Selling clothes to consignment stores has become a popular way to earn money while clearing out your wardrobe. Many people choose this method because it offers a convenient and professional alternative to garage sales or online listings.
If you are wondering how much do consignment stores pay for clothes, it is important to understand that payouts vary depending on brand, item quality, and store policies. Stores typically pay a percentage of the final sale, which can range from 40 to 60 percent.
In this guide, you will learn about typical payouts, the factors that influence payments, and practical tips to maximize your earnings when consigning clothes.
What Is a Consignment Store?
A consignment store is a retail shop that sells items on behalf of the owner, known as the consignor. Instead of paying upfront, the store sells the items and shares a portion of the final sale with the consignor. This arrangement allows individuals to earn money from their clothes while the store manages sales, display, and marketing.
Difference Between Thrift Shops, Resale Stores, and Consignment Stores
Understanding the differences between these types of stores helps you choose the best option for selling your clothes:
- Thrift Shops: These stores sell donated items and keep all proceeds. They often focus on low-cost clothing and do not pay the donor.
- Resale Stores: Resale stores buy items directly from individuals at a set price, paying immediately. The store assumes full control over pricing and sales.
- Consignment Stores: Consignment stores do not purchase items upfront. They sell on behalf of the consignor and share a percentage of the sale. This allows sellers to potentially earn more, especially for high-quality or branded items.
Why Selling Through Consignment Can Be Profitable
Consignment stores can offer higher earnings than direct sales or garage sales because they focus on pricing items strategically and marketing them to the right buyers. Items from well-known brands, high-quality materials, or seasonal trends often sell at premium prices.
Additionally, consignors benefit from the store’s expertise in display, promotion, and customer service, which can increase the likelihood of a quick and profitable sale.
How Consignment Payments Work
Selling clothes through consignment stores is different from selling directly online or at a garage sale. Instead of paying you upfront, the store sells your items on your behalf and shares a percentage of the final sale. This ensures you earn money only when your items find a buyer.
Understanding the Consignment Split
When you bring items to a consignment shop, you enter into an agreement with the store. The payment you receive is called the consignor’s share, and the store keeps a commission for selling the item, covering costs like rent, staff, and marketing.
This split is agreed upon before the store accepts your items, so it is important to understand the terms clearly.
Common Percentage Splits
Consignment shops typically offer different splits depending on their policies and services:
- 60/40: The consignor receives 60 percent and the store keeps 40 percent. This is common in many boutique and mid-range stores.
- 50/50: The earnings are split evenly. Some stores use this when they provide additional marketing or display services.
- 40/60: In some cases, the store takes a larger portion, usually when offering premium services such as professional photography, styling, or extended display time.
These splits reflect the balance between the store’s effort and your potential earnings.
Example Calculation
To illustrate how the consignment split works, consider a designer blouse priced at $100:
- In a 60/40 split, you would earn $60 while the store keeps $40.
- In a 50/50 split, both you and the store receive $50.
- In a 40/60 split, you earn $40 and the store retains $60.
This example shows how the store’s commission directly affects your earnings. By understanding the split before consigning, you can make informed decisions about where to sell your clothes.
Factors That Can Adjust Your Payment
Some stores may adjust the split based on additional factors:
- Item quality: Clothing in excellent condition with no damage or stains can sometimes receive a higher percentage.
- Brand value: Popular or designer brands often sell faster and may justify a better payout.
- Seasonal demand: Items that are in style or seasonally relevant can earn more.
- Store type: Upscale boutiques usually offer higher consignor percentages compared to general resale shops.
By considering these factors, you can maximize your consignment earnings and choose the store that offers the best value for your items.
Factors That Influence Payment
The amount you earn from consignment stores depends on several key factors. Understanding these elements can help you choose the right store and maximize your earnings.
Brand and Item Quality
High-end or designer clothing generally sells faster and at higher prices than everyday brands. Stores often offer a larger share for premium items because they attract buyers more quickly and require less marketing effort.
Even within designer labels, rare or in-demand pieces can earn more, while common brands may have smaller consignor percentages.
Condition of Clothes
The physical state of your clothing is critical. Stores are more likely to accept items that are clean, free from stains, tears, fading, or loose threads. Clothes in excellent condition can be priced higher, which increases the consignor’s share. Conversely, damaged or heavily worn items may receive a lower split or may not be accepted at all.
Store Type
The type of consignment store affects how much you earn. Boutique stores tend to offer higher percentages because they focus on curated collections and higher-end clientele. General resale or thrift-style stores may retain a larger portion due to lower prices, higher volume, and more operational costs per item.
Demand and Seasonality
Seasonal trends and buyer demand play an important role. Items that match current fashion trends or seasonal needs often sell faster and for better prices. For example, coats in winter or dresses in spring are more likely to earn higher payouts, while out-of-season items may take longer to sell or receive a smaller percentage.
Tips to Maximize Your Payment
- Choose items from brands that are in demand or have a strong resale value.
- Ensure all clothes are clean, pressed, and free from damage.
- Research local consignment stores to find those that cater to your type of clothing.
- Time your consignment to match seasonal demand for specific items.
By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions about which clothes to consign and where to sell them, helping you earn the most from your wardrobe.
Typical Payout Ranges
The amount you can earn from consignment stores varies widely depending on the brand, quality, and type of clothing. Understanding typical payouts helps set realistic expectations and plan which items to consign.
Everyday Brands
Clothes from common mall or department store labels usually sell for lower prices. You can expect to earn between $3 and $10 per item. These items are widely available, so stores may price them lower to encourage faster turnover.
Mid-Range Brands
Items from boutique or mid-range brands typically earn between $10 and $30 or more. These clothes often have higher resale value and attract buyers looking for quality at a reasonable price.
Designer and High-End Brands
Designer and luxury clothing can earn much higher payouts. The exact amount depends on brand popularity, rarity, and condition. High-end items often sell faster and for premium prices, increasing the consignor’s share.
Comparison Table for Easy Reference
| Brand Type | Typical Selling Price | Estimated Consignor Earnings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday Brands | $5–$15 | $3–$10 | Common labels, fast turnover |
| Mid-Range Brands | $20–$50 | $10–$30 | Boutique labels, moderate demand |
| Designer/High-End Brands | $50+ | $25+ | Luxury labels, high resale value, seasonal demand matters |
Why Stores Take a Commission
When you consign clothes, the store retains a portion of the sale as a commission. This commission is essential for the store to operate efficiently and provide services that benefit both sellers and buyers.
Covering Operating Costs
Running a consignment store involves expenses that are not immediately visible to consignors. Rent for the space, employee wages, utilities, and marketing campaigns all require funding. The commission ensures the store can maintain a clean, organized, and customer-friendly environment while promoting your items effectively.
Providing Sales Expertise
Consignment stores offer professional expertise in pricing, merchandising, and presentation. Staff members evaluate the market value of your items, determine optimal pricing, and display items in ways that attract buyers. This expertise increases the likelihood of a quick sale and higher payout for consignors.
Managing Risk
Not every item sells quickly, and some may not sell at all. By taking a commission, the store absorbs some of this risk, covering the time, effort, and space required to display unsold items. This system allows consignors to sell items without worrying about unsold inventory, while the store manages the logistical and financial challenges of resale.
Additional Value for Consignors
- Stores often handle photography, online listings, and promotions for items.
- They maintain relationships with repeat buyers, increasing the chances of sale.
- They provide a convenient, low-effort alternative to selling individually.
Understanding why stores take a commission helps consignors see the value in the service and make informed decisions about where to sell their clothes.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
Consigning clothes can be profitable when you take steps to increase the value of your items and choose the right store. Applying a few simple strategies can improve your payouts and reduce the time items spend on the sales floor.
Bring in Clean, High-Quality Items
Clothes that are freshly cleaned, pressed, and free from stains, tears, or loose threads sell faster and often at higher prices. Stores prefer items in excellent condition, which can result in a higher percentage of the sale going to you. Before consigning, inspect each item carefully and make minor repairs if needed.
Choose High-Demand or Seasonal Pieces
Items that match current fashion trends or seasonal needs are more likely to sell quickly. For example, coats and jackets sell well in winter, while summer dresses or shorts perform better in spring and summer. High-demand pieces can earn more because stores price them higher and turn them over faster.
Research Local Consignment Store Policies
Different stores have different payout structures, acceptance criteria, and display practices. Some boutiques may offer a larger percentage for premium brands, while thrift-style stores may have a faster turnover for everyday items. Understanding store policies helps you choose the location that maximizes your earnings and reduces the risk of rejection.
Consider Boutique Versus Thrift-Style Consignment
Boutique consignment stores often focus on higher-end brands and provide professional display and marketing, which can lead to higher payouts. Thrift-style stores usually accept more items and sell at lower prices, which may be suitable for volume consigning but could result in a smaller percentage per item. Balancing the type of store with your inventory helps optimize overall earnings.
Additional Tips
- Label and organize items clearly to make them easy for staff to price and display.
- Track your items and follow up with the store on unsold pieces.
- Keep receipts and agreements for transparency and record-keeping.
Applying these strategies ensures your items are attractive to buyers, helps stores sell them faster, and increases the portion of the sale you receive.
Consignment vs. Other Selling Options
Selling clothes can take many forms, and understanding the differences helps you choose the method that best meets your needs. Consignment is one option, but online platforms, garage sales, and donations each have unique advantages and drawbacks.
Selling Online
Selling clothes online through marketplaces or apps allows you to reach a large audience. You can often set your own prices and keep the full selling price after platform fees.
Pros:
- Larger potential audience
- Flexible pricing
- Full control over listings
Cons:
- Requires time for photographing, listing, and shipping
- Buyer communication can be demanding
- Items may take longer to sell
Garage Sales
Garage sales allow you to sell multiple items quickly in your local area. This method is convenient for clearing out a large quantity of clothing at once.
Pros:
- Immediate cash payments
- Quick way to declutter
- Minimal setup for small items
Cons:
- Lower prices per item
- Limited audience
- Weather and foot traffic can affect sales
Donations
Donating clothes to charities or local organizations is a no-cost option that benefits others and may provide tax deductions.
Pros:
- No effort to sell
- Supports a good cause
- Potential tax deduction
Cons:
- No financial return
- Limited control over how items are used
Consignment Advantages
Consignment stores offer a balance between effort and payout. The store handles sales, marketing, and display, which reduces your workload. You earn a percentage of the final sale, which can be higher for designer or in-demand items.
Pros:
- Professional sales handling
- Potential for higher payouts than garage sales
- Less effort than selling online individually
Cons:
- Payment only after items sell
- Stores take a commission
- Items may remain unsold for extended periods
Choosing the Right Option
When deciding how to sell, consider your priorities: if you want maximum convenience and are willing to accept a smaller percentage, consignment stores are ideal. If you prefer full control and direct payments, online selling or garage sales may suit you better. Donations are best when financial return is not a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Designer clothes often earn higher payouts because they attract buyers quickly and sell at premium prices. Depending on the brand, condition, and store policies, consignors can earn significantly more than they would with everyday clothing.
No, consignment stores typically pay only after the item sells. The store handles sales, display, and marketing, and you receive your percentage of the final selling price once a buyer completes the purchase.
Some stores allow negotiation, especially for high-end or in-demand items. It is advisable to ask about splits before consigning and compare policies across stores to maximize your earnings.
Clothes that are clean, in excellent condition, and match current trends or seasonal demand usually sell the fastest. Designer pieces, popular brands, and seasonal essentials like coats or summer dresses often move more quickly than everyday items.
Key Takeaways
Consignment stores generally pay between 40 and 60 percent of the final selling price, depending on the store’s commission structure. Understanding this range helps set realistic expectations for your earnings.
The amount you receive is influenced by several factors, including the quality and condition of your clothes, the brand, and the type of store. High-quality or designer items in good condition typically earn a higher percentage, while everyday brands or worn clothing may result in lower payouts.
Before consigning, consider which store aligns with your goals. Choose locations that offer favorable splits, match your item types, and provide the best opportunity to sell your clothes efficiently and profitably.