Shopping Resale
The Insider's Guide
With today’s lagging economy many moms are “making the sacrifice” and heading to resale shops rather than the malls and baby boutiques. But what they’re finding out is that shopping resale is no sacrifice at all, but rather, a way to buy the very best brands in a unique environment at amazing prices. Once moms explore resale and participate in the excitement of the diverse array of high-quality products, the mall seems predictable, overpriced and lacking selection.
Here’s a fact: There’s money in your closets. Find out what your local resale shop is buying, and then go through your own closets to see what you can sell. Many resale shops pay cash for items or offer store credit. Take the store credit and replenish your child’s wardrobe. Some stores offer up to 60% of what they sell items for if you choose the store credit.
At quality resale shops moms are finding boutique brands at bargain prices: never-worn, designer maternity with new tags, hip new accessories and an array of equipment that looks like it just came out of the box. Moms aren’t shopping resale because they have to. They are shopping resale because they’re smart shoppers who demand more selection, better brands and a more unique experience than the mega-mall can offer.
The key to getting great bargains is to know how to shop. Any savvy resale shopper knows that resale shops take in hundreds of items daily. The stock changes by the hour. Great deals on great brands are literally arriving all day, so savvy shoppers shop often and delight in the exciting new inventory that’s always there to greet them. Another reason to check in on your local resale shops weekly is because the more you shop, the more the store employees get to know you, your sizes and your taste. Before you know it, you have personal shoppers at your service. Many resale shops are known for their personalized service. Usually, owners and staff (who have often worked at the store for many years) know customers on a first name basis. Try getting that kind of service, friendly atmosphere and attention to detail at the mall.
As one avid resale shopper and mother-of-two puts it, “shop for today; shop for tomorrow.” Anytime you’re shopping resale, always be sure to check all sizes. You never know what you might find in your child’s next size up. It could be a rare find that is worth buying now and wearing next season.
Most resale shops take certain items at specific times of the year. Most stores start buying fall and winter clothing in June or July, and they buy spring and summer clothing in January or February. These are also the months when resale shops are buying salesmen samples (new items used by sales reps to sell in lines to retail). These sales samples are current season fashion, brand new items sold for a fraction of the retail value. These are also key months to be looking for the latest selection.
Sizing is a tricky game, and sizes vary based on the brand name. For example, a size 4 in Ralph Lauren compares to a size 2/3 in Gymboree. Know your children’s sizes, but also bring along a garment so that you can compare the length and the width. This will save you the hassle of returning any items. Also make sure and ask the store staff about sizing, as they are typically experts at understanding the sizing nuances that occur between brands.
Be brand savvy. If you know your labels and how much they cost retail, then you can be sure of your good deal. Window shop boutiques, but buy resale. If you know that Lily Pulitzer dresses average $80.00 to $130.00, then only buy them resale at $18.00 to $30.00. The general rule of thumb is an item should go for about 70% less than traditional retail.
And when it comes to maternity clothes, some of the best bargains are found in resale because most retail maternity stores have no-return policies. Many times maternity clothes arrive in resale shops with new tags still attached. The seller either couldn’t return the item, or they outgrew it quicker than expected. At 50-to-90% off retail, this makes maternity a great resale deal.
Lastly, in a world that is valuing recycling more and more, shopping resale is not only savvy but also eco-friendly. It is a responsible decision that helps kids learn the value of repurposing and reusing. Resale has always been a green and socially responsible way to buy before it was trendy. And resale has always been about getting great clothing and accessories at great prices. Saving money will never go out of style. In short… resale is cool and conscientious. So head out, explore your local resale shops and find that next great deal.