Yesterday, we discussed (well, I discussed…have you added your thoughts there yet?) 5 things your consignor won’t tell you.
Now, 5 things your NON-consignor won’t tell you.
Ever wonder why some folks decline to use your consignment services? Shy away from selling to your buy-outright shop? Even (gasp!) throw perfectly-good things away rather than donating them to your charitable-cause thrift store? Here’s the top 5.
Too much hassle. With all those “don’t”s and noes, and those rules and limitations, why should I give them my stuff to sell? Sounds like they want me to toe some line of theirs.
I won’t get a fair return, so I’d rather get nothing at all. I saw a coat just like Little Johnnie’s there priced at $4. Rather than let my items go for so little in return, I’ll just store it away. I might use it someday.
I’ll be embarrassed if they refuse my stuff. Someone told me how snobby they were and how they didn’t take half of what she brought in. I’d just DIE to have some stranger pass judgment on my taste.
My stuff’s too good for their clientele. I looked around and they don’t have any of the brands I buy. Guess they don’t know their St. John from their St. John’s Bay. Obviously, they don’t attract the quality customer.
My neighbors will think I need the money. Wouldn’t THAT be embarrassing. After all, the only reason to sell your old possessions is to make money. Isn’t it?
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
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I agree with these. Making it as easy as possible for people to bring their items to you will get more items coming in your store. We don’t do appointments. We used to but it became such a hassle follwing up with people that it was costing us money just to get people in at the right time. It turned out, the right time is whenever they want to bring it to us. Do we get swamped? Some days, but we simply explain we are slammed and will call them as soon as we finish sorting their items (which will be by the next day, at latest). Almost everyone has a cell phone now so it is very easy to reach them.
To avoid embarassing someone, just say, “These are things that won’t work for us today”. That puts it on you, not them and they won’t feel attacked.
Thinking their things are too good for your store or that they won’t get a fair return depends on the person and what you display in your store. People tend to bring in the kinds of things they see in your store. If they value their items more than you can sell them for, there’s not much you can do to help them. We had a lady yesterday who brought in two Ed Hardy bags, saying she had seen them on Ebay for $30 each. When I looked carefully at the tags, they said “Free with purchase of perfume”. I explained to her it will be very difficult for anyone to get $30 for an item given out free this past Christmas.
For those who worry about what their neighbors say, explain what smart consumers their neighbors are by recycling themselves.