what you’re selling and how involved you want to be in the process. Whether it’s high-end fashion or everyday items, there’s an online consignment platform that can help you make some extra cash.

How Consignment Shops Differ from Thrift Stores

Consignment shops sell items on behalf of the owners. The seller brings in their items, and the shop handles everything. If the item sells, the shop takes a cut, and the owner gets the rest.

Thrift stores rely on donations. Once you donate something, it belongs to the store, and the money made from selling it usually goes to charity or a non-profit.

Thrift stores tend to have lower prices because they don’t have to split profits with a seller. They get a lot of donations, so there’s usually a wide variety of items, though the quality can vary.

Consignment shops are pickier about what they accept. They focus on quality, taking only gently used or higher-end items. This means their prices are typically higher, but buyers can trust they’re getting something in good shape.

Benefits of Selling Through Consignment Shops

Selling through consignment shops makes things a lot easier. You don’t have to create online listings, meet with buyers, or haggle over prices. The shop takes care of all of that for you.

Consignment shops have a steady stream of customers looking for secondhand items. This means your stuff has a better chance of selling than if you tried to do it all on your own.

If you have good quality items you don’t need anymore, selling them on consignment is a simple way to make extra money. It’s a great way to clear out space and get something back in return.

How to Maximize Your Success in Consignment Shops

Make sure the items you bring in are clean and in good condition. Consignment shops are picky, so they won’t accept damaged or stained things. Taking a little time to make your items look their best will increase your chances of them being accepted.

Pay attention to the seasons. Most shops focus on different types of items depending on the time of year. For example, if you’re selling winter coats, fall is the best time to bring them in when shoppers are looking for those specific items.

Be clear on how the shop prices your items and the profit split. Some shops take a larger percentage of the sales than others, so knowing what to expect upfront is important. This helps you avoid any surprises when it comes time to get paid.

It’s also helpful to build a good relationship with the shop. When they know you and your items, they might be able to price them better or even match them with interested customers. Being a regular seller can sometimes give you a little extra attention, which could help your items sell faster.

Consignment Shop Policies to Be Aware Of

Consignment shops usually have a set amount of time they’ll keep your items for sale, often 30, 60, or 90 days. After that, they might return the items to you or move them to a discounted section.

Commission rates typically range from 40% to 60% of the sale price. Some shops, especially those dealing with luxury goods, might take a higher percentage. It’s important to know exactly what cut the shop will take before you agree to sell.

If your items don’t sell, each shop handles it differently. Some will ask you to pick up the unsold items, while others will donate them. Always ask what will happen to your items if they don’t sell and how much time you have to collect them before they’re donated.

Even though consignment shops have been around for a while, many people still aren’t sure how they work. Instead of throwing your stuff away, these shops help you find new homes for your items while you earn some extra cash. If you have quality items you no longer need, consider taking them to a consignment shop and enjoy the benefits they offer.