Best Bib & Tucker

Archive for the ‘Consignment’ Category

I can’t remember a Halloween that mom didn’t make costumes for Em and me.   We did the traditional brides, princesses, black cats and witches.   As we got older we tried cowgirls, mimes, Mary Poppins, Pippi Longstocking, and magicians.  Then there was the year I went as a HOT AIR BALLOON!  There was helium involved a big net and a basket I could step in and out of.  Difficult to sit down but really cool anyways.  I also vaguely remember a jellyfish costume that used an umbrella and lots and lots of bubble wrap.

We always worked with pieces we found around the house, old dance costumes, or things mom found at a thrift or consignment store.  There wasn’t usually a lot of sewing involved just a lot of creativity.

Here are a few how-to’s from around the web that I think mom would have tried:

Cupcake

Zoo Keeper

Garden Gnome

Superheros

Rockstar

Owl

Scuba Diver

Q: I’ve been cleaning out my closets.  How do I bring in items for consignment?

A: At Best Bib and Tucker we make consignment easy.  You don’t need an appointment; we take consignments anytime we are open.  Plus, there is no limit to the number of items you can bring in.  If you have a closet full of great pieces, we want it all!  We are accepting fall and winter items now through the end of November. For more information on our policies, procedures, and the items we take check out How to Consign

Update (9-3-11)
Due to a change in the status of our building we are currently waiting on any additional fall and winter consignments.  We will let you know when we are ready for them as soon as possible.  Thanks!

Score one for the little guy!

The idea behind The 3/50 Project is simple.  Pick three  independently owned, brick and mortar businesses and spend at least $50 a month.

It’s not hard.  Get a hair cut at your local salon ($30), a new dress from the consignment shop down the street ($18), a chocolate treat from the candy store ($2) and you’ve done it in one day!

Okay that sounds nice, but why?

Locally owned shops are your neighbors.  They are the life-blood of any town.  When was the last time making a purchase at a big box store made you proud of yourself for  supporting your community?  What’s even greater is that by supporting your community you are supporting yourself.  Dollars spent in independent shops stay local.

As we start a new month, think about where you are spending your money, visit the independent shops in your town, and spread the word about The 3/50 Project.

Providing great customer service is a large part of our business.  As a consignment shop though, our customers are only half of the equation.  The foundation of our business lies with our consignors and we believe that, hands down, we provide the fairest, most convenient and hassle-free consignment.

Bringing in Items

We accept items any time we are open and you do not need an appointment.  We are fine with whatever method, be it on hangers, in boxes or bags, or even in a rolling suitcase, that makes it easiest for you to transport your items to us.  There are also no limits on the number of items you can bring in at one time.  If you have a closet full of great stuff we want it all!

We will quickly go through your items.  Most orders take under 10 minutes but if you are bringing in extremely large amounts you can drop them off and come back later that day for pick-up.  You will sign a contract for the number of items we take and at the time of your first payment you will receive a detailed inventory that includes the asking price of each item.  We have a $2 contract fee.  There are no per item charges and you can add to your inventory any time throughout the season (spring/summer or fall/winter) without incurring additional fees.  The $2 fee may be waived for small contracts.

Payment

Consignment shops typically pay you 40-50% of an item’s selling price.  Best Bib and Tucker pays 45-50% on clothing items and 60% on long formals and designer purses.

The clothing you bring in belongs to you.  It seems obvious that when they sell, you get paid.  But watch out, not all shops are run this way!  Most shops have a 60-90 day selling period.  If any items remain they are donated or sold with the shop making 100%.  At BBT, if you still have items for sale after your initial 60 day consignment period we will extend your contract until the item sells or we feel it is no longer in season.  This means that instead of having one shot at selling, your items are able to sell throughout the season.

Many shops also require you to frequently check on your account to see if items have sold and have limits on the length of time they will hold your money before it is forfeited to the store.  Best Bib and Tucker processes your account every 60 days.  Within the following 30 days you will receive a phone call from us to let you know items have sold.  That’s right, we will call you.  At BBT, you do not need to remember payment dates or call to check on your account.  We do the work for you.  Everything will be ready when you stop in.  If you can’t make it in let us know and we will be happy to mail your payment to you.  If your check hasn’t been picked up within 90 days of your phone call we will automatically pop it in the mail.

Returns

Most shops do not allow you to pick up unsold items.  The few that do require you to find your own items.  At Best Bib and Tucker we give you the option to have unsold items donated or returned to you.  If you select “return” when you sign your contract, we will have any unsold items packaged and ready for you to pick up when you pick up your payments.

Consignment is not Resale

Resale shops pay you on the spot. Sounds great, right?  Except that they pay you less (typically 25-40% of their selling price versus the 45-60% that you receive at BBT).  If you still would rather be paid up front be sure to call around.  Some shops require appointments or have long wait times as they go through your items.  You may have perfectly acceptable items that they cannot take because they are full of that size or are low on funds to pay out that particular day.

Our Advice

We urge you to check with a few stores in your area before consigning/selling, ask questions, and find the shop that is right for you.  Feel free to call BBT at 330-877-3308 or send us an email at info@shopbestbibandtucker.com if you have any further questions.

Q: My friend showed up at book club last week wearing a great pair of boots. When I asked her where she got them she said Best Bib and Tucker, a consignment shop in Hartville. What is a consignment shop and how do I get myself a great pair of boots like hers?

A: Consignment shops are places that sell people’s new and gently used items. Customers shop and when items sell proceeds are split between the store owner and the consignor. Not only are your friend’s boots super cute but she paid a fraction of what they would have been new in a department store.

It is unlikely that a consignment shop will have two of the same items. But, you can probably still find a great pair of boots. The best tip I can give you is to get to know the owner, employees, and the store itself. Let them know you are looking for a particular item and check in often because inventory is constantly changing.

For my top 5 consignment shopping tips check out: 5 Tips for Consignment Shopping

1: Get to know the owners and employees

Because we spend A LOT of time at our store we are very familiar with the inventory at any given time.  Let us know you are looking for a particular item and if it’s in we should be able to direct you right to it.  If not, we’re happy to keep an eye out for you.

2: Stop in often

Inventory changes daily and there is usually only one of a particular item in the store.

3: Come prepared to try on clothes

As we all know an 8 from one company is a 10 in another and maybe even a 12 in a different brand.  Take a range of sizes into the fitting room.

Sisters Shopping at BBT

4: Register to get special discounts and sale notifications

Best Bib and Tucker sends out monthly emails with extra discounts for our VIP customers.  You can register in store or by clicking on the mailbox in the top left corner of our website.  We also post daily sales on Twitter (www.twitter.com/bestbib) and our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/bestbibandtucker)

5: Bring in items from home

Have a skirt and can’t figure out what top to wear with it?  Because consignment shops are small stores that often specialize in customer service, employees are trained and really enjoy helping you put outfits together.

Bonus Tip:  Bring Friends

Not only is it lots of fun to have a shopping day with the girls, but preregistered groups of 8 or more get an extra discount at BBT!  Click here for more information on group discounts.