Not all consignment shops abuse users

HAMBURG, N.Y. (WIVB) - Though recently News 4 highlighted a consignment shop accused of "dirty dealing," many other consignment shops do offer good deals.

Village Kids Consignment Shop has been swapping children's clothes in the Village of Hamburg for nearly 70 years. Lisa Eszack is the fourth owner.

"Basically, we have the greatest consigners, loyal consigners, that have been coming here for many, many years," Eszack said.

So she was shocked to hear the owner of a new consignment shop, Acquired Attire, right around the corner, has been charged with ripping customers off. Just by their nature, Eszack says consignment shops nurture relationships between owners and their customers. But she still keeps track of all her transactions, for her protection and for her customers.

Eszack explained, "If a tag falls off one of our customers' orders and we don't know who it is, we go back to our book, and this tells us everything, everything that comes in for the day, the week, the month, this is our Bible."

Customers say it beats shopping at the mall.

Brenda Cox said, "She knows all of us. She knows my son and his age. I can ask her, 'Hey, do you think you will be getting this in?' Or I am looking for something, and she will say, 'I will write that down for you, and I will call you.'"

Debbie Walker, owner of a shop in East Aurora, told News 4 consigned property belongs to the customer until it is sold, so keeping good records is a must.

Walker, who owns Ragamuffinz Consignment Shop, said, "Anything that is on the inventory floor is assigned with their number, and would not get lost."

Peggy Penders of the Better Business Bureau says selling and trading at consignment shops is a skill, so you might want to start small, until you find your comfort zone.

"Bring them a small item that your are willing to risk, and see how your experience goes. You really want to make sure that you can feel good about giving your personal items to this particular shop," said Penders.

But there is another kind of resale shop, like Plato's Closet, that pays customers on the spot for newer, brand name teenage apparel.

Dana Zuber explained, "We sell our clothing for 75 percent less than retail prices. We pay you 35 percent to 50 percent, on the spot, of what we are selling the item for. But we pay you today."