Ever wish you could have your own personal escort while secondhand shopping? Well, now you do. Take a peek at Auntie Kate’s journal about how to shop consignment and other resale stores!

One of the ways a potential shopper or supplier of a resale business can tell if the shop is reputable is their commitment to their industry.

If the shopkeeper cares about and promotes their industry’s market visibility, chances are the shop is run in an ethical and open manner. Kinda like what your Mama told you,

“Pretty is as pretty does”

… so I would like to salute the following shops, who have sponsored our Resale Directory & Zoomable Map from the very beginning!

In California:

• Ritzy Ragz
• Red Umbrella

In Colorado:

• Childish Things

In Georgia:

• Tadpoles
• Upscale Fashions Inc.
• Back by Popular Demand

In Florida:

• Fifi’s Amelia Island

In Illinois:

• Repeat Street
• McShane’s Exchange

In Indiana:

• Selective Seconds
• Home Enhanced

In Massachusetts:

• Susie’s Selections

In North Carolina:

• Kid’s Corner

In New Jersey:

• Second Glance

In Ohio:

• Twice is Nice

In Pennsylvania:

• Butterflies and Blossoms
• Christine’s Consignment

In Texas:

• Western Wear Exchange
• Vintage Vogue
• Clothes Circuit

In Utah:

• Wandering Wardrobe

And a shout-out as well, to all the current Sponsors, many of whom submitted their membership at the Resale Shop Directory & Zoomable Map the moment they opened their doors. See all our wonderful Sponsors (and read some fun articles!) at HowToConsign.com!

So you’ve found the wardrobe item of your dreams, and you’ve bought it! Congratulations! You”re a Smart Shopper who knows well-made garments when she sees them, and you’re smart because you’ve saved money, too.

One of the great reasons to shop consignment, resale and thrift shops is that you can actually

see and feel quality.

Once a garment’s been washed and worn and washed a few times, quality becomes much easier to judge, so you know you’ll be getting a well-made item when you buy it gently-used.

If it shrank the first time the previous owner washed it, if the side seams twisted or the stitching came loose, the cheapness will shout out to you. Chances are it shouted out to the shop’s staff, too, so you won’t ever see these things… they’re in the rag bag by now.

Judging quality secondhand involves a few benchmarks, such as

Make sure the grain line is straight, and the garment drapes the way it is intended.  Check front and back.

and

At least 1-1/2″ width hems are best.  Hems should be nearly invisible, and should hang straight and evenly without puckering.

And once you’ve chosen your better-quality, new-to-you clothes, you’ll want to care for them in the manner to which they’ve been accustomed. For example:

When you take off a garment, check it for stains, tears, etc.; and take care of any issues immediately.

and

Woolen garments require a rest in between wearings.  This allows wrinkles to fall out, gives the garment a chance to regain its shape.

When you shop consignment, thrift and resale, you can afford quality. You’ll love your new-to-you clothes so much, you’ll want the best for them!

Read all the tips here.