How to Shop Successfully At A Consignment Store..and Save Money

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By consignmentchic
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Shop Successfully At A Consignment Store..and Save Money

A great way to save money while purchasing clothing and other gently used items (furniture, baby equipment)is to shop at a consignment or resale shop. These shops are wonderful at recycling various items and selling them at a fraction of retail costs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Phone numbers and addresses of a few local shops
A little bit of money
A list ... only buy what you really need, not want

Step 1

You can find wonderful clothing or other items at great prices when shopping in consignment or resale shops. These types of shops will usually have a big selection to browse through. Don't feel overwhelmed! Bring a list if you are in need of certain items. Never hesitate to ask the sales clerk for assistance. People who work at these types of shops, if they're good, will know how to direct you to shop in an area that you will be successful in.
Step 2

Consignment and resale shops generally have a quick turnover because they constantly have new items coming in. Ask if they have a final clearance area, such as a 70% rack or a dollar rack. Find out how the shop runs their price tag systems. Some shops will offer discounts based on tag color or a certain symbol or mark on the tag, such as a red slash. As you are searching through the racks, make a mental note of their pricing system and how you will be able to save the most money!
Step 3

Don't forget to find out how often the shop marks its merchandise down. For example, my shop does inventory on the 1st of every month, so an item that may have been full price at the end of the month may now be 20%-50% off the tagged price. Shops will all range in how they feel markdowns should be accessed. Some items if they are speciality items may never be marked down. BE PREPARED...consignment and resale stores should be originally starting the price at an already reasonable price, like 40% of what the original retail price of the item would be. Keep in mind that you can purchase more items, or items for friends or relatives, if you can start with the cheapest items first! Following these tips will help you save money and will help the shop sell items for a little bit money rather than giving it away.