What Clothes to Consign and What to Buy

Make money off your own wardrobe and get those boots you have been dreaming of, but without the guilt. Better has the top picks of how to make and spend money on consignment.

Audra: Recession fear and consumer guilt make high in consignment shops sheik destinations. Rhiannon shows us anyone can shop consignment and find the best deals around. Rhiannon: We all make mistakes when we shop and I’m not just talking about that skirt. Blowing our budget, it’s a common mistake but bargain shopping doesn’t mean you have to look cheap. Designer consignment shops are popping all over the country, so we put them to the test to show you how to find a great deal. Kim: What you’ve seen what you can find the consignment shop, if you go into a department store and you look at those prices and think, “Maybe, I’ll go look at the consignment shop again and see something like that has come in.” Rhiannon: In shoppers like Kim are already laughing all the way to the cash register. But Kim says, not all shops are created equal, whether you’re looking for designer deals or just a good buy. You want to watch for certain things when shopping consignment or troop stores. Kim: I think the quality of the merchandise shop that you can tell that they’re careful with what they bring in, they inspect what they bring in. There’s a large turnover. There’s new merchandise coming in all the time. Rhiannon: Laurel and Pam opened a consignment shop four months ago. They say, “Another important tip is get to know the employees of any store you shop at and make sure you tell them what you’re looking for and your style.” Pam: That’s one of the best things, don’t you think? Laurel: I think so. Pam: The more we get to know customers, it’s more we’re inclined, pick up the phone and call somebody and say, “Do you see the out suit?” As a shopper, it’s really important to know when the store puts out their new items. Rhiannon: That way, you get the first look at all the new stuff. Laurel, can you give us an example of a really great deal someone could find on a designer item. Laurel: Sure. Actually, we have this beautiful pucci that just came in that you put out on the floor and we have it price at $265.00 and it would retail at least four to five times that. Rhiannon: And if you’re not looking for designers like pucci or scuta, most shops have deals for any budget. And with shops like this, you can always try negotiating a lower price. Laurel: If you look at an item and you really love that item and you think, “Oh my God, it’s just a little bit beyond my price range.” Ask, I mean they can say no, ask. Rhiannon: Also, before you buy, make sure you know the stores return policy. Many consignment shops will not take items back, so matter how deal you think you’re getting if that new dress doesn’t fit, it’s just a waste of money. She’s right, this pucci is nice. I think this is going to home with me. For Better, I’m Rhiannon. Audra: And you should check stores website before you shop. A lot of consignment stores will post items online so you can get an idea of the merchandise they sell.