Selling on Consignment; tips for getting your clothes sold at consignment shops

Selling on consignment seems like an easy way to sell your old clothes and make a quick buck.

It is definitely a great way to clean out your closet of things that don't fit and you don't wear.  You can expect to earn anywhere from 30% to 50% of what the shop can retail your items.

But consignment stores don't take just anything and some are more discerning than others.

Follow these tips and you are bound to make some of your unworn clothes into dollars.

Sell Designer

Brand names aren't necessarily good enough when it comes to consignment shops.  Many are interested in premium denim and designer brands. The higher end the better.

When I took some clothing to Extroggery this week items from Banana Republic were accepted while my Gap 1969 denim was turned away. Even my Indi denim custom jeans were rejected because this brand wasn't as easily recognizable.

It is even better if you have brands like Chanel, Coach, Balenciaga as these are in high demand and will sell quickly.

Is that worn?

Consignment shops want merchandise that is in mint condition. Items that are rarely worn are perfect to be sold on consignment.

Make sure that you bring your items in on hangers, washed and unwrinkled to show them off at their full potential.

I had no problems with my clothes as most of what I decided would be good to sell on consignment were items I had rarely worn because the clothes were a poor fit for my body.

Shoes on the other hand I had about a 50% success rate. A few pairs that were unscuffed on the outside did have some wear on the inside and were rejected even through they were Ralph Lauren.

In Season

Consignment shops want to sell what is current. Therefore keep in mind what full retail shops are selling and target what you bring based on the time of year.

I had a great pair of virtually unworn tall boots that were rejected simply because they would be a better fit for the store in the fall. I have set them aside and will try again in August once stores switch their merchandise over to fall clothing.

Remember not all consignment shops have a designer focus but many of the higher profile shops in Toronto do, so plan what you are selling on consignment accordingly.

Consignment shops in Toronto that I have had good results at are Extoggery and Coco's Closet.

Kids & Maternity

Along the same vein as clothing that gets little wear, kids clothing, especially infant clothing, is only worn for a few months at at time.

Maternity is  worn more intensively but again is only useful for a short time period.

Many kids consignment shops also carry a small selection of maternity but not all do so keep that in mind when placing items on consignment.

Like consigning regular clothing, kids clothing should be free of stains, spit up or food related.

Also don't expect most consignment shops to take your everyday playwear like onsies and footed pants unless they are really unusual. They are more likely to take dressier clothing and outfits, or seasonal items.

Prices seem to be lower and more standarized than adult clothing. It might seem like alot of hassle to consign items that will only sell for a few dollars but if you donate these items you will not earn anything.

Children's consignment shops in Toronto that I have had good results at are Bumbleberry Kids and Play n Wear. Of the two Play n Wear will consign maternity clothing.

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