Are you a bunny hop away from Greenwich CT?

Uniquely yours...for less!

We promise the title of this blog will be the only reference to Easter and we won't be mentioning bunnies anymore.

Our latest blog is about the fantastic concierge services we offer. Admittedly they are only fantastic for those who live within a 25 mile radius of our Head Office in Greenwich, CT (not quite a bunny hop we know - OK we fibbed a little about no longer mentioning bunnies, last time we pinky promise) but please don't despair, we are always looking to expand into other areas, so we could be coming to an area near you very soon. But back to our concierge services, what are they?

We offer two levels of concierge service, Standard and Premium. And here you can learn about the difference between the two.

Once registered with us, our standard concierge service just needs you to complete our Inventory List online and submit it to us. Once submitted, we will contact you to arrange a convenient time for us to collect the item(s) that you wish to consign. From there, we take care of uploading your item(s) to the site, writing full descriptions, taking photographs and once an item sells we ship it on your behalf. Subject to an item(s) not falling under our Returns Policy, you will be paid 60% of the sale.

Once registered with us, our premium concierge service just needs you to complete our Call me! Request Form and we will come to your rescue by arranging an appointment to visit your home and help you decide which items you may wish to consign and at what price. When we have worked together on deciding what you are consigning and for how much, we will provide you with a receipt for your items and take them away to start working our magic. As with the standard concierge service, we take care of uploading your item(s) to the site, writing full descriptions, taking photographs and once an item sells we ship it on your behalf. Subject to an item(s) not falling under our Returns Policy, you will be paid 50% of the sale.

These concierge services are perfect for those who have busy schedules, don't want the hassle of heading to a bricks-and-mortar consignment store or just the thought of uploading a number of items to us gives them the chills. Although saying that our upload service is awesome if you have a handful of items. You don't need to leave the house and can consign at your leisure. It also gives us a national consignor reach (until we send more branded smart cars out to different states to operate our concierge service). Just check out "Petunia" our Greenwich Smart Car Babe.

Not only are our concierge services convenient, let us not forget that when your items are listed at a price you are comfortable with, we will NEVER reduce the price unless you ask us to do so. No nasty surprises when you get your payment when an item sells. On the subject of money, it is always smart to price your item sensibly. Standard industry is 50% reduction for an item New With Tags (abbreviation NWT) a bit like texting LOL or LMK... what has the world come to when we even know what these mean? Any hoo! Focus.

We also have no restriction on what you can consign in terms of season just because we have a national reach (well global actually) but we currently don't ship outside of the US & Canada. Sorry! So in a nutshell you can consign apparel for women, men and children and "fun stuff" (meaning collectible toys) with us. Everyone that has used us, loves us! Spread the word and help us stay great.

All you need to do to use any of our consignment services is register with us. And from there you will see just how simple and fun consigning can be!

To coin what is going to become a standard phrase... "see you next month" and if you like this blog please subscribe to it, it's super easy to do so, just subscribe to posts right here at the top of this blog. Oh and the usual blurb, Like Us on Facebook, Follow us on Pinterest and check out our Google + page. No more plugs! But you can't blame us for trying!

And last, but not least, have a fantabulous Easter. Eat plenty of candy so you will no longer into fit your clothes and you will have no choice but to consign them with us! LOL! We know, we know!

Luck of the Irish or just pure hard work?

Uniquely yours...for less!

You may all be scratching your head, asking yourselves "what does this latest blog have to do with the consignment business?". Well, you would be right to ask such a question. But here's the thing. We could blabber on about Spring being around the corner, and how it's time to clean out your closet, but in reality, at consignista.com it doesn't matter what time of year you decide to take on such a task, because being online means we are not seasonally restrictive. We have visitors nationally, so someone on the West Coast will actually be looking for that perfect summer dress, while someone on the East Coast is digging themselves out of the latest snow storm (actually Storm Titan is on its way as we speak!). This is where the saying "Life isn't fair" kicks in, right. But back to the subject at hand. Luck or hard work? And what do we mean by that?

Let us explain. It's no secret that the consignment business is a booming one; especially in these economic times. But here's the thing. Anyone who decides to embark on a consignment adventure is most certainly not without strong competition. This then leads to the question, "what sets consignista.com apart from other online consignment businesses?" One of the biggest factors, is that you get to decide what price to list your item at, and it remains at that price. We won't say "hey, you can name your price" but then 30 days later put your item in a sale and reduce it by up to 70%. Nope, unpleasant surprises we most certainly do not do. You price your item, and it stays that way. Why? Because we know how frustrating it can be when you list an item for let's say $100 and you expect a certain amount when its sold, to find out that, actually your item was put in a sale, flash or otherwise, and in fact the item you listed for $100 was reduced to $30 and, yep, the percentage of what you will earn out of that has also been reduced. Irritating! So we are different. When you list an item for a certain price, it stays at that price. The only time your item will be reduced is when you tell us to reduce it. Plain and simple. What's more this method ensures everyone gets their fair share of gold out of the pot at the end of the rainbow. The consignor makes a coin or two, the consignee saves a coin or two, and we make a coin or two.

The hard work for consignista.com is getting you folk out there to know about us and our fabulous offerings, but we're always on it. The lucky part for us (or is it due to hard work) is that our customers have been more than thrilled with their experience using consignista.com.

Our mission is to offer satisfaction to both the consignor and consignee. There is no point in having a happy consignor, but a rather upset consignee or vice versa. The deal has to be right for both sides. That way everyone wins and it breeds repeat business.

So let's hope consignista.com continues to have the luck of the Irish and, if it doesn't, then we will continue with the hard work.

All that is left to say is "don't forget to clean out that....", no we're kidding (although feel free do clean out your closet anytime you feel the urge to and consign it with us). What we really mean to say is, "Have a 'faboo' St Patrick's Day", drink lots (although drink sensibly)  and raise a Guinness (or whatever your tipple is) to continued prosperity for all (including consignista.com).

And as the Irish say, "top of the morning" and if you like this blog don't forget to subscribe to it. And of course there is always our Fantabulous Facebook Page to "Like".

See you next month!

L'Amour

Uniquely yours...for less!

There are no prizes for knowing that Valentine's Day is looming. But that is not what our latest blog is about. Apologies to all you romantics out there, but this blog is aimed at delving into the love of shopping and shopping smart.

Us girls make no secret about our pure love for shopping. The rush we feel when we put on our recently purchased "something". How good we feel when, headed out for a night on the town, we take stock of ourselves in the mirror and feel like a million dollars. Like any new love this feeling isn't long-lived. Once something has been worn a few times, the love fades. Time for a new shopping experience to maintain the thrill. Unless you have the shopping budget of the rich and famous, shopping can be tough on the bank balance. And sometimes we just have to window shop, as if we don't do so, we may be eating soup for a while!

True love shopping bags...mwaaa!

But we have good news. We can ease the pain. At consignista.com we have designer items available for purchase on the site at prices discounted by a minimum of 50%. And that discount is all year round. Yes, you read right, designer items, new with tags, at a minimum discount of 50% all year round. Items like brand new Selma Coach Suede Open Toe pumps for $94.00 or a BCBG Maxaria Dress priced at just $50.00. Did we mention free shipping and the fact that you also earn rewards points every time you shop with us that goes towards future purchases? An added bonus is a full returns policy. That means you can return the item to us in the condition it arrived in and voilà you get your money back. No re-stocking fee, no store credit just a good old-fashioned refund. Now that's shopping smart.

Let us not forget that if you have an item or two that you no longer love, but is too good to give away, then consign it with us without leaving your home and earn 70% when the item sells. Consign with us without leaving the home. Nice!

Our Rewards Program can also add to your piggy bank, as for every friend you refer and who shops with us, we give you $10.00*. Not $10.00 credit to spend on our site (although we feel sure that's where you will want to spend your money) but $10.00 to spend where-ever you want. Now if that's not love, we don't know what is!

Spread the love (and the word) because despite common belief, it's not money that makes the world goes round, it's love.

See you next month!

*Please see website for full details.

Do you relish the New Year?

Uniquely yours...for less!

OK so we're not sure about you guys, but we have found it super difficult to "get into gear" for 2014. The holidays were so fun-filled that getting back to reality sucks - yes even 24/7 businesses have some down time. And on top of that, being based out of North East America has meant we have "bundled up" to protect ourselves from the snow storm, Hercules, and the polar vortex we are currently experiencing. Apparently any moisture will "flash freeze". We remember, flash dance, but "flash freeze" is new on us lol! Any hoo, we digress.

So no-one wins star prize for knowing the typical new year's resolutions following the holidays.... join a gym, lose weight, drink less alcohol, stop smoking, be nicer to our better halves blah de blah de blah. But there are other new beginnings that are just as important that may get overlooked. What, pray tell may they be? Well, one is de-cluttering. It's not just reserved for spring cleaning. Oh no. At consignista.com our rule is, if you haven't worn something for at least 12 months then try it on, look in the mirror and ask yourself these honest questions: does it fit? does it still suit me? will I wear it? If your answer to any of these questions is "no", you don't need us to tell you want to do, consign it with us. Here are some good reasons why you should. We are not seasonally restricted on the items we accept (we're national don't you know!), you set the price you want to sell an item at and once an item is listed with us it will stay available for sale on the site unless you ask us to remove it. Most importantly, we will NEVER reduce your item - unlike other sites - and you earn the biggest slice of the pie. In a nutshell, it's your stuff, so you're in charge of it.

And with a revamped Rewards Program where, in addition to earning rewards points, when you refer a friend you earn $10 when they make their first purchase from us*, we fail to see the downside. All the blurb about our revamped Rewards Program can be found on our website www.consignista.com. Spread the word for us and you get paid!

Keep your eye on the prize.

There is just one final thing to add to this message, whether 2013 has been an awesome year, or an "I'd rather not talk about how bad 2013 was" year, this image couldn't say it better. All that is left to say is, "Let's Rock 2014"!

Happy New Year to All!



*See Terms

A personal note from the Founder since consignista's one year launch!

Uniquely yours… for less!

Wow, where has the year gone? Why do the years fly by the older you become? I mean, I don't know about you, but it feels like I went to sleep Christmas evening 2012, woke up, and before I knew it, Christmas 2013 has sneaked up on me!

That's how I feel about consignista.com. I mean a one year anniversary... really? I seriously don't know where the time has gone. It seems like only yesterday we were getting ready to go live to the world wide web!

One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that online retail is tough and anyone who thinks otherwise should think again. There is no signage over a bricks and mortar store to say "hello we're here". In fact it takes a lot of hard work to get found on the internet. That said, I wouldn't change it for the world. Being national is super cool, and getting sales when fast alseep is awesome, but it isn't always peaches and cream. Any business owner knows that.

My vision for consignista.com is to become a one stop site for families. I mean, why not allow someone to list something for consignment for their husband/boyfriend and/or children at the same time they are listing something for themselves? OK, so at the moment some of our categories may be thin of inventory, but that won't last forever. My attitude is that you need to know the category is there to list something! Besides, if you don't see something when you visit the site, you can always fill out our Personal Shopping Service form to tell us what you are looking for and when it hits the database, you get an email alert.

At consignista.com we are very particular about what items are listed for sale on the site, because it is important to us to ensure you will have a satisfied smile on your face when you get a package from us, confident that it's a great item and at an affordable price. God knows, in these economic times that's a bonus. We've had some fabulous customer reviews - always important.

Giving back is an important piece to the site. We have attended many charity functions and are always scouting to help causes and communities. Watch this space for 2014!

I want to thank my amazing family and friends, who have supported me in the vision for consignista.com (and you know who you are). To you, I am forever grateful. I am blessed. Truly. As they say you can move mountains with tremendous support and love. And of course to our customers who, without, we wouldn't exist.

Penelope baked by my wonderful sister

In closing, I have to share a cake that my sister made to celebrate consignista.com's one year anniversary. She is so talented it humbles me (I have trouble frosting a cupcake). She is not a professional... yet. I need to make enough money to buy her a bakery. No pressure! The cake has been named "Penelope" and it is, of course, a Fashionista cake which is way too pretty to eat!

All that is left to say is Happy Holidays and here's to a wonderful 2014!

Penny
Founder of consignista.com

Can you keep a secret?

Uniquely yours… for less!

 ‘tis the season! When is it ever not the season to look amazing? With holiday parties, celebrations and gift exchanging around the corner consigning/consignment has never looked so good. While it may seem a bit taboo to buy that special someone a consigned present you may want to reconsider when thinking about the actual bang for the buck. What's more just because something has been pre-owned doesn't mean it has even been worn. consignista.com carries many 'new with tags' items just like the Manolo Blahnik "Sedaraby" shoes - currently selling in Saks, Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman for $755.00 that consignista.com are selling for $377.50 or a Jones New York Sequin Swirl Dress purchased at $179.00; consignista.com's price? $75.00. And if that wasn't enough of a saving we ship for free! The bottom line is that you are getting exactly what you want at a minimum 50% discount simply because someone else purchased it before you. Most importantly, you almost always can never even tell an item has been pre-owned when you buy it through consignista.com. 

But it gets better. When browsing consignista.com's virtual shelves for your hearts deepest desires, not only can you purchase whatever it is that catches your twinkling eye, but you can also consign your own items using our unique do-it-yourself upload form and earn 70% on every item you sell. So, why wait for Spring to clear out some closet space for some new goodies? In addition to consigning online, we offer two methods of concierge service (standard and premium). Whatever your choice of consigning with us is, the most important part is you get to price your own items.  To read the different levels of consignment options you have, or just to see how easy it is to consign with us, just read our 'how to' Guide.

Click on this image to find out more!

Are you too busy to check in for the items you are looking for? Not a problem. We now offer a personal shopping service. By simply filling out a form listing your top brands, sizes and whatever other details you want, you can submit your request and as soon as those items, brands, sizes, etc hit the consignista.com virtual shelves, you will receive a helpful little email reminder letting you know that your goodies are in. Talk about convenient!

Whether its the gift of a lifetime you are seeking, trying to clear out some closet space or putting a special request into consignista.com, our one-stop website offers everything you can imagine to make your needs as easy as American apple pie!

Shhh!

So now our hunch is you want to know what the secret is? No it's not that buying a consigned gift is a smart, savvy decision and easy on the wallet. Come closer.... no closer...did you know, that even Santa shops online? Just click on his image to see what it is he is looking at buying. Happy Holidays folks! 

A Fashionista’s Closet: Love It or List It?

Uniquely yours… for less!

One of any fashionista's dreams is to have a beautiful walk-in closet, bright and airy, with lots of shelving space and hanging cedar rods (every one of them filled with cushion-silk hangers), in which to store our fashions.

The myth (according to the advertising messages from hundreds of closet design companies) is that if you have a perfectly laid out closet, you're able to choose the right outfit for any occasion. Further, a perfectly designed closet comes with at least one three-way mirror that serves as the decisive judge.

But any smart and savvy fashionista-turned-consignista will stand firm against this myth. The consignista's mantra is "Wear what you love, consign what you don't." Love it or list it!

Love it or list it?

Taking on the task of organizing your closet can be overwhelming. Your closet is a mirror (yes, a three-way) of your personality, and often in the depths of it you've stored fashions that are connected to memories.

But digging into your closet can be an opportunity to get rid of the clutter in your life, literally and metaphorically. Your once beloved treasures can provide you with a new income to breathe fresh life in your closet. Remember, you're earning money and going shopping for things to love and wear!



Do we have any suggested guidelines to help you decide what to list? Of course!

Evaluate each item in front of a mirror and ask yourself, "Do I love it or do I list it?" Check the facial expressions in the mirror, and you'll have your answer.

Once you're happy with what items to list, just visit consignista.com, register with us and then select from the three consignment methods we offer (do-it-yourself upload form; concierge service*; and premium concierge service*). We also have a "how-to" guide to walk you through the process. It's simple!

Photograph all the fashions that you are staying with before you place them back in the closet, properly classified, and start creating outfits with your "love to wear" items. Admittedly, not an easy project, but there are plenty of apps and site features to help you mix and match. Our favorites are Cloth, Pose, Fitting Room Social and style.com.

 
Make a list of things you need to shop for in order to complete your outfits.

Relax on your bed while creating virtual outfits on your smartphone and checking your e-mail for notifications from consignista.com on items sold. Keep a tally on your smartphone's digitial calculator of your earnings.

Once the earnings from the sales of your formerly beloved treasures (or purchases made under the influence of shopping delirium) are deposited to your account, grab your list and go shopping! Be confident that after your "invigorating" closet cleaning, you'll make the right purchasing choices. But before you leave your house, check consignista.com to get a head start on your new wardrobe.

Follow these steps every time you feel the weight of the clutter in your closet. Trust us. You're going to love the ritual.

Make a start today!

Recognize the girl in this image? Remember, "the girl with the green scarf"?

Just click on the image to the right. It will take you to consignista.com today, where you will find more advice on how to list what you don't love and earn money from your closet.

*Please see our Help! section for areas of operation.