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Men and women alike, most of us have items of clothing we keep but never wear. There’s that H&M suit an ex-girlfriend convinced you to buy or the $68 dress from Urban Outfitters you purchased for a vacation that shrunk after one wash. Take a trip to the retailers that buy, sell and trade clothing to make the most of those pieces that seem too nice or new to toss in a trash bag and donate to Goodwill.
The process of trying to sell used clothes can be long and sometimes disappointing but if you go in prepared, you’ll come out on top. Here’s a round up of the best places to go, along with some tips to make the experience run smoothly.
Where to Sell:
Buffalo Exchange
3312 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA 70115
Buffalo Exchange buys the widest range of clothing. They love unique vintage pieces but will also usually always buy classic items such as dark wash skinny denim or a great trench coat. On weekends the lines can get pretty long of people trying to sell clothes so I would recommend going during the week if your schedule accommodates. Whenever I go, I usually opt for 50% in store credit because they always have amazing items in stock that I want to add to my wardrobe.
Funky Monkey
3127 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA 70115
I have found Funky Monkey to be the most challenging place to sell because they are very picky. They are really look for amazing vintage pieces or fabulously trendy items. The name Funky Monkey definitely fits. However, they offer 40% in cash which is the highest of any other retailers. They won’t buy a Target sundress but they will pick up that awesome leather skirt you found in your mom’s basement.
Plato’s Closet
4704 Veterans Blvd.
Metairie, LA 70006
Plato’s Closet has a younger and more mainstream demographic than the other two stores. They look mostly for mall brands and items that are trendy (at least for teenagers and young adults). They have a computer system that will generate an offer based on condition, brand and style. I’ve had a lot of success at Plato’s Closet to because they will purchase some items that seem too generic for Buffalo Exchange or Funky Monkey. It’s a good place to get rid of those Forever 21 impulse buys and crossbody bags found on sale at Marshalls.
Insider Tips:
- Don’t take it personally. Don’t get mad, embarrassed or depressed if your clothes aren’t purchased. The buyers look through tons of clothes each day and they can’t buy all of them.
- Condition matters. These aren’t thrift stores. They only want clothes that are clean, gently used and nice looking. Don’t bring in wrinkled piece with loose threads or missing buttons.
- Be in Season. Just because a store doesn’t buy something once doesn’t mean they wont buy it the second time. Most stores buy items according to the current seasons. If they don’t buy a leather jacket in June, if you bring it back in September, it might have a better chance.
- Try every store. Just because one store doesn’t buy a piece, doesn’t mean another store won’t scoop it up. The different stores have different customers, aesthetics and needs. Try selling the clothes at every store before finally giving up and donating them.
- Call ahead. Give each store a ring to find out what items and styles they are currently looking for. Additionally, you can ask about what percentage they offer the seller. Most stores offer between 30%-40% of retail value in cash or 50% in store credit.
- Bring government issued ID. I’ve gotten rejected before because I forgot to bring in identification.
- Be patient. The lines can be long or maybe you’ll get a new buyer that has to ask their manager about every single piece. Relax and know that this could be an all day adventure, especially if you are hitting multiple stores.
