Currently, more than 25,000 resale, consignment and thrift shops exist in the United States, and about 12-15 percent of Americans will shop at consignment/resale shops during any given year. Consignment stores are a great way to purchase designer and brand-name items for way less than retail price. You can also make some money on items that are taking up space in your home. But to make the most money and have the best experience: Do your research.
First, call around to different stores in your area, and compare answers to a few basic questions, such as:
• What are the terms for selling?
• Do you get your money upfront or a check later in the mail?
• How long has the store been operating?
Specific terms for selling usually range from making a necessary appointment and only bringing in a certain number of items to having your items on a hanger and freshly laundered. Visit the store to see what type of environment your items will be displayed in, make sure the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and ask yourself, “Would I buy something from this store?” Also, make sure you get a written contract that spells out how the proceeds will be divided, how long your items will be on the shelf, and how you will get your payment. There may be annual fees, so check for them, too.
Some stores offer more if you opt for store credit rather than cash. Want to cash in? Start gathering your fall clothes now. Even though we’re in the dog days of summer, that’s what most consignment stores are taking right now.
Local Consignment Shops
Accent on Design
83 E. Lancaster Ave., Paoli; (610) 640-1200, accentondesignpaoli.com
Items accepted: Designer and non-designer labels, jewelry, shoes, handbags and small furniture.
Note: Buy everything outright, and don’t have to wait for a check; store credit offered; all price points (based on popular sizes and seasons).
Butterflies and Blossoms
3 N. Five Points Road, West Chester; (610) 430-7601, butterfliesandblossoms.net
Items accepted: Children’s clothing, maternity items, baby equipment and toys.
Note: Consignment period of 60 days; 40-percent commission for children’s/maternity clothing and small toys; 50-percent commission for baby equipment and large toys; no annual consignment fee; accepted by appointment; clothing must be on hangers and clean.
Christine’s Consignment Boutique
105 Westtown Road, West Chester, (610) 692-9375, christinesconsignment.com
Items accepted: Women’s and home items, plus jewelry.
Note: Appointment based; by season; clothing must be freshly cleaned and on hangers; receive 40 percent of the selling price for all items that sell during the six-week consignment period; maximize your value by leaving price tags.
Charmingly Linda’s
Frazer Shopping Center, 480 Lancaster Ave., Frazer; (610) 640-1220, charminglylindas.com
Items accepted: Adult apparel, accessories and jewelry.
Note: No children’s clothing; appointment required; 12 items per appointment; clothing must be on hangers and clean; split 40 percent of the sale price to the consignor; clothing consignments are held for 60 days; $10 fee per year.
Greene Street
848 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 519-0878; 119 W. Market St., West Chester, (484) 947-5562; greenestreetconsignment.com
Items accepted: Women’s and men’s clothing.
Note: 40-percent commissions; no annual fee; check is mailed; no appointment is required; 60 days in the store; can reclaim items that were not purchased; purchased based off of season and size.
Revivals Consignment Boutique
258 Haverford Ave., Narberth; (610) 660-8119, revivalsboutique.com
Items accepted: Clothing and accessories.
Note: 50/50 split; no annual fees; by appointment only; based off of the season; items must be on hangers and in excellent condition; consignment is a three-month period; unsold items can be claimed within 10 days after the term is up; all unclaimed items are donated; all checks are mailed the first of the month.
