Q&A
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To find out what we are consigning right now, look here. We ask that you bring no more than 10 items per drop off to enable us to process our inventory quickly. All items should be clean, on hangers, and ready for the floor. Come in anytime during normal business hours, no appointment necessary.
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Take a look at each item you’re considering for consignment and ask yourself, “Why am I interested in consigning this item?” If the answer is, “It’s a beautiful garment, I love it, but it’s not right for me anymore,” you’re thinking like Peonies.
Maybe it doesn’t fit you properly. Maybe it never fit your fabulous personality! Maybe the color was wrong. Or maybe you love the color—just not on you. Maybe it doesn’t fit your new lifestyle. Maybe everyone in the world has already seen you in it. Long story short: If the item is in perfect condition—designer or higher-end—chances are it's a perfect fit for Peonies—because it's a perfect fit for one of our customers. In addition to clothing, Peonies welcomes jewelry and accessories: handbags, sunglasses, scarves, wraps, hats, belts, etc.
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Yes, absolutely!
If you have designer handbags in near-perfect condition, we welcome them. In fact, handbags are one of the most popular items at Peonies. Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel all sell practically the minute they're placed on the floor. We appreciate certificates of authenticity and original receipts if possible.
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We loooooove shoes! We are very, very particular about the shoes we consign into Peonies. We accept designer label shoes that have never been worn—or have been worn a couple of times and are in mint condition. That includes dress shoes, casual shoes—you name it. No sneakers. Please clean your shoes inside and out before you bring them in. Original, undamaged boxes are helpful for storage, but not required.
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Consigning clothing is a lot less stressful than, say, a trip to the dentist. Or a trip to any doctor where stirrups are involved. Or doing nearly anything the first time. By the time you get to the store to consign your clothing, the hardest part (cleaning out your closet, deep sigh!) is already done. While you wait, an experienced associate will review your items. Peonies does not guarantee we will accept all items; choices are made based on our knowledge of shopper preferences and current inventory. Items accepted are then priced and inventoried via a proprietary computerized system. Consignors receive a detailed list of the items they've consigned via email.
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Here's a good way to think about it: Peonies may be resale, but we think of ourselves as retail—the difference is we "buy" our quality merchandise from you and your friends rather than designers or clothing reps. Peonies carefully selects items that fit the boutique's style and persona, as well as meet the expectations of its customers.
If Peonies doesn't accept a particular item, it does not mean we don't like the item, or we don't like you, or that you have poor taste. It simply means are not sure we can sell the item for a profit and don't want to disappoint you or our customers.
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Good question. At the end of the contract period, it is your responsibility to come to the shop and pick up your items. Seven days after the contract period ends, the items become the property of Peonies. Peonies may then immediately donate your unsold item to a charity of our choice. Or, Peonies may put it the item on sale. We decide. If you want to keep the item, be sure and pick it up within seven days of the intake date noted on your consignor update.
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It depends on the item and the need of the non-profits at any given time. We are strong supporters of Child and Family, and fans of Dress for Success. This fantastic organization promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Other items are donated to a variety of organizations. For instance, Hartspring donations benefit mentoring programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters. We support local non-profits including the Salvation Army and Goodwill.
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No problem—as long as your item hasn't sold and your contract hasn't expired. Simply come in, let us know, find the item and pick it up. You will be charged a modest handling fee to compensate Peonies for the time we've spent including setting up your sales account, entering your item into inventory, tagging it, labeling it, preparing it for sale and presenting it on the floor. That's outlined in your consignment agreement.
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HOW DO I KNOW IF AN ITEM IS RIGHT FOR CONSIGNMENT?
Take a look at each item you’re considering for consignment and ask yourself, “Why am I interested in consigning this item?” If the answer is, “It’s a beautiful garment, I love it, but it’s not right for me anymore,” you’re thinking like Peonies.
Maybe it doesn’t fit you properly. Maybe it never fit your fabulous personality! Maybe the color was wrong. Or maybe you love the color—just not on you. Maybe it doesn’t fit your new lifestyle. Maybe everyone in the world has already seen you in it. Long story short: If the item is in perfect condition—designer or higher-end—chances are it's a perfect fit for Peonies—because it's a perfect fit for one of our customers. In addition to clothing, Peonies welcomes jewelry and accessories: handbags, sunglasses, scarves, wraps, hats, belts, etc.
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DO YOU CONSIGN HANDBAGS?
Yes, absolutely!
If you have designer handbags in near-perfect condition, we welcome them. In fact, handbags are one of the most popular items at Peonies. Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel all sell practically the minute they're placed on the floor. We appreciate certificates of authenticity and original receipts if possible.
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WHAT ABOUT SHOES?
We loooooove shoes! We are very, very particular about the shoes we consign into Peonies. We accept designer label shoes that have never been worn—or have been worn a couple of times and are in mint condition. That includes dress shoes, casual shoes—you name it. No sneakers. Please clean your shoes inside and out before you bring them in. Original, undamaged boxes are helpful for storage, but not required.
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WHAT ABOUT JEWELRY?
We loooooove jewelry—costume, vintage (in perfect condition), sterling, gold and designer pieces. For instance, we've consigned beautiful pieces from One Pearl, Saundra Messinger and Movado. It helps if you tell us if you have a price in mind for the piece. Consigned jewelry is generally priced at 45% of present retail value. For items that are to be priced over $500, Peonies requires an appraisal or an original receipt; this is in your best interests and is for the protection of our customers. If you do not have an appraisal, we will happily obtain one for you at your expense. We do our utmost to protect everything in the store, but ultimately items left with us are at your own risk.
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WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS DURING A CONSIGNMENT APPOINTMENT?
Consigning clothing is a lot less stressful than, say, a trip to the dentist. Or a trip to any doctor where stirrups are involved. Or doing nearly anything the first time. By the time you get to the store to consign your clothing, the hardest part (cleaning out your closet, deep sigh!) is already done. While you wait, an experienced associate will review your items. Peonies does not guarantee we will accept all items; choices are made based on our knowledge of shopper preferences and current inventory. Items accepted are then priced and inventoried via a proprietary computerized system. Consignors receive a detailed list of the items they've consigned via email.
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WHY DON'T YOU ACCEPT EVERY ITEM I BRING IN?
Here's a good way to think about it: Peonies may be resale, but we think of ourselves as retail—the difference is we "buy" our quality merchandise from you and your friends rather than designers or clothing reps. Peonies carefully selects items that fit the boutique's style and persona, as well as meet the expectations of its customers.
If Peonies doesn't accept a particular item, it does not mean we don't like the item, or we don't like you, or that you have poor taste. It simply means are not sure we can sell the item for a profit and don't want to disappoint you or our customers.
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IS THERE A LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF ITEMS I CAN CONSIGN?
We ask that you bring a maximum of 10 items per drop-off. There are two reasons: it ensures the sizes and styles in our inventory are more diverse for buyers. And it enables us to process and place items on the floor faster. The sooner in the season your items are placed on the floor, the better the chance they have to sell. ____________________________________________WHAT IF MY ITEM DOES NOT SELL?
Good question. At the end of the contract period, it is your responsibility to come to the shop and pick up your items. Seven days after the contract period ends, the items become the property of Peonies. Peonies may then immediately donate your unsold item to a charity of our choice. Or, Peonies may put it the item on sale. We decide. If you want to keep the item, be sure and pick it up within seven days of the intake date noted on your consignor update.
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WHAT CHARITIES DOES PEONIES SUPPORT?
It depends on the item and the need of the non-profits at any given time. We are strong supporters of Child and Family, and fans of Dress for Success. This fantastic organization promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Other items are donated to a variety of organizations. For instance, Hartspring donations benefit mentoring programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters. We support local non-profits including the Salvation Army and Goodwill.
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MAY I GET AN UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF THE ITEMS I HAVE CONSIGNED?
Of course, anytime! Our operation is transparent and buttoned-up. Email us anytime at happytohelp@peoniescouture.com to request a complete account status. Or drop by the shop and we'll print a copy for you at no charge. You may also call for an update during store hours—please understand if we are busy working with customers. ____________________________________________WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO GIVE YOU MY EMAIL ADDRESS?
Email is the primary way we communicate with consignors about the status of their accounts. This includes emailing you a list of items and prices each time you consign. If you elect not to provide an email address, it's your responsibility to stop into the shop or call us if you have questions or need information. ____________________________________________MAY I CHECK THE STATUS OF MY ITEMS ONLINE?
Not yet—we hope to make that possible. ____________________________________________GULP! WHAT IF I SUDDENLY DECIDE I WANT TO KEEP SOMETHING I ALREADY CONSIGNED?
No problem—as long as your item hasn't sold and your contract hasn't expired. Simply come in, let us know, find the item and pick it up. You will be charged a modest handling fee to compensate Peonies for the time we've spent including setting up your sales account, entering your item into inventory, tagging it, labeling it, preparing it for sale and presenting it on the floor. That's outlined in your consignment agreement.
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HOW MUCH DO I MAKE?
The consignor earns 40% of the selling price. ____________________________________________MAY I CONSIGN STORE BRANDS LIKE COACH AND TALBOT'S?
Peonies accepts couture and designer labels. We accept pieces from higher-end store brands {Banana Republic, Coach, Martin & Osa, Talbot's, White House Black Market and others—lots of women around here love Chico's.} We generally do not accept store brands or private labels from big-box retailers, but there are a few exceptions. There are hundreds and hundreds of designer labels so if you have any questions about a particular label or brand, call us or email us. Most important: your garment is 1) in close to perfect condition; 2) clean; 3) on a hanger.
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ARE THERE A MINIMUM NUMBER OF ITEMS I NEED TO CONSIGN?
Yes, five items are required to open a consignor account. ____________________________________________WHAT ABOUT LARGER SIZES FOR WOMEN?
Presently, we accept 0-16, up to XL, and petite. We also accept very select "junior" items. We do our best to consign a complete range of sizes. ____________________________________________WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WINE?
Ah, thanks for asking!
We love most wines. These days we are loving the white burgundies from the chic Brasserie Pip, right up the road at the Copper Beech Inn. And we are crazy for champagne. Add your name to our contact list here and we'll invite you to our Pinot & Peonies parties.
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