Even people who have a job may need some extra cash in this tight economy, and if someone is out of work entirely, cash is more than likely sorely needed. Selling things at consignment stores can be as simple as walking around the house to determine what is still used and needed and what can be sold.
Another Man's Junk
Shoppers at consignment stores normally shop these stores to save money themselves. The goods for sale are generally closely scrutinized by the shop owners, that is, only nicer items in good condition are accepted for sale. Clothes with tears or stains are passed by. Household goods must be in good working order and be in good shape appearance wise.
Before hauling in a car full of your unwanted items, visit or contact several consignment stores ahead of time to see if they are accepting items on consignment. If so, ask what items sell and what they are looking for specifically. Pay attention to the answers and only take in things that might be considered. If the store owner says they are not accepting books, leave the books at home and look elsewhere for a place to sell them.
Touring the House for Items to Sell on Consignment
Through the years, individuals and families collect and accumulate lots of stuff. Starting in each room with a box, use a critical eye to determine if all of the things sitting around are useful or if their time has come. And it's time for them to go.
Prospective sellers should look at each shelf and surface for knickknacks, books, and anything else that might be able to be sold at a consignment store. Another place to check are the walls for art and pictures that might fetch some cash. Lamps and small appliances like clock radios and CD players that are in good working order may sell well at consignment stores.
Media for Sale
The DVDs someone in the house just had to have but are seldom watched any more can bring in a bit of cash. The old music albums, tapes, and CDs that gather dust are another good option if no one listens to them any more. Children's CDs and DVDs that the kids have outgrown are excellent candidates to take to the consignment store. Another parent may be looking for the educational media at the consignor's home.
Some consignment store shoppers are looking for movies on VHS tapes or music tapes that they can't find many other places. Just because something is obsolete to most buyers doesn't mean it is obsolete to everyone.
Clothes, Clothes, Clothes... and Shoes
Often clothes make up the widest variety of inventory at consignment stores and for good reason. People buy clothes that they never wear but don't have the tags or receipts to return the items to the store. Others outgrow their clothes. The favorite jeans and tops simply no longer fit.
A good tactic is using a keen eye and looking in closets for clothes that are still stylish or that are truly vintage to sell at consignment stores. Ensuring clothes are in good shape with no tears or stains is important.
Accessories for Sale
Belts, handbags, costume jewelry, purses, scarfs, and sunglasses are just a few of the accessories that sell well at consignment stores. Fashions change or people just get tired of their accessories. Consignment store shoppers want a new look and accessories is a great way to dress up their wardrobe inexpensively.
Potential consignors should look through drawers, closets, and anywhere else these items are stored to see if their accessories can bring in some cash.
Clean Them Up to Clean Up
Before taking in items to sell, they need to be clean. The better condition each item is, the better chance the consignment store owner will accept the item and price it higher than if it is dirty or a button is missing. Cleaned and ironed clothes have a great chance of being accepted for consignment. Spending the time to sew any rips at the seams or hems is critical as well as replacing buttons and generally making sure each item looks as good as new or as close as possible.
Small appliances should be sparkling so they are free of dirt and dust. Knickknacks should be gently cleaned so they shine.
Consignment Store Pricing and Contracts
Consignors need to have an idea of what they need to get for items before entering the consignment store. If a consignor is are at all sentimentally attached to items, they should think long and hard about selling them. If money is desperately needed, that fact can trump keeping items. If extra cash is needed, people should consider whether letting go of a piece is something they might regret.
Consignment store owners generally set the prices for each item that comes in their stores because they usually know better how much each item will sell for. Before leaving items, consignors need to ask how much each item will be priced at and what the percentage is of that price the consignor will receive if it sells.
Contracts need to be read carefully. Terms of the contract should be easy to understand, and the consignor is wise to ask questions if something is not clear.
Keep Expectations Realistic
When taking items to the consignment store, consignors need to be realistic. If pieces are in good shape and of good quality, the chances are greater that they will be accepted and will be priced to sell. The price should also reflect the consignor coming away with some extra cash for their unwanted items.
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