From Closet to Cash: How to Consign Your Clothes + Earn Extra Money

Tired of having a closet full of clothes you never wear? Turn those forgotten garments into cash with consignment. Consigning your clothes and accessories declutters your wardrobe and makes room for the pieces you’ll actually wear and love – all while putting extra cash in your pocket. In this article, we’ll give you tips and tricks to maximize your experience (and income) selling on consignment.

1. Quality is key

Consignment stores are looking for high-quality pieces in excellent condition. Before selling your pieces, make sure your clothes are clean, stain-free, and have no visible wear and tear. The better the condition of your items, the higher likelihood they will be sold – and sold at a higher price point. Learn more about how consignment shops decide which pieces to stock here.

2. Sell with the trends

While consignment stores love vintage pieces, most shops also try to sell with the trends. At Current Boutique, we prioritize trendy items as much as we do timeless classics because trends sell well. If possible, try to resell your clothes while they are in style to help them gain traction on the racks and sell for higher prices. See what’s currently trending with our Trends tab.

3. Sell with the seasons

Just like any fashion store, consignment stores sell with the seasons. Winter coats don’t sell well in the summer, and sundresses don’t fly off the shelves in the winter. If you want to get the biggest bang for your buck and increase your odds of your clothes being accepted by a consignor, try to resell your clothes in alignment with the current or upcoming season.

4. Know your designers

Designer items hold their value exceptionally well and are always sought after by fashion-savvy shoppers. If you’re ready to part with some of your designer clothes, handbags, and accessories, consider using a top-notch consignment store like Current Boutique that specializes in designer pieces. Luxury and boutique consignment stores have the expertise to effectively price your clothes, so you can feel confident you’re getting the best resell experience price. Check out these top 15 brands that always sell well on consignment.

5. Sell your accessories

People only think about reselling their clothes, but there’s also a considerale consignment market for jewelry, scarves, belts, handbags, and footwear. The best part about selling accessories (except shoes) is that they’re typically one-size-fits-all, which makes them appealing to a wide range of consignment buyers. And the best part about selling shoes on consignment is that every avid consignment shopper knows some of the best luxury finds are on the shoe racks.

6. Sell in-person or online

If you live near a local, cool consignment store, you might want to bring your clothes into the physical storefront. This is a quick way to get the pieces out of your closet and start selling quickly. You can also meet the consignor face to face to build a great relationship during the process. If you live in the Washington, D.C. area, we’d love to meet you at Current Boutique.

But don’t let location dissuade you. Many consignment stores like Current Boutique have embraced the digital age, so you can even sell clothes from the comfort of your home. You simply package your pieces, fill out an inventory list, and send your clothes in. Anything not accepted will typically be donated, and the rest will hit the shelves. Not only is this a convenient way of consigning, but digital consignment shops mean your pieces can reach a wider potential audience beyond your local community.

Learn about the three easy ways to sell to Current Boutique here.

7. Choose the right consignment store

Your success – and how much money you make – will depend on which consignment store you use. Selecting the right consignor is critical to the success of your pieces. You want a consignor with experience and knowledge of the market, pricing, and marketing. Check out these tips to select the right consignment store.

8. Patience is a virtue 

Consigning is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Your items might take time to sell, and some may not sell at all. Be patient, and don’t get discouraged if sales don’t happen overnight. As long as you work with a reputable consignor like Current Boutique, you can feel confident knowing they have your items’ best interests in mind. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your consignment shop if you have any questions about the consignment process along the way.

From closet to cash

Consignment stores are treasure troves for fashion enthusiasts. Selling your clothes on consignment is a great way to clean out your closet, make some extra money, protect the planet, and give your items a second life.

If you’re interested in selling your clothes on consignment, consider selling with Current Boutique. Our tight-knit fashion community helps you turn preloved gems into cash. Learn more about selling with Current Boutique here.