Below, we tell you exactly how consignment shops work, including information on buying and selling, and list some of the best national chains and local stores.
But before we get onto the list, let’s take a look at a common question that people have about consignment shops.
If you’re on the hunt for consignment stores, then you might have been looking at thrift stores as well.
And you might be wondering what the difference is between these two types of stores.
Well, both consignment stores and thrift stores sell used items, but there are some key differences between the two:
Consignment stores are generally for profit businesses.
These stores evaluate the items that people bring in. If a consignment store decides to sell an item that a person has brought in, it puts the item up for sale, and then it pays commission to the original owner of the item.
Thrift stores (like these) sell donated items to fund a charitable or non-profit organization. Goodwill and the Salvation Army are examples of thrift stores that sell items to make money for a charitable cause.
For those looking to make money, consignment stores will, generally speaking, be more profitable than thrift stores.
Thrift stores (whether online thrift stores or brick and mortar ones near you) don’t tend to pay for most items, and instead take items on a donation basis.
Of course, some thrift stores may offer to sell your pieces on consignment, but since they are working with non-profits, you won’t get as much of a profit as you would from a consignment store.
For those looking to buy items, both thrift stores and consignment stores are good places to shop.
You can get items at a much lower price than if you were to buy them new.
However, thrift stores are generally less stringent on the items that they accept.
Join Springboard America and get paid for taking surveys. By the way, they enter you to win $1000 just for signing up.
So you’ll likely find that consignment stores offer items of a higher quality.
That’s not the say that you can’t find some great quality pieces at the thrift store. But, at the thrift store, you’ll likely have to browse through a little more to find the real gems.
Best Online Consignment Shops
There are tons of great consignment shops online.
Shopping at online consignment shops is convenient, and if you don’t have any brick and mortar consignments shops near you, then it’s definitely a great option.
Below, we list some of the best online consignment shop websites and apps to sell your stuff locally.
Some of these stores focus on a particular category, like clothing or music, for example, and others allow you to sell items in a multitude of categories.
It’s important to note, before we begin, that each website differs when it comes to the commission.
So do make sure that you check the payment process for the particular place you plan to sell through.
1. Poshmark
Poshmark is a great website for selling and buying clothing. It caters to luxury fashion. So if you have any designer clothing or handbags, then consider selling them on Poshmark. Or if you’re in the market for some luxury items, at a lower price, then check it out.
2. LetGo
LetGo (review here) is a good website if you have a variety of items to sell or if you are looking to shop for a wide range of stuff. You’ll need to login with your Facebook account, and then the app will import your name and profile photo.
3. Trove Market
Whether you want to get rid of an old sofa or are looking for a used bookcase, then check out Trove Market. With this app, you can buy and sell furniture and home décor items.
4. OfferUp
Buy and sell a variety of used items through OffersUp. There’s even a ratings system for the app’s buyers and sellers – so you can see whether a user is a good person to buy from or sell to.
5. Dealo
Another resale app to check out is Dealo. With this app, you can sell and buy a variety of different items locally.
- Download Dealo for iOS devices here.
6. Boxes
Combining elements of social media platforms, like Instagram and online marketplaces, like Craigslist and eBay, boxes is an all-round good app to buy and sell through.
It has a similar interface to Instagram, in that people can post photos, but the difference is that the items featured in the photos are available for sale.
- Download Boxes for iOS devices here.
7. Mercari
Buy and sell a plethora of different items, from electronics to clothing on Mercari. You can even share your listings on social media and track sales through the app as well. It’s a good platform to purchase stuff as well, since it does offer items in such a wide range of categories.
8. Chairish
If you like vintage furniture, or are looking to sell your old furniture, then check out Chairish. On this app, you can buy and sell vintage and used furniture, décor and art.
9. Carousell
Sell and purchase items from a selection of different categories on Carousell. It’s so easy to sell through the app, as you can create a listing for an item in less than 30 seconds and you can instantly share it on social media.
10. Vinted
On Vinted, you can buy and sell accessories, clothing, and beauty items.
11. Depop
Depop is an image-based platform, like Boxes, combing elements of social media and online marketplaces like eBay and Craigslist. You can buy and sell items in a huge range of categories.
12. Tradesy
Tradesy is a platform where you can sell and purchase luxury and designer fashion items including designer handbags and jeans.
- Official website: https://www.tradesy.com/
- Download Tradesy for iOS devices here.
- Download Tradesy for Android devices here.
13. The RealReal
If you’re looking for some designer pieces at a low price, or are looking to declutter your wardrobe, then check out The RealReal. It’s a website where you can buy and sell clothing, shoes and other fashion items from luxury brands.
14. ThredUP
ThredUP is an online consignment store that allows you to buy and sell high-quality secondhand clothing. You can purchase items on there for up to 90% off.
15. Vestiaire Collective
The Vestiaire Collective is another resale website that’s focused on luxury fashion. You can find high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel on there. And you can get items at 30% to 70% off. If you’re a buyer or seller of designer fashion items, then you should definitely consider checking out the app.
16. Rebag
If you’re looking to sell a designer bag or purchase one at a lower price, then check out Rebag.
17. Re-SEE
Re-SEE is another consignment shop focused on fashion.
18. LePrix
LePrix is an online consignment store for used designer fashion. On there, you can buy and sell items like handbags, shoes, and jewelry. You can get up to 80% off on retail prices.
19. eBay
eBay is a hugely popular platform, making it a good place to sell, since you have a large amount of organic traffic to your listings, and if you’re planning to buy something on there, then there’s plenty to choose from.
National Brick & Mortar Consignment Shops Nearby
Buying and selling online is great, but what if you want to visit an actual consignment store?
Whether it’s to sell your stuff, or to get your hands on some great pieces at great prices, there are plenty of consignment shops across the country.
So, you’re sure to find a resale store near you.
Below, we’ve listed some consignment stores that have various locations across the United States.
Here are a few tips for selling items to a consignment store in-person:
- Go for quality over quantity: Don’t take too much stuff with you on your visit. Select the best items, which are in good condition – essentially, be stringent when deciding what to sell.
- Select brand name fashion items: Items, such as shoes, clothing and handbags, from well-known brands or high-end designers are much more sought after than generic items. So if you have any pieces like that, which you no longer want, then take those with you to the store.
- Choose pieces that are in-season. If you’re selling clothing, then make sure that you select items that are in-season.
- You may need to bring your state-issued ID or driver’s license to sell your stuff.
20. Buffalo Exchange
At Buffalo Exchange, you can buy, sell or trade your clothes and accessories.
It has locations in 20 states, so it’s definitely worth checking to see if there’s one near you. You can use the locator tool to find your nearest store.
- Find your nearest store here.
21. Crossroads Trading
At Crossroads Trading, you can sell clothes in-store. Also, you can sell items by mail if you don’t have a store near you.
- Find your nearest store here.
22. Plato’s Closet
Plato’s Closet buys and sells gently used clothing for teens and twenty-somethings. Most of its locations are in the Northeast.
- Find your nearest store here.
23. The Wasteland
The Wasteland is a consignment store with locations in various cities in California, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Santa Monica. At its stores, you can sell clothes and shoes.
- Find your nearest store here.
24. Once Upon a Child
Kids quickly grow out of clothing and outgrow toys as well and pretty much everything else too!
That’s why buying used kid’s stuff is such a good idea. You can save so much. And, selling the items that your kids have outgrown is also a good idea.
One place to visit if you’re looking to buy some kid’s stuff at a low price, or if you’re looking to offload some unwanted items for a profit, is Once Upon A Child.
At Once Upon A Child, you can sell gently used kid’s clothing, toys, furniture, and equipment.
And, you can also purchase these items at up to 70% off retail prices.
- Find your nearest store here.
25. Style Encore
You can buy and sell used women’s clothing at Style Encore. You can buy clothing for up to 90% off retail prices, which is great.
- Find your nearest store here.
26. Music Go Round
Music Go Round is resale chain that sells, buys and trades used music gear. At its stores, you can sell a variety of items, like band instruments, drums, amps, bass guitars, and keyboards.
- Find your nearest store here.
27. Guitar Center
Guitar Center buys and sells used and vintage instruments and gear. Since Guitar Center has more than 200 locations, there’s likely one near you. So if you have an old guitar, then consider selling it to the store.
- Find your nearest store here.
28. Play It Again Sports
Play It Again Sports is a sporting goods store that sells, buys, and trades sports and fitness equipment. So if you have some unwanted sports and fitness gear that you want to make some money from, or want to get some sporting goods at a low price, then check out Play It Again Sports.
- Find your nearest store here.
Other Tips for Finding Close by Consignment Stores
Above, we’ve given you some great online consignment stores, and stores that you can visit in-person too.
But, there are a few things that you can do to find even more consignment stores near you.
Do a Quick Internet Search
A quick internet search for the term “consignment shops in [the name of your state],” will generate plenty of results.
For example, you could do a search for “consignment shops in Washington.” or “consignment shops in NY.”
You could also use a more general search term such as “consignment shops in my area.”
Check on Facebook Groups
On Facebook, you can do a quick search for consignment stores near you. There are also some consignment groups on there that you could browse to find local resale shops.
Check out Reddit
Here on Money Pantry, we mention Reddit a lot, and that’s because it’s such a great source of information.
On Reddit, you can find a sub-Reddit that’s entirely dedicated to consignment. So it’s definitely a great place to visit if you are looking to find consignment shops nearby.
Check out the consignment sub-Reddit here.
Closing thoughts
There are so many online consignment stores where you can find great bargains or make a profit for your used items.
And, there are plenty of brick and mortar stores as well.
So, whether you’re looking to declutter and make a profit in the process, or want to find some items at great prices, you should definitely consider using some of these online or local consignment shops near you.
