Radical Rags: A Children's Consignment Shop in Columbia

What Radical Rags Offers

Radical Rags is a consignment shop in Columbia that buys and sells gently used children's clothing, shoes, and accessories. You bring in items your child has outgrown, the shop prices them, and you receive a percentage of the sale price when someone buys them. At the same time, you can browse racks of secondhand clothes from other families at a fraction of retail cost.

The shop handles both sides of the transaction: consigners drop off clean, in-season clothing and receive payment when pieces sell. Shoppers find brand-name items—everything from everyday wear to special occasion outfits—at significantly lower prices than new. Because children grow quickly, consignment makes financial sense for families cycling through multiple sizes in a single year.

Key Takeaways

• Radical Rags accepts gently used children's clothing on consignment and pays you a percentage when items sell.
• The shop stocks current-season, clean clothing in good condition; items with stains, tears, or odors are typically rejected.
• Consignment periods usually last 60 to 90 days, after which unsold items are either returned to you or donated.
• Shopping at Radical Rags lets you buy quality children's clothes at roughly 40 to 60 percent below retail prices.

How Consignment Works at Radical Rags

To consign clothing, bring clean, unwrinkled items to the shop during business hours. Staff will inspect each piece for stains, tears, fading, pilling, or odors. Items must be in condition you would buy for your own child. Seasonal timing matters: bring winter coats in fall, summer dresses in spring, and school uniforms year-round.

Once accepted, the shop tags your items and displays them on the sales floor. You receive a consignment receipt with a list of what was accepted. When an item sells, Radical Rags takes a percentage (typically 40 to 50 percent of the sale price) and you receive the remainder. Payment is usually issued at the end of the consignment period or when you request it, depending on the shop's policy.

Unsold items are returned to you at the end of the consignment period—usually 60 to 90 days—or you can authorize the shop to donate them. Check your receipt for the exact end date so you know when to pick up or retrieve payment.

What Radical Rags Accepts and Rejects

Radical Rags accepts clothing in current or recent seasons, typically sizes newborn through teen. Brand names and quality matter less than condition: a well-made hand-me-down from a family member works just as well as a department store purchase. The shop looks for items that are clean, stain-free, and free of odors like smoke or mildew.

Items are rejected if they show visible wear: permanent stains, holes, broken zippers, missing buttons, or fading. Clothing that smells of perfume, detergent, or smoke is also turned away. Undergarments, swimsuits, and items with recalls are typically not accepted for resale. Ask staff about specific items if you are unsure—they can tell you on the spot whether something meets their standards.

Shopping at Radical Rags

As a shopper, you browse racks organized by size and sometimes by type (pants, dresses, outerwear). Prices vary based on brand, condition, and original retail value, but most items cost 40 to 60 percent less than new. A dress that sold for $40 new might be priced at $12 to $16. Seasonal clearance sometimes offers deeper discounts on out-of-season stock.

Radical Rags receives new inventory regularly as consigners drop off items, so the selection changes frequently. If you are looking for something specific—a particular size, brand, or style—visiting multiple times or asking staff when new shipments arrive can help. Many families make Radical Rags part of their regular shopping routine, checking in monthly or seasonally.

Location and Hours

Radical Rags is located in Columbia. Before visiting, confirm the current address and hours on their website or by calling ahead, as retail locations sometimes relocate or adjust their schedules. The shop is typically open during standard retail hours, though consignment drop-off and pickup may have specific windows.

If you are new to consignment, staff can walk you through the process on your first visit. Bring your items clean and ready to inspect, and have a sense of what you are hoping to receive—some consigners aim for cash, while others are mainly interested in shopping credits or discounts on their own purchases.

Why Families Choose Consignment

Children outgrow clothing within months, making consignment a practical way to recoup some of that cost. A family with multiple children can pass items down, but consignment turns clothes that do not fit into cash or store credit. For budget-conscious parents, shopping consignment means buying more for less—your child gets variety and quality without the price tag of new retail.

Consignment also reduces waste. Clothing that would otherwise sit in a closet or end up in a donation bin gets a second life with another family. For parents who want to teach children about sustainability and resourcefulness, shopping secondhand is a visible way to do that.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money will I make consigning clothes?

That depends on the brand, condition, and original price of each item. A $60 winter coat might bring $15 to $25 when consigned; a $20 shirt might bring $5 to $8. Radical Rags typically takes 40 to 50 percent of the sale price, so you receive the rest. Not all items sell, so plan to pick up unsold pieces at the end of the consignment period.

Can I consign items from thrift stores or other secondhand shops?

Most consignment shops, including Radical Rags, prefer items that came directly from the original owner or family. Clothing that has already been resold elsewhere may show wear that is harder to spot. Ask staff if you have questions about a specific item's history.

What happens if my consigned items do not sell?

At the end of the consignment period—usually 60 to 90 days—you can pick up unsold items, or you can authorize Radical Rags to donate them on your behalf. Check your receipt for the exact end date. Some consigners choose to donate rather than store items they did not sell.

Do you offer store credit instead of cash?

Many consignment shops offer a higher percentage if you take store credit instead of cash. Ask Radical Rags whether this option is available and what the difference in payout would be. Store credit can be a good choice if you plan to shop there regularly.

What is the best time of year to consign children's clothes?

Bring seasonal items at the start of that season: winter coats in August or September, summer clothes in April or May. School uniforms and basics sell year-round. Avoid consigning out-of-season items, as they are less likely to sell during the consignment period.