How Consign It Works and What to Expect When You Sell There

What Consign It Is and How It Operates

Consign It is a consignment shop in South Carolina where you bring items you no longer wear or use, and the store sells them on your behalf. You don't get paid upfront. Instead, when an item sells, Consign It takes a percentage—typically 40 to 60 percent depending on the item category—and you receive the remainder. The store keeps your unsold items for a set period, usually 60 to 90 days, then returns them to you or donates them if you don't pick them up.

Consignment works differently from selling outright or trading in. You're not handing over ownership immediately. The store is acting as your sales agent, displaying your items in their physical location and handling the transaction when a customer buys. This model appeals to people who want to clear closets without the effort of listing items online or sitting at a yard sale, and to budget-conscious shoppers looking for brand-name clothing and goods at lower prices.

The specific terms—commission rate, holding period, what categories they accept—vary by location and can change. Before you bring anything in, contact the store directly or check their current policies, because what worked last season may have shifted.

Key Takeaways

• Consign It pays you only after an item sells, taking a percentage commission and sending you the rest, so you won't receive money on the day you drop off your goods.
• Items typically stay in the store for 60 to 90 days; if they don't sell in that window, you must retrieve them or they may be donated.
• The store accepts certain categories of clothing and goods—usually brand-name, gently used items in current styles—so not everything in your closet will be taken.
• You'll need to know the original retail price and condition of each item, and items must be clean, undamaged, and free of stains or odors.
• Payment comes by check, store credit, or direct deposit depending on the location, and you should confirm the payment method before you consign.

What Items Consign It Accepts

Consign It focuses on gently used clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories—primarily brand-name items and designer pieces that appeal to secondhand shoppers. They typically accept women's and men's clothing in current or recent styles, though exact categories shift based on what's selling and what the store has room for.

Items must be clean, free of stains, tears, or odors, and in condition you'd be comfortable wearing yourself. A faded logo or slight pilling may disqualify a piece. Consign It generally does not accept items with broken zippers, missing buttons, or visible wear unless the piece is high-end enough to justify repair. Seasonal items (winter coats in summer, for example) may be accepted but could take longer to sell.

Before you gather a pile, call the store or check their website to confirm what they're currently buying. Trends change, inventory fills up, and some locations may not accept certain categories at a given time. Bringing in items they don't want wastes your time and theirs.

How to Prepare Items for Consignment

Clean everything before you bring it in. Wash or dry-clean clothing, wipe down shoes and bags, and remove lint or debris. The store will inspect each piece, and visible dirt or odor is grounds for rejection. If an item needs dry cleaning, do it yourself—don't expect Consign It to clean it for you.

Know the original retail price of each item if possible. Check the tag or look up the brand online; this helps the store price it fairly and shows you've been honest about what you're consigning. Bring items on hangers when you can, or fold them neatly. Remove any personal items from pockets and bags.

Organize your items by category (tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, accessories) so the intake process moves faster. The store will likely ask you to sign a consignment agreement listing what you're leaving, the price you think each item is worth, and the date you're dropping it off. Keep a copy for your records so you know when the 60- to 90-day window ends.

Understanding Commission Rates and Payment

Consign It's commission structure typically ranges from 40 to 60 percent, meaning the store keeps that share and you receive the rest. A $100 dress that sells might net you $40 to $60, depending on the category and the store's current terms. Higher-end designer items sometimes have lower commission rates (the store takes less) because they're easier to sell; basics or slower-moving categories may have higher rates.

Ask about the commission breakdown before you consign. Some stores charge different rates for different categories—clothing might be 50 percent, shoes 40 percent, accessories 60 percent. Knowing this upfront helps you decide whether consignment makes sense for your items or whether you'd rather donate or sell elsewhere.

Payment typically arrives by check mailed to your address, though some locations offer store credit (which you can use to buy from their inventory) or direct deposit if you provide banking details. Confirm the payment method and timeline when you drop off your items. Most stores pay monthly or when your total reaches a minimum threshold, like $10 or $25.

What Happens If Items Don't Sell

If an item doesn't sell within the consignment period—usually 60 to 90 days—you must pick it up by a specific date or it may be donated to charity. The store will typically notify you by phone, email, or text when the deadline approaches, but it's your responsibility to track the calendar and retrieve your goods on time.

Some stores offer the option to extend the consignment period for items that are close to selling or that you'd prefer not to take back. Ask about this policy when you drop off your items. If you can't pick up unsold pieces by the deadline, confirm what happens—whether they're donated, discarded, or held for a small fee.

Keep the consignment agreement and any receipts or notifications from the store. If a dispute arises about what was left or when the deadline was, you'll have documentation to reference.

Comparing Consignment to Other Secondhand Options

Consignment differs from donation, online resale, and trade-in programs. When you donate to Goodwill or the Salvation Army, you get a tax deduction but no money. Online platforms like Poshmark or Depop let you set your own price and keep more of the sale, but you handle shipping and customer service. Trade-in programs at some retailers give you immediate store credit but typically offer less money than consignment.

Consignment makes sense if you want someone else to handle the sale, don't need money immediately, and have items that appeal to local shoppers. It's slower than selling online but faster than waiting for a yard sale, and you don't have to photograph, list, or ship anything. The tradeoff is that you give up control over pricing and accept that some items won't sell.

If you need cash quickly, online resale or a trade-in program may work better. If you want the easiest path and don't mind waiting weeks or months, consignment is a low-effort option.

Tips for Success at Consign It

Bring in items during the right season. Winter coats sell better in fall and early winter; summer dresses move in spring and summer. Consign It may not accept off-season items, or they may sit unsold and take up valuable shelf space. Plan your drops accordingly.

Focus on quality over quantity. Five well-maintained designer pieces are more likely to sell than twenty worn basics. The store has limited space, so they're selective about what they take. Bring your best items and save the rest for donation or the trash.

Check in on your items occasionally if the store allows it. Seeing what's selling and what's not helps you understand what works in your local market. If something hasn't moved after 30 days, you might ask the store to adjust the price or you might decide to pick it up early and try another route.

Be realistic about pricing. The store will price items based on condition, brand, and current demand, not on what you paid. A $200 sweater from five years ago might price at $30 if the style is dated. Accept that secondhand items are worth less than retail, and consignment rates reflect that.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get paid after something sells?

Payment timing varies by store. Most Consign It locations pay monthly or when your balance reaches a minimum amount. Ask when you drop off your items whether payment comes at the end of each month, quarterly, or when you hit a threshold like $25. Some stores mail checks; others offer direct deposit or store credit, which is faster.

Can I lower the price of my items if they're not selling?

Policies differ. Some stores allow you to request a price adjustment if an item isn't moving; others set the price and don't change it. Contact the store directly if you want to lower a price. They may be willing to work with you to move inventory, especially as the end of the consignment period approaches.

What if I want to pick up my unsold items early?

Most stores allow you to retrieve items before the 60- or 90-day deadline. Call ahead to confirm they're still there and to arrange a pickup time. Don't wait until the last day of the consignment period, because the store may have already processed returns or donations.

Do I need to bring a receipt or proof of purchase?

No. Consign It doesn't require receipts. They evaluate items based on condition, brand, and current market value, not on what you paid. Knowing the original retail price helps, but it's not mandatory. The store's assessment of condition and sellability is what matters.

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

Most consignment stores prefer items you've owned and worn, not pieces you bought secondhand elsewhere. Ask the store directly, but expect them to decline items that show signs of previous heavy use or that came from another thrift or consignment location. They want inventory they can stand behind as gently used.