Thrift Stores Aren't Alone

     As a bargain shopper I've always stuck to surfing the racks at thrift stores. However, there are three other types of second-hand stores including consignment, classified and pawn. These are all places where you can save money while still getting stellar deals! The main difference between these four shops is the moment you surrender ownership of your items, when you get paid and whether or not someone else helps you sell your items.
     Consignment Shops: These shops will sell goods for the owner; the owner will retain ownership until the goods are sold. An example: If you consigned a stereo for $30 then the shop would take 50 percent ($15) and as the owner you'd receive the remainder of the money. Items are usually in place for 30, 60 to 90-day cycles. If the item fails to sell then it'll be discounted. Consignment stores are loved more by the buyers than the sellers. 
     Pawn Shops: Most people wouldn't believe that pawn shops are considered second-hand but they actually do meet the qualifications! As a seller you will surrender ownership of your items immediately when you receive payment for their worth. Two well-known chains that use pawn shop standards would be Plato's Closet and Half Price Books. The payment you receive from the store won't be affected if the store isn't able to sell your items; all the risk is now on the store itself. 
     Classifieds: This is a way to advertise for your goods by placing an ad in a newspaper or online source. Classified ads are popular because the fees that are required are significantly less than the ones charged by pawn and consignment shops. Craigslist is, hands down, the most popular option because it's free and gives the seller more control. E-Bay and Amazon are also examples of classifieds.
     Thrift Shops: Most of these stores are run by non-profit organizations and are donation-based. The donator will receive a tax-deductible receipt for the estimated cost of the items they give the shop. Most people enjoy donating their items because they know its for a good cause. The thrift store giants are Goodwill and the Salvation Army.
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Thrifting Hot Spots

Thrift stores are everywhere! Seriously, there's no way you can visit any city that doesn't have at least one second-hand store in existence. After some research I've been able to pinpoint the five best thrift stores in the Topeka area. Every thrift store is a little different from the next, but the one important thing that they all share is the incredible treasures that are just waiting to be discovered!

1. Plato's Closet
Located at 1580 SW Wanamaker Rd. Topeka, KS 66604
(785) 783-3370
Link to Website

2. MAJ-R Thrift
Located at 2020 Northwest Topeka Blvd. Topeka, KS 66608
(785) 234-3101
Link to Website 

3. The Merchant
Located at 913 S Kansas Ave. Topeka, KS 66603
(785) 357-1444
Link to Website 

4. Fashion Exchange
Located at 5648 SW 29th St. Topeka, KS 66614
(785) 271-8500
Link to Website 

5. God's Storehouse
Located at 2111 SW Chelsea Dr. Topeka, KS 66614
(785) 608-6743
Link to Website  

A Plato's Paradise

     To most people, thrift stores have become known as the place to find the cheapest clothes. The stores themselves are depicted as being unsanitary and disorganized. In addition, the people that choose to shop at thrift stores are often stereotyped as being stingy and tacky. However, while most thrift stores are not the equivalent to a five-star hotel, they are still relatively clean, functional places of business. While there are several different chains of thrift stores in existence, the one that wins the award for having the most stylish and contemporary items would be Plato’s Closet. 

     This high-end thrift store channels its business towards high school and college students. This is primarily because they understand how important it is for these individuals, particularly college students, to save money while keeping up with the latest trends. Plato’s Closet is unique from other thrift stores because they will actually buy clothes from their customers. This is their strategy in maintaining their stylish selection of attire and accessories. All you have to do is bring in currently trendy attire and you’ll receive cash on the spot! Here is a quick and easy article regarding the rundown of how to sell your clothes to Plato’s. Plato's Closet Website Link

Photo Credit

     Aside from the distinctive factor of receiving money for selling your brand name clothing and accessories, Plato’s Closet has one of the most laid back environments I’ve ever shopped in. The picture to the right demonstrates the relaxed and inviting atmosphere that Plato’s Closet has to offer. The options are endless at Plato’s with so many attractive items to pick and choose from. One of my greatest purchases from Plato’s was a form-fitting leather jacket that I bought for a bargain of only 10 dollars! There are items that could fit almost any type of style whether you’re shooting for goth, preppy, chic, sporty, vintage, hipster, etc. I would definitely recommend that you take some time, save some bucks and check out Plato’s Closet!