Consign @ 5th: How to Sell Your Clothes on Consignment in Charleston

What Consign @ 5th does and how it works

Consign @ 5th is a consignment shop on King Street in Charleston where you bring clothes, shoes, and accessories you no longer wear, and the store sells them on your behalf. You split the proceeds with the shop—typically 50/50, though terms can vary by item category. You do not get paid upfront; instead, you receive payment once your item sells, usually within 30 to 90 days depending on the shop's standard timeline.

The process is straightforward: bring clean, gently worn items to the shop during business hours. A staff member reviews what you've brought, decides which pieces fit the store's aesthetic and current inventory needs, and tags the ones they accept. Items that don't make the cut are returned to you the same day or within a few days. Once your consigned pieces sell, you can pick up your payment in person or request a check by mail.

Key Takeaways

• Consign @ 5th accepts clothing, shoes, and accessories in good condition and splits the sale price with you when items sell.
• You do not receive payment until your item sells, which typically happens within 30 to 90 days.
• The shop is located on King Street in Charleston and operates during standard retail hours.
• Items the shop declines are returned to you within a few days, so you can take them elsewhere if needed.
• Bringing clean, well-maintained pieces in current styles increases the likelihood the shop will accept them.

What items the shop accepts

Consign @ 5th focuses on contemporary clothing, vintage pieces, designer brands, and accessories that appeal to Charleston shoppers. The store tends to accept well-made items in current or classic styles—think quality jeans, blazers, dresses, handbags, and shoes from recognizable brands. Vintage and secondhand designer pieces are particularly welcome, especially if they are in excellent condition.

Items should be clean, free of stains or damage, and ready to wear. Worn-out seams, broken zippers, missing buttons, or fading significantly reduce the chance the shop will take them. Seasonal items sell better during their relevant season, so timing your consignment matters—bring winter coats in fall, not summer.

Preparing your items for consignment

Before you visit, wash or dry-clean anything that needs it. Consign @ 5th staff will inspect each piece, and dirty or musty-smelling clothing will be rejected. Check zippers, buttons, and seams to make sure everything works. If a button is loose, sew it back on; if a seam is coming apart, have it repaired. Small fixes take minutes and make the difference between acceptance and rejection.

Bring items on hangers if possible, or fold them neatly. Include any original tags or documentation if you have them—a designer label or authenticity card adds value. Organize your pieces by category (tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear) so the staff can review them efficiently. The more organized you are, the faster the process moves.

Payment and pickup timeline

Once the shop accepts your items, they are typically priced and placed on the floor within a few days. Payment happens only after a piece sells. Most consignment shops, including Consign @ 5th, hold your payment for a set period—often 30 to 90 days—to allow time for items to move. After that window, unsold items are usually returned to you or donated, depending on the shop's policy.

You can check on your consignment status by visiting the shop or calling ahead. When your items sell, you will be notified, and you can pick up your payment in person or request it by mail. Some shops offer store credit as an alternative to cash, which may pay out at a slightly higher percentage.

Why consignment makes sense for Charleston shoppers

Consignment is popular in Charleston because the city has a strong culture of quality vintage and secondhand shopping, and King Street attracts both locals and tourists looking for unique pieces. Selling through a consignment shop means your clothes reach buyers actively seeking that style, rather than sitting in a closet or getting lost in an online marketplace. The shop handles pricing, display, and customer interaction for you.

For buyers, consignment shops offer access to designer and vintage pieces at lower prices than retail. For sellers, consignment is a way to recoup some cost from clothes you no longer wear without the effort of photographing, listing, and shipping items yourself. It works best if you have quality pieces and patience—consignment is not a fast way to make money, but it is a low-effort way to clear your closet and earn something back.

Alternatives if Consign @ 5th is not the right fit

If you prefer faster payment or have items the shop declines, other options exist. Online consignment platforms like Poshmark, Depop, and Vestiaire Collective let you list items yourself and keep a larger percentage, though you handle shipping and customer service. Local thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army accept donations year-round and offer a tax deduction, though you receive no payment. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you sell directly to buyers in Charleston, giving you full control over price and payment timing.

Some consignment shops specialize in specific categories—vintage-only, designer-only, or plus-size—so if your items do not fit Consign @ 5th's focus, another local shop might be a better match. Ask the staff at Consign @ 5th for recommendations if they decline your pieces; they often know other shops in the area that might accept them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much of the sale price do I get to keep?

Most consignment shops split the sale price 50/50 with the seller, though some offer different percentages for high-end designer items or vintage pieces. Ask Consign @ 5th about their specific breakdown when you bring in your items, as terms can vary by category or season.

What happens to items that don't sell?

Unsold items are typically returned to you after 30 to 90 days, depending on the shop's policy. Contact Consign @ 5th ahead of time to confirm their timeline and whether you need to pick items up or if they will hold them for you.

Can I consign items with minor damage, like a small stain?

Minor wear is usually acceptable, but visible stains, holes, or broken zippers typically result in rejection. The shop wants items ready to sell without repair. If you are unsure, bring the piece in and let the staff decide—they may accept it if the damage is truly minor and the item is otherwise desirable.

How do I know if my items sold?

Contact the shop directly by phone or visit in person to check on your consignment status. Some shops send notifications when items sell; ask Consign @ 5th whether they offer email or text updates so you know when to pick up your payment.

Is consignment better than selling online?

Consignment is easier if you dislike photographing, listing, and shipping items. Online platforms give you a larger cut and faster payment but require more work on your end. Choose based on how much time you want to spend and how quickly you need the money.