New clothes aren’t cheap, but who said you had to buy new clothes? There are many alternatives for those of us who refuse to pay retail and don’t have to sacrifice style or quality. With a little patience and perseverance you will be able to find what you are looking for without setting foot inside a shopping center.
1. Gifts. Never turn down an inheritance offer from friends or family. If you don’t need them now, you can pass them on to others, and your willingness to accept them will encourage others to think of you again the next time they clean cabinets. Inheritances are free, so you have nothing to lose except the time it takes to decide what you want to keep and what to do with the rest. Bonus: If you decide to move your unwanted clothing to a Goodwill or other thrift store, get a receipt. Your donations may be tax deductible!
2. Boutiques and consignment stores. Sleeker and higher priced than your typical thrift store, these can be good places to find better prices on quality pieces in perfect condition. Prices may be higher than you might expect for used clothing, but don’t let that scare you off. Prices are usually negotiable. Just ask!
3. Second hand stores. Buying at thrift stores takes work and patience used clothing store. You may find yourself browsing through expired clothing that reminds you of your high school years, but you can often find items like new or used at 80-90% off retail. Visit stores in your area to find out which ones have the best prices, selection, and organization. Your efforts at the thrift store are more likely to pay off if you’re not looking for something very specific.
4. Garage sales.
A yard sale can be a gold mine or a complete waste of time. With a little practice, you’ll learn to judge that before you get out of the car, and you’ll start to find more and more unbeatable deals. Like thrift stores, you’re more likely to bargain if you’re not looking for something very specific.
5. eBay. If you know exactly what you are looking for, eBay can be an incredible resource. Find the exact brand, style, and size you know you need, often in new condition for much less than the retail price. Remember to include the shipping cost when deciding if the price is correct, and it is vital to check seller feedback to see if previous buyers are satisfied and if issues have been amicably resolved used clothing store .
6. Craigslist. Parents often find themselves with boxes of small clothes and not wanting to go to the trouble of having a yard sale. They can turn to Craigslist, where they can advertise for free. Since they take very little effort and don’t put any money into the ad, the prices are often extremely reasonable.
How to Sell Your Used Clothing to a Consignment Shop
Do you have a closet full of used clothes? Do you have any clothes in your closed that still have the labels? If so, consignment stores may be the best option for selling these items. There are several steps to consider when creating a successful relationship with the consignment store.
- Visit consignment stores near your home
Start your search using your local search engine and the yellow pages and prepare a list of stores that you would like to consider. You may also want to ask your circle of friends for recommendations. Consignment stores vary in quality, so try to do a little research on the store before contacting or considering working with them.
- Gather information
Try visiting or calling each consignment store on your list to gather information and ask questions. If you call, find out:
- Do you need to make an appointment or can you just stop by?
- Is there a fee to meet with the store?
- What is the percentage they charge to sell your clothes?
- How does the store track purchases?
- When do you pay for an item that has been sold?
- What type of items does the store accept?
- What condition of clothing do you accept?
- Organize your used clothing items
If you have a large quantity of used clothing, you will need to separate the items by category and condition. Start with used clothing that is in the best overall condition when working with consignment stores. It will be useful for your appointment to have the clothes separated by men’s clothing, women’s clothing, children’s clothing and by type. Some common types of used clothing that a consignment store accepts are shirts, pants, jeans, suits, accessories, skirts, and coats. If the consignment store you have chosen only accepts for a particular season, separate the clothes that you cannot bring in another pile to bring for the next season.
Prepare your articles
You’ll want to make the best possible impression at your meeting to ensure you get the best possible price per item. Some garments will need ironing, washing, or minor repairs before they are ready to go. Fold items carefully or hang them on hangers when you take them to the store. If you find items that are not in good condition, put them aside to donate to a charity.
- Negotiate
When you meet with the consignment store, negotiate the best commission rate and the best possible price per item. Before dropping off your items, make sure you fully understand the sales process, tracking your items, and the checkout process.
Consider donating items that are not accepted at the consignment shop to a local charity of your choice. Selling your best quality clothing at a consignment store is a great option for generating some extra income to replace items, buy clothes for your kids, and downsize the unused clothes that are in your or your family’s closet.
