The pros and cons of donating vs. consigning your stuff.
Should you donate or consign your vintage stuff?
Congratulations, you have finally decided to get rid of all that stuff you bought but never used—or used but no longer need. But should you donate or consign your unwanted stuff?
“Donating versus consigning is really a matter of personal choice and timing,” says Chrissy Hardin, general manager at Rivah Consignments in Kilmarnock. “People who consign are looking to get some money for items they can no longer use because they are downsizing or moving, redecorating, or just getting rid of some stuff.”
If your items are relatively recent and in good condition, take them to a consignment store for evaluation. These stores resell merchandise at a discount, taking a percentage of the sale price as their commission.
If your items are less valuable or in visibly used condition, consider donating them. Some nonprofit organizations run stores that sell donations to the public, creating revenue and providing jobs for those in need. Other organizations accept specific items for reuse, such as towels at animal shelters and art supplies at schools. Either way, be sure to donate items in good condition. If you wouldn’t wear or use an item in its current condition, neither would anyone else—go ahead and throw it away.
