Thanks to Chrissy from ConsignmentMommies.com for these great tips!
The true secret to consigning success is in becoming a really good consignor! Here are some helpful ideas to help you get rid of those toys / clothes and make more money!
1. Presentation is Everything – Make your items look their best!
Presentation matters! Wash all clothing and make sure they are free from stains. Check for stains in daylight because indoor lighting does not always allow you to see every flaw. Make your items look their best by ironing, buttoning, zipping, and snapping as required. Clothing items will be more appealing to shoppers (and more likely to sell) if they’re pressed and looking new.
2. The Price is Right
Most people agree that the best pricing strategy is about 1/3 to 1/4 of what you paid retail for an item. There are many different approaches when it comes to pricing your consigned items. The best way to ensure your items sell is to price anything gently used at 25-30% of the original retail price. If the item is brand new with tags or an expensive boutique brand (in excellent condition) then of course price higher. You really do need to be careful not make the mistake of pricing all of your items too high. If you are in doubt about the value of an item one good place to do some research is Ebay (you can see how much people are willing to pay for certain clothing brands and equipment items). If the event you participate in has a half price day I recommend letting all items go to half of the marked price. It is much better to get half of your marked price than to have to pick up your overpriced unsold items at the sales end and take them back to your house (making nothing).
3. Add Notes on Sizing if Needed
If something fits like a 12 month item, but is labeled 18 months, make a note and make sure it is placed in the 12 month area. Items often get left hanging because they look too big / small in their sections.
4. Read Your Consignor Instructions TWICE
Every sale is a bit different so don’t miss the opportunity to sell because you didn’t follow directions! 5. Group Wisely
Don’t try and hide worn / useless items with good ones… you’ll drive everyone else crazy! Instead, think like the shopping maven / mom that you are and group intelligently. If you do have multiple items, make sure you can easily see all parts.
6. Laundry Tips
This might seem obvious but the way you do laundry (year round) directly impacts the items you will be able to consign (most sales will not accept items with fading or stains). Washing in cold water prevents fading and shrinking – turning items inside out before laundering prevents pilling. ALWAYS treat stains immediately and if a stain doesn’t come out completely on the first wash, treating the stain one more time usually does the trick. Remember not to let a stained item go through the dryer – it will set the stain and you will never get it out. If all else fails (and the item is white) you can always try a Clorox bleach pen. Rubbing baby powder into a stain and washing is a great stain removal tip as well as Dawn dishwashing liquid.
