I set out to find the 10 Best Resale Shop Sites on the Web,
and here they are, or at least, here’s what I think are the best, and why.
Now some aspects in these shop sites could use a little improvement and I don’t suggest that every area of their sites (or mine!) are perfect, but these 10 stand out for what they do RIGHT. Here they are, in alphabetical order:
Ambiance, Pittsburgh PA
Why? Neat and clean layout and an easy-to-follow arrangement, almost no scrolling required.
Baja Rosi’s Consignment Cabana, Langford, BC, Canada
Why? The ultimate “branding” experience…you can’t have a bad time at this shop, is what the site promises.
Belle Grande, Charlotte MI
Why? Picture of the shop, first thing you see. Consistent theme (her polka dots!) throughout. Font style well-chosen to match her colors and theme.
Danberry Dress Agency, Danbury, Essex, UK
Why? Simple design, all the bases covered but quick and easy.
Fashion Re-View Fairless Hills PA
Why? Short and sweet. Almost all the info is above the fold, so very little will be missed by the viewer.
Prima Donna’s Closet, New Orleans LA
Why? Again, contained within the screen size of most viewers. The price-tag shape is subtle but there, and the changing photos of models “keep your place” as you explore the site.
Red Umbrella, Petaluma CA
Why? There are pictures of the shop interior, sample merchandise, the owners, and the exterior of the shop.
Wear It Again Sam, Rapid City SD
Why? The site’s as fun and colorful as the shop. The staff is introduced. And take a look at the merchandise photos in their “gallery”!
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
Here’s my pick: http://consignndesign.com/. Consign N Design’s website displays in-store inventory that’s always up to date, neatly categorized, and new items appear on their Facebook page, too. Customers can even book appointments online and sign up for the email list, all from the site. Yes, I’m a little biased, since I did build this site for Mae, the owner, but I think it definitely stacks up to the competition!
[…] And here’s the 2008 batch. […]
[…] inspiration for your site? Take a look at what I think are the 10 best sites… that is, the most effective sites for brick-&-mortar resalers, cruise the web on your […]
Already checked it out. Wonderful site. Put one of ur banners on my website, http://www.frugalfinery.com. thanks!
Hi Ms. Kate:
I’m a consignment consultant (I made up the term) where I help customers dress their best for less through my blog, articles, an ebook, tips booklets, etc. I enjoy your blog and hopefully my webmaster will be putting up one of your free sponsor links on my website this weekend.
I’m interested in promoting the do’s and don’ts of owning a consignment biz, as well as the do’s and don’ts of dressing for Plus sizes. Do you find that people are interested in learning about dressing for less on consignment or are people more interested in owning businesses? Any advice or comments on the online market for those who want to educate the public? What age groups are you finding who’re the most interested?
Hi Wendy, Sounds like you might be interested in TGtbT.com’s sister-site, the consumer-oriented http://HowToConsign.com which has articles on dressing and furnishing the home for less, back-to-school shopping tips, and much more…as well as our Clickable Map & Directory to the professional resale shops of this continent and beyond!
Straight from Kate on Twitter:
@nlgalleries Yr site looks great. MayB shd add to 10 Best http://bit.ly/TY1vk6:19 PM Jun 22nd from web in reply to nlgalleries
So… is this a nomination?
Next time I do a round-up, your name’ll sure be in there….remind me if I forget!
Working now on some other top 10 lists (doncha love em)…keep an eye out at Sharing at TGtbT.com for them!
[…] their web site. Amazing, how many shops don’t. Why, only 3 of the shops I selected as “The 10 Best Consignment/Resale Shop Web Sites” even have a […]
Thank you for making me take a new look at my website. I have done all the work on it and spent the last day and a half making some needed changes. Still working and learning.
Melissa
Hi Darlene,
I met you as well at a NARTS Conference or two… you had a great write-up in one of your local media as I remember! Nice to see your new site, and you’ve taken great care with your interior shots…they (and the merchandise!) look fabulous! Thanks for visiting my blog.
I would like to nominate our website, http://www.Sweetwatercollection.com. Our website was launched in July. Our customers and new consignors just love our site.
We are thrilled when new customers come in dressed head-to-toe with items they have previously purchased. They are your best advertisement!
Kate, you have been so helpful, I am one of your most faithul students………you are a jewel! I would love to get your feedback.
We are now in the process of launching our E-commerce store this month. I just hired a new employee to grow and mange this business.
Hi Joyce! I remember you…we were bus buddies at NARTS one year…you had a terrific “greeting card” style handout. Nice to hear from you again.
Your site is certainly comprehensive, as much so as your shop seems to be….but I can’t help but be curious: how many formal gowns do you rent for court appearances? (Of, I GET it…court as in royalty, not court as in justice?!?)
Would love to have my store selected as one of your best, Because my store is a specialty consignment store that would be interesting, and because it is a very informative and elegant site, I think.
Keep up the good Kate.
Thanks Kitty! Your shop’s site is certainly colorful and professionally done. I especially like that you have most of the photos I consider mandatory for a retail location: The outside of the shop, and a “placement” photo, which is often, and in your case!) the roadside signage, so both “strangers” and “gee-I’ve-noticed-that -but-never-been-in” shoppers can place you on their mental maps. Having a job app on-site’s also, I’m sure, handy. Thanks for participating!
I would like to nominate our website as we get a lot of compliments from customers on it so we must be doing something right.
Yes, I love The White Elephant as well… but since Cynthia, who owns the shops with her sister Leslie, is a friend of mine, I didn’t want to be accused of favoritism!
Now if I could only figure out how to get over to Virginia to see the shops in PERSON 😉
http://www.whitelephant.com
I’ve spent the past 1/2 hour on this website – I LOVE it!
A few of these sites gave me some good marketing ideas! And since we’re on the pick me streak . . . I’d also like to offer up my site http://www.BlesstheChild.net . I’ts in the beginning stages because the store opens next week but it’s still a very nice beginning.
I enjoyed viewing the resale shop sites on your list. Very impressive list! Of course I would like to nominate my site to be added to your list. Why? Because it contains all the info. a consignor or shopper needs to know and there are lots of photos! Check it out and see if you agree.
The Closet Exchange, Needham, MA
http://www.closetexchange.com/index.html
I’ve had this site on my favorites for quite some time. They’ve covered all the bases and address every topic imaginable. The site is very easy to navigate. Not a lot of scrolling or having to hit the back button. I like the drop down menus at the top and the menu remains at the top no matter where you go on the site. Very well organized and thought out website. The only ‘minus’ is when you go to shop online there’s nothing there. But maybe it’s a new feature and they’re working on it.
Thanks for showing us what really nice websites look like.
For so long I wanted to simplify our site and finally completed it tonight and when I saw the mentioned sites I knew I was in the right direction.
Our site is not perfect but it is simpler, less wordy and cluttered
I would love to add some pictures but I find it easier to add them to our blog instead as well as any updates about the shop I think having a blog enhances the site by giving the browser more to look at plus it keeps the site uncluttered and fresh
Patricia
http;//www.oncorehome.com