Consignment Shops: it is Not Used Clothing, it is Vintage Clothing!

The stigma attached to buying used clothing is long gone. Browsing consignment shops for vintage clothing is the pastime of not just the frugal, but also the fashionable. Finding that special designer dress from a certain era is now the subject of magazine articles and television shows.

The first rule of shopping in consignment shops is to set aside time to shop unhurried. It is a "hunt" of sorts; relax and enjoy the experience. You should have an open mind regarding what you will find. Consignment shopping is more suited to this approach than the targeted shopping that you might normally do.

As you peruse the racks, keep your eyes tuned to find designer brands in vintage clothing or new items that still have the original tags. Be sure that you closely inspect the garment for holes, tears, stains, missing buttons, or busted seams. (It actually is used clothing, most of the time.) Unlike a thrift store, consignment shops usually inspect garments as they receive them, however, they can miss a small flaw. This may not necessarily be a deal breaker, but you need to know what you are buying.

One of the most important concerns when shopping for used clothing in any venue is size. You cannot rely on the accuracy of the size on the tag or label in the garment. These items may have been laundered many times, and the size no longer indicates the original fit of the garment. Clothing by different designers fits differently anyway, and it is always a good idea to try the garment on before purchasing. Usually, there are no returns at these type shops.

When you are heading out to consignment shops, do not forget to bring cash. Unless you shop there frequently, most of these stores only accept cash. They are usually small, and are not equipped to handle plastic or to accept checks.

If you want to save even more money, you should bring along items to "consign" or sell to the owner of the store for credit on your purchase. Usually, the amount you are given in a store credit toward a purchase is more than what you would get from a cash sale.

If you develop a relationship with the owner or an employee of a consignment shop, you can benefit by their ability to keep an eye out for your size in your favorite brands and styles. It is like having your own personal shopper.