Consignment Shops - Thrift Shops - Vintage Shops
Used and Vintage Clothing, Jewelry, books, furniture and more
Napa Valley, San Francisco North Bay, Ca. USA

Consignment shops

are second-hand stores that offer used goods at a lower price

 than new. Many offer new items as well. The dealer pays the seller upon sale of the goods. Merchandise often sold through consignment shops include antiques, athletic equipment, automobiles, books, clothing (especially children's, maternity, and wedding clothing which are often not worn out), furniture, firearms, music, musical instruments, tools, and toys. eBay drop off stores often use the consignment model of selling. Art galleries, as well, often operate as consignees of the artist.

Consignment shops differ from charity or thrift shops in that the original owner retains some of the revenue from the sale, rather than donating it to the charity. They differ from pawnbrokers, which acquire the good from the original owner in exchange for money or a loan of money.
 

A charity shop, thrift store or resale shop

 when not meaning consignment shop is a retail establishment operated by a charitable organization for the purpose of fundraising. Charity shops are a type of social enterprise. They usually sell second-hand goods donated by members of the public, and are often staffed by volunteers. Because the items for sale were obtained for free, and business costs are low, the items can be sold at very low prices. After costs are paid, all remaining income from the sales is given away in accord with the organization's stated charitable purpose. Costs include purchase and/or depreciation of fixtures (clothing racks, bookshelves, counters, etc.), operating costs (maintenance, municipal service fees, electricity, telephone, limited advertising) and the building lease or mortgage.

Also See:

Books Used & Rare
Flea Markets

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