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.
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 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!
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. 😉
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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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 Cubes
Yea, consignment shops are pretty much great for gently worn items. Thanks for stopping by, Robin!
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…Yellow
Thanks, Rachel! Both thrift and consignment shops are so much fun for me! 😉
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 Bling
When you do, I’ll be waiting to see what you find! 🙂
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 Work
Thanks, Alison!
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 151
No problem. Thanks for hosting and for stopping by, Katherine!
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 essentials
I agree. Smaller thrift stores are great! I’m not one for crowds.
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 | FAIL
I know how you do, sis! 😉
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 Cauliflower
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!