11 Consignment Shopping Hacks You Need to Know

Shopping on consignment is a fun treasure hunt filled with unique finds and gorgeous goodies. For some women, starting out shopping consignment can feel overwhelming. It’s not always easy to find pieces that fit, are in your price point, and that you love. So I've gathered a few shopping hacks from my 15 years of experience in the secondhand business.  I've also spoken to some of our Current Boutique employees and customers on how to navigate consignment stores for the best finds. Here are 11 Consignment Shopping Hacks You Need to Know.

1. Shop often.

Consignment stores are constantly getting in new inventory. Unlike traditional stores that stock each quarter or season, consignment stores have a rotating collection that can change monthly, weekly, or even daily. That means the more you shop, the more likely you’ll uncover that perfect gem you’ll love. 

Shopping on consignment requires patience and persistence. You may not find what you’re looking for on your first visit, but don’t let that discourage you. The more you shop, the more you’ll find!

You should also follow your favorite consignment stores on social media and sign up for their email list to get updates on new arrivals and sales. Check out Current Boutique on Instagram @currentboutique to stay up-to-date on our happenings and "just in" pieces.

2. Shop off-season.

Shopping off-season is a smart way to save money and find unique treasures on consignment. Many consignment shops will mark down prices on seasonal items once the season has finished. So, shop early (and often). Shop for summer clothes in the winter and winter coats in the summer. The stock might not be as plentiful as it is “in season,” but you may still be able to find some gorgeous gems for a great deal.

3. Check for damages.

At Current Boutique, we have a rigorous screening process for the clothes we buy and sell. We only sell authenticated and genuine designer pieces, and we check thoroughly for damage and use. Read about our authenticity promise here.

However, this isn’t true for all consignment stores and thrift shops. That’s why it’s always a good idea to thoroughly check the items for damages or flaws before purchasing. Look for stains, holes, wear, broken clasps/zippers/snaps, missing buttons, etc. Learn how to buy quality clothing like an expert designer here.

4. Know your sizes.

Consignment stores don’t carry all sizes of all products. Since consignors are reselling goods, they stock whichever sizes and pieces come in. So, for example, a consignment store might resell a Ted Baker dress size 6, a Jay Godfrey size 2, and a Max Mara size M based on their current inventory. Furthermore, different designer brands have different sizing, so you’ll want to know your measurements are, rather than guessing your size.

Knowing your measurements will help you navigate consignment shopping easier. You can filter your shopping – both in person and online – based on your sizes, so you don’t get frustrated finding pieces that aren’t available in your size.

We know that shopping on consignment can be tricky with all the different sizing from different brands. That’s why, unlike most consignment stores, Current Boutique offers returns when shopping online! If a size doesn’t fit perfectly, you have 21 days from the date of purchase to postmark your items for return.

5. Don’t be afraid to make alterations.

If you find something you love but it doesn’t fit perfectly, buy it and get it altered. A good tailor can make all the difference. When you’re shopping, remember a piece doesn’t have to fit perfectly; alterations widen the possibilities for what you can find at a consignment store! Alterations can be particularly beneficial to enrich those high-quality pieces you wear often, like the little black dress or your new favorite pair of jeans.

6. Look for your favorite brands.

Consignment stores can carry hundreds or thousands of clothing and accessories at any given time. Narrow your search by looking for designer brands you already know and love. This is a great way to see if you can snag a deal on your favorite finds. Consignment stores are a great way to find classics that will never go out of style, like a Chanel handbag or Burberry jacket.

7. Have fun browsing.

But… That doesn’t mean you should entirely narrow your gaze to your go-to brands. One of the beautiful things about consignment stores is that you never know what you’re going to find! Go into a consignment store when you have some time to browse because you’ll end up finding stunning pieces you may never have considered before from unknown designer brands!

8. Focus on classic pieces.

Consignment stores are a great place to find timeless pieces that never go out of style. Investing in quality clothing and accessories means you will have a gorgeous, well-fitting wardrobe that you can wear for years to come. (That’s good for your wallet and the environment.)

Consignment stores, by nature, resell high-quality pieces that can withstand the test of time. You’re not going to find ultra-trendy, fast-fashion items at Current Boutique. You’re only going to see classic designer items that will enhance your wardrobe.  

9. Set a budget and stick to it.

Shopping on consignment will save a lot of money compared to buying new. Often, you can find designer goods for hundreds of dollars off their original price tag. You can’t get a better deal on high-quality, luxury goods than you can with consignment.

With that said, it’s easy to get carried away when there’s a great deal. If you want to be mindful of your shopping habits, consider setting a budget before walking into your favorite consignment store. Here are some tips on how to set a spending budget:

• Carry cash rather than using a credit or debit card. This will ensure you stick to whatever budget you set for yourself.
• Make a list of some items you are looking for and their price range. This will give you a rough idea of how much you should spend on each item.
• Consider a “quantity budget” rather than a dollar amount. If you want a more flexible budget, consider limiting yourself based on the number of items purchased rather than the cash itself. For example, you might promise to buy only two clothing pieces and one accessory.

10. Sell your preloved pieces on consignment.

Want to increase your budget to go consignment shopping? Get some cash by selling your preloved pieces on consignment, too. Selling on consignment is the best way to clean out your closet and get a little extra money to put toward buying that dream investment handbag or a new party dress.

Not sure where to start? Check out: The One & Only Guide You Need For Selling Clothes Online.

11. Shop with a friend.

I love making consignment shopping a social activity. Having a friend with you means you have another set of eyes to help you discover the perfect “finds.” Shopping is always a fun bonding activity, but shopping at consignment stores combines the fun of shopping with a unique treasure-hunt experience.

With that said, consignment stores are the perfect place if you prefer to browse alone. Shopping for preloved clothes can feel like diving into a good mystery book: you never know what you’re going to find, and the journey of the discovery is half the fun.

Consignment shopping hacks

Current Boutique sells preloved gems for fashion lovers. We want to make designer pieces more accessible while creating a fun and exciting experience for our shoppers. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of consignment shopping or just want to learn more, don’t be afraid to reach out to our staff at Current Boutique. Our helpful clerks and buyers are always eager to help – both in stores and online!

Questions, comments, or just want some more consignment shopping hacks? Reach out here.