Tips for resale shopping
Happy Monday, ladies! Today I have advice for Tips for Resale Shopping.
Most of you know that I have practiced successful resale shopping for years, and I do know a thing or two about making it work best for your wardrobe.
So, often shoppers go to resale stores, consignment stores, thrift stores and walk out with items they never wear…just because it was a great price on a name brand.
I believe if you practice the 5 tips I have for you today you are more likely to experience successful resale shopping.
Let’s dive in…and I have another kind Abilene businesswoman for you to meet….
SUCCESSFUL RESALE SHOPPING: TIP #1
TIP #1: HAVE A PURPOSE
You will do better with a purpose for stopping by your local resale shop.
Most successful resale shopping begins with plans like…”I will see if they have Valentine’s outfits; or western wear for the rodeo; or coats on sale because I am tired of mine; a nice dinner dress for a special occasion.”
Even if you discover a treasure not on your “plan” it will keep you focused if you first walk in with the plan.
Meet Jayme…owner of Jayme’s Boutique Upscale Resale.
After asking around, Jayme’s was recommended to me as the type of resale shopping I would enjoy….and they were right.
My purpose on the day I stopped by was to see the store, meet her, find out about bringing in my own consignments….and, yes….I ended up with a successful resale shopping experience!.
She had many treasures just marked down.
SUCCESSFUL RESALE SHOPPING: TIP #2
TIP #2: TAKE TIME
Successful resale shopping takes time. It is very difficult to be successful in a short amount of time.
You can see here that Jayme has a sizable store.
I was there for an hour…looking through the racks, checking over the condition of the clothing; and trying pieces on.
She has nice dressing rooms. I do not shop at resale stores without them.
I might also add…wear your crossbody…successful resale shopping is best hands free.
SUCCESSFUL RESALE SHOPPING: TIP #3
TIP #3: LOOK FOR FAVORITE BRANDS
I always pinpoint where to find my favorite brands, and if a store does not have them….then I usually move along.
Jayme’s carries quite a few of Chico’s and Talbot’s; as well as, some of my favorite higher end labels.
It appears she has several clients who bring in these favorite brands often.
I did not see any Johnny Was, but I will ask her if the brand ever surfaces in her shop.
SUCCESSFUL RESALE SHOPPING: TIP #4
TIP #4: STAY TRUE TO YOU
It is easy in a resale shop to get off course and purchase items “for a song” that sit in the closet because they are not you.
Stay true to your best colors…and to the style messages (hopefully your style adjectives) you want to communicate about you with your clothing.
Resist temptation to get off course.
However, if there are some amazing fun pieces that you have longed for the opportunity to wear, then go for it, if you really will wear them.
I believe a wardrobe is best when you stay true to your individual, unique style and do not try to be someone else.
SUCCESSFUL RESALE SHOPPING: TIP #5
TIP #5: KNOW THE RESALE SHOPS PRICING CODE
I recommend you check this out in the beginning if you are at a new store.
Each one has a color coding system, and system of marking pieces down that stay for certain times.
You do not have to bother sales help as much if you find out the codes when you arrive.
Also, many of these stores will have markdown racks.
Jayme’s was a fun place for successful resale shopping.
They obviously knew their customers and consigners well.
It was packed with women and had a party atmosphere.
I found a great wool Talbot’s jacket that is a perfect fit for my wardrobe and was marked down.
It is in excellent condition…I will style it for you soon. I do plan to wear it with jeans or brown pants.
Next time you go resale shopping, try to read over this post so you will experience successful resale shopping and bring home some gems.
Sometimes I walk around a shop, holding what I am thinking about and take some time to think about it before I even get into the dressing room.
That helps me to either put it back or take it to the register…but I want some time to mentally walk through my closet with it.
Thanks for joining me today…let me know if there are questions about successful resale shopping…I want everyone to have fun and success in a resale shop!
KEEP SMILING, ALL!
By Pamela Lutrell
Whether shopping new arrivals or clearance sales, please shop with the links on my SHOPPING PAGE…thank you, thank you to all who shop this way.
Thanks for the great tips. I’ve only been in a few resale shops and have only ever made one purchase. Now I know that it was because I didn’t have a plan. There are only a few nice resale in my general area. I hear there are very good ones in a town about an hour away and that might be a fun outing with friends. Especially if I make a plan first! I love, love, love your orange jacket. What a find. And the orange fringed scarf is the twin of my mustard fringed scarf that I find fun and cozy to wear when I walk the dogs on a cold day. Happy Monday
For me, thrifting is the way to go given the high mark-ups of many brick-and-mortar and online stores where a sale or clearance item remotely resembles the true value of an item. My mother sewed and taught me what to look for in a quality garment . I do try to stay within my style and color palette as it is easy to get quickly overwhelmed. I have found many quality items that I can easily launder. Some are new with tags still on! Pay attention to senior days as well for an even deeper discount. Another tip is to head for the clearance section at any store first before browsing the regular or sale-priced items. I have very rarely purchased anything at full price. And I do receive compliments at how “stylish and put together “ I look at 66.
That would be a fun outing with friends! Make a day of it. Having a plan keeps the experience from being overwhelming …and more fun!
Thanks Mary! I love senior days and if a shopper is tired of their winter wardrobe, the clearance racks right now are great places to start. I always find like-new items with tags still on.
These are fantastic tips, Pamela. It’s easy to get carried away and buy something just because it looks cute in the store and it is a bargain. Ask yourself if it is fitting your style words, and if it will work with 3 other things in your closet. Or if works for the special occasion you are attending. I recently got a Ralph Lauren blouse for $15 which I’m wearing today. Can’t wait to see you style that beautiful jacket.
Consignment shops are fun to visit!
Whenever we visit Ludington, MI, located on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, we visit the Cedar Chest a lovely consignment shop found in the downtown shopping district. This shop has been in business for over 25 years and has very strict rules of what they will accept. My husband found a leather jacket with the original price tags attached. I have found jewelry and clothing. The shop’s lower level has a collection of wedding dresses and formal wear. We have young family members visit for their proms and other formal attire without having to spend a fortune on a “wear once” dress.
Thanks Marcia! I will in February!
Treasure hunts are so much fun!!
Good tips. I usually end up donating what I buy. I will have to look at it from a different point of view.
You should…it helps me to much to take this time and make sure that even with a more affordable garment, does it really work?
What a treat to virtually “meet” Jayme, and see her well-stocked shop! I’ve always done a lot of resale shopping, but when I do a closet purge I can’t help noticing that a large majority of pieces I’m discarding were bought this way. It’s so hard not to be caught up in the “what a great deal!” feeling, and ignore other more telling indicators. I now ask myself “Would I buy this today if it was full price?” whether shopping resale or retail sales. Most often, the answer is “no,” so it goes back on the rack. My greatest downfall when shopping lately is going in with a specific item in mind, not finding it, but buying several other pieces I don’t really need. It’s time to reassess that pattern, as I’m trying to do a “low buy” year this year to allow me to do more spending on decor for the historic home I’ve purchased. I also need to avoid the trap of thinking I have “nothing to wear” for a specific event, and buying something with very limited use. It’s not like I’m having tea with the queen in this life stage, so how many different looks do I really need? Here’s to making better shopping decisions in this new year, and shopping resale whenever possible!
Super tips Pamela. As to the orange jacket; do love its details however from a sewer’s persective and to add a llittle more structure to it, I might consider adding soft shoulder pads to it. -Brenda-
Great tips. Thanks now I need to find the petite sizes.
I get what you are saying…we can look nice and not be over the top fancy. But, I want to treat anyone I sit down with as having tea with the queen! And someday you, my friend, will be the queen I get to have tea with. I just know we are destined to meet.
I have some soft shoulder pads I will try them with the jacket and see how it looks. Thanks!
I know that makes the hunt more difficult. But, I have been in some resale shops that have petite racks…there is a really good one in San Antonio.