Besides the hot sun, Texas summers bring tons of new fashion like cute ruffled tops, lightweight printed dresses and platform sandals. These new trends appear in many Dallas boutiques and later in my closet and many others’. However, after a few summers when a few trends begin to fade out, my closet is incredibly cluttered. How can I get rid of all these clothes?
From my time learning about clothes and fast fashion in Environmental Science with Mrs. Bove, I knew that donating all my clothes was an option, but I was worried about the environmental consequences. Many donated clothes that do not sell are packaged and sent to Africa where they are usually burned.
I did not want my clothes meet the same fate, especially since many of the clothes I was trying to sell were gently used and of good quality. Plus, being an upcoming college freshman, it wouldn’t hurt to get some extra cash to buy dorm furniture and other necessities.
I began to explore different options to get rid of my excess clothes. Selling my clothes to consignment and thrift stores seemed to be the answer to my dilemma. Not only could I make some extra money, but I was also going green by recycling my gently worn clothes.
In Dallas, there are many consignment and thrift stores that will purchase your clothes. Before selling your clothes, you should know the differences and similarities between consignment and thrift stores.
At consignment stores like Clotheshorse Anonymous, you bring your clothes in and they select however many items they wish to have in their store. Most consignment stores prefer designer items, so I suggest bringing any high-end clothes you have to a consignment store before bringing them to a thrift shop.
Whenever one of your clothing items sells, you receive a percentage of the sales. Usually, you will receive a check in the mail with your earnings on the first of every month, or you can ask for in-store credit. Consignment stores are great if you want a constant source of cash and not all your money upfront.
At thrift stores, however, you receive all your money upfront. At places like Buffalo Exchange and Uptown Cheapskate, you bring your clothing items in and they take the items they want to sell, like consignment stores.
They also give you two options for payment: in-store credit or cash straight-away. Thrift stores are great if you need some quick cash. They accept all types of clothes from designer to common brands but they like to receive more trendy items.
There are tons of other stores besides Clotheshorse Anonymous, Buffalo Exchange and Uptown Cheapskate, but these are my favorite stores to resell my clothes because I have found they pay more than other stores for my items.
These stores may not be for everyone because the brands I was reselling may be different than the brands you are reselling, so it is helpful to try out different places and find which store gives you the best deal for your items.
Also, be sure to call ahead and ask how your store likes to receive clothes. Some stores like clothes on the hanger while others want them off the hanger and in a bag. This will save you a lot of time and stress. Personally, I have found that reselling my clothes is not only great for the environment but great for my wallet. I have made over $200! If you think that reselling your old clothes is something you want to do, following these tips I have learned to expedite your resale process.
