Now Living Debt Free

Those of us here at Now Living Debt Free are always on the lookout for good articles about Living Frugally.  We recently came across the article below about frugal living and selling on consignment, and thought that our readers might enjoy it also.  Here’s the article:

Frugal Living - Five Must Do’s Before Consigning Your Stuff
By Wendy Komancheck

Reselling your clothes, toys, books, DVD’s, and household goods saves you time and earns you money at the same time. You save time because you don’t have to hold a yard sale, put the stuff on eBay, or try to give it away to others. Basically, you clean out your closets and drawers for clothes that don’t fit or you don’t want anymore. Then, you make an appointment with your favorite resale stores where you can earn store credit or check for the amount agreed between you and the store owner. Yet, you need to do five other steps before you drop off your things with the resale owner.

1. Make sure all your goods are saleable. Make sure that your clothing, toys, and such are updated enough to sell. For example, if you have blouses and skirts from the 1990’s, you may not do well at your local thrifty. Why? Because many folks will consider it outdated. Then, again, maybe not. So you need to use your judgment. A quick way to decide if your clothes are saleable: Would you buy them if you were in the market for blouses and skirts?

Also, remember that car seats, baby cribs, and other baby items are not saleable-even non-profits won’t accept these items due to recalls and other defects of the products once they’ve been used.

2. Make sure your items are clean and fresh. If you always put clean clothes in closets and drawers, then all you need to do is get a dryer sheet and throw the clothes in the dryer for 20 minutes. I recommend unscented dryer sheets to avoid allegoric reactions and from turning people off from perfumes. If you wear clothes two times or more, then you’re going to need to wash and dry the clothes that you plan on selling.

3. Make sure that your saleable items are gently used, preferably like new. That doesn’t mean that your clothes have to have the tags on them; although those are usually hot sellers. But your clothes shouldn’t have holes or tears; the zippers should work; and all of the buttons sewn on tightly. Additionally, your clothing should be free of stains and not smell musty or dirty.

The same with your toys: Make sure all the game parts and puzzle pieces are there. Also, include the directions to all games, puzzles, and crafts. Make sure toys are clean and not rusty. Books should have covers and no torn pages. DVDs and CD’s shouldn’t be scratched and should be in their original covers.

4. Know thy seller. Are you going to a reputable consignment shop? Have you ever bought clothing and other items from this store owner? How fair are they in their prices? Shop with the resale store a few times and get to know the owner. Then, you can decide whether you and the seller will make a great team.

5. You’ve cleaned your clothes or freshened them in the dryer. You’ve organized everything and made sure that they’re saleable. So what’s next? Call and make an appointment with your seller. Make a list of questions, such as how much will you make per article of clothing? How would he like the clothes arranged-on hangers or folded in a box? How long is the contract for? When does she have available appointments?

And, by the way, there should be a contract that answers all of these questions. The resale shop that I consign with has me sign a contract-which the owner also signs. It states the dates that my clothes will be on sale and when the consignment ends. It also outlines her expectations of the items that she takes in. For example, she forbids vulgar and profane pictures on clothes. Additionally, she offers store credit or a check. And if I want her to cut me a check, I need to request at the end of my contract. And everything works out.

Shopping and selling via resale stores is not just a money-saving technique to use during economic downturns. It’s a pragmatic habit to build your income without taking a lot of time from your busy schedule.

Komancheck has been shopping at consignment shops since she was a teenager when she bought her first pair of Calvin Klein jeans. You can learn more by downloading the free e-course called 5 Days to Finding Your Style at http://www.frugalfinery.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wendy_Komancheck
http://EzineArticles.com/?Frugal-Living—Five-Must-Dos-Before-Consigning-Your-Stuff&id=2476080

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