We all have that friend that is crazy about consignment. She tells you about how much she sold, how much she made, how much fun she has finding those deals, when each sale is. Oh, that’s me by the way.
How to become a successful consignor and enjoy yourself in the process
Find the sale that is right for you. Study up on it. Does location matter? Do the dates matter? Does it matter if they are a non-profit? The websites and social media of all these sales offer a wealth of information. They tell you how to price your items, how to hang and tag your clothes, the limits, if there are any, of items you can check in, and on and on.
Start the declutter process. Look high and low in your home for things to consign. Toys that are no longer played with, outgrown bikes, baby gear, clothes, etc. Sort it, make a list. Using the sale’s tagging system, login and create your tags. From here you can manage your inventory. Once you have your items entered, you can print your tags and begin tagging your items.
Look at your items objectively. Would YOU buy this? Would you buy it at this price? If you desperately want to move out the clutter and make some money in the process, price your items to sell. Outfits sell better than just a single item. Also bundling like items together also sell better. Even if the price is a bit higher, a buyer will feel like they are getting a deal. Dirty, outdated items will not be allowed in. Most sales check all clothes for tears, holes, wear, grime, etc. Don’t try to pass off these items, these women are pros at checking in product. Wash and clean everything: clothes, shoes, toys, everything. Snip loose threads, mend buttons, etc.
Everything must be in good, working condition. Sales require your toys, electronics, etc. have new batteries in them.
Be mindful of the season you are consigning in. For example, they will not allow swimsuits during the Fall sale and coats during the Spring sales.
Selecting the ‘Discount’ option will increase your profits. Have this conversation with yourself: Do you want this stuff back in your house? Would you rather have half of the price or nothing at all? You will make a lot more money and bring less back into your home by having items sell at discount.
Check for recalls on things such as cribs, car seats, strollers, high chairs, etc. It is your responsibility to be up to date on your items. All sales will have you sign a release form, so be sure your items are up to date and safe. Check their websites for items they will not allow in the sale. One such item in some sales is a drop-side crib.
Some sales allow you to drop in at your convenience during their receiving hours, others require you to make an appointment. Again, the website will have these policies, dates and times clearly listed. The same software you used for tagging also has a section for signing up for a drop off time slot, as well as signing up for volunteer times.
Be patient at drop off. Even with an appointment, they could be behind or short staffed (It happens when volunteers don’t show up or sign up). They will check every item. It is tedious, both for them and you, but it ensures the sale is top quality and meets the high demands of owners, consignors and shoppers. When they reject an item, don’t take it personally. Again, they are trying to keep the quality of items in the sale, and the sale itself, top notch.
Sort your clothes by size and gender before drop off. Some sales require you to put your clothes out on the sales floor at drop off. Some do not.
Be aware of when pickup is after the sale is over. They will not hold your items. If you cannot pick up your items in the designated window of time, you will need to get someone to do it for you. Otherwise, all of your leftover items will be donated. The spaces these sales are in are temporary and they have no room to store or hold items.
Volunteer!! There are so many opportunities with each sale to volunteer. They need people, lots of people, from receiving items, to sorting at the end. You can work as much or as little as you can. Some sales also have bartering opportunities for those that cannot work a shift. For instance, if you can donate 2 long tables for the duration of the sale, you may get store credit with the sale or be able to shop early, before the sale even opens. You’d be surprised what you learn and who you meet by becoming part of the team.
Be sure you read our tips and tricks for shopping a consignment sale too! And, if you have any tips you’d like to share, please leave a comment to help others out.
Happy Consigning!
