Fact or Fiction: Myths about Consignment Shopping

I love that here in Michigan one of our favorite things is that when someone compliments your outfit, we have to announce where it’s from and how great of a deal it was as if it were a rule. Nothing gets more Michigan than that. It’s fun to listen to people brag about their amazing finds and how little they spent when they shop second hand. BUT on the other hand there are some rumors circulating about consignment shopping that aren’t so great. So we thought we’d discuss some of the myths and help you navigate the dos and don’ts of second hand shopping.

Myth #1

Consignment & thrift shopping are the same. Nope. Both are resale but there is a difference. Often times when you go thrift shopping, items there are donated. This means anyone can just drop off a box of anything. This generally happens when people are cleaning out their closets so it ends up being more of a box of surprises that may or may not be so nice… 

Consignment shopping is more selective therefore prices tend to be higher. We believe in value. When we take in items at our store, we are looking for items with low use to hardly used to ensure they have plenty of life left for you. Furthermore, we look for designer brands and unique one of a kinds that you’re not going to be able to find other places.

Myth #2

Buying resale is dirty. No matter where you shop, other people are always going to be touching the items. It also depends on how you think about it but the way I see it is that it all can be washed when it gets home. People try on items in department stores and you are then trying them on too if they are returned to the floor. 

All of the items that we take in are checked for cleanliness, smell, and wear. If we wouldn’t use it, we’re not going to sell it. Apparel taken in is required to be freshly laundered before appointments. We often times steam clean items before putting them on the racks for sale or on the shelves. Beyond this we go through the store weekly to wipe down, clean, and sanitize. Cleanliness is one of our priorities.

Myth #3

Consignment items are old. Some of our items still have brand new tags on them from the store. How’s that for old? All jokes aside, we only take in items that have plenty of life left. We want you to be able to enjoy them for years to come. That’s what I love about selling furniture at the store, we take in well made brands such as Ethan Allen or Lazy Boy that are beautifully crafted and going to last. 

Our goal is to provide shoppers with items so great they’re excited to show them off. This is anything from apparel for the whole family, accessories, household goods, furniture, and more. 

Why Shop Consignment 

Shopping resale allows you to purchase items that maybe you couldn’t afford new or don’t want to pay the full retail price tag for. It also gives you a true idea of how an item will look and fit after it’s been laundered or dry cleaned. Let’s face it lots of times things don’t look nearly as nice as they did once they’ve been washed. 

WHAT IS CONSIGNMENT SHOPPING

Why Sell Consignment

Maybe shopping resale isn’t for you and you prefer to purchase new items. Which is perfectly okay. You can still participate in consignment stores by bringing in items to sell. We’ll always need more inventory. When you’re ready to part ways with your gently loved items and would like to make some extra cash, please email us to schedule an appointment.