It starts with a deep clean. To succeed, you must select items that are in excellent, "gently-used" condition—free of holes, stains, pilling, or odors. Most shops are "choosier" than thrift stores, focusing on items purchased new within the last 3–4 years or high-end luxury brands.

Selling clothes to a consignment shop is a process where a store acts as your agent, selling your high-quality, pre-owned items to their customers in exchange for a commission. Unlike "buy-outright" or "buy-sell-trade" stores—like Plato's Closet , Buffalo Exchange, or Clothes Mentor—which pay you cash or credit immediately, traditional consignment shops only pay you after your item has actually been purchased by a third party. 1. The Great Closet Purge