How to Make Money Clearing Out Your Closet and How Trove Can Help
Staying on top of trends and filling your wardrobe with fun pieces is exhilarating and can be therapeutic - but it doesn’t mean you have to empty your wallet and build up clutter that will ultimately weigh you down. Did you know your love of fashion can pay off? Follow these tips and tricks to get the most out of consigning by creating room in your wallet and in your budget for great finds.
Step 1: Find a great consignment store (if you’re reading this, you already have!)
Now you’re probably wondering - where can I sell my clothes? Find your local consignment store. It’s even better if you can find one that specializes in the type of goods you have. Luckily, Trove has both a women’s fashion boutique and a designer and vintage boutique that serves both men and women. Other stores may specialize in children’s clothing and goods, formal wear (think bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, and eveningwear), or even furniture! Finding a specialized store means that the seller knows how to market and merchandise your items to ensure they sell and get good return for both parties. In the same vein, Designer resellers such as Trove Designer and Vintage will know the value of your high end items and ensure you’re receiving a fair cut (you can find our commission schedule in step 6).
Step 2: Learn and understand the consignor guidelines
Now that you’ve identified that Trove is the best fit for your clothing, read through our consignor guidelines. Quality and condition are the two biggest factors we look for, followed closely by style and desirability. So as you look at each of your previously loved items consider the following:
Is it good quality? A well known name brand or made from natural fibers? Are the seams finished, is it lined? If it’s patterned, does the pattern match up at the seams?
Is it in good condition? Are there any signs of wear? Stains, pilling, rips? Do the zippers work? Are all the buttons still attached? Is there anything that can be repaired prior to bringing it in?
Is it in style? Is this a classic piece or does it look dated? Is this desirable or will it sit on the shelf forever?
Step 3: Take inventory of your closet
Time to pour a glass of wine, grab your most honest friends, open those closet doors and get to work. Don’t forget your jewelry box, the hallway closet full of purses and bags, and any other storage spaces for your clothing and accessories. You’re looking for pieces that you haven’t touched in ages but haven’t donated because of the wonderful condition or original price tag. Be critical. These pieces aren’t serving you sitting in storage, give them a second life and make some money to put towards pieces you love!
Step 4: Find a clean dry spot to store out-of-season items
Some items you earmark to consign may be out of season - designate a plastic store bin, section of your closet, reusable shopping bag, or under-the-bed storage bin to hide away your “to consign” clothing until their season rolls around. Having these items out of sight will also give you confidence that they are not items you reach for every day and are better off as cash in your pocket than space in your closet. To find out when we take seasonal items, click here.
Step 5: Stay on top of trends
Fashion is cyclical. Give it some time and the clothes you’ve put to the side may come back into style. Clothing that no longer works for you may be a great vintage piece! If you consign right and consign often, your closet will be ever changing, constantly evolving, and forever fun.
Step 6: Time to bring your clothing in
For the most part, the seller will set the price of your items. For designer and high end items, you will be consulted on what you’re comfortable with and your cut will be based on a commission schedule. At Trove it works like this:
Commission Schedule
$0-99 - 40%
$100-$199 - 50%
$200-$999 - 60%
$1000+ - 70%
There are now two ways to consign! Book an appointment or email us descriptions of your items. Your email should include photos, brand, sizing, and a description of items you wish to consign. You can then bring accepted items to the shop.
Think of consignment as a means of keeping your closet feeling alive without the gaping hole in your wallet. A one piece in, one piece out policy ensures that there is always room in your closet for new items to keep you feeling on your A game.
