Second Hand Stores - A New Approach to Shopping

Second hand stores are shops based on selling all kinds of products that have already been used. They come with a wide offer of goods such as clothes, furniture, toys, handbags, books, electrical appliances, or sporting gear. The smaller second hand stores try to focus their attention on a certain type of goods, while the bigger ones can be included in the category of general merchandise stores.  

The trade with second hand clothes has a long history behind. In fact, it was one of the most important ways to acquire clothing until the middle of the 19th century. Once the industrialization process and the mass production began to develop and grow, people started to prefer buying new clothes rather the used ones.

Consignment stores work on the principle that the owner of the goods, called in this case consignor, place them to sale with a lower price than the usual one, by the help of a consignee, who represents the seller. The consignee has to return a part of the earnings obtained from sale to the consignor according to the terms of the contract they signed ahead.  Budget conscious shoppers can even shop for second hand items online like at the online consignment stores like Candessa's Closet that offers a wide variety of items and extremely affordable prices.

Although not all shops that sell used items are consignment shops, this term is often associated with the idea of second hand stores in North America.

A popular form of second hand stores are the resale boutiques, where customers can find a large selection of high-end used clothes signed by famous designers, and the vintage clothing shops, based on the sale of quality garments made about 20 years ago and even more.

Junk shops are outlets that provide various categories of goods at very low prices. It is a good place for hunting bargains. This is the reason why their loyal customers are known as “junkers” or “pickers”. People who still love to read and own good books have close at hand the used bookstores. They are a staple for the so called town books that shelter a large number of this type of second hand stores. Whether you are looking for an out-of-print book or an in print one, here is the right place to complete your personal collection.

Thrift shops are second hand stores run by various charity organizations like Oxfam collect pre-owned clothing, donate them to poor persons, or sell them through brick and mortar shops in order to raise money for charitable purposes. This type of stores relies on the population’s donations and is likely to find many other items apart from clothes.

Specialty second hand stores come with particular merchandise such as antique furniture, collectibles items, vinyl records, athletic equipment, and many more. These stores are usually run by people who have significant knowledge about their niche, so that don’t be surprised if they will send you directly to the right dealer when they do not have the item you need in their shop.

Keep in mind that prices are often the subject of negotiation in second hand stores, so never hesitate to bargain for a lower price.

Thrift Stores vs. Consigment Stores

Many people are confused when it comes to what a consignment store is verses a thrift store.

The merchandise that you find in a thrift store is shops is donated by people as a valuable offer and generosity and charity. They receive no money in return and usually the amount of money gathered from sale goes to charitable causes. Sometimes those who make donations benefit of small tax deduction.

Consignment stores however, carry items that are brought in for the purpose of selling and making a profit.  Consignment stores goods are of better quality and condition, are more expensive (many of them are name brands), and the profits are split between owners and consignees.

Consignment stores also carry both new and recycled items such as clothing, vintage jewelry, vintage clothing, household items, estate sales and other types of goods.

For bargain shoppers who want the most bang for their buck consignment stores have proved to be real gems especially during the recent economic downturn.

An example of an online consignment store is Candessa's Closet that offers both new and recycled products. They are considered a fashion recommerce website and offer a 50/50 split between new and consigned items. Unlike most consignment stores that offer high end designer items priced as high as $100-$200, you can find affordable fashion forward styles at this store for under $10 in new condition.

When you shop consignment, your money can go a long way and provide you with a full wardrobe.