If you’ve ever looked at your closet and thought, “I need to clear out some clothes,” you’re not alone! Whether you want to make some extra money, reduce clutter, or update your style, selling your gently used clothes can be a smart move. But when it comes to getting rid of your clothing, you have two main options: consigning your clothes or selling them outright. Both have their pros and cons, and understanding the difference can help you choose the best route for your needs.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what consigning and selling outright mean, explore their benefits and drawbacks, and share tips on how to succeed with both.
What Does It Mean to Sell Clothing Outright?
When you sell your clothing outright, you are transferring ownership immediately. This means you sell your items directly to a buyer—whether it’s a secondhand store, an online marketplace like eBay or Poshmark, or even at a yard sale. Once the transaction is complete, you get paid on the spot, and the buyer takes full responsibility for the items.
Pros of Selling Outright
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Instant Payment: You get paid immediately without waiting for your clothes to sell.
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No Risk or Hassle After Sale: Once sold, the item is yours no longer, so you don’t worry about returns, disputes, or unsold items.
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Simplicity: The process is usually quicker and simpler than consignment.
Cons of Selling Outright
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Lower Payout: Because the buyer or store takes all the risk, you’ll usually get less money per item.
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More Work: You may need to handle listing, packaging, shipping, or dealing with buyers if selling online.
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Limited Audience: Selling to a single store or person may limit your options and price negotiation.
What Is Consigning Clothing?
Consignment is a slightly different process. Instead of selling your clothes directly, you “consign” them to a consignment store or platform. The store or platform then sells your items on your behalf. When your clothes sell, you get paid a percentage of the sale price. Until then, the clothes remain your property.
Pros of Consigning
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Potential for Higher Earnings: Since the store markets and sells your items, you often get a better price than selling outright.
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Less Effort: The store handles marketing, pricing, and customer service.
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Sustainable Shopping: Consignment promotes reuse and helps reduce waste.
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Try Before You Sell: You can get feedback and advice on what sells well.
Cons of Consigning
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Delayed Payment: You only get paid after your items sell, which can take time.
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Store Commission: The store keeps a portion of the sale price as their fee.
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No Guarantee of Sale: If your items don’t sell, you may need to pick them up or accept a lower price.
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Rules and Restrictions: Some stores have strict quality standards or brand requirements.
How to Decide Which Option Is Best for You
Choosing between consignment and selling outright depends on your priorities, timeline, and the types of clothes you want to part with.
Choose to Sell Outright If:
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You want quick cash and don’t want to wait.
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You have items that aren’t high-end or brand-name.
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You prefer a simple, one-step transaction.
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You don’t mind lower payouts in exchange for convenience.
Choose to Consign If:
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You have quality, gently used clothes, especially designer or trendy brands.
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You want to maximize your earnings.
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You’re patient and don’t mind waiting for the right buyer.
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You prefer the store to handle marketing and sales.
Tips for Selling Your Clothes Outright
If you decide to sell outright, here are some tips to get the best results:
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Research Prices: Look at similar items online to set realistic prices.
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Clean and Present: Wash or dry-clean your clothes and present them nicely.
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Take Quality Photos: If selling online, clear, well-lit photos help attract buyers.
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Be Honest About Condition: Disclose any flaws or wear to avoid returns.
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Bundle Items: Offer discounts on bundles to sell more quickly.
Tips for Consigning Clothes Successfully
If consignment sounds right for you, keep these pointers in mind:
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Choose the Right Store: Find a consignment store that matches your style and brand.
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Bring Quality Items: Consignment stores prioritize clean, gently worn, and current styles.
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Follow Store Policies: Understand the terms for pricing, payment, and unsold items.
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Be Patient: Sometimes it takes a little while for items to sell.
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Stay Engaged: Check in with the store periodically to see what’s selling and get feedback.
Why Consignment Is Growing in Popularity
More people are turning to consignment as a way to shop and sell sustainably. It reduces waste, supports local businesses, and makes designer and quality clothing accessible to more people. Plus, it feels great to know your clothes will get a second life and not end up in a landfill.
Final Thoughts
Both consigning and selling outright have their place, and the right choice depends on your goals. If you want quick cash and simplicity, selling outright might be best. But if you want to earn more, support sustainable shopping, and don’t mind a bit of a wait, consigning is a fantastic option.
At Mommy N Me Resale, we’re proud to offer both options to help you get the most from your wardrobe. Whether you want to consign or sell outright, we’re here to make the process easy and rewarding.
Ready to get started? Visit us today or contact us for more information about how we can help you turn your clothes into cash!