One WoMan's Trash: Children's Edition

In today's blog, we'll cover the main resale shops that I utilize when I have children's items to sell. Selling (and shopping) to resale shops is a great way to earn and save money, stimulate local economies, and reduce the waste and costs associated with producing new garments.

Unlike the women's shops, the children's resale shops I've been to all target the same demographic and carry the same products. The only thing that varies is the demand for the products. I don't have a *favorite* children's resale shop, I tend to just frequent whatever I'm closest to. I will say that the Once Upon a Child in Denton seems to pay the best, and is usually organized the best. For a full list of what each store buys, clink on the link!

Once Upon a Child: Once Upon a Child is chain of franchises across the United States that buy and sell gently used kids products. They take clothes size preemie to Youth 20, dance wear, costumes, swimwear, outer wear, shoes, toys, books, DVDs, furniture such as cribs, equipment such as strollers, bouncers, high chairs, baby carriers, and new accessories such as hair bows and Melissa and Doug toys. Drop your items off and they'll sort through what they want and offer you cash on the spot!


Kid to Kid: Kid to Kid takes kids clothes size 0-14, toys, dance wear, costumes, outerwear, baby gear, shoes and boots, layettes, nursery furniture, books, DVDs and maternity clothes and nursing accessories. Kid to Kid also sells new items such as hair bows, toys and school uniforms. Drop off your items and they'll sort through what they want and offer you cash on the spot!

Con: Kid to Kid asks you to empty your bags/bins and put your items in their bins. This can be tedious and seems to be unnecessary.

Pros: It seems KtK offers a few discounts! Save on your purchase by collecting a frequent saver card,  posting your littles on Instagram, showing your military ID or foster care credentials. Join the VIP Book Club while you're at it!

Little Giggles: Honorary mention for this one, because it's a small business located in Arlington. Like the two previous stores, they are looking to buy children's clothing of all seasons up to size 16, shoes, books, DVDs, maternity clothes, nursery furniture, baby gear, baby carriers, and more. They also sell new toys and beanie babies, hair bow boards, hair bows, and vinyl shirts.

Happy reselling!

One WoMan's Trash: Clothing Edition

One of my earliest memories is standing on the side of the road at the apartments I used to call home, trying to sell trash bags for 10 cents a piece, so that people could have them to dispose of their items in instead of littering. I remember waving my brown Kroger bag at any passersby, trying desperately to make a difference for Mother Earth.

I've been concerned about saving the planet since I was five years old, and that passion has only grown. Now, I focus on reducing my consumption and keeping what I do buy out of landfills. The fact that there are places willing to pay money for what I'm no longer loving is just a better incentive to embrace that second "R" in that old saying "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." Here I've compiled a list of places you can sell your clothing items for cash, store credit, or simply donate them.

Clothes Mentor:
This is a great place to sell business casual brands such as Loft, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Talbot's, Michael Kors, Vince Camuto, A New Day, Halogen, and more; they also buy and sell designer brands such as Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Prada, Gucci, Fendi, and more.They accept women's clothes, shoes, jewelry, handbags, sunglasses, hats, scarves, wallets, and belt's in sizes 0-24 and maternity sizes. 

Cons: Their demographic is not the junior market, so they usually won't take your Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe products (don't worry, there are other places that will!) They buy seasonally (meaning usually no sweaters in spring and no shorts in the winter), but I usually just take it all and let them decide what they want instead of me deciding before hand what I think they would want. They don't take items or trends older than two years.

Pros: They pay the highest for your items. You receive 1/3 of what they will sell it for in store if you choose cash. Some locations offer a 25% more incentive for choosing store credit. You can drop off your items and be alerted via phone call or text when they are done processing your buy. I like to start my day off buy dropping off my items, which gives me time to run errands as they work through everything. At this stage in my life, this is my favorite store based on what I'm looking to buy, and what I'm selling. They offer cash on the spot.

Tips: To earn the most out of your things, make sure your items are freshly laundered, in great
condition, and in current fashion. Be sure there are no rips, no pilling, or stains, and check for fading or missing buttons.

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Uptown Cheapskate:
This is a great place to sell unique junior items, and even some business casual wear, and it's not exclusive to women. They also buy and sell men's clothing! Like the aforementioned, UC buys popular brands such as Levi's, Michael Kors, J. Crew, Nike, Free People, Candies, Forever 21, H&M, American Eagle, Adidas, and more. You receive 1/3 of what they will sell your items for, or store credit plus 25%.

Cons: They might not take your more mature brands such as Halogen, but I still include these, because what they buy varies buy location. They almost always pass on the plus size clothing I bring it, but they do carry some plus sizes in store. They also buy based on season.

Pros: Like Clothes Mentor, they can text you or call you when your buy is done. NOTE: Some locations do a "quick sort" if you're dropping off items, meaning they sort through the items to pull out what they want to take to inspect it further. Give yourself at least fifteen minutes for this process. Some locations also buy fragrances and lotions. They offer cash on the spot. Some locations even offer to donate what they pass on for you (I always decline and simply take what they've passed on to another location).

Tips: To earn the most out of your things, make sure your items are freshly laundered, in great
condition, and in current fashion. Be sure there are no rips, no pilling, or stains, and check for fading or missing buttons. I use the blue Dawn to treat all of my stains.

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Plato's Closet:
My love for resale shops started here. Plato's Closet caters to the high school crowd, who love bright colors, crop tops, and graphic tees. They buy both men and women's clothing, and are currently loving brands such as Forever 21, H&M, Nike, Adidas, Ugg, American Eagle, Pink by Victoria's Secret, Steve Madden, Lululemon, Xhilaration, Hunter, and more! They buy men's and women's clothing, shoes, and accessories, and offer 1/3 of what they sell it for, or store credit + 20%.

Cons: They pay significantly less than CM or UC, but will buy those fashion forward (or dated) pieces. They tend to pass on more mature brands unless it has a well known logo. They tend to buy based on seasons. I've noticed that they usually have the longest wait times, so it's best to go in the early morning or evening.

Pros: This is a great place to drop off your high school clothes, or those more teen based items. They will text you or call you when your buy is ready. They offer cash on the spot.

Tips: To earn the most out of your things, make sure your items are freshly laundered, in great
condition, and in current fashion. Be sure there are no rips, no pilling, or stains, and check for fading or missing buttons. I use the blue Dawn to treat all of my stains.

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Those are the three businesses I use to sell my items. In the month of January, I easily made at least $150 purging my closet and reselling my items. Now it's your turn!