How to Sell Shoes to a Consignment Shop

Step up, shoe mavens. If you've got a closet full of shoes you rarely wear, consider selling some of them to a consignment shop. Just think, those old college dress shoes may earn you enough extra cash for, yes, another pair of shoes.

Things You'll Need

• Vintage Clothes
• Vintage Shoes
• Phone Directories
• Vintage Jewelry

Instructions

1. Gather the shoes that you rarely wear and separate them by category: evening, day casual and day professional. Pumps, loafers and sandals with straps are favorites of consignment stores; the more well-known the brand name the better.

2. Assess damages including scuff marks, worn or torn heels and separating seams. Polish or buff those shoes that lack luster and consider having heel work done on an otherwise great-looking pair of shoes.

3. Check the yellow pages under "resale," "secondhand," "clothes" or "consignment." Call each consignment shop and ask if it consigns shoes, making appointments with those that do.

4. Have a sales associate explain the store's policy. Typically, items are kept for 30 to 60 days. Non-selling items will be returned to you, while those that sell will earn you a portion of the selling price.

5. Keep a record of what you consign. If you don't hear from the store, call a few days before your selling period ends. Depending on the store, you may receive cash, credit or a check.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring your shoes in the original boxes, if possible. This makes a very good impression, suggesting that the shoes were well cared for.

• Athletic shoes are rarely in demand, but you may find a few stores that consign casual tennis shoes.

• Boots are in demand during the fall and winter months only.

• Keep your receipt safe. This is your only link to the items you've left behind.