Ask:
Ok, I'm embarassed to admit that I have never sold anything to a consignment shop! I have a double stroller that is sitting in my garage collecting dust. I have a load of 18m-3T clothing and have sorted out the stained icky ones which leaves me with a pile of gently worn, and some really nice holiday dresses. I usually give away or donate items, but DH and I are on a major get out of debt kick, so I'm trying to squeeze pennies out of anything I can! So ladies, how does this work? There is a kids consignment shop a few miles from me where I can take this, but what happens when I go there? Do I call first to see what types of things they accept? Do I get the money the same day I drop off the items, or do they have to sell first? I feel so new, but the only way to find out is to ask!
Answer:
I don't have the answers about consignment shops, but I would suggest Craigslist before the consignment shop. Craigslist is free and you won't have to share your sale with a shop. I just remember when I took my one and only load to the consignment shop they offered me next to nothing and then mark it way up to sell in the shop. I'm sure they're not all like that. But if you want the most money, I'd definately give Craigslist a try first, you won't lose anything just by trying.
Answer:
Okay first of all, make sure you don't need an appointment. Some shops do this.
make sure your items are really and truely stain free. when you bring them, bold them gently in a laundry basket or a plastic tote, don't even throw them in a bag. Iron them and make sure all your buttons are buttoned, snaps snapped, zippers zipped.
Hang around, because they will usually go through your items while you wait, and hand you back some that they don't take, either there is a stain you missed, or a hole or whatever. Donate those items to goodwill.
Most shops give your 40-50% depending on how long they hold your item for. the one I use takes a 5% consigners fee. they will pay you in cash, check or store credit. You will probably need to wait a month before being able do that though.