Ya know how you phrase things differently depending on the results you want?
Talking to your grandma about her heirloom cameo vs. talking to your spouse about cleaning up after the dog?
Some examples of consignment, resale, and thrift shop phrasing that could have been put in a more business-friendly manner.
Maybe this isn’t the best way to get the results you want: This shop has a page on their web site labeled Coupons & Specials. When you click through to that page, here’s what they tell you:
We currently have no coupons. Please check back regularly for new coupons and specials.
Maybe this would work better:
Every day is special at MyShop. We have at least X new items today that we didn’t have yesterday! Come find your treasure before someone else does!
Isn’t that a lot more motivating, not to mention friendly?
Instead of: A Facebook entry for a shop moving to a new location states:
this will be an opening to start accepting consignments, there WILL be merchandise for sale, but by no means is the store set up for “THE REAL THING!!!” however, we welcome you in to have a look and see what is happening
How about:
Come quick, help us decide how best to set up the new shop so you’ll LOVE it just as much as our original location! All comments welcome… bring a friend and be in on our earliest days!
Wouldn’t that angle gain you enthusiastic supporters, deLIGHTed to be “pioneers” in your new location?
Think twice about announcing a change like this:
…we will be extending our consignment hours…The objective is to cut down on the length of time an individual has to wait in line, which will also free up parking. It will also give those individuals who work an opportunity to consign during their lunch hour.
Instead, how about wording it with WIIFM in mind?
Now! More time to consign! No more waiting in line, no more struggling to find a parking space. Consign early, on your lunch hour, or in the afternoon…whenever is best for you!
Corporate-speak has no place in a retail store, especially when dealing with the folks who supply the merchandise. Do you really want your consignors to realize you think of them as “those individuals” instead of your partners in consigning?
Words matter. How you say something is as important, and maybe more important, than what you’re actually saying.
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
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