Auntie Kate The Resale Expert

Christina and Holly are very happy franchisees. Even if you don’t think this is the route you want to take,

it’s interesting to note several things:

Both women estimate that they spend a few hours a week, year round, nurturing their sale. For example, the giant size rings were an “off-season” project (click the photo to see a close-up). And the plywood “bridges” that greatly increase the shoe shelf space on those inexpensive plastic shelving units  (see photo below) was probably another weekend’s work. Of course, as sale time approaches twice a year, they’re working dawn to dusk…but it’s not a day in/day out slog, so they have fun doing it.

Clever...and packable!... way to keep shoppers from running into the rack supports.

Expanding their lines: Christina’s and Holly’s sale included several not-quite-kids categories which interested me: They encouraged the consigning of craft supplies and of “giftables”… both things that mothers would be interested in but which are not directly connected to maternal concerns.

Note: I have noticed other sales trying to expand their offerings past just  kidswear and encountering resistance from the moms.

Another clever, and storable, solution that year-round shops could use for clearance sale time:

Could you be a franchisee? Holly and Christina were very pleased with their business so far.

They said that the royalties they pay are well-invested by the franchise company in software and website improvements, and they feel well-supported and -trained.

Takeaways: Here’s the helpful points

that I came back home with and told my favorite resalers about:

• Having the consignor actually pick up a pen and physically fill in the pick-up date that she is responsible for observing (I’d have her initial as well that she relinquishes ownership of the goods after that date/time.) This is something any business which wishes to emphasize the pickup date could put into effect today.
• Adding a higher tier of service, such as the seasonal sales’ “valet tagging” or “concierge consigning” for those potential consignors who would willingly exchange your effort for their monetary return. How does this translate to year-round shops? In a way, many shops do something like this, e.g. charging the consignor’s account for needed steaming. But approaching it from a positive and WIIFM angle, and calling it by a luxe name, will make your best consignors feel cherished and treasured. Throw in pick-up for these folks, and I’m betting you’ll attract just the consignors you most want: those too busy/overachieving  to fuss with, or about, it.
• Offering a department (such as craft supplies) that would appeal to your target market, even though it has nothing specifically to do with your merchandise mix. Why shouldn’t a kidswear shop offer a Mom’s Delights department with items like scented candles, bath toiletry kits, or other little hostess gifts or self-treats? Why wouldn’t a designer shop offer unusual hosiery or manicure kits?
• And finally, the volunteers. Wouldn’t you love to have some of these, especially for special projects in your shop? Here’s a NFP that makes their volunteers feel special…bet you could, too!

Join our Fashion Boards
To maximize the good work for Working Wardrobes clients, each Hanger boutique is staffed by a dedicated team of fun, enthusiastic volunteers in addition to a full time paid manager. If you love fashion and shopping, become a Fashion Board member! You’ll use your shopping savvy to increase sales, build your social network and support a terrific cause.

Fashion Board opportunities include:
Cashiers
Girls’ Nite Out Coordinators
Greeters
Marketing / PR outreach
Merchandisers
Personal shoppers

I hope you’ve enjoyed my little field trip and that it inspires you to explore all avenues to success for your shop. Interested in learning more? Do a search for seasonal sales on the Internet and take notes on aspects that interest you and which might be adaptable for your shop. Treasured Sponsors of HowToConsign.com are invited to email me for a clickable list of the best of these sites.

And one last time, a heartfelt thank-you to the ladies of Just Between Friends sale for their welcome and generosity!