What is the difference between consignment shops and thrift stores

Thrift vs. Consignment vs. Thrifty Boutique. Share Pin 1. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.

Thrift stores can afford to sell items cheaply because they received them for free. They'll make a profit no matter what, and moving inventory quickly helps make room for more items. You can typically haggle about prices in both stores. It's easier to negotiate a lower price at a thrift store if you're making a bulk purchase or if the item has an obvious defect.

At a consignment shop, the shop owner has to call the item owner to relay your offer. You might not get an answer right away. Cathy has been writing about finance since and has been published on sites like The Nest, Bizfluent, Financial Independence Hub, and Credibly. She takes a particular interest in demystifying personal finance questions, like budgeting, tackling debt, and investing for the future.

Share It. Similar to thrift stores, consignment stores also sell secondhand clothing. However, consignment stores have very different business models— they buy high-quality, pre-loved items from individuals. If you love brand-name shopping, designer consignment stores provide a sustainable, affordable way to shop for your favorite premium brands. Many consignment stores focus on in-season, on-trend clothing, making it easy to find affordable pieces for your closet.

While some designer boutiques have items that are used and in good condition, others still have the tags attached. Consignment stores have two operating models. But if you're leaning toward opening a business, a consignment shop is probably what you have in mind. Unlike thrift stores, consignment shops usually have high selection standards, meaning that an item must be in nearly perfect condition and manufactured by a top company.

If they're accepted, and they sell, the person who brought the item to the shop shares in a percentage of the sale. Consignment shops tend to emphasize women's clothing, shoes and jewelry — a niche that is growing and may look particularly appealing against the sad backdrop of the many retail giants that are filing for bankruptcy or closing. Ironically, at least two of these giants — Macy's and J.