If you’re looking to sell your gently used clothing, you’ve likely come across two common options: buy outright stores and consignment stores. While both offer a convenient way to resell items, they operate very differently—and those differences can significantly impact how much money you earn.
At My Best Friend’s Closet in Fargo, ND, we’re a women’s consignment store that works with sellers who want to get the most value from their clothing, shoes, and accessories. If you’re deciding where to sell your items, understanding how each model works can help you make the best choice.
What Is a Buy Outright Store?
A buy outright store (sometimes called resale or cash-on-the-spot stores) purchases your items immediately. You bring in your clothing, the store decides what they want, and you’re paid on the spot.
Pros of Buy Outright Stores
- Fast and convenient
- Immediate cash or store credit
- No waiting period
Cons of Buy Outright Stores
- Lower payout per item
- Store assumes all risk, so offers are conservative
- Prices are often based on wholesale resale value, not retail potential
Because buy outright stores must pay you upfront and still make a profit, they typically offer significantly less for each item—especially higher-quality or trend-forward pieces.
What Is a Consignment Store?
A consignment store sells your items on your behalf. Instead of paying upfront, the store displays, markets, and sells your items at retail-based resale prices. Once your item sells, you receive a percentage of the final sale price.
At My Best Friend’s Closet, we carefully curate and price items based on brand, condition, and current style trends—helping your items earn what they’re truly worth.
Pros of Consignment Stores
- Higher earning potential per item
- Prices reflect current retail demand
- Professional merchandising and marketing
- No upfront cost to consign
Cons of Consignment Stores
- Payment happens after the item sells
- Items may take time to sell depending on demand
Why You’re More Likely to Earn More at a Consignment Store
1. Retail-Based Pricing vs. Wholesale Offers
Buy outright stores price your items based on risk and overhead, often offering pennies on the dollar. Consignment stores price items closer to their true resale value, giving you a share of the final selling price.
2. Your Items Are Marketed, Not Liquidated
Consignment shops invest time in:
- Styling and merchandising
- Organizing by size and category
- Keeping the store clean and inviting
- Promoting inventory through social media and email
This exposure increases your item’s chance of selling—and selling at a better price.
3. Quality Items Perform Better on Consignment
Trend-forward, brand-name, and well-maintained clothing typically performs best in consignment settings. These items attract shoppers who are willing to pay more for quality, especially when the store feels curated and boutique-like.
4. No Pressure to Accept Low Offers
With consignment, you’re not locked into a low offer at the counter. Instead, your item has time to find the right buyer who appreciates its value.
Consignment Is Ideal for Sellers Who Value Quality
If your closet includes:
- Gently worn, modern styles
- Well-known or in-demand brands
- High-quality shoes and accessories
- Clean, current fashion
…consignment is often the better option.
At My Best Friend’s Closet, we focus on quality over quantity. That means your items are showcased in a clean, organized environment where shoppers expect higher-end secondhand finds.
Buy Outright vs. Consignment: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Buy Outright Store | Consignment Store |
|---|---|---|
| Payment | Immediate | After item sells |
| Earnings | Lower | Higher potential |
| Pricing | Wholesale | Retail-based resale |
| Risk | Store | Shared |
| Best For | Speed | Maximum value |
Why Choose a Women’s Consignment Store in Fargo, ND
If you’re searching for the best place to sell women’s clothing in Fargo, consignment offers a smart balance of sustainability, value, and professionalism.
At My Best Friend’s Closet, we:
- Curate stylish women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories
- Price items competitively to sell—not sit
- Offer a clean, organized, boutique-style shopping experience
- Help sellers earn more while shoppers save 70–75% off retail
Final Thoughts: Which Option Is Right for You?
If speed matters most, a buy outright store may be the right choice. But if you want to maximize what you earn from your clothing, consignment stores consistently offer better value—especially for quality items.
Consignment allows your clothing to shine, find the right buyer, and earn closer to what it’s truly worth.
Interested in consigning with us? Visit My Best Friend’s Closet in Fargo, ND and experience a better way to resell.
