Consigning is seasonal: Usually, spring and summer items are accepted in early winter, and fall and winter items are accepted in late summer. Photo courtesy of Greene Street

Spring cleaning can mean discovering clothing and other items in the back of your closet that you want to get rid of. With a visit to a consignment shop, you may be able to turn some of those unwanted items into cash. But consignment shops have lots of specific do’s and don’ts, and following their rules to a T will smooth your way to collecting a check for your items. 

So, what is a consignment shop, and how does consigning work?  

Consignment shops sell new or gently used items, which they purchase from anyone who wants to sell to them. The shops accept your items “on consignment,” which means they only pay you if someone buys them. Shops have different rates, but many pay 40% of the sale price; they keep the rest to cover their costs and profit. Higher-priced items sometimes receive a 50% payment, and high-end items can garner up to 70% of the sale price for you.  

“Reduce, reuse, recycle” is the unofficial motto of many shops, who see their purpose as promoting a shopping experience that helps the environment. 

At Greene Street, which has three locations in New Jersey, “Our mission is about recycling,” said Nikki Sipe, Greene Street’s district manager. Eighty billion pieces of clothing are produced each year, and about 85% of clothing ends up in landfills or burned, according to the store’s website. Buying secondhand items stops CO2 emissions created by manufacturing, reduces waste and packaging, and supports local small businesses. Greene Street does not accept “fast fashion” brands because it wants to discourage the purchase of inexpensive, poorly made items that add to pollution, Sipe said.    

Only select items that are in excellent condition: clothing with no stains or tears and no buttons missing. Photo courtesy of Revive Consignment

Once you’ve sorted through your closet and made a pile of items you are ready to part with, be ruthless as you inspect them for consignment. Only select items that are in excellent condition: clothing with no stains or tears and no buttons missing. The inside of purses should be clean (and empty!). Clothes should be freshly laundered. Shoes should not be scuffed.  

Each consignment shop has different rules, and it’s important to research the shop’s rules before you go — not following the protocol makes it more likely your items won’t be accepted. It’s also a good idea to visit the store to see which brands they carry before bringing in items to consign.  

When you stop by to sell, it’s a good idea to do some browsing because you’ll likely find some deals. Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Some stores require you to make an appointment to drop off your items for review, and others allow walk-ins. Check for a website, an Instagram account or a Facebook page for the store before visiting, as most explain the rules online. Many shops also send out regular emails, so it’s a good idea to get on the mailing list. Consignment shops usually list brands they are looking for as well as ones they do not accept. Most don’t take bridal wear, for example, or swimsuits unless they are new with tags.  

Consigning is seasonal: Usually, spring and summer items are accepted in early winter, and fall and winter items are accepted in late summer. Shops are usually small and don’t have room to store off-season merchandise. Some stores require items on hangers, while others want them folded in bags. Some have a limit on how many items you can bring. 

Don’t be offended if your items are not accepted. The store may have too many similar items already, or your items are not what their customers want. The shop employees know best what sells.  

Once your items are accepted for sale, many stores will email you an itemized list of the items that have been accepted and the price they will be sold for. Your items typically stay on the sale floor for 60 days, and then you may either pick up whatever has not sold or the shop will donate them for you.  

The best part? Collecting your check for the items that sold. Some stores pay monthly, others pay at the end of a season. Many stores send a check, but some require you to pick up your payment.  

Irina Gritsenko, who founded Irina’s Closet in Merchantville 36 years ago, advises consignors to look carefully for signs of wear. “If something looks worn, I’m not going to take it,” she said. She loves when consignors bring high-end handbags and vintage items. And when you stop by to sell, it’s a good idea to do some browsing. Shopping at consignment stores, Gritsenko pointed out, is a great way to save money. “Why buy $300 shoes for $300 when you can buy them for $50?” 

Cool consignment shops to check out

DUET CURATED CONSIGNMENT

79 S. Livingston Ave. in Livingston

The jewelry collection at this upscale shop is extensive and often includes pieces from Tiffany and Cartier. The clothing selection ranges from Max Mara and Love Shack Fancy to Moncler and Zadig&Voltaire.

DBLTKE

800 Morris Turnpike in Short Hills

Founded in 1992, DBLTKE features sought-after designer names such as Chanel, Prada, Moschino and Hermes. It has an extensive selection of handbags, flirty dresses, colorful scarves and dressy blouses.

GREENE STREET

40 Broad St. in Red Bank

162 Nassau St. in Princeton

14 East Bridge St. in Lambertville

With three locations in New Jersey and four in Pennsylvania, Greene Street is a leading force in consignment. The shop carries a wide range of brands, from J. Crew and lululemon to Reformation, Patagonia, Birkenstock and Eileen Fisher. The stores are often larger than your typical consignment shop.

THE COLLECTIVE

101 Summit Ave. in Summit

This high-end consignment shop — centrally located in the shopping area of Summit — has a boutique-like aesthetic. Brands featured include Helmut Lang, Louis Vuitton, Rag + Bone and Ulla Johnson. You can receive a check for your sold items or a store credit. No appointment is necessary to consign, but they request that you come in on a weekday.

THEN AND NOW CONSIGNMENT SHOP

610 Lafayette Ave. in Hawthorne

This shop has a taste for the old and unusual, which it describes as “an eclectic grab bag of the practical to the frivolous.” In addition to clothing, the shop sells art, barware, home décor and lighting. Items previously featured include a World War II soldier’s uniform, a vintage velvet and ermine dress and a chunky Michael Kors gold bracelet.

THE AMBER FEATHER

104 Walnut Ave. in Cranford

This cozy shop carries plenty of on-trend items, from vintage mink coats to BCBG heels. You can find everything from jeans to cocktail dresses, which you can accessorize from its extensive jewelry offerings.

REVIVE CONSIGNMENT

30 S. Doughty Ave. in Somerville

Revive features lots of casual and athletic styles such as an Adidas sweatshirt paired with leggings and brightly colored Nike sneakers. Popular brands include Burberry, Madewell, Loft and Michael Kors. The store also carries high-end items such as Gucci and Chanel.

WEST VILLAGE CLOTHING

410 Ridgewood Road in Maplewood

Funky finds abound at this shop, which is crammed with offbeat purses, chunky boots and leather jackets as well as lots of distinctive necklaces and sunglasses. The store specializes in fun, casual clothing, including the brands Anthropologie, Free People, Banana Republic and Zara.

ACT II CONSIGNMENT SHOPPE

274 Main Ave. in Stirling

From prom dresses to sports clothing, Act II has a wide selection of items. In addition to women’s clothing and handbags, the store carries home furnishings such as lamps, glass vases and framed art, as well as lots of statement necklaces.

RICA SABAG LUXURY CONSIGNMENT

20 North Van Brunt St., second floor, in Englewood

Erica Sabag’s shop specializes in women’s couture and designer clothing, as well as handbags and shoes. The store also carries men’s designer accessories and rare designer vintage pieces.

IRINA’S CLOSET

18 South Centre St. in Merchantville

Located a few minutes from the Cherry Hill Mall, Irina’s Closet is bursting with handbags; they range from Coach to Chanel and Italian brands Furla and Ferragamo.

The store has been open for 37 years. Top brands include Tory Burch, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Michael Kors.