Mymil

Hi great people,
I just got contacted today from a consignment store that is located right near a fairly large university that should have a lot of students that fall into my "target demographic." On the other hand, the shop seems to market itself as catering more toward the "vintage" crowd. Basically all they said in their email was that they give 60% of what they sell it for.

What kind of questions are reasonable to ask them? I'd like to know about where in the store our shirts would be placed, their sales, what kinds of merchandise they carry that sells well, etc., but I don't want them to think they shouldn't deal with me because I ask the wrong questions.

Another thing: do I need UPC codes for selling consignment, or is it the same as if I were selling wholesale?
Do consignment stores usually want or NOT want hang tags? I'd like to give them shirts with hang tags on them, because otherwise the buyer won't know who made their shirt.

Thanks in advance!
-Joe

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T-BOT

I think there are some major players here on the board that will answer your questions. My self, i find consignment is for the birds and a waste of time. If a store is not willing to sign a purchase order for your stuff it makes me wonder ???

sorry im not much help.

good luck.

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Robin

Most consignment shops dont use bar codes so I wouldnt worry about it too much.

If they dont have a problem with hang tags, go for it!!

Something to consider....ask them when you receive payment when your product is sold. (monthly, weekly?) Ask them who is responsible for theft. Make sure you have a signed agreement in regards to payment & theft. Also make sure you keep track of your inventory, and that it matches the shop owners. Go over it together if you have to.

I also suggest going into the store after you have given her your shirts and check to see if they are displayed nicely. If you dont like the way they are being treated or displayed ....or some other reason, pull them out of the shop.

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Mymil

Quote: Originally Posted by Robin Most consignment shops dont use bar codes so I wouldnt worry about it too much. If they dont have a problem with hang tags, go for it!! Something to consider....ask them when you receive payment when your product is sold. (monthly, weekly?) Ask them who is responsible for theft. Make sure you have a signed agreement in regards to payment & theft. Also make sure you keep track of your inventory, and that it matches the shop owners. Go over it together if you have to. I also suggest going into the store after you have given her your shirts and check to see if they are displayed nicely. If you dont like the way they are being treated or displayed ....or some other reason, pull them out of the shop.

I already know their payment policy: they pay every month. I don't know anything about their theft policy, though; I would certainly ask about that.

I wish I could go to their store, but it's not anywhere near me. That would make it difficult for me to check how their displaying our shirts, as well as making it difficult to go over inventory together. Is it too much of a risk/hassle to work with consignment stores that aren't in the area?

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Jasonda

Hi Joe,

You've already read these threads, right? I think consignment has been discussed here and there.

Dealing with retailers...
Dealing with Retailers…

Getting retailers to buy.
Getting Retailers to Buy.

Selling t-shirt to distributor
selling t-shirt to distributors

Additionally, you might want to check out these articles:

fashion-incubator.com/mt/archives/the_consignment_trap.html

fashion-incubator.com/mt/archives/consignment_policies.html

 

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T-BOT

Joe, I had a look at your site/blog and it looks like you have some unique stuff/concept. Please dont sell yourself short. Your time and products are worth something and be carefull with who you deal with on a consignment basis.

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Robin

Quote: I wish I could go to their store, but it's not anywhere near me. That would make it difficult for me to check how their displaying our shirts, as well as making it difficult to go over inventory together. Is it too much of a risk/hassle to work with consignment stores that aren't in the area?

this sends up red flags for me. If I couldnt get to the store, meet the owner and see the inventory, I wouldnt do it. Unless they came highly recommended by a trusted friend. Basically you would be giving them your product and trusting them to pay you for it later. When you can't monitor it yourself.

Check out some of the links Jasonda posted, there is some great info there.

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Mymil

Quote: Originally Posted by Jasonda Hi Joe, You've already read these threads, right? I think consignment has been discussed here and there. Dealing with retailers... Dealing with Retailers… Getting retailers to buy. Getting Retailers to Buy. Selling t-shirt to distributor selling t-shirt to distributors Additionally, you might want to check out these articles: fashion-incubator.com/mt/archives/the_consignment_trap.html fashion-incubator.com/mt/archives/consignment_policies.html

Sure have read those threads! They have lots of great info, but not as much about what kind of information to get/give when selling on consigment instead of wholesale. Really only that first thread has anything about consigment.

Thanks for those other two links! The second one clearly spells out what things should be included in a consignment contract, which is really useful. It sounds like consignment may not the best route to go... especially if I am not able to visit the store in person to check up on things.

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Mymil

Quote: Originally Posted by Robin this sends up red flags for me. If I couldnt get to the store, meet the owner and see the inventory, I wouldnt do it. Unless they came highly recommended by a trusted friend. Basically you would be giving them your product and trusting them to pay you for it later. When you can't monitor it yourself. Check out some of the links Jasonda posted, there is some great info there.

Yeah, that's the feeling I'm getting. Your red flags were my yellow, but they're red now!

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Jasonda

Quote: Originally Posted by Mymil Thanks for those other two links! The second one clearly spells out what things should be included in a consignment contract, which is really useful. It sounds like consignment may not the best route to go... especially if I am not able to visit the store in person to check up on things.

You're welcome. Fashion Incubator is awesome.

To me, consignment sounds like more trouble than it is worth. Maybe try it out with just a few shirts at a store closer to home before jumping in all the way.

If you do decide to proceed, ask, ask, ask lots of questions.

 

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Mymil

Quote: Originally Posted by Jasonda You're welcome. Fashion Incubator is awesome. To me, consignment sounds like more trouble than it is worth. Maybe try it out with just a few shirts at a store closer to home before jumping in all the way. If you do decide to proceed, ask, ask, ask lots of questions.

Yeah, I'm definitely not going to try to work out consignment with somebody not nearby yet... thanks for everybody's super-prompt help and kind, encouraging words!

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T-BOT

Are they the only store in that area ?

don't give up just yet.

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Mymil

Quote: Originally Posted by T-BOT Are they the only store in that area ? don't give up just yet.

No, they're definitely not the only store in the area. Why do you ask?

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Solmu

Quote: Originally Posted by Jasonda Additionally, you might want to check out these articles: fashion-incubator.com/mt/archives/the_consignment_trap.html fashion-incubator.com/mt/archives/consignment_policies.html

While those are worth reading (they're short and relevant), unfortunately you'll have to do it via Google's cache as Fashion Incubator has been down for at least a few days now.

(I've been meaning to ask about that, if anyone knows what the story is and if it's coming back any time soon feel free to PM me about it)

EDIT: False alarm, this is evidently a problem with my access, not everybody's

 

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Solmu

Quote: Originally Posted by Mymil I wish I could go to their store, but it's not anywhere near me.

And they just e-mailed you out of the blue?

 

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