Everyday Cheapskate: The Art of Consignment Shopping
PRICING
Prices at thrift stores are generally lower and more variable, as they are often set by the store itself.
Prices in consignment shops might be higher, as the original owner sets the price or agrees upon it with the shop, and the shop takes a commission from the sale.
QUALITY AND SELECTION
Thrift stores offer a wide variety of items, often with varying quality and condition.
Consignment shops may have a more curated selection of items, often with a focus on quality or specific categories like fashion, furniture or home goods.
PROFIT MODEL
Many thrift stores operate as nonprofit organizations, with proceeds often going to support charitable causes or community programs.
Consignment shops are typically for-profit businesses, with profits shared between the shop and the original owners of the consigned items.
Overall, while both thrift stores and consignment shops offer secondhand items for sale, their sourcing methods, pricing structures and business models distinguish them from each other.
Interested in finding shops in your area? Check out the interactive locator at ConsignmentShopper.com using your city, state and zip code to find the consignment shops near you.
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Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, "Ask Mary." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."
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