Your Guide to Reselling Your Stuff

I get asked occasionally about how and where to resell items that people have cleaned out of their house.  This is probably because I've worked in resale for the past four years. 

I've worked in resale since 2009; for a for profit store then for a non for profit.  I was always amazed at what people would bring in to resell and the way they would bring it in. 

I was also surprised to know how many people didn't know what the word "consignment" actually meant.  They would haul in all of their stuff without even knowing what they were doing, what could be resold, or how much it could be resold for. 

Because I would get asked about resale a lot, I decided to compile a list of guidelines every consignor should know before they haul in their stuff.

First, know the difference between consignment and cash buyouts. 

Consignment is when you receive a portion of the sale price after the item has sold.  Consignment stores will put your items on the sales floor for a specified time frame and pay you a percentage only after the item has sold.  (Store policies differ on what happens to unsold merchandise.  Check your local store's policy.)  The store has the right to price your items accordingly and even mark them down on sale. 

A cash buyout is when a store offers you money up front when you bring items in.  Typically stores will offer you 30-50% of what they will sell it for and they will price items on a similar percentage from what the original retail price was.  (Again check your local store's policies.)  Once you take the buyout, the item belongs to the store.  This can be convenient  if you want money fast and don't want to have to wait 30-60 days for a consignment check.     

Now that you know the difference between consignment and buyout, it's time to sell your stuff!

1.  Do your homework!  Research stores in your area and see what they sell and how they sell.  What items do they accept?  Do they only accept seasonal items?  Do the items need to be less than two years old?  Do they consign or pay cash?  Do they take appointments or can you walk in?  Sometimes its even better to call and talk to someone about what you want to bring in before actually hauling everything you own into a store.  Almost all consignment stores will only accept current season merchandise so plan accordingly.  No one wants to buy a wool sweater in June.   

2.  Make your items presentable.  Now that you've done your research, time to get some things together.  Some stores require you to bring your items in a certain way.  First always, always, clean your items before you take them anywhere.  (This may seem like a no brainer, but you'd be surprised.)  Make sure everything is clean, spot free, and pressed.  ("I only wore this once."  Well it looks like the one time you wore it, you spilled mustard down the front and left it waded up in your car for a month.)   Some stores will charge you a fee if they have to press or clean your items, leaving your profits smaller.  I can tell you from experience, bringing things in either on hangers or neatly folded is best.  It makes going through and processing your items super fast, meaning your items hit the sales floor faster and they sell faster!  Never, never, NEVER bring your stuff into a store in a trash bag.  It looks trashy (ha!) and makes it look like you're bringing in trash.  Why would you put your nice things in a nasty trash bag?  If you must put it in a bag, put it in a shopping bag, a box, a laundry basket, anything but a trash bag. 

True story:  When I worked for a non profit, someone actually donated a bag of trash.

3.  Know your worth.  Too many times when I was working in consignment, a consignor would come in with a shirt they paid $20 for and expected to get $18 back in resell value.  It just doesn't happen.  A used item is a used item.  People don't want to pay close to full price for a used item. 

The brands you have can also affect the resell value.  The resale value of an Old Navy shirt is a lot lower than a Marc Jacobs top. 

You should also pay attention to how much "love" the item has received.  If the item has any wear and tear, it may not be able to be resold. 

Another helpful hint:  Items without a size often resell for a higher price.  Examples:  handbags, jewelry, sunglasses  Anyone at any size can buy these items. 

How old is the item?  This can also affect the resale value.  (Keep this in mind also when hosting a yard sale!)    



{This is just an example.}

4.  Donations.  Instead of selling, you may want to just donate to your favorite local charity.  (This category is my favorite.)  Sometime it makes more sense to donate.  You can claim the amount of your donation on your taxes.  You want to help those in need.  Whatever your reason, never overlook donating.  You  may want to donate the items that couldn't be sold on consignment. 

As with consignment and buyouts, there are guidelines for donating.  You should also do your homework before donating.  Some charities don't accept certain items.  Make sure your charity accepts the items you are wanting to bring them.

Another important thing to remember is to donate usable items.  As someone who worked in a nonprofit resale store, I can say it is very much appreciated if you donate items that are clean.  No one can use a pair of pants that you mud wrestled in or a couch that your cat gave birth on.  Before you donate something, think to yourself, "If I was in need, would I want this?" 

True story:  We were running a special where if you donated items, you received a 20% coupon to use in the store.  A customer brought in a  bag of donations and got her coupon.  When I opened the bag of donations, it contained a sock and a broken light bulb.

There are a few things on the "no donate" list:  used underwear, used socks, and dirty items.  I still have nightmares from opening garbage bags of "miscellaneous" items. 

I hope this helps you resell (or donate) your stuff!  Following these guidelines will make your life easier in the long run and will definitely help the store or charity you're bringing your things to.