There has been a lot of talk on television about dressing for business in garments purchased from consignment shops. Do you pass a consignment shop every day, but quickly walk past it? It does look interesting, but you are not sure if you want walk into the shop, however cute the name. Before you make a decision to continue walking past a store that can help to ease your tight financial budget, check out these tips. Consignment shopping may be for you.

Wait a minute--isn't that buying second hand clothing? You know like buying from a rummage sale or garage sale? The answer is yes and no. Consignment shops often have new clothing with the price tags still on them.

What is the difference between a second-hand shop and a consignment shop?

Look in any newspaper and you will most likely find an advertisement for used clothing, very often used clothing sales are run by the local church. A second-hand shop is like a garage, yard sale, or a jumble, where people are getting rid of odds ands ends, and other items they no longer want. Don't knock it, you can find great items at second-hand shops for very little money. A consignment shop is where people bring clothing to sell in return for a percentage on the sale. These items are often higher end goods and usually cost more than rummage sale or yard sale items, however, you are more likely to find designer or designer type clothing that has been gently worn or never worn.

If you do decide to use a consignment shop, here are some things to remember:

• Shop early in the season and often.
  
  
• New merchandise comes in frequently and some items are usually marked down if they are not sold in 30 or 60 days.
  
  
• Purchases are usually final. Use the dressing room if there is one. Also, be sure to dress properly for consignment shopping. Where tights and a fitted tee shirt under your clothing. This way if you have to try on a skirt, etc. and there is no dressing room, you can slip your outer garments off for a try on.
  
  
• Look the item over carefully for any damage, worn spots, stains, etc. Consignment shops do screen clothes, but might occasionally miss a blemish. It is up to you to be sure of what you are buying. Why is that new shirt being sold? Check the sleeves, make sure they are the same length, look at the buttons and the button-holes to make sure the fit is good.
  
  
• Shop around until you find a good consignment shop. Visit a few different shops to see what each one has to offer. Try to find shop that caters to your needs. Who are you shopping for, yourself, your child, your family?
  
  
• If the shop has a mailing list ask to be put on it.
  
  
• Some shops will alert you to specials. Tell them your needs and give them your telephone number.
  
  
• Realize that if you don't buy an item today, it may not be there tomorrow.
  

What are your feelings about shopping in consignment stores?

Do you have a "hand-me-down" issue? If you had to wear second-hand clothing as a child whether from a shop or an older sibling, buying used clothes may seem out of the question or a step down. But think carefully before you dismiss an excellent opportunity to save money.

Get comfortable with consignment shopping. If you are starting a business or returning to work and need suitable clothing for business, buy consignment. For more information read Christa Weil's Secondhand Chic: Finding Fabulous Fashion at Consignment, Vintage, and Thrift Stores. Available from Amazon, or stop by your local library.