Whitney Nic James

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Thrifty Thursday: Thrift vs. Consignment

August 7, 2014 by Whitney 16 Comments

Hey there! Today I want to talk about thrift vs. consignment. While I’ve been more partial to thrifting, I must say that consignment shopping has been a fun adventure lately. As the Consignment Thread writer for DomiCile Magazine, I’ve been trekking across the DMV area looking for the best spots for consignment shopping. Some people have asked what’s the difference is between the two (thrifting & consignment shopping), so today I’m going to share my thoughts.

Consignment vs. Thrifting

THRIFT VS. CONSIGNMENT – UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE 

Consignment Shops/Boutiques 

People bring their (gently) used items to consignment shops to sell. Once their item(s) is inspected/evaluated, it’s up to the store to determine if that item can be sold at their location. Once that is determined, the item is marked and placed on the sales floor to be sold on behalf of the consigner. Each consignment shop has their own system as to how they “watch” the consigners items. In the end, the consignment shop takes a percentage of the sale and then pays the consigner the remainder.  If the item(s) doesn’t sell the consignment shop returns the item to the consigner.

Thrift vs. Consignment…what’s the difference?

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Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are filled with donated items like shoes, clothes, jewelry, dishes, furniture, etc. Most thrift stores are charity and non-profit based. (i.e. Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.) Thrift store prices vary, but most times the prices are very affordable. Depending on the thrift store, the items will be sized and organized by section (i.e. pants, blouses, handbags, kitchenware, etc.). Some thrift stores are not as organized as others, so the finding what you’re looking for may require more time.


 

THRIFT VS. CONSIGNMENT – WHY I LIKE BOTH

Why do I like consignment shopping? 

When consignment shopping, I know I’m going to find quality items that have little to no wear and tear. Am I going to pay for that? Yes. But certain thing like authentic handbags and shoes, exquisite and rare jewelry finds or authentic paintings from a certain time period I don’t mind shelling out more cash for. I also like the attention I receive when consignment shopping. Most consignment shops are small boutiques, especially those that carry higher end items. So you get that one on one shopping experience; the staff helps you find exactly what you’re looking for, or they point you in the right direction. The consignment shops I’ve visited like Rita G’s or Style Finds have staff members who know their inventory like it’s their own. In some cases, the owner is on the sales floor helping customers find the perfect item. I love that!

rita g's chapter two boutique

Earrings: Rita G’s Chapter Two Boutique

Why do I like thrift shopping?

Thrifting is all about the thrill of the hunt. To be quite honest, you may or may not find what you’re looking for the 1st time. But along the way, you find some pretty cool stuff! If you’re an avid thrifter then you know which stores to go to find what you need. Unlike consignment shops the prices are more affordable. However, the items may require a bit of TLC due to their less than perfect condition. Some of my favorite things to thrift are  leather and winter jackets/wraps, handbags, and “on trend items” like kimonos. I’ve also found that the clothing sizes range wider while thrifting than I while shopping consignment stores. Something to consider. 😉

thrifting for trends


 

 So tell me, what do you think about Thrift vs. Consignment? Which “method” of shopping do you prefer? Let me know!

Thanks for reading another one of my Thrifty Thursday posts and I hope you have a better understanding of the whole thrift vs. consignment thing. 😉 If you have more questions, feel free to contact me. Until next time, be blessed and stay safe….XO!

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Filed Under: Style, Thrifty Thursday Tagged With: consignment shopping, thrift shopping, thrifted, thrifting

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Comments

  1. robincharmagne says

    August 7, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    I like consignment for the same reasons you said, the items will be gently worn – maybe even new.
    http://www.robincharmagne.com/blog
    robincharmagne recently posted…Let’s Go…Packing CubesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      August 12, 2014 at 11:35 am

      Yea, consignment shops are pretty much great for gently worn items. Thanks for stopping by, Robin!

      Reply
  2. Rachel says

    August 7, 2014 at 3:43 pm

    I am partial to both although I thrift or do swapping more. Great post, you have some great finds. Rachel xo http://garaytreasures.wordpress.com/2014/08/06/yellow-2/
    Rachel recently posted…YellowMy Profile

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      August 12, 2014 at 11:36 am

      Thanks, Rachel! Both thrift and consignment shops are so much fun for me! 😉

      Reply
  3. Fabulous 30s says

    August 7, 2014 at 3:49 pm

    I never tried consignment or thrift shopping, but it sounds as a lot of fun. 🙂 I will definitively have to try it one time.

    Fabulous 30s
    Fabulous 30s recently posted…White Jeans and Little Bit of BlingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      August 12, 2014 at 11:37 am

      When you do, I’ll be waiting to see what you find! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Alison @ Get Your Pretty On says

    August 7, 2014 at 4:41 pm

    I’ve done consignment but haven’t gotten clothing from thrifting, only housewares. Those earrings are absolutely gorgeous!
    Alison @ Get Your Pretty On recently posted…I Feel Pretty | in Jeans and a Blazer for WorkMy Profile

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      August 12, 2014 at 11:38 am

      Thanks, Alison!

      Reply
  5. katherines corner says

    August 7, 2014 at 11:25 pm

    I have always enjoyed finding a treasure at the thrift shop. We don’t have any consignments shops in our area but I think I would surely enjoy it too. Hugs and thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop♥
    katherines corner recently posted…Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop 151My Profile

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      August 12, 2014 at 11:39 am

      No problem. Thanks for hosting and for stopping by, Katherine!

      Reply
  6. lyddiegal says

    August 8, 2014 at 1:18 am

    I spend a lot of time in both thrift and consignment stores. For me, I prefer smaller thrift stores to overwhelming places like goodwill, and even some smaller consignment shops. A lot of them can get over crowded quite quickly and the longer it takes to sift through the deluge, the more likely I am to get exhausted before finding my gems.
    lyddiegal recently posted…Summer essentialsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      August 12, 2014 at 11:39 am

      I agree. Smaller thrift stores are great! I’m not one for crowds.

      Reply
  7. Antionette Blake says

    August 8, 2014 at 3:38 pm

    You know I love thrifting but have found some great finds at consignment shops as well, remember those Jessica Simpson animal print pumps? When the boys were younger I got most of their big toys and some clothing from consignment shops which definitely saved money! This weekend I am going through my closets to gather clothes to be donated to Goodwill.
    Antionette Blake recently posted…Brownies in a Bowl | FAILMy Profile

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      August 12, 2014 at 11:40 am

      I know how you do, sis! 😉

      Reply
  8. districtofchic says

    August 10, 2014 at 11:37 pm

    I’m a huge fan of both, but man is there something satisfying about finding a great thrift store (usually not in a trendy area) frequented by little old ladies with great taste and it’s like, “BOOM! Gold mine!”

    Not aware of a couple that you’ve mentioned here and I intend to check them out so thanks so much for the recommendations!
    districtofchic recently posted…Sunday Dinner: Stuffed Pork Loin with Caprese and Roasted CauliflowerMy Profile

    Reply
    • Whitney says

      August 12, 2014 at 11:41 am

      Yes, that satisfying feeling is so rewarding. I agree! 😉 Let me know when you check out those stores. I’d love to know your experience!

      Reply

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