*This is a partnered post
Department stores are hiking up prices every year, especially for name-brand merchandise, making it difficult for people on a budget to get the look they want. Consumers are sick and tired of it, and that’s exactly why places like The Real Real are super popular these days.
Here are a few other reasons smart shoppers turn to consignment when they want to get the most bang for your buck.
1. You Get High-End “Steals”
Who wants to pay full price for a Gucci bag? Most of us don’t.
I’m sure you’d like to buy items for cheap that are not cheap-looking and tacky. It’s reasonable to believe you’d like something with great stitching, attractive in appearance with its logo still intact that doesn’t cost a whole lot of money. That’s where consignment shops come in handy.
Back to the Gucci bag for a minute.
In most outlets, you’ll have to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars for just the clutch version, let alone the oversize tote you’ve been on the hunt for, leaving you disappointed and guilty because now you have to save ridiculous amounts of money to buy it. It takes the fun out of shopping altogether.
So, instead of getting all dressed up and wasting your gas by driving to your local mall, somewhere like The Real Real might be a better solution. You don’t even have to leave your living room, just one click, and you’ve made a high-quality purchase—for cheap. Smart shoppers know bargains are always welcome. There’s nothing like a good steal, right?
2. Clean and Green
Everyone’s talking about how eco-friendly consignment shopping is, and well, they have a point. When you think about it, instead of throwing clothes, shoes and bags away, we’re much better off selling it to someone else because once they’re in the trash, they’re no good to anyone; at least if you buy an item secondhand, it has a second life, so to speak. It’s a form of recycling.
Plus, the inventory is in mint condition—nice and clean—and it’s a green option. It’s a win-win situation really.
3. Frequency of Stock
Consignment merchandise doesn’t stick around for long, namely because so many of the pieces are rare or non-seasonal, and therefore, have a lot of eyes on it. This is great, in and of itself. It keeps a fresh, new stock available for purchase pretty much at all times. You’ll never get bored, and you’ll always have something different to wear.
4. Options, Options, Options
The best consignment shops have plenty of options, seasonal items and trendy ones alike. Best of all, they have hard-to-find products.
Think about it. What if your favorite bag of all times is not only considered two seasons old but also discontinued? You’d basically have to deal with the fact that you’ll never be reunited with that item.
However, consignment stores make that reunion possible. They have a way of connecting buyers with long-lost products. Besides, there is a myriad of people who sell their stuff to consignment shops, which means there is always a myriad of options out there, from minimalist fashion to more extravagant.
5. Duck the Crowds
Another noteworthy quality of consignment shops is this: You can avoid crowds and long lines.
Although many people shop at these nifty places, traffic usually flows more scarcely than in other larger joints. If you want abundant and varied choices at a decent price with the elbow room to just browse at your leisure, opt for a consignment store.
Additionally, it seems most of these shops are in close proximity to local shoppers, so there’s no need to drive miles and miles away. Convenience is king.
