Consignment shopping isn't new, but over the last four years these specially curated retail boutiques have received buzz from fashionistas who post their drool-worthy finds on social media or take us through bottomless shopping bags via their YouTube fashion hauls. Staying on trend can be expensive, but mastering how to score high priced fashions for less is always in season.
Before heading out, you first need to know the difference between consignment shopping, thrifting and vintage shopping.
"Thrifting means you are buying used items. Whether you are buying them from a thrift, consignment or vintage shop–it's used," says Keren Charles, founder of Thrifting Atlanta Bus Tours.
There are three different types of thrift stores, she says.
There is Goodwill where people donate items and the clothing isn't necessarily curated. You have to come in and search for what you want, Charles says.
A consignment store, on the other hand, is generally set up like a boutique where people can bring gently used in-season items to make some extra cash. Once your item sells, there is usually a 50/50 or a 60/40 split and you will either receive 50 percent of the sale price or 60 percent and the store will retain the other portion.
Lastly, a vintage store is where you would find pieces that have been cherished through time. Vintage means that the item is at least 10 years old, according to Charles. "Just because you find something at a thrift store doesn't mean it is vintage. A lot of people get that confused. There are different indicators on a garment such as the tag, union label, the way the outfit was made -- all be indications of a vintage item."
With tons of consignment, thrift and vintage stores popping up all over Atlanta, we reached out to Ave Miller, owner of My Best Friend's Closet Consignment Boutique , who opened her shop a few years ago after attending Charles's Tour.
Miller offered 6 tips to getting the most out of your consignment shopping experience:
- Have a budget. As a rule of thumb, price tags on fashions within a consignment store are generally one-third of the retail store's original price tag. Stay on budget. Because prices are reduced, you'll feel the urge to buy. Having a budget and taking only that amount with you while shopping, ensures you don't overspend.
- Make a list of the items you need. The key to consignment shopping is finding unique pieces you can add to your wardrobe. Shop your closet first and make a list of items that would complement what you already have. You could also take a picture of your wardrobe to carry along a visual to make it easier to match up colors and or unique garments.
- Know where to shop. Research consignment stores before you go. Some consignment stores, like Labels Retail Boutique, have several locations with niche items. Make sure the consignment store carries similar items found on your list.
- Events generally equal deals. If you are looking for a deal, consignment stores may have certain days of the week or months where price tags are given deeper discounts. Ask about events and social hours where discounts may apply. Find out if there is a newsletter you can sign up for that is attached to a savings pass. If you are a frequent shopper to a particular store, ask if there is a reward or punch card that earns you discount when the threshold is met.
- Don't be a hoarder. If you can't see yourself wearing it, chances are you probably won't. Buying items just because it's on sale, will ultimately, over time, label you as a hoarder.
- Shop during the week. Weekends, especially Saturdays, are busy and you may find it frustrating to shop among other bargain shoppers. Wednesday seems to be a popular day of the week to shop at consignment stores as shops are refreshing and restocking the bare racks from the weekend rush.
Miller also suggested that a good way to make some extra cash is by going through your closet and finding items you love but are willing to part with. "Make sure your items are on hangers, clean and pressed. Avoid throwing your clothes in a garbage bag and hauling your things to a store. Presentation is key," she says.
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