Leftovers Consignments in Charleston: What to Expect When You Sell or Shop

What Leftovers Consignments Does

Leftovers Consignments is a consignment shop in Charleston where you can sell used clothing, accessories, and home goods on commission, or browse inventory that other people have placed there. You bring items in, the shop displays them, and when something sells, you split the proceeds with the store. You don't need to price items yourself—the shop does that based on condition and current demand. If your items don't sell within a set timeframe, you pick them back up or the shop donates them.

The shop is located in Charleston's downtown area and operates as a traditional brick-and-mortar consignment space, not an online marketplace. This means you visit in person to drop off items, check on sales, and collect your earnings. The inventory changes regularly because consignment stock turns over as items sell and new pieces come in.

Key Takeaways

• Leftovers Consignments takes a percentage of the sale price when your items sell, so you receive a portion of the proceeds rather than the full amount.
• You must bring items in person to the shop's Charleston location and pick up unsold merchandise within the timeframe the shop specifies.
• The shop handles pricing, display, and sales, so you don't manage the listing or negotiate with buyers.
• Consignment works best for clothing, shoes, handbags, and home décor in good condition—items that appeal to Charleston's secondhand market.

How to Consign Items at Leftovers

Start by gathering items you want to consign and bringing them to the shop during business hours. Staff will review what you've brought to make sure pieces meet their standards—generally items should be clean, in good condition, and free of stains, tears, or significant wear. Trendy or designer pieces typically have better odds of selling quickly.

Once the shop accepts your items, they'll tag and price them. You'll receive a receipt listing what was consigned and the agreed-upon commission split. The shop will then display your items on the floor. You don't need to do anything else—just wait for sales to happen. When pieces sell, the shop records the transaction, and your earnings accumulate in an account with them.

Check in periodically to see how your items are selling. Most consignment shops hold unsold merchandise for 60 to 90 days before asking you to pick it up or authorizing donation. Confirm Leftovers' specific timeline when you drop off your items so you know when to return.

What Items Sell Best at Consignment Shops

Clothing in current styles and good condition moves fastest—think jeans, blazers, dresses, and seasonal pieces. Designer brands and recognizable labels attract buyers willing to pay more for secondhand items. Shoes and handbags also perform well, especially if they're leather or from established brands.

Home décor items like mirrors, artwork, throw pillows, and small furniture pieces sell steadily in Charleston, where many shoppers furnish rental properties or look for unique accent pieces. Vintage or antique items can command higher prices if they're authentic and in solid condition.

Items that typically don't sell well include worn-out basics, heavily trendy fast-fashion pieces that date quickly, anything with visible damage, and items that feel dated or out of style. Before you consign, be honest about whether something is something you'd buy secondhand yourself.

Commission Splits and Payment

Consignment shops typically take 40 to 60 percent of the sale price, leaving you with 40 to 60 percent. Leftovers' exact split may vary depending on the item category or current shop policies. Ask the staff what percentage applies to your items when you drop them off so you know what to expect when something sells.

Payment timing varies by shop. Some pay out monthly, others quarterly, and some require you to reach a minimum balance before they cut a check. Ask whether you can pick up your earnings in person or if the shop mails payments. Keep your receipt so you can track which items are yours and follow up if you have questions about sales.

Shopping at Leftovers Consignments

If you're browsing rather than consigning, Leftovers offers a rotating selection of secondhand clothing, shoes, bags, and home goods at lower prices than retail. Inventory changes frequently, so regular shoppers often find new pieces each visit. Prices reflect the item's brand, condition, and current demand, so you might find a designer piece at half retail or a vintage find at a fraction of its original cost.

Consignment shops typically don't accept returns the way retail stores do, so inspect items carefully before purchasing. Check seams, zippers, and hems. Try things on if the shop has a fitting room. Ask staff if they know the item's history or any quirks—a stain that didn't come out, a loose button, or a zipper that sticks.

Preparing Items for Consignment

Clean everything before you bring it in. Wash or dry-clean clothing if needed, wipe down shoes, and dust home décor items. Remove lint, pet hair, and odors. Consignment shops won't accept items that smell like smoke or pets, and stains or visible dirt can disqualify pieces or lower their selling price.

Bring items on hangers when possible, or fold them neatly. If something has tags still attached, leave them on—that's a selling point. For shoes, include the original box if you have it, or at least make sure they're paired and the soles are clean. For home goods, bring any original packaging or documentation if it adds value.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Payment timing depends on Leftovers' specific policies. Some shops pay monthly or quarterly; others require you to reach a minimum balance. Ask staff when you consign so you know when to expect payment and whether you can pick it up in person or receive it by mail.

What happens to items that don't sell?

Most consignment shops hold unsold items for 60 to 90 days, then ask you to pick them up or donate them. Confirm the exact timeline with Leftovers when you drop off your items. Mark your calendar so you don't miss the pickup deadline.

Can I consign items online or by mail?

Leftovers Consignments operates as a physical location in Charleston, so you'll need to visit in person to drop off and pick up items. Call ahead to confirm current hours and any specific requirements for what they're accepting.

Do you take designer or vintage items?

Yes, consignment shops typically welcome designer and vintage pieces because they often sell faster and at higher prices. Bring items in good condition with no major damage. Staff will evaluate what you have and let you know if they can take it.

What should I do if an item doesn't sell but I want to try again?

Pick up the unsold item before the deadline, then bring it back to consign again if you'd like. You might adjust the price downward or wait for a different season when demand shifts. Staff can advise on whether an item is likely to sell if you ask.