Have you ever owned and operated a consignment shop? Put stuff on consignment in

I bought a tiger eye necklace once (tiger eye is the name of a stone, they were all the rage for awhile and then went out of style, swirling shades of brown, maybe even some black in it or layers of the color, every stone/piece is unique). It went terrific with a turtle neck sweater that I had bought for under a suit. Some of the jewelry is wonderful in these places and some is so-so or really not my style. But often, I can find the perfict thing to finish off an outfit for an interview or a night out. If I had money, I had wanted to start a cameo collection, and if I did, consignment shops would be one place I would start as well as ebay and there are even a few cameo shops devoted to cameos only. But I don't have $ for a collection right now. Take care

10 to 20 percent is a deal. Here, usually 30%. Ceramics, now that is one I hadn't thought about. Thanks. Most consignment shops make sure what they're selling is better than the thrift stores. Definitely has to work! Thanks and take care.

Too bad the ornaments didn't go. We never know what will and won't go. Can't predict the future.

I think it would be great, too. But not sure where I would get the start-up money for the buildings, I'm barely paying my bills. There are thrift shops in the area, so I would have to have things they didn't already sell. Thanks and take care, I'm still in the trying to figure out how stage.

Two things, my dear...in hard economic times, people will be more willing to bring their belongings to a consignment shop, as they will gleen a few dollars from their belongings, than donate them to a Thrift Shop, where they will not realize any income! So, with that in mind, I think you are on the right track! Also, in your state, is their small business loans available? In B.C., they are available at a reduced interest rate, if you come to them with a viable financial portfolio/forecast! Would you have to buy a building...or can you rent? And the building that you might consider...does it have living accomodations? I really think you are on the "right track!" Cheers!

The two buildings that are possible in my area are for sale. Both have pluses and minuses. Like one has no store window, is off the beaten track, and is tiny, but it does have a kitchen I could sub-let if I could get it certifed safe and Good parking in both the front and the back as well as small offices above. It is a very small former K of C. The other has a huge store window and is on a major highway, a good amount of inside space for consignments on the first floor but almost no parking and two more stories (three story building) plus a flat roofs that needs fixing. It is a former mortuary, but people rent above it, so it can't be too scary. But there is a huge wall when you enter for your coats that may or may not be load-baring (as a carpenter, I'm sure you know what that means unless Canadian Eng has another term for it-that happens every once in awhile). I'm not sure if they would allow me to rent or not. They don't have any takers to buy. Both have been trying to get buyers for over a year. The K of C can't afford to keep it and the Mortuary must need money, no one is on the first floor and they built a modern beautiful place down the road. Maybe I could talk one or the other into rent to own without a loan or just renting. You are sooo cool Pergammo. I'll keep thinking. I've learned a lot. Every yard sale we have up here, leather, tools, yarn, crafts as long as they're useful and/or would make good gifts go well. I've noticed at the thrift shops, jeans, t-shirts, jackets, and suits go well. Popular DVDS and CDs go well if priced low enough.

The Art one that I went to before was pricey. But they let the artists decide how much they wanted for each item they brought in. The area we are in, art doesn't command a high price. Take care.

All great points, I don't know if I'm ready for an online store yet, but you're right, there isn't the rental space, but some of the fees get complicated and you can loose because you don't calculate them or understand them all. But you're more likely to find a buyer somewhere. Thanks, I'll think more about it. Ebay is suspending some parts of their fees every once in awhile and emailing me about it. But a virtual store would be different from an auction site and I'm not even sure how they work or how I would start one. Would have to find out the laws and taxes on them, too. Thanks, it really is something to think about. Take care

Thanks, right now, I have so many jobs, I'm confused!

You can easily set up a simple web page with a template and then create a Paypal shopping cart. Paypal may even have some resources for you. I can't give you more info because I haven't done it yet.

I checked to make sure you don't live where I live because one consignment shop here did the same thing! Now a second hand shirt costs almost as much as or the same as a new one in a regular store because it's designer clothing. So I guess I can only buy the stuff that is 1/2 or 1/4 price because $10 for a second hand shirt when I can buy one for that at a regular store seems rediculous to me. I'll just shop Savation Ary, St. Mary's and the Humane Society's shops. Thanks and take care

NY State, in the country, near the Canadian Border, near Plattsburgh, that's where I'm at. Anyway, no Marshal's, but we have a T. J. Max.

Is there a Marshall's near you? I'm not sure what part of the U.S. you live in but Hudson's Treasure Hunt has new clothes at thrift store prices. I got a nice pair of wool slacks there last year for $2. I get really good deals shopping the online clearance at Walmart too. Plenty of sweaters and dresses and pants for $10 or less! I got my sweetie four shirts for $13 around Christmas time.