Consignment vs. Thrift Stores—and the Right Way to Shop at Each

Shopping at secondhand stores gives you a front row seat to major scores, hidden treasures, and unexpected finds. This is true whether you’re carefully scouting the ever-changing aisles of a local thrift store or browsing at a curated consignment shop. So what’s the difference between consignment shops and thrift stores, anyway? While both deliver the thrill of discovering one-of-a-kind items at low prices, they each offer their own shopping experience. We’re outlining the differences below and providing some shopping tips for both. 

What Is a Consignment Store? 

A consignment store acts as an agent to sell secondhand items and takes a percentage of the profit. “Think of them as a physical version of Poshmark, Depop, eBay, or any website or app that lets you sell your stuff online,” explains fashion expert PJ Gach, author of The Grumpy Fashionista.

“The most famous internet consignment store is The RealReal,” says Gach. Sellers can earn up to 85% on sales (when a number of conditions are met). Other popular consignment options include Plato’s Closet and Buffalo Exchange, though there are many independent stores across the country. 

Another fact that sets consignment stores apart is that the items are usually much more curated. This makes the shopping process easier for those looking for something specific. “Items in a consignment store are on-trend and in season. It’s rare to find a stained or damaged item, as they’re meticulous when selecting goods to sell,” Gach explains.

As a result of this extra work and the shared profit, items at consignment shops are more expensive than they’d be at a thrift store—but prices still should be cheaper than full retail. 

Tips for Shopping at Consignment Stores 

Shopping in consignment stores is pretty straightforward. Because of their level of curation, it’ll be less of a treasure hunt than a thrift store—but there are still some things to consider for shopping success.

• Choose the right store: Start by going to a consignment store that has the type of items you’re looking for, whether that’s furniture and home goods, luxury garments and accessories, jewelry, or mid-end clothing. 
• Compare prices: Before buying, do some light research on your phone to compare prices. “Some consignment (and thrift stores) will price an item higher than its original price,” Gach says. The only case where this may make sense is if the item is no longer in production and is considered rare. 
• Peruse the discount rack: “Always shop the sale racks first,” Gach insists. “New, shiny things are always upfront; the back of the store is where the bargains are hiding.” Like at a regular retail store, prices are usually reduced after 30 days (sometimes less). 
• Consider if you truly want the item: At consignment and thrift stores alike, it’s so easy to get caught up in the magic of finding a great item. But do you love it and will you use it? “For example, if that $1300 bag is now $300 but you know you’ll never use it or use it rarely, don’t buy it,” says.
• Snag it if you do want it: Consignment stores rarely have multiples of items or different sizes. So if you do find something that you love and it fits, go for it. “Everything you see is on the racks,” Gach says. “Your fellow shoppers are competing with you for the same thing. If you wait for an item’s price to be marked down, you may not get it.”

What Is a Thrift Store? 

Conversely, a thrift store is filled completely with donated items and the money often goes to a non-profit organization. The country’s most famous thrift store, Goodwill, is a perfect example of this. 

“A thrift store exists to give new life to secondhand goods. These stores sell gently used items, from clothing to home décor, furniture, and more, at reduced prices,” explains Nicole Suydam, CEO of Goodwill of Orange County and ShopGoodwill.com. “Thrift stores are also major contributors to keeping used goods out of the waste stream. Shopping thrift is not only good for your wallet, but good for the planet, too.”

Other examples of thrift stores include the Salvation Army, Value Village, and St. Vincent de Paul. There are also many other small independent thrift stores that support a range of philanthropic missions. 

Tips for Shopping at Thrift Stores 

Thrifting is an adventure! You never know what’s going to be on the shelves the day you go, so it requires some time, patience, and an open mind to finding hidden treasures. The reward? Some serious bargains. 

• Keep a general list: “I like to have a list in mind of what I’m looking for, like a new blazer or classic and comfy sweater,” says Suydam. “Having a few items you’re looking for top-of-mind can help fight off feeling overwhelmed when you enter the store.”
• Time your thrift: While any time is a good time to thrift, sometimes the scores are extra good. For example, before Thanksgiving people often upgrade their cookware and donate their older items, and post-Christmas donations are great, too. The same is true for the spring cleaning season!
• Inspect items carefully: Always inspect an item before you buy it—no matter where you shop. “Look for loose threads and missing buttons, tears, rips, and damaged seams,” Gach says. “Make sure it’s in good condition before you buy it.”
• Focus on fit over brand name: This is true no matter where you’re shopping, but it’s especially tempting to buy a brand name item when thrifting purely for the name. Gach encourages shoppers to forget about the label and “concentrate on whether it fits you, if you can use it a lot, and if you love it.” She says, “If it’s only one of the three, ask yourself how practical this purchase is.”
• Take your time: When thrifting, carve out a chunk of time and practice patience while perusing. Look at the high and low shelves, move items around to see what’s behind them, and comb through every hanger. If you have time, make a second pass!