We are moving and need to do some major purging. I have had piles of DD's better baby clothes all orgazined to list on E-bay for at least 6 months now and I just don't have the time or energy. I also don't want to have a garage sale or use Craigslist. I thought I might try and consign the nicer items. What consignment store do you use? Or better yet, which one would you recommend? How have your consigning experiences been? I just don't want to be totally low-balled or leave the place crying in shame ;-) KWIM? I am looking for something in Glendale, possibly Peoria, NW Valley or Arrowhead area. Thanks for any help you can offer!
I've yet to find one in the
I've yet to find one in the Glendale/Peoria area that doesn't low ball you. The only one in the area that I'm really familiar with is Kid 2 Kid on 75th Avenue/Thunderbird (just a little south of Thunderbird on the west side in a tiny strip mall), although they DEFINITELY low ball you. I don't know how many times I've brought my daughters old clothes in there and they've either refused them completely saying they only take things that are from this year or last years styles (when a consignment store has the ability to be a fashionista is beyond me, but oh well) or they will take things in excellent to like new condition and give you like a buck or two for the things, I'm talking about name brand clothes too. I've brought things from Gymboree, Ralph Lauren, Hanna Andersson, Pumpkin Patch, to more high end boutique names and they've either refused the stuff because they say it's not "the latest styles" or they've given me very little for what they've taken. I've even brought things in that my daughter never had a chance to wear before growning out of it so they've still had the tags on the items and they give you little to nothing for it. I mean I know they have to turn it around and sell it and being that they're a 2nd hand shop and all they can't charge all out retail or what it would cost new, but still I think they're a little unfair when it comes to what they actually pay you for top quality and name brand items!!
I haven't found another store in the immediate area that sells either consignment or buys things. There's a place out in Scottsdale on Lincoln that's part of the "My Sisters Closet" chain that I think offers more for items, or so I've heard, but it's a little ways away, although might be worth it for you if you've got enough stuff to make a bit of $$$ off of.
The place on Lincoln is
The place on Lincoln is called Small Change and it's not that great either. I would suggest consigning your stuff at a place where you will shop, because that is the way to get the most out of the little they give you. I have been taking my stuff to Small Change on Lincoln and they are very disorganized and shopped, so I just can't ever find anything to buy there and then I have store credit and nothing to spend it on. If you get cash back you get hardly nothing. I'm not sure how Kid to Kid does it, but their stores just seem nicer and well kept. I do know you have to make an appointment to drop off your stuff with them. I've also seen some places in Phoenix and around 7th st & Northern area that I haven't been in that might be good. Good luck, and keep us informed if you find a great place.
Actually the Kid 2 Kid in
Actually the Kid 2 Kid in Peoria you do not have to make an apppointment to drop things off / sell clothes.
I am so disheartened with
I am so disheartened with what I get from the second hand stores that I now donate all toys and clothes to the crisis nurserys. I would rather take the tax break and know that the stuff is going to go to immediate use than get nothing from the second hand stores... most of which have very little that I want even in credit!
Thanks for the input,
Thanks for the input, ladies! You have pretty much confirmed my suspicions regarding consignment stores. I think I may just go the donation route - doing something nice for someone in need, and the tax deduction to go with it. Plus I can be rid of the clutter asap. Thanks again!
I am pleased to see so many
I am pleased to see so many people share my own view and prefer taking the expedient people-to-people route instead of succumbing to the ever-tempting-in-the-wake-of-EBAY-success-story profit motive. Not that people shouldn't get money if they have the time, energy and drive to do so, but the added boon to donations (if you're on the fence) is that there are SO many community interests that you can support by doing so. Kudos to you and everyone else who considers sharing with the growing ranks of people in our own communities who are genuinely in need!
I've never had a good
I've never had a good experience with consignment in terms of getting a fair deal for items. In the end, I think it's better to donate it to charity and take the tax deduction. Goodwill is so easy and convenient, and the proceeds from sales help people in need.
Susie is a discussion leader in the east valley for arizonamoms.com. She has two sons, ages 7 and 3.