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The Latest Fashions in Childrens Clothing

Kiddie Couture on the Cheap: Consignment Shopping for Children’s Fashions

The latest fashions in children's clothing for Spring and Summer 2010 are nothing short of adorable. Red Wagon features a line of fun sundresses in bold purples and cotton-candy pinks, while Japanese Monkey has designed a line of "Rainbow Pants" that features such unique patterns as smiley faces and bright polka dots. Flowers By Zoe offers a lovely splatter skort for your little princess, or a sequin bead dress for those more formal affairs.

The latest fashions in children's clothing are all about bright colors, fun statements, and imagination. Designers like Harajuku Lovers have a line of fantastic shirts emblazoned with demure mascots and cheeky logos. And other designers have followed suit. The fashion-savvy parent has an almost unlimited choice of fun and colorful clothing for their little fashionista.

Save Money by Buying on Consignment

But this season's fashions come at a steep price. If your wallet is a bit lean, or you just want to save some cash, look for these designs in your local consignment shop. Consignment shops feature the latest in gently used fashions for children and adults. Some consignment shops specialize just in children's clothing, making it all the easier to locate, and save money on, the latest fashions.

Buying your children’s fashions on consignment is a win-win situation. It’s typically inexpensive, and what your wee one doesn’t end up wearing you can just bring back to the consignment shop for resale, thereby saving money for next summer’s fashions.

Tips for Buying Designer Children’s Clothing on Consignment

There are some tips you should follow, however, when buying clothes on consignment:

  • If your object is to save lots of money, plan ahead and shop at the end of the season. Many times you’ll find items at a deeply discounted price.
  • Examine closely the children’s clothes you intend to purchase. Look for missing buttons, stains, and rips.
  • Make sure the size indicated on the price tag matches the size indicated on the clothing tag.
  • Stop by your local consignment shop on a regular basis; you’re more likely to get first dibs on the best in designer children’s clothing.
  • If you find an article of clothing that you really love, but it doesn’t fit quite right or has details that bother you, remember that you can always alter clothing, or have it altered by your local seamstress or tailor.


If you are buying gently used designer children’s clothing online, do not hesitate to contact the seller with questions about the article of children’s clothing in which you are interested. Also, familiarize yourself with the seller’s return policy just in case the item does not fit, as is often the case with children’s clothing sold online.

Three Rules to Follow When Consigning Designer Children's Clothing

You can earn cash for future purchases by selling the gently used children’s clothing you no longer need. Here are a few guidelines to follow when deciding to consign children's designer clothing: Start off by networking with other parents to find out where they bring their gently used children's clothing. You'll discover that many parents choose to consign their gently used designer clothes with local consignment shops, while others elect to sell their old children's clothes online.

When preparing used designer children’s clothes for resale, follow these three rules:

  1. Clean any stains or discoloring. Use bleach on cotton (but read the care label carefully when it comes to mixed fabric clothing), or try a product like OxyClean to remove tougher stains. Lemon juice works wonders for underarm stains.
  2. Repair tears and holes, making sure the garment looks as close to new as possible.
  3. Check for musty or smoky odors on clothing.


Once you've prepared your designer children's clothes for consignment, decide on a consignment store to which to consign them. Look through the Yellow Pages for specific stores. Read advertisements in your local newspaper. Then visit the shops that have piqued your interest. Note what type of merchandise they consign. Is it vintage? Do they market themselves as exclusively for infants or older children? What designers do they specialize in? Do they feature designers like Luna Luna Copenhagen or Right Bank Babies?

How Consignment Works

Once you've decided which stores you'd like to do business with, contact the owner to see if you need to make an appointment to discuss and showcase the items you would like to consign. When meeting with the owner, make sure you bring in only those prospective sale items that you suspect would most interest him or her.

A consignment boutique will either offer you money for the whole lot of children's clothing, or accept certain pieces on consignment. With the latter, you will not be paid for the item until it sells. When an article does sell, the consignment shop will offer you typically from 30 to 50 percent of the net profit. Should an item not sell, the consignment shop will usually offer to donate it to a local charity and will provide you with a receipt for tax purposes.

You might want to consign your used children's clothing and toys online. Consigning children's merchandise online is similar to consigning them through your neighborhood brick-and-mortar shop. You will earn a percentage of the sale price of your item. You will also be able to choose payment by check, money order, or PayPal, which is an accommodation that brick-and-mortar shops generally do not offer.

Get the Latest Fashions at the Greatest Prices

With consignment boutiques you can indulge your love of designer children’s clothing while still saving money. So go ahead and check out this summer’s offerings. You’ll be able to do so with a clear conscience, and you might just decide to sell some of last year’s clothing on consignment. However you look at it, you can’t go wrong by buying designer children’s clothing on consignment.


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Selling Your Accessories on Consignment

Fashion Cash-In: Selling Accessories on Consignment

Is your closet bursting with scarves you’ve never worn, or belts you thought would match your favorite pair of jeans -- but didn’t quite? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you might want to consider selling your accessories on consignment.

Consignment boutiques specialize in more than just clothing; they also carry a wide range of the latest accessories. Some consignment shops specialize in vintage accessories, while others carry only designer accessories. Search your Yellow Pages for consignment shops in your area and visit a few of them to get a sense of what they specialize in. Consignment boutiques are always in search of new items to add to their inventory.

Selling Accessories on Consignment -- The “411”

Once you've decided which stores you'd like to do business with, contact the owner to see if you need to make an appointment to discuss and showcase the accessories you would like to consign. When meeting with the owner, make sure you bring in only those prospective sale items that you suspect would most interest him or her. Resist the urge to consign too many items at once. And never, ever bring your items to consign in a garbage bag; it conveys the wrong message to the merchant.

A consignment boutique will either offer you money for the whole lot of accessories, or it will accept certain pieces on consignment. With the latter, you will not be paid for the item until it sells. When an article does sell, the consignment shop will offer you typically from 30 to 50 percent of the net profit. Should an item not sell, the consignment shop will usually offer to donate it to a local charity and will provide you with a receipt for tax purposes.

Preparing Accessories for Consignment -- Five Rules

You want your accessories to look as close to new as possible. It is important, then, that you repair and clean your accessories before bringing them in to your local consignment shop. When preparing your accessories for resale, follow these five rules:

  1. Clean any stains or discoloring. Use bleach on cotton (but read the care label carefully when it comes to mixed fabric clothing), or try a product like OxyClean to remove tougher stains. Lemon juice works wonders for underarm stains.
  2. Repair tears and holes, making sure the accessory looks as close to new as possible.
  3. Check belts and handbags for missing parts and pieces.
  4. Check for missing clasps and kinks in necklaces and bracelets.
  5. Watch out for missing stones in ornate jewelry. Check all fittings and other small details.


“Consignment 2.0”: Selling Your Accessories Online

You may decide to sell your accessories online. Consigning accessories online is similar to consigning through your local consignment boutique in that you will earn a percentage of the sale price of your item. You will also be able to choose the method of payment most convenient for you -- PayPal, check, or direct deposit. If you do decide to sell your accessories online, the most important thing you can do to market your items is to take high-quality photographs. To take high-quality photographs, keep the following rules in mind:

  • Make sure the accessories being photographed are unwrinkled. Wrinkles will create unattractive shadows that distract from the overall presentation.
  • Fill scarves and hats with cotton batting or tissue paper to give them extra dimensionality.
  • Use your camera’s zoom function to capture extra details. Using the zoom function will also result in clearer photographs.
  • Do not attempt to take photographs of more than one item at a time.
  • Use a camera to produce high-quality photos of three-dimensional pieces. You’ll need a macro lens to capture the details and depth of field of jewelry and belts.
  • Experiment with black velvet, denim, muslin, fur, cheesecloth, or scrapbooking paper to create an attractive background for your accessories.
  • Consider using someone to model your accessories. Photographs of models wearing your jewelry or scarves will help customers imagine how the jewelry might look on them.
  • Use props to complement your accessories. Seashells and flowers make especially fetching props.
  • Use photoshopping software to touch up photographs of your accessories. Increase contrast and sharpen the photo for best effect. Crop out any unnecessary details.

Whether you choose to consign your accessories to an online vendor or to a traditional brick-and-mortar shop, selling articles on consignment can prove to be a worthwhile -- and potentially lucrative -- hobby. While your own closet can be a treasure trove when it comes to consigning, you might also want to try your luck at garage and estate sales. A serious consigner of accessory items will scour Craigslist ads looking for yard sales and the like. But remember to purchase only items that are in the best condition.

Consigning Accessories: You Can’t Lose

Consigning your accessories can be a lucrative side business. You’ll be able to rid your closet of those scarves, belts, and jewels that no longer thrill you while earning money toward future purchases that will. You might even catch consignment fever, and find yourself visiting estate and rummage sales in search of valuable contemporary and vintage accessories to consign. But whether you consign accessories as a fun hobby or as a side business, there is no downside to consigning your accessories.


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Selling Jewelry Online

Hidden Gems No Longer: Selling Your Jewelry Online

Is your jewelry box bursting with Tiffany pendants and Damiani earrings that you no longer wear? Have you outgrown that Cartier tennis bracelet, but have no idea what to do with it? Is that Tag Heuer watch ticking away the hours in your closet drawer? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you ought to consider placing your old jewelry for sale on an online consignment site. Many online consignment sites specialize in new and antique jewelry, and they are constantly on the lookout for new pieces to add to their inventory.

Four Tips for Preparing Your Jewelry for Online Consignment

Begin by visiting a few online auction sites. Look closely at them and determine what kind of jewelry they sell. When you do decide on an online shop with which to consign your jewelry, make sure to inspect each and every piece to ensure that it is in nearly new condition. When preparing your jewelry for online resale, follow these four tips:

  1. Remove any buildup on gold or silver jewelry. Lotions, soap, grease, powder, and body oils can make gold jewelry look dull. Use mild soap and water, or jewelry cleaner to remove buildup.
  2. Check for damage from bleach or householder cleaners containing bleach. The chlorine in bleach can tarnish gold and silver jewelry.
  3. Examine necklaces and bracelets for kinked chains.
  4. Look for cracked or bent prongs, or clasps that no longer work.


Damaged and Dirty Jewelry? Hints for Cleaning and Repairing Jewelry

Should you find your jewelry damaged, try the following remedies:

  • A solution of one part ammonia and six parts water will clean your household jewelry. Let the jewelry soak in the solution for one minute, then remove it from the solution and dry it off with a soft cloth.
  • An ultrasonic cleaner can also quickly and effectively clean jewelry. Diamonds hold up particularly well to ultrasonic cleaning. But be aware that ultrasonic cleaners can damage some jewelry by loosening settings and other details.
  • Remove fingerprints, light grease, and dirt from silver by adding mild liquid soap to half a cup of warm water and soak for two to three minutes.
  • Remove excessive tarnish with a cotton cloth and a nonabrasive metal cleaner.
  • Use a cotton swab to get at hard-to-reach spaces in intricate jewelry. Use a soft toothbrush to clean stones like turquoise.


Tips for Producing Stellar Digital Photographs of Your Jewelry

When you decide to sell your jewelry online, make sure the photographs you use to present it are of high quality. Also make sure your jewelry is wiped clean and is polished with a lint-free cloth. Following these rules will help you take high-quality, creative photographs of your jewelry:

  • Use a scanner to produce high-quality pictures. Scanners work best for jewelry that is two-dimensional. To produce a high-quality scan of your jewelry, lay it flat on the scanner glass.
  • Use a camera to produce high-quality photos of three-dimensional pieces. You’ll need a macro lens to capture the details and depth of field of your jewelry.
  • Experiment with black velvet, denim, muslin, fur, cheesecloth, or scrapbooking paper to create an attractive background for your jewelry.
  • Consider using someone to model your jewelry. Photographs of models wearing your jewelry will help customers imagine how the jewelry might look on them.
  • Use props to complement your jewelry. Seashells and flowers make especially fetching props.
  • Use photoshopping software to touch up photographs of your jewelry. Increase contrast and sharpen the photo for best effect. Crop out any unnecessary details.


Good Descriptions Make All the Difference

The descriptions accompanying the photographs of your jewelry should be as detailed as possible. Include particulars about the quality of the stones and metals used in the piece. Make sure to discuss the size and weight of the jewelry you wish to consign online. And be as honest as possible about flaws in your description. Note details about dents, scratches, and tarnished metal. Include pictures of any flaws. It is expensive and time consuming to return items purchased online, so save customers potential aggravation by being as detailed as possible in your description of your jewelry’s imperfections. You’ll win more satisfied customers by being honest, which will save you time should you decide to expand your online consignment business.

Save Time and Money by Selling Jewelry on Consignment

You can’t go wrong with selling jewelry on consignment online. Not only can you sell your jewelry from the comfort of your own home, but you have control over how your jewelry is presented to your prospective customers. You can even take some of your profit and invest it in new pieces, which allows you to stay ahead of fashion trends while saving money. And don’t forget that you can also sell your jewelry in local consignment shops. Brick-and-mortar consignment shops also help you to earn money for future purchases by giving you the opportunity to sell your jewelry on consignment. There’s no two ways about it: You just can’t go wrong with selling your gently used jewelry on consignment.


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How to Save Money on Your Summer Wardrobe

The Buys of Summer: Sun-sational Consignment Shopping Tips

Summer gives you an excuse to switch out all your drab winter garb and frumpy spring galoshes for fresh, flirty skirts and fun, strappy sandals. But adding to a summer wardrobe can be a time- and cash-consuming proposition. That’s why you should consider shopping at local consignment shops for your new summer outfits. Consignment shops offer an unbeatable combo: sizzling summer fashions at smoking-hot prices.

Grab your Yellow Pages and flip through it for the locations of consignment shops in your area. Visit two or three to get a sense of what they offer. Some consignment boutiques specialize in vintage designer clothing, while others offer the latest in designer accessories and shoes. Make consignment shopping a regular habit. This way, you’re more likely to find just the right summer dress or sandals at just the right price.

How to Find the Perfect Pair of Summer Sandals

A smart pair of sandals will make your summer outfit. You’ll want to look for something that’s comfortable yet fashionable. And you'll need a discerning eye to find the best women's designer sandals at the best prices. A few simple tips will help you spot the best consignment bargains -- as well as any knock-offs masquerading as the real deal.

  • Quality of the leather. Women's designer sandal leather should be thick yet supple. If the leather feels thin or stiff, it's of poor quality and will more likely bring blisters than bliss to your feet.
  • Quality of construction. The best sandals are made entirely of leather. Women's designer shoe makers will generally indicate all-leather construction with an insignia stating this fact. Beware of shoes having only leather uppers, or, worse, no leather construction at all. These generally indicate inferior quality.
  • Stitching and seams. The leather of designer women's sandals of any sort should be stitched together, never glued -- or (heaven forbid!) stapled.
  • Flexibility. Designer women's sandals should flex easily at the forefoot.
  • Heels, outer soles, and inner soles. Heels, outer soles, and inner soles of sandals should not show excessive wear. Bear in mind however, that wear to these portions need not be a deal breaker. They can be replaced. The cost of replacement should, of course, factor into the amount you're willing to pay for the pair of sandals.


Finding the Best Fit in Summer Sandals

Inspecting for quality of construction is just part of the equation when it comes to buying sassy summer sandals on consignment. The real bonding with your sandals begins when you try them on. You’ll want a pair that will hold up on summer vacations, when you might be logging serious miles walking around. These few simple guidelines will help you find the best fit, and will keep woes from befalling your toes on summer holidays:

  • Your toes should not reach the tip of the sandal. There should be at least half of an inch between the end of your big toe and the end of the sandal.
  • Your toes should flex easily and comfortably.
  • Your heel should fit snugly. Any slippage around your heel as you walk means the sandals are too big.


Be sure to take sufficient time to walk about in the sandals you're trying on, taking several laps around the sales floor if you need to. This will give you a better sense as to how they'll feel if you were to wear them in ordinary circumstances -- or even in the extraordinary circumstances you might find yourself in during your summer vacation.

Keep in mind that feet have a tendency to swell as the day progresses. It's smart, then, to confine your summer sandal shopping to the late afternoon or evening in order to find the most precise fit.

Five Tips for Finding the Right Summer Outfit

Buying your summer clothes on consignment is a win-win situation. It’s typically inexpensive and what you don’t end up wearing you can just bring back to the consignment shop for resale, thereby saving money for next summer’s fashions. There are some tips you should follow, however, when buying summer togs on consignment:

  • If your object is to save lots of money, plan ahead and shop at the end of the season. Many times you’ll find items at deeply discounted prices.
  • Examine closely the clothes or accessories you intend to purchase. Look for missing buttons, stains and rips.
  • Make sure the size indicated on the price tag matches the size indicated on the clothing tag.
  • Stop by your local consignment shop on a regular basis; you’re more likely to get first dibs on the best merchandise.
  • If you find an article of clothing that you really love, but it doesn’t fit quite right or has details that bother you, remember that you can always alter clothing, or have it altered by your local seamstress or tailor.


If you are buying summer clothes on consignment online, do not hesitate to contact the seller with questions about the article of clothing in which you are interested. Also, familiarize yourself with the seller’s return policy just in case the item does not fit, as often happens with clothing sold online.

Consignment Shopping: A Rewarding Hobby

Buying summer clothing on consignment can be a fun and rewarding hobby. It allows you to replace last summer’s fashions without your having to burn up your pocketbook. And don’t forget that you can also buy more than just clothing and shoes on consignment: jewelry, handbags, and men’s apparel can also be bought at consignment shops. Become familiar with your local consignment shops and frequent them on a regular basis. You’re sure to find quite a few treasures worth taking home.


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Discover Your Fashion Palette

A Plan for All Seasons: Discovering Your Fashion Palette

Are you a winter, summer, spring, or autumn? If you don’t know, then it’s time you’ve discovered your fashion palette. Your fashion palette is determined by your natural coloring, which mirrors the colors of the four seasons. Each person’s coloring falls under one of the four seasons, and is determined by such physical attributes as hair and eye color.

It's important that you discover your season; it can help you avoid an unseasonable fashion disaster. If you wear the appropriate colors, your skin will dazzle like fireworks on the Fourth of July, and you'll radiate general health and well being. But if you wear the wrong colors, then you risk coming across like a Halloween fright with under-eye circles and yellow teeth.

The Four Seasons of the Fashion Palette

Depending on your hair and skin color, you’ll fall under one of the four seasons. They are:

Spring: Skin tone is golden, pink, or peach beige. Hair is dark brown, chestnut, light chestnut, red blond, or golden blond. Eye color is blue, green, aqua, golden brown, or amber.

Summer: Skin tone is pink beige or ivory. Eye color is gray or blue. Hair color is dark chestnut or mouse brown.

Autumn: Hair shade is brown, dark brown, chestnut, red, or copper. Skin tone is dark brown, olive, golden brown, warm beige, or ivory. Eye color is golden brown, dark brown, amber, hazel, or green.

Winter: Skin tone is cold brown, olive, neutral beige, sallow beige or pink beige. Hair shade is black, dark chestnut, ash chestnut, salt-and-pepper, or white. Eye color is brown, black, chestnut, hazel, gray, or blue.

How to Pick Out Clothing Appropriate for Your Season

You’ll want to pick clothes and accessories that best suit your coloring. When deciding on an outfit, make sure to try it on under good lighting. Poor lighting can give a false impression on the suitability of the outfit’s colors for your coloring.

People with spring coloring should look for clothing that is warm, but clear and bright with medium to light intensity. It helps to envision these colors if you think of the colors of spring flowers and bright green shoots.

Those with autumn coloring should purchase clothing featuring tones that are warm, muted and medium-light to medium-dark intensity. Think of autumn leaves, or rich burnt oranges, golden yellows, reds, and mossy greens.

People with winter coloring should pick out clothing that is cool, clear, or dark colored. It helps to think of a winter landscape that features cool blue snow and a bright yellow sun.

Those with summer coloring should select clothing in muted, pale, or creamy colors. Think of pastels and bold blues and purples.

Save Money by Shopping in Consignment Boutiques

Once you’ve determined your coloring, visit a few consignment shops in your area to try on different outfits. Consignment shops are the perfect place to try out your color palette without spending lots of money. Buying your clothes on consignment is a win-win situation. It’s typically inexpensive, and what you don’t end up wearing you can just bring back to the consignment shop for resale, thereby saving money for next year’s fashions. There are some tips you should follow, however, when buying clothes on consignment:

  • If your object is to save lots of money, plan ahead and shop at the end of the season. Many times you’ll find items at deeply discounted prices.
  • Examine closely the clothes or accessories you intend to purchase. Look for missing buttons, stains, and rips.
  • Make sure the size indicated on the price tag matches the size indicated on the clothing tag.
  • Stop by your local consignment shop on a regular basis; you’re more likely to get first dibs on the best merchandise.
  • If you find an article of clothing that you really love, but it doesn’t fit quite right or has details that bother you, remember that you can always alter clothing, or can have it altered by your local seamstress or tailor.


If you are buying clothes on consignment online, do not hesitate to contact the seller with questions about the article of clothing in which you are interested. Also, familiarize yourself with the seller’s return policy just in case the item does not fit, as is often the case with clothing sold online.

Consignment Boutiques for All Your Fashion Needs

Even small changes to your wardrobe can make a big difference. Try wearing a scarf that suits your color palette, or maybe a pair of earrings that match your eyes. Such small touches can make a world of difference in your overall appearance.

You can even redecorate your home based on the season of your color palette. Look for bedspreads and rugs in the colors that suit you best. Consignment boutiques sell not only clothing and accessories, but also furniture and other household goods.


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Whats Old is New Again Selling Vintage Clothes on Consignment

When you open your clothes closet, do you see an ungodly amount of clothing dating from your high school days? Do your Levis date back to the Carter administration? Do your Ray Bans conjure images of poodle skirts, sock hops and hot rods? Is your jewelry box filled with classy Chanel earrings half a century old? Is that armadillo purse no longer as flattering as you once thought it?

Resist the urge to heap your vintage togs on a bonfire and consider consigning them to a consignment shop instead. There is a burgeoning market for consigned vintage clothing. Fashions from the 1940s to the ‘90s have had new life breathed into them by hipsters, steampunks and other contemporary subcultures. And all this demand means vintage clothing fetches a pretty penny in the consignment market.

To begin the process of consigning your vintage clothing, first make sure they are in tip-top shape. Check for mold and unpleasant smells like body odor or cigarette smoke. Make sure buttons are firmly affixed and zippers and clasps properly close and fasten. Seams should be tight, without any sign of gaps or loose stitching. Look for discolored fabric and stretched hems.

Essential Tips for Preparing Your Vintage Clothing for Resale

While some damage in vintage clothing is irreparable, there are ways to correct minor flaws like stains and odors. The following handy tips will help you prepare your vintage clothing for resale:

  • Remove stains from cotton and linen with OxyClean. Dissolve the cleaning solution in warm water before using, and follow the manufacturers instructions as indicated on the garment’s care label. Use bleach only as a last resort and only on those 100-percent cotton fabrics which have no special finishes.
  • Clean dirtied leather items with saddle soap and buff with mink oil afterward. You can also use leather conditioner in lieu of mink oil should you find the latter in short supply.
  • Soak slightly shrunken woolen items in a bucket of warm water into which two tablespoons of baby shampoo have been stirred. The soap will relax the woolen fibers, allowing you to stretch out the item on a piece of corkboard.
  • Soak clothes in a solution of water and baking soda or borax to remove stubborn odors. Then hang clothing in the open air to dry.


Search the Yellow Pages or the fashion insert of your local newspaper for consignment boutiques in your area. Make sure to visit only those stores that consign vintage clothing. Look at the type of vintage clothing consigned by the boutique to determine if your clothing would be suitable for consignment in that store. Determine whether they consign vintage clothing from the nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, or from later decades. Also ascertain whether they prefer such iconic vintage fashions as poodle skirts or bell-bottomed jeans or whether they would rather have togs from such designers of yesteryear as Chanel or Oscar de la Renta.

Once you’ve found a shop that might be interested in your vintage clothing, contact the owner and find out if you need an appointment to showcase the clothing you want to consign. Bring in a few pieces at a time—but do not bring them in a garbage bag. The consignment shop will usually offer you two options for selling your vintage clothing:

  • The shop will offer to merchandise your vintage clothing over a set period of time and will keep a percentage of the sale (usually 30 to 50 percent) for its trouble.
  • Or the shop will take your vintage clothing and offer you money for them right away.


You can usually make more money with the second option. If, however, your consignment items fail to sell after the set period time (usually 90 days), the consignment shop will offer to donate them to a local charity or will ask you to take them home.

Consigning Vintage Clothing Online

Online consignment fetches some of the highest prices to be gotten for merchandise. Consigning your clothes online allows you to determine the price for each piece and the method of payment most convenient for you, whether that be PayPal, check or money order. But bear in mind that many online vendors ask that you provide high-quality photographs and detailed descriptions of your vintage clothing.

To produce high-quality photographs of your vintage clothing, make sure to focus on one item at a time. Including too many items in any one photograph will confuse potential customers. Make sure your photographs clearly represent the clothing; use such software as Adobe Photoshop, iPhoto or Pixlr to sharpen images and increase contrast. Consider filling out skirts with cotton batting and pinning delicate clothes to pasteboard.

Vintage jewelry can be photographed with a scanner. When using a camera to photograph vintage jewelry, ultilize creative backdrops like velvet, netting, suede, or even scrapbooking paper, which comes in an wide array of patterns. Also, consider using live models; jewelry photographed on a model will give the customer a better sense of how the piece looks when worn.

Descriptions for articles of clothing sold online should be as detailed as possible. Don’t describe a skirt or jacket as “cute,” but explain exactly what about it makes it cute. Does it include special detailing? Is it tailored in a unique way? If the fabric has a special pattern, describe in detail what that pattern is. Don’t forget to include details like size and other measurements. Also, make sure to detail any flaws in the item, because honesty is the best policy when it comes to selling clothing online.

Selling vintage clothing on consignment can be an exciting and profitable blast from the past. Couture from bygone decades is in demand from people wanting hip and unique outfits. Visit your local consignment shop for ideas as to what is currently popular in vintage clothing. You might just find that you have been sitting on a trove of sartorial treasures.


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Bringing the Sparkle Back How To Sell Your Jewelry on Consignment

Is your jewelry box overflowing with Chanel pendants and Tiffany earrings you no longer wear? Have you outgrown that Cartier tennis bracelet, but have no idea what to do with it? Is that Bulgari watch ticking away the hours in your closet drawer? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions then you ought to consider placing your old jewelry for sale on consignment. Many consignment boutiques specialize in new and antique jewelry and are constantly on the lookout for new pieces to add to their inventory.

You should begin your maiden voyage into the uncharted waters or consignment selling by visiting consignment shops which specialize in jewelry. A cursory perusal of Yellow Pages or of the top search returns on Google will help you discover the consignment shops in your area. Be careful not to rule out consignment shops that appear to sell mostly clothing, because many times these shops have a section devoted to jewelry.

When you visit the consignment shop, pay close attention to the types of jewelry they sell. Note whether they specialize in antique jewelry, in European brands like Schiaparelli or Raymond Weil, in boutique jewelry fashioned by local artisans, or maybe just in costume jewelry. Identifying the consignment vendor’s specialty is of paramount importance, as it will save you from time otherwise wasted in presenting jewelry in which the consignment shop will not be interested.

When you do decide on a consignment shop with which to consign your jewelry, make sure to inspect each and every piece to ensure it is in nearly new condition. When preparing your jewelry for resale, follow these hints:

  • Remove any buildup on gold or silver jewelry. Lotions, soap, grease, powder and body oils can make gold jewelry look dull. Use mild soap and water or jewelry cleaner to remove buildup.
  • Check for damage from bleach or householder cleaners containing bleach. The chlorine in bleach can tarnish gold and silver jewelry.
  • Look for cracked or bent prongs, or clasps that no longer work.
  • Examine necklaces and bracelets for kinked chains.
  • Should you find your jewelry damaged, try the following remedies:
  • A solution of one part ammonia and six parts water will clean your household jewelry. Let the jewelry soak in the solution for one minute, then drain and dry off with a soft cloth.
  • An ultrasonic cleaner can also quickly and effectively clean jewelry. Diamonds hold up particularly well to ultrasonic cleaning. But be aware that ultrasonic cleaners can damage some jewelry by loosening settings and other details.
  • Avoid using ultrasonic cleaners or other harsh methods on pearls or porous stones, such as rubies, emeralds, lapis lazuli, turquoise, amber and coral. Rather, wipe them clean with a soft cloth.
  • Remove fingerprints, light grease and dirt from silver by adding mild liquid soap to half a cup of warm water and soak for two to three minutes.
  • Remove excessive tarnish with a cotton cloth and a nonabrasive metal cleaner.
  • Use a cotton swab to get at hard-to-reach spaces in intricate jewelry. Use a soft toothbrush to clean stones like turquoise.


The consignment shop will accept your jewelry in one of two ways. They will either accept a lot of jewelry and pay cash right away, or they will take certain pieces on consignment. If the consignment shop exercises the second method, you will have to wait until the piece has sold, to receive payment, which is typically 30 to 50 percent of the sale price. If your jewelry fails to sell after about ninety days or so, the consignment shop will ask you to come claim your unsold jewelry.

Consigning Your Jewelry Online

Should you decide to sell your jewelry online, make sure the photographs you use to present your jewelry are of high quality. Also make sure your jewelry is polished and wiped clean with a lint-free cloth. Following these rules will help you take high-quality, creative photographs of your consignment items:

  • Use a scanner to produce high-quality pictures. Scanners work best for jewelry that is two-dimensional. To produce a high-quality scan of your jewelry, lay it flat on the scanner glass.
  • Use a camera to produce high-quality three-dimensional pieces. You’ll need a macro lens to capture the details and depth of field of your jewelry.
  • Experiment with black velvet, denim, muslin, fur, cheesecloth or scrapbooking paper to create an attractive background for your jewelry.
  • Consider using someone to model your jewelry. Photographs of models wearing your jewelry will help customers imagine how the jewelry might look on them.
  • Use props to complement your jewelry. Seashells and flowers make especially fetching props.
  • Use photoshopping software to touch up photographs of your jewelry. Increase contrast and sharpen the photo for best effect. Crop out any unnecessary details.


The descriptions accompanying the photographs of your jewelry should be as detailed as possible. Include details about the quality of the stones and metals used in the piece. Make sure to discuss the size and weight of the jewelry you wish to consign online. And be as honest as possible about flaws: in your description. Note details about dents, scratches and missing stones. Include pictures of any flaws. It is expensive and time consuming to return items purchased online, so save customers potential aggravation by being as detailed as possible in your description of your jewelry’s imperfections.

Consigning you jewelry can be a lucrative side business. You’ll be able to rid your jewelry box of those Harry Winston, Mondera and Rolex pieces that no longer thrill you while earning money toward future purchases that will. You might even catch the consignment fever, and find yourself visiting estate and rummage sales in search of valuable contemporary and vintage jewelry to consign. But whether you consign jewelry as a fun hobby or as a side business, there is no down side to consigning your jewelry.


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Something Old, Something New How to Consign Your Antique Furniture

Perhaps you’ve inherited a Chippendale escritoire from a distant relative but can’t find a place for it among all your cherished art deco pieces. Or maybe you’ve collected Tiffany lamps in the past, but recently your tastes have shifted to Majolica pottery. If either one of these scenarios describes you, then you should consider consigning your antique furnishings. Consigning antique furnishings is a fun and rewarding way to indulge an interest in antiques. And you may just realize a tidy profit in the bargain.

Before you decide which pieces of antique furniture to consign, visit a few consignment shops to determine what kind of furniture they are interested in. Does the shop specialize in twentieth-century American vintage furnishings? Or does it feature only Victorian or Shaker household goods? Does the consignment shop carry large pieces, such as cabinets and tables, or only small goods like appliances and lamps? It is important that you do the necessary reconnaissance of visiting a shop before bringing in photographs of the furniture you want to consign, because you’ll save yourself a lot time if you know the particular preferences of the consignment shops you plan on approaching.

Tips for Restoring Antique Furniture for Consignment

Once you’ve found a consignment shop that you think is likely to take your antique furniture, go home and examine your furniture for any flaws. The following imperfections are the most common sort:

  • Mildew on wooden furniture. Clean any mildew off with one cup water mixed with one tablespoon bleach and one tablespoon dish washing detergent.
  • Tarnished brass handles on trunks and dressers. Remove tarnish with a paste composed of equal parts salt, flour and vinegar. Rub on brass with a soft cloth, and then rinse completely. Shine with a soft cloth.
  • Unpleasant odors from chest of drawers or armoirs. Remove odors with cat litter or baking soda.
  • Discoloration of ceramics. Remove discoloration with soap and water only. But be careful: wipe gently with a soft cloth if the pieces are damaged.
  • Odd bits of adhesive or tape. Remove adhesive or tape with lemon juice.
  • Discoloration of ivory. Buff discolored antique ivory with a woolen cloth.
  • Stuck or frozen clock parts. Lubricate and clean antique clocks every five years.
  • Dirty glass surfaces. Clean glass surfaces to an irradescent finish with cool water and a bit of mild soap.
  • Dull furniture finish. Polish carved furniture with paste wax applied to a stenciling brush and buff using a show brush. You will be able to reach nooks and crannies with this method.


Once the consignment shop decides on the furnishings of yours they want for their inventory, they will either give you the money for your antique items upfront, or offer to take them on consignment, in which you agree to a percentage (usually 30 to 50 percent) of the sale. Style, condition, and original sale price all factor in the determination of the consignment sale price. If, however, your antique item fails to sell within a set period of time (typically 90 days), the consignment shop will offer to donate it to a local charity, in which case they will provide you with a receipt for tax purposes. You can, of course, simply elect to take your antique item home to sell on consignment again in the future.

Selling Antique Furniture Online: Five Rules for Effective Photographs

You can also sell your antique furniture online. Should you decided to consign your antique furniture online, make sure to post high-quality photographs to best represent your furniture. Follow these five rules to ensure you produce effective photographs for selling your antique furniture:

  1. Take memorable, eye-catching photographs. That is, take pictures of only one antique piece at a time, and make sure the piece takes up the majority of the photograph, cropping out any excess space in the frame.
  2. Lower yourself to the level of your furniture for best effect, squatting or kneeling if necessary. Make sure the furniture has been thoroughly polished and cleaned, and remove any items that may be resting on the top of dressers, tables and so on.
  3. Avoid using an indoor flash on furniture with flat surfaces, like tables and chests of drawers, as the flash produces distracting reflections.
  4. Zoom in on details, especially if the antique item in question is ornate. Take pictures of inlaid handles, carved feet, and jeweled detailing.
  5. Take multiple pictures of any one piece in order to ensure that you have at least a couple high-quality pictures with which to work.


When writing descriptions of your antique furnishings for an online consignment shop, include as many details as possible. If a table or dresser has “style,” explain exactly what type of style it has. Does it possess unique qualities, such as guilded or brass detailing? Is the piece of furniture in question fashioned from a rare or expensive type of wood like black walnut or mahogany? Make sure to offer as many details of your antique item’s splendors as you think necessary to cinch the deal. Also, list any flaws the antique piece might have, such as loose joints, nicks or scratches. Being as exhaustive as possible in online descriptions will help ensure that your consignment item will attract the greatest number of potential buyers.

Selling your antique furniture on consignment can be a fun and rewarding hobby, especially if you take care to educate yourself about antique furnishings. Your local library, with its numerous books on antiques, is a fantastic resource in this regard; and your local bookshop has many print sources on antiques as well. Familiarity with the finer points of identifying and selling antique furnishings will help you to market successfully your antiques to consignment shops, whether they be brick-and-mortar or online. Consigning antique furniture is such a fascinating and profitable hobby that you may just find yourself hunting for colonial cabinets or Edwardian chiffoniers to consign.


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No Need to Ration Fashion Buying and Selling Mens Clothing on Consignment

Men need no longer feel self-conscious about being label conscious. Not just for women anymore, consignment shops carry designer men’s lines from Armani to Zegna, offering tailored suits, Italian loafers and distinctive jewelry at bargain prices. There are, however, tricks to buying from and selling through consignment shops.

Buying men’s clothing from a consignment shop presents a win-win situation: You can snag haute couture togs at discounted prices and can sell them again on consignment when you tire of them. To get the most for your money, follow these simple rules when shopping for clothes on consignment:

  • Shop at the end of the season; clothes will be deeply discounted.
  • Examine clothing for flaws such as tears or missing buttons.
  • Check that the price tag reflects the sizing indicated on the clothing tag.
  • Make shopping for consigned clothing a regular habit; you're more likely to find clothing you'll like.


 Employ a tailor’s services if you find an ideal article of clothing that doesn’t quite fit. Many times a quick tailoring job to a gently used item bought on consignment will cost less than the equivalent new item bought retail.

If you’re shopping for men’s jewelry, here are some additional guidelines:

  • Check for missing clasps and kinks in necklaces and bracelets.
  • Look for dents and scratches in gold jewelry.
  • Watch out for missing stones in ornate jewelry. Check all fittings and other small details.
  • Look for cracked faces in watches, or tarnished dials. Check to make sure the hands slide  smoothly across the face.


Essential Tips for Selling Men’s Clothing on Consignment

Selling your garments on consignment can be just as rewarding as buying it on consignment. Check your Yellow Pages for consignment stores in your area, or ask friends and co-workers about their preferred haunts for consignment clothing. Then visit a few consignment shops to see what type of clothing they sell. Some consignment shops specialize in sporting or outdoors wear, others in couture fashion, and still others in casual wear.

Once you’ve found a shop that matches your fashion tastes, find out if they require an appointment in order to discuss your proposed consignment. Plan to bring in a few garments you wish to consign to see if the shop is willing to take them.

Consignment shops typically consign clothing in two ways:

  • They take your clothing and merchandise it for you, keeping a portion of the profit, (typically 30 to 50 percent of the sale price) for their trouble.
  • Or they take your gently used fashion items and give you cash for them right away.


Once your clothing has been accepted on consignment, make sure to check its status regularly. Though consignment boutiques usually inform you when an item has sold, it’s best to keep tabs on your consigned clothing. If your consigned item does not sell within a set period of time—usually 90 days—the consignment shop will offer you the option of donating it to a charity if you’d rather not bring it home. If you choose to donate your unsold clothing, the consignment shop will provide you with a receipt for tax purposes.

There are way that you can maximize the profits you receive from your consigned clothing. Make sure the garments you wish to consign are in nearly new condition. Check for stains and tears. Missing buttons should be replaced and more delicate clothing dry cleaned. Clothing intended for consignment should come from a smoke-free home. If you intend to consign designer clothing, check to make sure your articles of clothing are authentic. This can be done by making the following observations:

  •  Logos should be firmly affixed, and stitching tight and straight.
  •  Leather should be high quality, without discoloration.
  •  The country of origin tag should not say Taiwan or China.


Clothing and accessories suspected of being counterfeit should never be sold. Thoroughly examine your designer clothing and accessories to ensure they are authentic.

The Ins and Outs of Consigning Men’s Clothing Online

If you are consigning your clothing online, provide customers with clear, detailed photographs of your products. When writing descriptions of your products follow these hints:

  • Make your descriptions as detailed as possible. Include information about the fabric, details like piping or buttons, sizing and cut. Describe the quality of fabric and the care instructions for that fabric.
  • Avoid abbreviations or unclear language. Descriptions should be simple and direct.
  • Detail any flaws the item might have. It is always best to be upfront about imperfections in an online sales situation.
  • Avoid vague language. Don’t simply describe an article of clothing as “great”; indicate precisely what it is about the piece that makes it great. Does it have a special pattern, details or tailoring?


The photographs that accompany these descriptions should be high quality. Take a number of photographs to ensure that more than a few are acceptable. Photograph only one item at a time and zoom in on details, like buttons and special stitching. If the item being photographed is designer, take a picture of the label. If the clothing or accessories have any flaws, make sure to photograph that as well. When you are finished taking photographs, use a photo editor like Adobe PhotoShop, iPhoto or Pixlr to correct any flaws. Increase the contrast and sharpen any blurry lines. Crop out any excess space to make sure the item photographed fills the frame.

Millions of men have discovered the joys of consigning their clothes in local boutiques and with online vendors. Consigning your gently used clothing can allow you the financial freedom to purchase the hottest new offerings from Ralph Lauren, Kenneth Cole or Tommy Hilfiger. Consignment shops offer a variety of outfits and accessories that are rarely found in traditional department stores. This makes buying and selling on consignment a sound financial as well as sartorial investment.


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Consigning Childrens Clothing

Little Susie is almost ready for you to take the training wheels off her Greenline Beach Cruiser “big girl” bicycle, but her darling Baby LuLu dresses and Chopstix jeans—the clothing she wore as a toddler—still pack her bedroom closet, and her Paul Frank bunnies and ALEX toddler art supplies are still strewn about the playroom. What are you to do with all her children's clothes and toys? This question vexes parents everywhere; they have paid good money for clothes and toys that are quickly outgrown and come to present a challenge to keeping a tidy and organized household. But, fortunately, there's a simple and effective way of meeting this challenge: Just bring your child's old toys and clothes to a consignment shop.

Here are a few guidelines to follow when deciding to consign children's clothing and toys: Start off by networking with other parents to find out where they bring their gently used children's clothing and toys. You'll discover that many parents choose to consign their old toys and clothes with local consignment shops, while others elect to sell their old children's clothes and toys online, and still others prefer to use sites like Craigslist to sell their used children's clothes.

Five Rules to Follow When Consigning Children's Clothing and Toys

When preparing used childrens clothes and toys for resale, follow these five rules:

  1. Clean any stains or discoloring. Use bleach on cotton (but read the care label carefully when it comes to mixed fabric clothing), or try a product like OxyClean to remove tougher stains. Lemon juice works wonders for underarm stains.
  2. Repair tears and holes, making sure the garment looks as close to new as possible.
  3. Check toys and games for missing parts and pieces.
  4. Repair loose joints on children's furniture. Refinish scratched surfaces if necessary.
  5. Place any small parts for toys and games in labeled plastic bags.


Once you've prepared your children's clothes, toys and furniture for consignment, decide on a consignment store to which to consign them. Look through the Yellow Pages for specific stores. Read advertisements in your local newspaper. Then visit the shops that have piqued your interest. Note what type of merchandise they consign. Is it vintage? Do they market themselves as exclusively for infants or older children? Do they specialize in designer children's clothing, like Luna Luna Copenhagen or Right Bank Babies?

Once you've decided which stores you'd like to do business with, contact the owner and see if you need to make an appointment to discuss and showcase the items you would like to consign. When meeting with the owner, make sure you bring in only those prospective sale items that you suspect would most interest him or her. Resist the urge to consign too many items at once. And never bring your items to consign in a garbage bag; it conveys the wrong message to the merchant.

A consignment boutique will either offer you money for the whole lot of children's clothing and toys, or accept certain pieces on consignment. With the latter, you will not be paid for the item until it sells. When an article does sell, the consignment shop will offer you typically from 30 to 50 percent of the net profit. Should an item not sell, the consignment shop will usually offer to donate it to a local charity and will provide you with a receipt for tax purposes.

Consigning Children's Clothing Online

You might want to consign your used children's clothing and toys online. Consigning children's merchandise online is similar to consigning them through your neighborhood brick-and-mortar shop. You will earn a percentage of the sale price of your item. You will also be able to choose payment by check, money order or PayPal, which is an accommodation that brick-and-mortar shops generally do not offer. If you do decide to consign your gently used children's furniture and toys online, make sure they are adequately represented by the photographs you post. To create high-quality photographs that will best market your children's clothing and toys for sale, follow these hints:

  • Do not photograph more than one item at a time. More than one item in a photograph confuses the customer.
  • Use your camera's zoom function to capture details on clothing and toys. This is especially important when photographing children's clothing, because the details are frequently what sells the outfit.
  • Fill out skirts and blouses with cotton batting to create an impression of depth. You might also want to pin garments to white posterboard.
  • Run the final picture through a photo editor like Adobe Photoshop or Pixlr. Use the autocorrect function, or manually make the image sharper and increase the contrast.


Make sure that the descriptions that accompany your photographs are as detailed as possible. Include important details like sizing and measurements. Avoid vague descriptors. If the consignment item is "cute" or "fun," describe exactly why it so. Is it a unique color? If the item is a toy, is it rare or difficult to find? Did your child especially enjoy playing with it? Also, be as honest as possible in your descriptions. This means detailing flaws or missing parts. Returning items purchased online takes more time than returning items purchased in a brick-and-mortar consignment shop, so saving your customers valuable time and money by being as honest as possible in your descriptions will make you a more trustworthy vendor.

Regardless if you choose to consign your children's clothing and toys online or through a brick-and-mortar establishment, consigning children's clothing and toys can be a rewarding and lucrative hobby. You get to make room in your child's closet for new clothes while making money from their castoffs. The money you earn from consigning your child's clothing can be saved or used to purchase the latest looks from Boden or the hottest new plaything from Imaginarium. So visit your local consignment shops for ideas of what is currently in demand in children's fashions and entertainment.


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Tips for Restoring Antique Furniture for Consignment

You've just found a beautiful antique cabinet at a neighborhood garage sale. You got it at a bargain and are considering selling it on consignment. There's only one problem: it's in need of some minor repairs. Don't be discouraged by this discovery. You only need to follow a few simple rules for deciding which pieces of furniture are worthy of repair and how to go about repairing them.

How to Evaluate a Piece of Furniture
Before you even purchase a piece of antique furniture, you need to consider if the furniture is worth repairing. Take a few moments and ask yourself the following questions:

Do you like the piece?

Do you think you can make a considerable profit on it through resale?

How much do you think the furniture will be worth after it is restored?

Do you have the time to make significant repairs, should any be required?

Will the piece be in resalable condition after the repairs are made?

Take the time to visit a few consignment shops that specialize in antique furniture. Ask the consignment shop owner about what pieces of antique furniture are currently in demand. Examine the prices of furniture that resembled the pieces you are considering restoring.

Common Repairs in Antique Furniture
Once you invest in a few pieces of antique furniture, it will be likely that you will have to make some repairs. For instance, antique mirrors will frequently need their glass replaced. But if the glass is old--which is indicated by the presence of bubbles or waviness--then replacing it might prove difficult. Also, look at the silvering on the backside of the mirror; if it has deteriorated, then consider replacing it. With a chest of drawers, check the see that the drawers are in working order. Examine drawer runners to make sure they are not split or excessively worn. Check for lose legs in chairs, and splits in tables and cabinet sides. And don't forget to check for warped wood: Sometimes minor warping in acceptable on very old pieces of antique furniture, but warping on newer pieces is something that should be repaired.

Bad Repairs, Missing Parts and Loose Veneer: More Minor Repairs in Antique Furniture
Repairs can sometimes cause more harm than good. Check your piece of antique furniture for inexpertly executed repairs. Bad repairs can result in a structurally unsound piece of furniture, causing tables and chairs to collapse without notice. Also, examine antique furniture for missing parts, especially in more ornate pieces. Look for missing stretchers or rungs on chairs, and check all carvings closely in case a piece has been broken off. Finally, loose veneer is a common flaw in antique furniture, and one that is hard to spot. Veneer can often appeared firmly affixed to furniture when, in reality, it is quite loose. Lightly tap the veneer on your antique furniture to see if it is sounds hollow. If it does, then the veneer is lose and needs to be repaired.

Tips for Cleaning Up Antique Furniture
If your piece of antique furniture is in need of only minor cleaning, try the following tips for cleaning your antique furniture:

  •  Check for mildew on wooden furniture. Clean any mildew off with one cup water mixed with one tablespoon bleach and one tablespoon dish washing detergent.
  •  Look for tarnished brass handles on trunks and dressers. Remove tarnish with a paste comprised on equal parts salt, flour and vinegar. Rub on brass with a soft cloth, and then rinse completely. Shine with a soft cloth.
  • Remove any unpleasant odors from chest of drawers or armoirs with cat litter or baking soda.
  •  Wash ceramics with soap and water only. But be careful: wipe gently with a soft cloth if the pieces are damaged.
  •  Remove adhesive or tape with lemon juice.
  •  Buff antique ivory with a woolen cloth.
  •  Lubricate and clean antique clocks every five years.
  •  Clean glass with an iridescent finish with cool water and a bit of mild soap.
  • Polish carved furniture with paste wax applied to a stenciling brush, and buff using a show brush. You will be able to reach nooks and crannies that way.


Once they've decided on the pieces they want for their inventory, the consignment shop will either give you the money for your furniture upfront, or offer to take it on consignment, giving you a percentage of the sale. Pricing will be determined by the style, condition, and original sale price. If your furniture does not sell within a set period of time, usually 90 days, the consignment shop will offer to donate your furniture to a local charity. You will be offered a receipt for tax purposes. You can also pick up your furniture from the consignment shop, bringing it home again for future resale.

Creating a Safe Work Space for Furniture Repair
In order to more effectively repair and restore your furniture, it is important that you have a safe work space. Follow these four suggestions for creating a safe work space for furniture repair:

  1. Be aware of fire hazards. Avoid smoking in your workspace, and check that all equipment capable of producing sparks are turned off before leaving the work space. Also, make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your work space.
  2. Throw away old rags, which may be contaminated with dangerous chemicals.
  3. Store chemicals away from heat and flame. Make sure all containers containing chemicals are properly labeled.
  4. Be environmentally responsible. Dispose of all chemicals properly by taking them to the appropriate hazardous waste disposal units.


Consigning Antique Furniture: A Rewarding Hobby
Taking the time to properly restore your antique furniture for consignment can result in significant rewards. You'll enjoy the process involved in antique furniture restoration and reap a tidy profit when you bring your restored piece to your local consignment shop.


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Caring for Antique Wooden Furniture The Basics

Whether you enjoy hunting for wooden antique furniture at auctions, consignment shops and estate sales, or you prefer to roam the countryside for boutiques, collecting wooden antique furniture can be a fun, rewarding experience.

Of course, because you are dealing with furniture that is antique, you have to commit yourself to properly caring for it. But don't despair; a few simple guidelines will help you determine whether a piece of antique furniture is worth the trouble.

Evaluating a Piece of Wooden Antique Furniture
Whether a piece of antique wooden furniture merits repairing is a decision you should make before purchasing it. The following questions you should therefore consider when deciding whether to purchase the item:

Does the item appeal to you?

Does the item look promising in terms of potential resale value?

Does the item seem likely to increase in value once you have made the necessary repairs?

Do you have the time to make any repairs that the item might need?

Wooden Antique Furniture Repairs
When it comes to antique wooden furniture, repairs will likely be necessary. Any antique furnishing involving mirrors will probably need replacing. But bear in mind that old glass (the tell-tale sign of which is the presence of bubbles) may present difficulties in terms of replacement. Deteriorated silvering is another common flaw in antique mirrors. Consider replacing it if you discover it has indeed deteriorated.

Drawers in good working order are things to look for in an antique chest of drawers. Also inspect drawer runners for splits or excessive wear. Lose legs, splits and warps are things you should also look for. With very old antiques, some warping is to be expected. But when it comes to antiques of more recent vintage, repairing whatever warping they've suffered is highly recommended.

Missing parts are also things to look for on antique wooden furniture, especially on more ornate pieces. Inspect the item for missing stretchers or rungs. If the item in question is a chair, then check all carvings closely in case pieces have been broken off.

Another common flaw in wooden antique furniture is a loose veneer. This problem is a hard one to detect, because a veneer can often seem firmly affixed to furniture when, in fact, it has come loose. Lightly tap the veneer. If it sounds hollow, odds are it’s loose and needs to be repaired.

Identifying Different Kinds of Wood
Your consideration of any repairs a piece of antique wooden furniture might need should include some knowledge of the kind of wood from which it is constructed. Each kind of wood has its own particular qualities. The following are the most common kinds of wooden used for antique wooden furniture:

Birch. A wood common to North America, birch is a light-colored wood, appearing white or yellowish with an occasional red tinge. Because stains and finishes take to it readily, birch is often used for cabinets, cupboards and doors.

Cedar. A pinkish, pungently odored wood, cedar has the virtue of being able to resist rot, making it an ideal wood for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Cherry. Found most in the eastern United States, cherry has brownish color deepens as the wood ages. Cherry is a frequently used wood in much traditional furniture construction.

Mahogany. A tree that grows in tropical areas, mahogany produces a hard heavy reddish wood favored by shipbuilders of centuries past. In addition to furniture, many cabinet veneers and antique decorative pieces were made from mahogany.

Maple. A tree in ample supply in the United states, maple makes for a hard, dense, white-to-amber-colored wood, making it a popular material for tables, drawers and door panels.

Oak. Coming in shades of white, red and brown, oak for use in furnishing didn't really gain in popularity until the late 19th century, its hardness making it difficult to work.

Pine. Coming in a variety of species, pine is one of the most abundant North American trees, which has made it a desirable wood for both furniture construction and decoration. Pine is a light-colored wood whose many knots make it easily recognizable.

Teak. A wood that is found in India and southeast Asia, teak is a yellowish wood that's a favorite among Scandinavian furniture makers.

Walnut. Ranging in color from brown to gray, walnut has long been a popular wood among American furniture makers, its grain patterns giving any piece built with it a distinctive visual appeal.

Cleaning and Caring for Wooden Antique Furniture
If you're lucky enough to have found an antique wooden furniture piece in no need of repair, or if you have already successfully repaired it, then the only task remaining for you is to keep the antique clean. Here are some handy tips for cleaning antique wooden furniture:

  • Inspect the item for mildew. You can clean off mildew by mixing one tablespoon of bleach and one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent in one cup of water.
  • Look for tarnish on brass knobs and fixtures. You can remove tarnish by mixing a paste made of equal parts salt, flour and vinegar and applying it with a soft cloth to tarnished brass.
  • Deal with any unpleasant odors issuing from drawers by putting cat litter or baking soda in them.
  • Wash ceramic knobs or fixtures with soap and water only, and wipe gently and carefully with a soft cloth any knob or fixtures that are damaged.
  • Buff any ivory knobs or fixtures with a woolen cloth.
  • Polish any carved details in furniture with paste wax applied to a stenciling brush (the stenciling brush will allow you to reach any recesses or crevices), and buff with a show brush.


By taking proper care of your antique wooden furniture, you will be rewarded with an item that not only looks lovely but may just fetch a lovely resale price at your local consignment shop.


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Buying Designer Womens Shoes On Consignment

Designer shoes' many attractions are well established. The influence of such popular entertainments as Sex and the City and Confessions of a Shopaholic on the minds of women across the globe have linked designer shoes with notions of happiness. But the thrill of being able to pay a few hundred dollars for a pair of Manolo Blahnik pumps without batting an eye is something too few women get to experience.

This is not to say, however, that this thrill is entirely out of reach for ordinary working women. Buying designer women's shoes on consignment is one way to indulge champagne tastes while sticking to a beer budget. You can snag haute couture footwear at discounted prices.

Make consignment shopping a habit. You're more likely to find just the right women's designer shoes at just the right price if you visit a few consignment shops regularly.

How to Spot Quality Women's Designer Shoes
You'll need a discerning eye to find the best women's designer shoes at the best prices. A few simple tips will help you spot the best consignment bargains -- as well as any knock-offs masquerading as the real deal.

Construction. The best shoes are made entirely of leather. Women's designer shoe makers will generally indicate all leather construction with an insignia stating this fact. Beware of shoes having only leather uppers, or, worse, no leather construction at all. These generally indicate inferior quality.

Quality of the leather. Women's designer shoe leather should be thick yet supple. If the leather feels thin or stiff, it's of poor quality.

Stitching and seams. Designer women's pumps should have no seam at the instep. The leather of designer women's shoes of any sort should be stitched together, never glued.

Shoe interior. The inside of designer women's shoes should have no ridges, bumps or bulges. Inside seams should never turn outward.

Heels, outer soles and inner soles. Heels, outer soles and inner soles should not show excessive wear. Wear to these portions of shoes need not be a deal breaker. They can be replaced. The cost of replacement should, however, factor into the amount you're willing to pay for the pair of shoes.

Finding the Right Fit
Of course, inspecting shoes for quality of construction is just part of the equation when it comes to buying designer women's shoes on consignment. The real bonding with your shoes begins when you try them on. These few simple guidelines will help you find the best fit:

  • Your toes should not reach the tip of the shoe. There should be at least half of an inch between the end of your big toe and the end of the shoe.
  • Your toes shoes flex easily in the shoe's toe box.
  • Your heel should fit snugly. Any slippage around your heel as you walk means the shoes are too big.
  • Your ankle should be snugly nestled if you're trying on women's designer boots. Any slippage around the ankle as you walk means an ill-fitting pair of boots.


Be sure to take sufficient time to walk about in the shoes you're trying on, taking several laps around the sales floor if you need to. This will give you a better sense as to how they'll feel were you to wear them under ordinary circumstances.

Keep in mind that feet have a tendency to swell as the day progresses. It's smart, then, to confine your shoe shopping to the late afternoon or evening in order to find the most precise fit.

Caring for Women's Designer Shoes Bought on Consignment
Once you get your designer shoes home, you'll want to take proper care of them. This way you're sure not only to get long use out of them, but to preserve their great looks as well. The following suggestions will help keep your women's designer shoes looking and fitting great:

Invest in a pair of shoes trees. Regular use of shoe trees will help shoes retain their shape against the wear and tear of daily use.

Polish shoes regularly. Wax or cream polish not only refresh the shoes' color, but keep shoe leather clean and supple.

Treat patent leather shoes with petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly returns luster to the leather. (Just be sure to wipe any excess jelly off your shoes before wearing them.)

Use a white pencil eraser to remove blemishes from suede shoes. If the pencil eraser doesn't work, try some fine-grit sandpaper.

Avoid wearing a pair of shoes two days in a row. Even in cool conditions feet have a tendency to sweat. Keeping shoes out of fashion rotation for two days allows them the airing they need to dry.

Have a shoe repairer install heel and toe taps on your shoes as soon after purchase as possible. Heel and toe taps will keep you from having to replace the entire heel in the future.

Buy shoes roomy enough to accommodate cushioning insoles. Cushioning insoles prevent wear to the insides of the shoes, and prevent shoes from acquiring unpleasant odors -- things which are vitally important if you plan to resell the shoes at some future time.

Buying Women’s Shoes on Consignment: The Price Is Right!
Millions of women have discovered that looking uptown doesn’t mean risking falling into skid row. Buying designer women’s shoes on consignment affords you the financial freedom to purchase the hottest new pumps from Salvatore Ferragamo, the jazziest new boots from Bruno Magli or the sexiest new espadrilles from Prada. In fact, buying women’s designer shoes from consignment shops can often be a thrilling adventure, because you’re never sure just what kind of shoes you’ll find. Consignment shops offer a variety of labels and styles, many of which are rarely found in traditional department stores. This makes buying designer shoes from a consignment shop a sound financial as well as sartorial investment.


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Buying Designer Handbags on Consignment

Do you long for a sleek Coach purse? Or how about a brightly colored Louis Vuitton tote? Designer handbags can be a fantastic purchase, but the prices they demand are steep. In fact, never before have prices been so high for designer purses and totes.

What is an aspiring fashionista to do? She should start exploring her local consignment shops for gently used designer handbags. Consignment boutiques carry a vast array of the latest, gently used designer handbags. Scan your Yellow Pages and visit a few consignment shops to get an idea of what is available in your area. Some consignment shops specialize in vintage designer bags from the likes of Chanel, and Dooney and Bourke. Others carry only the latest fashions in designer handbags.

What to Look For in a Designer Handbag
When purchasing a designer handbag, examine it closely to ensure you are getting a good deal. Make sure the bag is authentic and doesn't reveal any flaws. The leather should be firm and even-colored. It should not show signs of fading or cracking. Zippers should close without pulling and straps should be firmly affixed the the body of the purse. In order to ascertain that your designer purse is indeed authentic, look for the following tell-tale signs of a counterfeit product:

  • Logos should be firmly affixed.
  •  Top stitching should be tight and straight.
  • Leather should be firm and without discoloration or fading.
  • The country-of-origin tag should not say Taiwan or China.


Repairing Minor Flaws in a Designer Handbag
So you've found the perfect, gently-used designer handbag, but it has a few flaws. It may require a few minor repairs or a bit of cleaning. Don't shy away from a great deal because of minor flaws. Instead consider the following quick fixes:

 Ink stains can be removed from lightly colored purses with a dab of hydrogen peroxide. Be careful with using hydrogen peroxide with colored purses; the peroxide can discolor them.

  • Holes in leather items can be repaired with patches. Just even out the surfaces of the hole and trace it on a piece of paper. Use that piece of paper as the pattern for the patch. Cut out the patch and insert it carefully into the hole, using garment glue to hold it securely.
  • Snags on a leather purse can be repaired using clear nail polish. Do not use clear nail polish on suede items, however.
  • Leather conditioner can be used to remove scratches and scuffs on leather bags. If the leather polish fails to remove the scratch, use show polish to remove any remaining imperfections.
  • Repairing minor flaws like broken straps can be done at your local leather repair shop. Broken zippers can likewise be repaired by a shop that specializes in leather goods and clothes.


Selling Your Designer Handbags on Consignment
Your local consignment shop can also be a great place to drop off those designer handbags you no longer need, allowing you to free up space in your closet for future purchases. Most consignment boutiques will either pay you directly or offer to take the item on consignment. When a consignment shop opts to take an item on consignment and the item sells, you will receive a percentage of the sale -- usually somewhere between 30 and 50 percent. If your handbag does not sell after 90 days the shop may offer to donate it to charity. You will then receive a receipt for tax purposes.

Consigning Designer Handbags Online
If you decide to consign your designer handbags online make sure your photographs accurately represent the handbag. Focus your camera on one handbag at a time and use software like Adobe Photoshop or Roxio PhotoShow to sharpen images and increase contrast. When writing descriptions of your handbags, include as many details as possible. Note details like type of leather, color of topstitching and the design on the handbag's interior fabric. More importantly, be honest about flaws in the handbag. If the leather is scratched or torn, then include a detailed description of the damage in your discussion of the product. Your customers will appreciate your honesty.

Whether you decide to buy only designer handbags on consignment, or you aspire to take your passion a step further by consigning them as well, you'll enjoy a fun and rewarding experience.


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Buying and Selling Vintage Jewelry For Consignment

A striking piece of vintage jewelry can make an outfit. Art deco earrings or an heirloom necklace adds pizazz to even the most simple fashions. That's why vintage jewelry is in high demand in consignment shops. Your grandmother's costume bracelets or your great aunt's Bakelite necklace could earn you a tidy profit.

Decide on Which Pieces of Vintage Jewelry to Sell
If you have decided to sell your vintage jewelry, you are in luck; many styles of vintage jewelry are currently at the height of fashion. More likely than not, your grandmother's strand of pearls is cycling back into fashion and will sell for a higher price than you might suspect. Semi-precious faceted stones like simple crystals are always in demand. The same is true of carved jade and cat's eye. Costume jewelry is especially popular. High-end auction houses like Sotheby's and Doyle regularly auction off vintage costume jewelry. But great demand is present in the popular market as well.

The Ins and Outs of Selling Jewelry on Consignment
Begin by visiting your local consignment shops for ideas on what type of vintage jewelry is in demand. Page through your Yellow Pages, or read the lifestyle section of your local newspaper for consignment shop locations. Once you've picked out three or four shops to visit, look closely at their merchandise and ask the owner what he or she needs and if an appointment is required to review the vintage jewelry you want to consign. Bring in only a few pieces at a time; experts suggest you'll earn more money by doing so, especially if you decide to sell your jewelry as a lot.

Most consignment shops consign clothing and jewelry in two ways: They will either offer you money upfront for your vintage jewelry, or they will pick out particular pieces to sell on consignment, offering you 30 to 50 percent of the selling price. If your vintage jewelry does not sell, most consignment shops will offer to donate it to a local charity, providing you with receipts for tax purposes.

Tips for Cleaning Your Vintage Jewelry for Consignment
It is important that you clean and restore your vintage jewelry before presenting it to consignment shops. Restored vintage jewelry will fetch a higher price than tarnished or damaged pieces. Follow these tips for cleaning and restoring your vintage jewelry:

  • Clean costume jewelry with a toothbrush dipped in glass cleaner. Never allow moisture to seep into the setting. Doing so can result in damage to the backing.
  • Clean vintage jewelry with a solution of one part ammonia and six parts water. Let the jewelry soak in the solution for one minute, then drain and dry off with a soft cloth.
  • Remove any buildup on vintage gold or silver jewelry with mild soap and water or a jewelry cleaner.
  • Use an ultrasonic cleaner to quickly clean sturdier pieces of vintage jewelry, like those containing diamonds. Be aware, however, that ultrasonic cleaners can damage some jewelry, loosening settings and other details.
  • Remove fingerprints, light grease and dirt from vintage silver by adding mild liquid soap to half a cup of warm water and soak for 2-3 minutes.
  • Clean excessive tarnish on vintage jewelry with a cotton cloth and a nonabrasive metal cleaner.
  • Use a cotton swab to get at hard-to-reach spaces in vintage jewelry with intricate settings. Use a soft toothbrush to clean stones like turquoise.


Buying Vintage Jewelry for Consignment
You may decide to venture beyond your grandmother's jewelry box and scout out pieces of vintage jewelry for consignment at yard sales, estate sale or even consignment shops. If you do decide to buy vintage jewelry for eventual consignment, following these rules will help you select high-quality pieces:

  •  Appraise the design. Is it original and pleasing to the eye?
  •  Note the quality of the craftsmanship. Are the stones secure? Is the construction sound?
  •  Look for evidence of cracks or soldering.
  •  Examine the stones. Are they original? Are they cloudy or darkened?
  •  Check all clasps. Are they original? Do they work properly?
  •  Determine if they piece is a reproduction or an original.
  •  Examine all metal plating for pitting, worn enamel, thin plating or erosion.
  •  Check all Bakelite pieces for chips, fading and loose hinges.


By paying attention to the details mentioned above, you will ensure that you are buying vintage
jewelry that will have a high resale price in a consignment boutique.

Consigning Vintage Jewelry: A Fun and Profitable Hobby
Buying and consigning vintage jewelry can be a fun and profitable hobby. Visit your local consignment shops for ideas as to what pieces are most profitable. Don't forget to conduct research online as well: Looking at online consignment shops that specialize in vintage jewelry will give you a good idea as to what is currently popular in the vintage jewelry market.


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The Rules of Buying and Selling Through Consignment Shops

Is your closet bursting with Versace pumps that mercilessly pinch your toes, or Ann Taylor slacks that aren’t as flattering as they used to be? Do you want to trade your Donna Karan pea coat in for a Kenneth Cole suede blazer? Buying and selling gently used designer clothing through a consignment shop might be the answer to your sartorial dilemmas.

Before buying any more used clothing, try selling what you don’t want first. Grab a phonebook or consult the online version of your local Yellow Pages and make a list of the consignment boutiques in your area. Then visit the ones that seem to match your fashion tastes. Take a look at their merchandise and inquire about the prospect of bringing in some of your clothing to sell. Find out what season of clothing they are accepting. Some stores request that you make an appointment to look over the clothes you want to consign. Others will accept walk-ins from clients wanting to consign their clothes.

Five Rules to Follow When Selling Your Clothes on Consignment

To get the most money from your efforts, make sure to follow these five rules when selling your clothes on consignment:

  1. Clothing should be clean and free from stains and holes. Have it pressed or dry cleaned before bringing it in for consignment.
  2. Unless you are consigning vintage clothing, make sure the clothes you consign are no older than five years.
  3. Clothes should come from a smoke-free home.
  4. Check to see that your clothing and accessories are authentic. This means looking closely at logos (Nike swooshes, Izod alligators, Nautica sailboats and the like), which should be firmly affixed to the garment. Stitching should be even and tight.
  5. Leather items should be cleaned with soap and buffed with mink oil or leather conditioner.

Following these five rules will increase the amount the consignment shop will be able to sell your items. When bringing in your clothing to the consignment shop, do not bring it in garbage bags, because couture should suffer no such indignity. Rather bring in a few items at a time, making sure they are in as close to brand new shape as you can get them. If your items do not sell within 90 days, most consignment shops will give you the option of either donating them to local charities or taking them back home again.

How to Buy Clothes on Consignment

Buying clothes on consignment allows you to spend some of the money you might have made selling clothes on consignment, or it might just allow you try out some new fashions at a discounted price. Consignment shops specialize in all sorts of clothing: designer, vintage, children’s and men’s clothing. Check out the local phonebook for the location of the nearest consignment shop. Don’t forget to check online forums; frequently people will discuss their favorite consignment shops online. Your local newspaper is also a good source for information on consignment shops; look for advertisements in weekly fashion or life and leisure inserts.

Buying clothes on consignment is a win-win situation: it’s typically inexpensive and what you don’t end up wearing you can just bring back to the consignment shop for resale. There are some rules you should follow however when selling clothes on consignment:

  • If your object is to save lots of money, shop at the end of the season. Many times you’ll find items at a deeply discounted price.
  • Examine closely the clothes or accessories you intend to purchase. Look for missing buttons, rips and stains.
  • Make sure the size indicated on the price tag matches the size indicated on the clothing tag.
  • Stop by your local consignment shop on a regular basis; you’re more likely to get first dibs on the best merchandise.
  • If you find an article of clothing that you really love, but doesn’t fit quite right or has details that bother you, remember that you can always alter clothing, or have it altered by your local seamstress or tailor.

If you are buying clothes on consignment online, do not hesitate to contact the seller with questions about the article of clothing in which you are interested. Also, familiarize yourself with the seller’s return policy just in case the item does not fit, as is often the case with clothing sold online.

Buying and selling clothing on consignment can be a fun and rewarding hobby. It provides for a way to relieve your closet of all those dresses and jeans which don’t quite fit and allows you to replace them for little cost. And don’t forget that you can also buy and sell more than just clothing on consignment: household wares, children’s toys and men’s apparel is also bought and sold through consignment shops. Become familiar with your local consignment shops and frequent them on a regular basis. You’re sure to find quite a few treasures worth taking home.


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How to consign your designer clothes

The Benefits of Selling Your Designer Clothes on Consignment

Is your clothes closet fit to burst? Do the dresses and pants suits of last season overflow from your dresser drawers, leaving you with no room for this season’s offerings? If so, try earning a tidy profit from last season's greatest finds by selling your designer clothes on consignment. Selling your clothes on consignment will allow you to free up space in your closet for future purchases while earning money that could go toward those purchases. Whether online or located in your city, consignment shops offer the opportunity to cultivate a lucrative side hobby while keeping abreast of the latest fashions.

You need only make a few simple decisions when getting your designer clothes ready for resale.

Selling on Consignment Locally

Start off by deciding if you want to sell your clothes to a consignment store in your area or an online action site. Both options have benefits and drawbacks. When selling your designer clothes to a local consignment shop, you enjoy the convenience of just dropping off your clothes and letting the store do most of the work. After selling an item, many consignment shops offer store credit or cash, sometimes as much as fifty percent of the item's selling price. Should your clothes not sell within a certain amount of time, many consignment shops offer to donate your unsold designer clothes to local thrift stores. You will then receive a receipt which can be used as a tax deduction.

Selling on Consignment with Online Auction Sites

Selling your designer clothes through an online action site is more involved, but offers the same potential to make money. Some sites allow you to register for free; others require a monthly or yearly registration fee. As with your local consignment shop, expect to pay a certain percentage of your profit to the online auction site. You can set the price of your clothes, however. And since customers will sometimes be bidding for your items, there is the potential to make more money than by selling designer clothes through a local consignment shop. Of course, you should look for similar items for sale and then price your designer clothes accordingly. Try to avoid pricing your designer clothes too high, because they will be harder to sell. If your designer clothes fail to sell, if will be your responsibility to re-list them on the online auction site.

When consigning your designer clothes on an online auction site, you can choose the method of payment you find most convenient. For example, you can set up a PayPal account so your earnings can be directly deposited in your bank account once you make a sale. But you will be required to outline return policies, so consigning clothes online does require more time and effort than if you sold them through a traditional consignment shop.

Three Rules to Follow When Consigning Designer Clothes

  1. Once you have decided how you want to consign your designer clothes, make sure they are in good condition. This means pressing out any wrinkles, removing stains and dry cleaning more delicate items. Check for missing buttons, holes and unpleasant smells, like cigarette smoke.
  2. Your designer clothes should look like new and not be more than five years old, unless you are selling vintage designer clothing, in which case you want to make sure all the buttons and other accents are original. Only clothes older than fifteen years can be considered vintage.
  3. Most importantly, check that your designer clothes are indeed authentic, especially if you purchased them used yourself or received them as a gift. Auction sites have very strict policies regarding the selling of designer clothing because of the preponderance of fakes on the market. Look closely at logos, which should be clear and firmly affixed to the item, and the spacings between buttons, which should be evenly spaced. If you are selling handbags, make sure to check the "point of origin" tag. It should not say that the item was made in China or Taiwan. Examine the stitching, which should be even and tight. There should not be a seam on the underside of the handbag. Clasps and handles should not look worn or tarnished, and leather should feel supple and be consistent in color. You should not notice any fading or unintentional variations in the color or design of the handbag. It is important to note all these details before consigning your designer clothes.

Consigning your designer clothes can be a rewarding way to clean out last season's outfits and earn money for future purchases. Start out selling your clothes with a local consignment shop. Consignment shops offer both the potential to make a tidy profit and the convenience of letting sales experts consign your items. Once you feel comfortable with consignment selling you may wish to branch out with additional ways of consigning your designer clothes.

Regardless as to whether you choose to consign your designer clothes through an online action site or in your local consignment shop, make sure your clothes are in the best possible shape so that you can earn the most profit for your effort.


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How to Get the Most Money for Your Consignment Articles

Is your closet bursting at the seams with last season’s fashions? Do you trip over bebe pumps, Diesel jeans and Chanel scarves every time you attempt to find your latest fashion purchase? Do you want to switch out that plum SohoConcept sofa for a new Uranio designer sectional couch? If yes is the answer, then perhaps you should consign your clothes and household furnishings. It’s a great way to make a little extra money for your pocketbook and a little extra room in your home for future purchases.

Key Tips to Maximize Your Profit When Selling Items on Consignment

But to get the most money for your consignment articles, you need to follow a few rules. If you’re selling furniture, make sure it’s in top condition. Repair minor defects, like loose joints and scratched finishes. Loose joints can result from exposure to humidity, which can especially affect older furniture. Repair loose joints with an adhesive such as furniture glue. To clean up the finish of your furniture remove as much dust and wax buildup as possible. Don’t get carried away, though. Remember: the closer the piece is to its original state, the better—especially if the piece of furniture in question is an antique.

Refrain from using excessive amounts of water when cleaning dust and wax off your furniture, as water can warp and stain furniture. Instead furniture restorers recommend using carbon tetrachloride, which dissolves grease and dirt readily without dangerous fumes or presenting a fire hazard. After cleaning the piece, if you see spots where the finish is dulled, use a bit of raw linseed oil or beeswax to fix any remaining problem areas.

Clothing also needs fixing up before it can be sold on consignment. Try to following hints to remove stubborn stains from gently used clothing:

  • Try OxyClean to remove stubborn stains from cotton and linen. Make sure you dissolve the cleaning solution completely in warm water before using, and make sure to use the manufacturer’s instructions. Bleach should always be used as a last resort, and only used on cottons with no other fibers mixed in them or special finishes.
  • Underarm stains can be removed from clothing with lemon juice or a light dabbing of white vinegar.
  • Leather items present special problems, as they have a tendency to dry out. If the item is quite valuable, you may wish to send it to a specialist in leather restoration. If not, try using saddle soap to clean the leather and then replacing the oils washed from the leather with mink oil. Make sure when you finish oiling your item that you then wipe off all excess oil and buff the item. Make sure you store items like leather jackets on padded hangers, and treat them every six months with a leather conditioner.
  • Store woolen clothes in such a way that they will not fall prey to insect infestation. Consider storing your clothes in polyurethane bags, which can have the air sucked out of them via a vacuum. Or store your woolens with mothballs in containers with tightly fitted lids. Sachets of lavender and cedarwood will also keep vermin at bay.

Once your clothes are in tip-top shape, visit a few consignment shops to see which ones best fit your items. Some shops specialize exclusively in vintage clothing; others in contemporary designer clothes. Some shops only want children’s clothing, and others only men’s. Discovering which shops will accept your items will save you time and effort in the long run.

Keep detailed records of the items you have on consignment. Call every few weeks to check on the status of your consigned clothing and household furnishings. While shops will usually phone you should an item sell, it is always good to keep tabs on your stuff.

Getting the Most Money for Your Effort: Eight Rules for Creating High Quality Photographs for Online Consignment

If you decide to sell your clothing online through an online vendor, you will need to take high-quality photographs of the articles of clothing you wish to sell. Follow these eight rules to ensure the photographs of your clothing do your clothes justice:

  1. Get rid of harsh shadows that distort the shape of your clothing by laying your clothing flat. Look at websites that specialize in retail clothing for tips on how to arrange your clothing to best advantage.
  2. Make sure your clothing is unwrinkled. Wrinkles will create distracting and unattractive shadows.
  3. Use a camera that has a short focal length (otherwise known as a wide-angle lens). This type of lens allows for a wider angle, as opposed to macro lenses that zoom in on specific details (though you may want to use this type of lens to highlight any detailing).
  4. Position your camera directly above the clothing for best effect.
  5. To give your clothing extra dimension, consider filling it with cotton batting or tissue paper.
  6. White backgrounds typically work best for taking pictures of clothing. Then take the digital photograph and manipulate it in a program like Arcsoft Camera Suite Photostudio or Adobe Photoshop to enhance the contrast or auto-correct any defects in the photograph.
  7. Diffuse your light source. Direct light on clothing creates a harsh effect. Consider purchasing a light diffuser sheet for this purpose. Also, make sure you are taking your pictures in a brightly-lit room.
  8. Rather than moving your camera closer to the object to capture a detail, use its zoom function. This will result in clearer photographs.

There is a lot of money to be made in consigning your clothes and home furnishings. To get the most money from your items make sure they are in pristine shape. Taking the time to fix a few minor scratches on that Ethan Allen bureau or removing a small stain from a Fendi bag can result in significant increases in profit, allowing you to make the most money for your effort.


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How to Consign Your Furniture

Do you want to update your household furniture but haven’t an idea what to do with your old couch, desk, tables, lamps or recliner? Ridding your home of old furniture can seem like a daunting task, but it needn’t be. Selling your furniture on consignment can be a lucrative and rewarding way to make room in your house for the latest in home furnishings. You need to only make a few decisions before selling your furniture on consignment.

First, decide what type of consignment shop you would like to consign your furniture. Grab a telephone book or look through your online Yellow Pages for ideas. Then, visit a few local consignment shops and closely examine in what type of gently used furniture they specialize. Do they consign mostly antiques? Or designer or European furniture like B&B Italia or Cassina? Or perhaps they prefer children’s furniture, like cribs and table and chair sets?

Selling Your Furniture in a Local Consignment Shop

Once you find a shop that specializes in the kind of furniture you want to consign, contact them and discover if you need an appointment to discuss how you would like to sell your furniture. Some shops will request that you send them a picture of your furniture, which they will then use to determine if your furniture is appropriate for their showroom. But be advised: Any furniture you present to a shop for consignment should be in good shape and come from a smoke-free home. Once a shop agrees to take your furniture, they will usually give you two options of payment:

  • A fixed price for your gently used furniture. This price is usually below what you could sell your furniture for on consignment.
  • The opportunity to sell your furniture on consignment. You will then only earn money—usually an agreed-upon percentage of the selling price—if your furniture sells.

Pricing will be determined by style, condition, and the original sale price of your furniture. Some shops offer an affordable pick-up service for your household items, so you do not need to worry about moving the furniture to the shop. If your furniture has been accepted on consignment, the shop will likely professionally merchandise and photograph your goods. Your furniture will then be placed on consignment for a specific period of time—typically 30 days. Should your furniture not sell, sometimes the shop will mark down the price by a certain percentage, thereby allowing for more time to make a sale.

What happens if your furniture fails to sell? Usually, if the furniture does not sell after 90 days, the seller can pick up their furniture or have it donated to a local charity, like the Salvation Army or Goodwill.

Consigning Furniture Online: Five Essential Tips for Taking Digital Photographs of Furniture

Consigning your furniture to a local consignment shop offers multiple benefits. Your furniture has the potential to be exposed to hundreds, if not thousands, of customers a day. But you also have an alternative to selling your furniture in a local boutique: selling furniture online. Online vendors of gently used furniture also offer the opportunity to sell household items on consignment. As with a traditional brick-and-mortar consignment shop, you will have to pay the online vendor a percentage of your profits.
Perhaps the most important issue to consider when consigning your furniture online is the quality of the photographs used to represent your items for sale. Follow these hints to produce high-quality photographs for consigning your furniture online:

  1. First study photographs of furniture you see on sites like eBay and craigslist. Which photographs catch your attention? If you were to close your eyes, could you remember details about the furniture photographed? If so note the angles at which the photograph was taken and the composition of the overall picture.
  2. Take a lot of photographs of your furniture—at least 20 if you are photographing a single piece. Multiple photographs will ensure at least a few acceptable pictures. That way you won’t have to face the prospect of setting up your furniture for photographing all over again.
  3. When taking pictures of your furniture squat down to the level of the furniture or, if the furniture if light enough, elevate it to eye level. Don’t be afraid to elevate something like a lamp or footstool; just make sure the object you use to elevate your household item does not detract from the item you are trying to sell.
  4. If you are taking photographs of your furniture indoors, and using an indoor flash, do not take the photograph straight on if the surface of the object is flat, like a chest of drawers. Doing so will result in distracting reflections.
  5. Make sure the object you are photographing takes up the majority of the frame. Zoom in on details so potential customers can fully imagine the piece of furniture you are trying to sell. Take multiple photographs of a single piece of furniture, capturing all the fine points to adequately represent and market the piece.
  6. Do not attempt to take photographs of more than one item at a time. Doing so will confuse potential customers.

Sometimes you will be limited in the amount of photographs you can post of your furniture. Make sure to choose only those photographs that best represent the items you wish to consign.

Selling furniture on consignment can be a worthwhile and profitable way to purge your home of gently used household items. If you want to expand your activities in selling on consignment, start exploring yard and estate sales for interesting pieces of furniture. Whether you chose only to consign your own furniture, or if you wish to branch out and turn consigning furniture into a gainful hobby, learning the ins and outs of selling your furniture on consignment is advantageous to everyone.


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How Consignment Works

Selling your clothes on consignment can be a rewarding and profitable way to sell your gently used clothing and home furnishings. Last season’s Coach purse or that burgundy Venita contemporary sectional sofa that no longer goes with the drapes can fetch a respectable price in your local consignment boutique.

But before you start digging through your closet for those Bruno Magli pumps that didn’t quite go with your Vera Wang dress like you’d hoped, it pays to consider how selling clothing and gently used furnishing on consignment works. There are two types of consignment shops:

  • Those that take your clothing or furniture and merchandise and promote it for you, keeping a percentage of the sale—usually 30 to 50 percent of the sale price.
  • Those shops that will take your clothing or furniture and give you cash for them right away.

You can usually make more money choosing the first option over the second. But there are ways to maximize your profit no matter which option you choose. Call ahead to find out details about consigning your clothing and household items. Find out if you need to make an appointment with the shop, or can just walk in with the items you want to sell. Find out what condition the shop wants clothing to be in, and what season of clothing they are currently taking.


Even if you are selling your clothes at the type of consignment shop that gives you money right away, make sure your clothing is washed and pressed. Clothes in this condition fetch a higher price. Remove stains and dry clean more delicate items. Check for holes, missing buttons and unpleasant smells like cigarette smoke. Designer clothes should look like new and not be more than five years old, unless you are selling vintage clothing, in which case you want to make sure all the buttons and other accents are original. Also, do not bring your items in trash bags, or bring too many items into the consignment shop at one time. Carefully chose a few pieces of clothing or furniture for resale to bring in at one time so the store owner can easily determine what he or she needs; this might take more time, but you’ll make more money in the long run.

If you leave your furniture or clothing with the shop to merchandise, plan to pick up whatever doesn’t sell after 90 days. Sometimes consignment stores will offer to donate clothes and household wares that do not sell to local charities. So at least you can realize a tax write-off if nothing else.

The Basics of Online Consignment

You may decide to sell your clothing online. Consigning clothing and furniture is similar to consigning through your local consignment boutique in that you will earn a percentage of the sale price of your item. You will also be able to choose the method of payment most convenient for you—PayPal, check, or direct deposit. If you do decide to sell your gently used furniture or clothing online, the most important thing you can do to market your items is to take high-quality photographs. To take high-quality photographs, keep the following rules in mind:

  • Make sure the clothing being photographed is unwrinkled. Wrinkles will create unattractive shadows that distract from the overall presentation.
  • Fill your clothing it with cotton batting or tissue paper to give it extra dimension.
  • Use your camera’s zoom function to capture extra details. Using the zoom function will also result in clearer photographs.
  • Squat down to the level of the item if you are photographing furniture. Don’t be afraid to elevate something like a lamp or footstool to eye level; just make sure the object you use to elevate your household item does not detract from the item you are trying to sell.
  • Do not attempt to take photographs of more than one item at a time.

Whether you choose to consign your items to an online vendor, or a traditional brick-and-mortar shop, selling articles on consignment can prove to be a worthwhile—and potentially lucrative—hobby. While your own closet can be a treasure trove when it comes to consigning, you might also want to try your luck at garage and estate sales. A serious consigner of clothing and household items will scour craigslist ads looking for yard sales and the like. But remember to purchase only items that are in the best condition.


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