Pandemonium at Plato's Closet Mini Grab Bag Event!

Pandemonium at Plato's Closet Mini Grab Bag Event!

Sunday, (yes I am behind on my posts-don't judge me) I attended Plato's Closet (Dulles, VA) Mini Grab Bag event.  I literally planned for this event.  $10 dollars for a bag I can stuff with as many clothing items as I want? I am so there.

So the day of, I get myself ready and unfortunately the hubby had to go to work so I had to take the kids.  Mistake #1.  Then, since I am trying to get my sexy back, I decided we will walk...I mean it's only a 30 minute walk.  Mistake #2.  My 7 year old son can jump from couch to couch, dresser to bed, and run around the house at dizzying speeds.  However, a simple 30 minute walk?  Too much work!  A 30 minute walk quickly turned into an hour.  Mistake #3.

By the time we reached Plato's it was pure chaos! Women, children, accessories, and clothing were scattered all around the store.  Women were trying to block clothing bins and even had their young children crawling under tables to get to clothing. The staff looked like they had been up for days...poor things, they were weary.  It was pandemonium!  Since I knew I was going to write about the event, I really wanted to take pictures of the store, the staff and the obligatory shameless selfies...but it really wasn't that type of party.  If I wanted to walk away with something (anything!) I had to go all in.  No time nor space for pictures! Plato's gave me little plastic "40" bags (like Old English 40's)  (I apologize but there is no other way to describe the bag) and sent me on my way.  

At first, I tried to be civilized.  I waited patiently and only searched bins that weren't being guarded by self appointed line backers in womens clothing.  However, after a shove or two and complete dismissal of my polite gestures and phrases, I had to unsheathe my blade.  Well not really, I just bogarted my way in and stared at anyone who even looked like they had something to say. (Mind you, I had to shove my way past the rude people anyhow, so I don't lose any sleep over my behavior-believe me) My polite strategy was useless so "Nikki from the block" had to make a special appearance.

It got so crazy, I even had my son going through bins and picking any clothes that were my size to show me. (For shame!)  My five month old baby girl was surprisingly calm...I know she is going to be a retail addict, just like her mom.  I managed to stuff three bags worth of clothes, pay and flee from the ruckus as quickly as little feet could follow me.

All was not lost however!  I managed to pick a few cute items!

I love Target.

I am an NYC girl but Cali seems to have the tee market on lock these past few seasons.

Freaking Miley Cyrus!  Her brand with Max Azaria for Walmart.  Yes I said it, Walmart!  I am so rocking these on some beach...and I dare anyone to say something :)

The knit fabric is forgiving, I promise.

Linen shorts from Forever 21.  Now what the hell to wear them with?

These are my favorite find from the ruckus that was Plato's.  BCBG!  The photo does them no justice, but when I find an outfit I will take a shameless selfie!

I really have no idea what I was thinking or what I am going to do with this skirt.  Whatsoever.  But I'll make it fly (somehow) because I am clever.

One shoulder dress...However, since I have curves (ahem) this will be a top.

I bought 3 bags worth of clothing and accessories for $30 at a (Plato's) retail value of...(drumroll) $110!  SO the pushing and the shoving and general bad behavior was all worth it! (wink)  What do you think?

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Revamping the Wardrobe: The Trick to Selling Clothes at Plato's Closet

Revamping the Wardrobe: The Trick to Selling Clothes at Plato's Closet

Now that I have cleaned out my closet...it's time to sell clothes I don't want (or can't fit) to Plato's Closet! Happy Dance time!

For the unfamiliar:

"Plato's Closet® buys and sells the latest looks in brand name gently used clothing and accessories for teen and twenty something guys and girls." (From the site http://www.platoscloset.com/)

Basically, Plato's Closet buys and sells gently used clothes.  As stated on their website, they market their store and clothes towards teenagers and twenty somethings.  That doesn't mean a grown and sexy lady like  myself can't get it in at Plato's however! Wink, wink! 

The "trick" to selling clothes at Plato's is simple.

1) Understanding Plato's is geared towards teenagers and young adults is important.  That means no matter if you have high end luxury goods to sell, if they can't sell it to young people they won't buy it.  They are looking for trendy items!

2) Find out what your particular Plato's location is looking for, by visiting their site, (each location has it's own website) to decide what clothes you will try to sell.

Example from my store:

3) Make sure your clothes are freshly laundered and are devoid of any major staining (the armpits in particular).  When I bring my tote full of clothes in I put a dryer sheet in the bottom so the clothes smell fresh.

*******************Now the fast and dirty rules***********************

4) Never bring a TON of stuff.  Try to keep it to a tote bag or two.  I don't know exactly why this works, but I am guessing by having too much stuff you seem desperate.  Nine times out of ten, they are not going to buy all of it anyway!  

5) I seemingly have a better time selling right after the weekend or right before the weekend.  I think this works because they are trying to get their inventory back up after the weekend, and right before the weekend starts.

6) While you can find Coach, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent and other luxury items at Plato's, for the most part, this is a mall brand store.  Meaning, you will find H&M, Hollister, American Eagle, Gap, and even Charlotte Russe there in abundance. With this knowledge, try to include these brands or other popular mall brands in your sell items.

7) Sometimes it depends on who is doing the buying. One guy who was doing the buying...well he looked like Axel Rose circa 88.  Not that there's anything wrong with that! (smile) Well, he turned down a pair of never worn $250 Greedy Genius Ocean Runners for a pair of used Marc Ecko boots bought from TJ Maxx for $7. There is no explaining that other than personal taste.

Here is a video by a Plato's Closet in Colorado that shares some more selling tips



8) Make sure when you go to sell, what you are wearing is hot.  Seriously.  I went in there early one morning with a small tote bag full of trendy, gently (or never) worn garments.  I admit, I had just left the gym (I don't work out in cute outfits) and I looked a hot mess.  I really did.  They did not buy anything! I had followed the first seven rules so I just knew they were going to buy my bag full of goodies. NOPE!

So, I went home, showered, took it easy for an hour or two, and then I got dressed.  I threw on a really nice outfit, with stunning accessories, a face full of makeup and red lipstick. Yes. Red lipstick.  This time around, (just a few hours later with the same workers) they bought everything!  So, the moral of the story is, to sell your clothes at Plato's Closet, make sure you are dressed like you have clothes worth selling!

9) DO NOT bring your clothes in a garbage bag.  Break out your tote bags or a nice shopping bag, like these:


Lastly, sometimes they simply don't need what you're selling.  So don't take it personal.

Also remember, you are not going to get rich by selling to Plato's.  The average pay per piece is between $2-$7.  If you have high end luxury items you will earn more cash per piece.  But not much more. If you want to sell high end luxury goods, you would most likely make more money at a consignment shop.  However, Plato's pays on the spot.  Me personally, I sell pieces for the store credit. Plato's is a great spot to pick up trendier items for cheap.  Really cheap!

On this particular trip I brought a large tote bag full of clothes and two pairs of sneakers.  While I was waiting for them to go through the items I was selling, I perused the store for items I may want to purchase with my store credit.

I brought in about 20 items, they bought 7 of them, and my store credit (or cash) was $42.  While I wanted to buy those Yves Saint Laurent shoes, Prada shoes and a couple of Coach bags, I didn't want to spend any of my money (remember I love shopping, but hate spending money) so I used my store credit to buy...

I know it's Fall but these shoes are so cute!

American Eagle Bag. 

See what I did there? Blue Wedges!  I have been seeing this color allover the runways and fashion mags so you know I had to get these!

I purchased three items and still walked out with $17!  All in all a good shopping trip.  I managed to get rid of 7 items and pick up 3 items, one of which is in this seasons trendy blue color!

Now it's on to getting wardrobe staples!  I hope this post helps you sell to Plato's!

Check back for the next installment of Revamping the Wardrobe! Next week, we will be shopping for the core wardrobe pieces!

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