Whether you're looking to make a quick buck or to refresh your own wardrobe without spending a dime, opportunities abound at resale shops in Atlanta.
Some gently used fashion retailers have buy-sell-trade operations, in which they source many of the items seen on their clothing racks from customers who turn in their old clothes for cash on the spot or in-store credit.
Of course, there are protocols to follow that will make transactions a positive experience for the buyer and the seller.
In general, when trading clothes for cash or credit, the items should be no more than two years old, except for vintage fashion.
The apparel should be from a recognized brand, stylish and without stains or damage (check zippers and buttons). Often, these businesses buy footwear and accessories, too.
The kind of clothes that you might donate to a thrift store—worn out, washed out—typically aren't appropriate for reselling. Instead, you should select the best items from your wardrobe that you rarely use, but that you believe are still fashionable.
Presentation is everything — so don't arrive looking to do business with your goods piled in lawn-size trash bags. Exercise restraint and bring around eight to 10 items (which should be enough to fill one standard shopping bag) that are laundered and folded. Also, apparel should not be presented on hangers, as they tend to slow down the evaluation process.
Unlike consignment shops, resale trade transactions offer remuneration immediately, but the most equitable option, typically, is to accept an in-store credit offer.
Bring an appropriate form of identification (or be accompanied by an adult if you're a minor) and call the store ahead of time to ask if your trade-in wardrobe is a good fit for the retailer.
Below is a roundup of some of Atlanta's most popular shops for selling clothes for cash or credit.
Plato's Closet
Where: 2480 Briarcliff Road NE #2; Brighten Park
Phone: 404-929-0224
Website: Platosclosetatl-itp.com
What they're looking for: Trendy threads, footwear and accessories for teens and young adults (14-24 year olds). The resale chain favors brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Adidas, Aeropostale, American Eagle, Brandy Melville, Zara, Charlotte Russe and Forever 21; girls sizes up to 18 and guy sizes up to 40-inch waist.
Policy: Very selective; Submissions are appraised based on style, condition and brand. Items should have been in retail stores within the last year to year and a half.
Cash vs. credit: Cash is paid on the spot, but taking in-store credit has greater value. Plato's Closet Atlanta pays 25 to 40 percent of what the location is able to sell the items for, plus an itemized breakdown will be presented for each offer.
Best days for selling: Every afternoon there is a one-to-two hour wait time, however, customers may drop off items and return later to receive appraisals before 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Rag-o-Rama
Where: 1111 Euclid Ave. NE; Little Five Points
Phone: 404-658-1988
Website: Ragorama.com
What they're looking for: Current, classic and vintage styles for men and women. This funky buy-sell-trade vintage store carries labels such as Levi's, Ann Taylor, Polo, Gap and Urban Outfitters. Apparel and accessories are accepted.
Policy: Very selective; around 10 percent of items brought in are actually purchased. No more than three structured containers of clothes are accepted during an evaluation.
Cash vs. credit: This retailer pays cash on the spot, but amounts higher than $25 are issued in checks. Store credit is 50 percent of the retail value and cash is 30 percent.
Best days for selling: Associates recommend arriving early around opening times.
Buffalo Exchange
Where: 1057 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE; Midtown
Phone: 404-817-0921
Website: Buffaloexchange.com
What they're looking for: Current, on-trend clothing and accessories for men and women. The resale chain encourages customers to call ahead of time and ask what they're currently accepting. Some brands carried at the store include J.Crew, Madewell, Anthropologie and Banana Republic.
Policy: Very selective.
Cash vs. credit: The store offers 30 percent cash back or 50 percent in-store credit.
Best days for selling: Early mornings are generally slow, but associates say trade-ins are sporadic.
The Lucky Exchange
Where: 212 Ponce De Leon Ave., NE
Phone: 1-404-817-7715
Website: Luckyexchange.com
What they're looking for: Fashion-forward contemporary labels are accepted seasonally, and vintage apparel is accepted at any time. Some of the brands carried include Tory Burch, Prada and Members Only.
Policy: Selective; The resale shop considers quality, cut and style, condition and inventory needs when appraising items.
Cash vs. credit: Store credit is worth double the value of a cash offer.
Best days for selling: Arrive early.
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