I've been doing a lot of research lately on a few different projects (hence my absence), and I thought I could incorporate some of my research into a blog post that will come in handy for those of you unfamiliar with consignment shopping. There are droves of posts on how to shop for thrift and vintage, but seems to be a dirge of information on consignment. While thrift is usually (and you'll see later why I say usually) the least expensive option, consignment is where you get quality goods at reasonable prices, investment pieces so to speak. Ready to start?
I discovered consignment shops some years ago when the vintage craze had pretty much cleared the thrift stores. I was a business owner who while liked to mix my vintage with contemporary pieces was still looking for items with a bit more of a classic edge to mix in with my more quirky finds. I was trying to consume less, instead focusing on quality. Sometimes I got lucky at the sales, but one day I wandered into a consignment shop and that's when my love began. Nearly new Louboutins and Manolo's for $100 or less? Yes please! Of course that was some time ago and prices have risen as the costs of the original pieces have, but there are still amazing deals to be found -- some still with their tags on! Just like a thrift store, you really never know what you will come across, so it pays to keep an open mind.
Most people today are concerned with the "green" aspect of shopping, and consignment is yet another way you can keep green why enjoying some fabulous bargains in the process. However, since thrift shopping has become so "chic" prices have risen exorbitantly in many areas. I often find items on the "designer" rack that simply don't belong there (um since when is Dress Barn designer?) with a price tag to match. This makes thrift shopping not so thrifty anymore!
Do your homework. Some consignment shops will specialize in specific items such as only carry high-end designers. Others have a collection of mid- and high-range. And even others will carry all that plus pristine vintage! I'd suggest you take a day and go around to various consignment shops to see if they carry the types of items you're interested in. Another good reason for doing this is that when the time comes that you'd like to resell, you'll know the perfect outlet for your beloved clothing (more on consigning your clothes later.)
Once you've found a shop you love and feel has the types of clothing you're looking for, have a good long look and really spend time sorting through their offerings. Consignment shops are usually jammed with goodies so you do sometimes have to dig. However the proprietors do know their stock so don't be afraid to ask if they have something in particular that your looking for. Also, shop often as consignment shops get items in nearly every day. For example, just today I dropped off about 20-25 pieces of designer clothing and accessories at one of my favorite consignment shops --
Closet Secret Consignments in Danbury, Ct. (told you I was culling -- wait until I get my spring/ summer stuff out!) I happen to love their mix of high and mid-range, as well as their carefully selected vintage. A treasure trove stuffed with goodies just waiting to come home with you!
Many consignment shops also have "wish lists" and will notify you when items matching your wants come in. Definitely a more personalized service than thrift stores! Make sure to use those if you are looking for specific items since they do come in, I've been called many times to go check out something on my wish list.
Another thing I've noticed is that I find higher-end for better prices outside NYC. With high rents and overhead, NYC shops have to keep their prices in accordance (something I know all too well unfortunately), but outside the city prices come down as overhead isn't as high. This isn't to say you're going to pay rock bottom, but the prices will usually be a bit less than in NYC.
Another tip is to seek out consignment shops in better neighborhoods, as they tend to have better quality clothing. Prices may be higher, but expect to pay much less than the original price. You're also more like to find things with the tags still on in these neighborhoods, at the very least worn maybe once.
A gentle reminder about haggling. Some consignment shops will leave a little wiggle room so that they can offer you a better price. But on a whole, its considered bad form to walk into any retail establishment and expect to haggle. Bergdorf's wouldn't take kindly to that kind of behavior and neither should a small business who has even more at stake. Flea markets are different, you are expected to haggle. However, brick and mortar stores have a much higher overhead and to put it bluntly, they can't haggle with their landlords over the rent each month, so haggling is generally frowned upon. I don't know where the idea that haggling with struggling small businesses came about, but I can guarantee if you walked into any high-end shop, department store or chain and tried to haggle, they'd laugh you right out of there! Exceptions do exist, such as when an item is damaged, or perhaps the retailer has decided they've been "sitting" on an item too long and wish to move it out quickly. General rule of thumb is to always be polite, never, EVER insult the merchandise, and ask discreetly if they can do better on the price -- you might get lucky and take home a bargain!
All items accepted in consignment must be cleaned and pressed, or dry cleaned where necessary. So no worries about getting bedbugs from consignment stores!
Most consignment shops have a final sale policy so please do try things on to ensure they'll fit properly.
What can you expect to find in a consignment shop? Well as mentioned previously I've purchased nearly new Louboutins and Manolos, seen every high-end shoe line including Hermes, clothing I've seen has run the gamut from Dolce and Gabbana (I'm still pining over the leopard jacket I let go!) to Chanel and everything in-between! All at a fraction of their original prices. Gucci, Chanel, LV, YSL, handbags and accessories and jewelry to die for! They'll usually have a wide range of everything from clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories to choose from so you can see why you'll have to take your time to take it all in! Another thing to keep in mind is to shop seasonally, most consignment shops accept only seasonal items so you won't find winter coats in the middle of summer.
Many consignment shops now have select items online that you can reserve or even purchase such as the aforementioned Closet Secret Consignment. A quick look when you're looking for something specific may make your shopping even easier!
Now on to consigning your precious items.
Always call and ask in advance if you need an appointment to bring things by. Many consignment shops only accept items on certain days. Also ask if they have a limit as to how many things you can bring at once and what season they are currently accepting. Be sure to ask what their consignment split is as it varies from shop to shop, usually you get 40% to 50% of the selling price. Its also wise to ask if they're negotiable on pricing. Some have set guidelines and are not, others are more flexible.
When bringing in your items, make sure they are in pristine, cleaned and pressed or dry cleaned condition. They will not be accepted otherwise. Part of the prestige of consignment is that you are not only getting top quality goods, but also in top quality condition. No holes, missing buttons, droopy linings, etc.!
Once there, they will sort through your items and choose what is right for their stock and clientele. Don't be insulted if they don't choose everything, it simply means it doesn't fit with their stock. You can always take it to another consignment shop who may be thrilled to have it!
Also make sure to ask how long the item can stay in stock. Its up to you to keep up with this, as many consignment shops do markdowns (another perk for finding a deal!) after a certain period of time, and uncollected goods go straight to charity. So if you want your items back make sure to mark on your calendar when you'll have to pick them up.
Here are a few of my favorite consignment shops found throughout Westchester and CT. There are many more but these are the ones I frequent most.
I hope this helped to open the world of consignment to you and that you do give it a try when looking for better quality and special items. Do let me know in the comments if you have any favorite consignment shops as I'm always on the lookout for new places to explore!
XXX
Suzanne
