Uptown Cheapskate: Where to Shop and What to Expect

What Uptown Cheapskate is and where to find it in South Carolina

Uptown Cheapskate is a consignment chain that buys and sells used clothing, shoes, and accessories for men and women. The store takes items on consignment, meaning it accepts your gently worn pieces and pays you a percentage when they sell—typically 40 to 60 percent of the asking price, depending on the item and location. You keep the rest of your money until the store sells what you brought in.

South Carolina has Uptown Cheapskate locations in Charleston (King Street) and Columbia (Five Points area). Both stores operate as full consignment shops where you can both sell your own clothing and browse inventory from other consignors. The stores focus on contemporary and designer brands in good condition, so items need to be clean, undamaged, and in current or near-current style to be accepted.

Hours and exact addresses change, so call ahead or check the store's website before visiting. Consignment periods typically run 60 to 90 days—if your item doesn't sell in that window, you can pick it up or let the store donate it on your behalf.

Key Takeaways

• Uptown Cheapskate accepts gently worn clothing, shoes, and accessories on consignment and pays you a percentage when items sell.
• South Carolina locations are in Charleston on King Street and in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood.
• Items must be clean, undamaged, and in current or near-current style to be accepted for consignment.
• Consignment periods usually last 60 to 90 days, after which unsold items can be picked up or donated.
• Browsing the store costs nothing, and you can find designer and contemporary brands at a fraction of retail price.

How consignment works at Uptown Cheapskate

When you bring items to consign, staff will inspect them for condition, brand, style, and current demand. Not everything will be accepted—pieces must be free of stains, tears, pilling, or odors, and the store prioritizes recognizable brands and styles that move quickly. If your item is accepted, the store sets the price (usually 30 to 50 percent of what it originally cost new), and you receive that percentage when it sells.

You don't get paid upfront. Payment comes only after a customer purchases your item. Some locations offer store credit as an option, which may pay a slightly higher percentage than cash. Ask about this when you drop off your consignment.

If your item doesn't sell within the consignment period, you'll be notified. You can then pick it up, ask the store to lower the price and extend the period, or authorize the store to donate it. Many consignors choose donation to avoid a return trip.

What to bring and what won't be accepted

Uptown Cheapskate accepts clothing for men and women, including dresses, jeans, blazers, sweaters, and jackets. Shoes, belts, scarves, and handbags are also welcome. Seasonal items sell well—winter coats in fall, linen dresses in spring. Bring pieces that are in-season or approaching season for the best chance of acceptance.

The store does not accept activewear, swimwear, undergarments, items with visible wear or damage, fast-fashion brands with low resale value, or anything that smells of smoke or perfume. Vintage pieces are sometimes accepted depending on condition and style, but call ahead if you have vintage items you want to consign.

Bring items on hangers when possible, clean and ready to sell. If you're unsure whether something will be accepted, ask staff when you arrive—they can give you an immediate answer rather than you leaving items and waiting to hear back.

Shopping at Uptown Cheapskate as a buyer

Browsing is free, and you'll find clothing at roughly 40 to 60 percent below retail prices. The inventory changes constantly since new consignments arrive regularly and items sell throughout the week. If you're hunting for a specific brand or size, visiting multiple times increases your chances of finding what you want.

Sizes and styles vary widely because inventory comes from individual consignors rather than a single distributor. You might find designer jeans next to contemporary brands, or a vintage leather jacket alongside current-season pieces. This unpredictability is part of the appeal for many shoppers.

Return policies at consignment stores are typically stricter than retail. Most items are sold as-is, so inspect carefully before purchasing. Ask about the store's specific return window and conditions—some allow returns within a few days if tags are still attached, while others do not accept returns at all.

Pricing and payment methods

Prices are set by the store based on brand, condition, and current demand. A designer blazer might be priced at $40 to $60, while a basic sweater could be $8 to $15. Seasonal sales sometimes happen, particularly at the end of a season when the store wants to clear inventory to make room for new consignments.

Both locations accept cash and card. If you're consigning, ask whether they offer store credit as a payment option—some locations pay slightly more in store credit than cash, which can be useful if you plan to shop there regularly.

Visiting the Charleston and Columbia locations

The Charleston location sits on King Street in the downtown area, making it easy to combine with other shopping or dining nearby. Parking can be tight during peak hours, so consider visiting on a weekday morning or early afternoon if you prefer a less crowded experience.

The Columbia location is in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area with restaurants, coffee shops, and other retail. If you're consigning, allow 15 to 20 minutes for staff to review your items. If you're shopping, plan to spend at least 30 minutes browsing, though dedicated thrift shoppers often stay longer.

Both stores are independently run consignment locations, so policies and inventory differ slightly. If you're a regular consignor, building a relationship with staff can help—they'll remember your style preferences and may set aside items they think you'll like.

Tips for successful consigning

Bring items in good condition and in current style. Uptown Cheapskate moves inventory faster when pieces are on-trend, so avoid items that feel dated or worn. Clean everything before you bring it in—a quick wash or dry cleaning can be the difference between acceptance and rejection.

Consign seasonally. Winter coats sell better in September and October; summer dresses sell better in April and May. If you bring heavy winter items in July, they may sit unsold for months. Time your consignments to match the season.

Check in during the consignment period. If your item has been there for 30 days and hasn't sold, ask staff whether the price might be lowered. A small price drop can move inventory that's been sitting. If you're not hearing back about sales, a quick call or visit reminds staff that your items are there.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get paid for consigned items?

Payment comes only after a customer purchases your item, which can take anywhere from a few days to the full 60 to 90 day consignment period. You won't receive payment upfront. Some locations offer store credit as an alternative, which may pay a slightly higher percentage.

Can I consign items from brands like Target or H&M?

Most Uptown Cheapskate locations focus on recognizable mid-range and designer brands. Fast-fashion brands like Target and H&M are typically not accepted because they don't hold resale value well. Bring items from brands like J.Crew, Banana Republic, or designer labels for the best chance of acceptance.

What happens if my item doesn't sell?

You'll be contacted when the consignment period ends. You can pick up unsold items, ask the store to lower the price and extend the period, or authorize donation. Many consignors choose donation to avoid a return trip.

Do you accept vintage or secondhand designer items?

Vintage and designer pieces are sometimes accepted depending on condition, authenticity, and current demand. Call the store ahead of time if you have vintage or high-end items you want to consign—staff can tell you whether they're interested before you make the trip.

Is there a limit to how many items I can consign at once?

Limits vary by location and current inventory levels. Call ahead if you're planning to consign a large quantity. Staff can let you know whether they have space and how long review will take.