How to Sell Shirts to the Owner of a Consignment Store

Sell your unwanted shirts to a consignment shop.

If you are in need of some extra cash, you can sell your used shirts to a clothing consignment shop. Some consignment shop owners will place your clothing items on display racks and pay you when the items sell. Others will purchase your used shirts outright. There are a few things you need to know in order to get the most money for your shirts from the consignment shop owner.

Instructions

1. Go through your clothing and decide which shirts you no longer plan on wearing. Set aside the shirts that are in "like new" condition. Donate the rest of the shirts to an organization like the Salvation Army or Goodwill.

2. Wash and dry the used shirts according to the instructions on the clothing tag. Iron any shirts that are wrinkled so that all of the shirts look their best. Place the shirts on hangers for a better presentation.

3. Call the consignment shops in your area to find an owner who is willing to buy your shirts instead of putting them up for consignment. Make an appointment with the owner to bring the shirts in for viewing.

4. Bring your shirts to the consignment shop at the set appointment time. Allow the owner to view each of the shirts to see which ones he is interested in purchasing. Don't be offended if he doesn't select all of the shirts you bring in. He knows what customers are looking for, and what you have may or may not be suitable.

5. Accept or decline the owner's offer. Keep in mind that the consignment shop does not sell shirts for the retail price. The owner must also be able to make a profit from your shirts, and she is most likely going to offer you between 30 and 50 percent of what she thinks she can get for them. For example, if the owner believes she can sell your shirt for $10, she may offer you between $3 and $5 for it.

Tips & Warnings

• Take any clothes the consignment shop owner wasn't interested in purchasing to another consignment shop and try again.

• Most clothing shops only accept clothing that is currently in season; you won't be able to sell long-sleeved shirts in the summer time, or t-shirts in the winter.

References

• One Paycheck at a Time: How to Make Money at a Clothing Consignment Shop
• Power Home Biz; 11 Tips When Selling Through Consignment; George Rodriguez