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Byline: Lisa Muller

As an embroidery business owner, you're always looking for new ways to "peddle your goods." Here's one that we bet you haven't thought of: consignment shops! OK, before you accuse me of flipping my lid, listen. Consignment shops have changed. They are no longer dusty, old places filled with used, discarded stuff. Today's consignment shops are filled with one-of-a-kind treasures. In fact, it has become quite a profitable venture for some. All kinds of goodies can be found in today's popular consignment shops.

Barely used designer clothing has again become quite popular. In fact, flip through a fashion magazine and you'll find that some of the biggest stars are shopping for their red-carpet wear in consignment shops. And they are paying top dollar for items that you may have thrown away decades ago. Remember those mod and colorful prints of the 1960s by the designer Emilio Pucci? Well, they are becoming ultra popular again with the jet set. And classic Chanel suits have become, well, classics! And if you pay attention to what everyone's wearing at the awards shows, you'll find that evening gowns by Norell have become quite popular. Other high-fashion designers of the 60s, 70s and 80s are enjoying a rebirth, thanks to consignment shops.

Other goodies that can be found in consignment shops are undiscovered diamonds-in-the-rough.

You've heard the stories of people who buy things in these shops for a dollar, then find out that they are actually valued at thousands of dollars. Well, maybe this is rare, but it is still fun to dream, right?

If you're one of those people who would rather be caught dead than be caught in something just like someone else has, consignment shops may just be for you. Today's crafty artisans have found that there are alternatives to craft fairs. Consignments shops are the perfect place for crafters to display their one-of-a-kind goods. You'll find handmade, reasonably priced items that in other types of stores can cost you big bucks. So, what does this have to do with you? A consignment shop can be a great place to showcase your embroidered pieces.

Learning The Ropes

Here's how it works: A consignment shop is a place where you can display your goods for little or no cost to you, and no investment on the shop owner's part...until the piece is sold. Then, the shop owner gets a percentage of what you make on the piece. The consignment shop owner "mans" the shop. All you have to do is provide the goods to be displayed. By the way, in most consignment shops, it will be your responsibility to keep the display looking good and, if items are not moving, your responsibility to adjust pricing accordingly. Not only can this arrangement be a great deal for you - because you can move on to your next project - but it can also be a great deal for the consignment shop owner since he does not have to invest in inventory. So, how do you get in on this action? First, open your phone book and simply look up "consignment shops." Make a list and hit the road with a notebook. It's time to do some research.

Visit your local consignment shops and become familiar with the products that they have on display. If the shop is strictly "old junk" (yes, there are still some of those around), you probably won't have much luck with your embroidered goods, so move on to the next shop.

Does the next shop seem to have a lot of nautically influenced items? Sounds like the perfect place for you to show off your embroidered captain's hats, huh? Keep good notes. You'll be seeing a lot of stuff. Believe me, it's easy to get side-tracked once you enter these stores. Some of them can be very interesting, almost like museums. And it is true that you can find really great buried treasures.

While you're browsing, take a moment to chat with the owner. Introduce yourself and your business. Take a moment to find out about their business. Tell them about the products that you offer and set up an appointment to come back and show your work.

What Are You Waiting For?

Once you are back home, put on your thinking cap. What type of embroidered products would fit in well with each of the shops that you visited? Go back to your notes and do some brainstorming. Let's say that one of the shops that you visited specializes in children's clothes. This, in fact, has become a very popular way for young moms to dress their kids. Everyone knows how quickly children grow out of their clothing, and some of these shops are just filled with barely used items, some even with the tags still attached. So, what kind of embroidered items would the customers who visit this shop be interested in?

Embroidered diaper bags, baby blankets, christening gowns, even little personalized "stretchies" to bring a newborn home in. One of my favorite consignment shops has chosen the look of a high-end antique shop. Some of the items are, indeed, high-priced antiques, while others are "fabulous fakes." Scattered in amongst all of these treasures are beautifully embroidered very "antique-y" looking pieces. Embroidered pillows, embroidered linens, even embroidered curtains.

In another area of the store, they have Irish-inspired items. Here, you'll find specialty teas from Ireland, Irish laces and samples of items that can be embroidered with your family's crest such as sweatshirts, hats and more.

But consignment shops are not just brick and mortar any more. Even consignment shops are enjoying the fruits of the Internet's popularity. Cyberspace consignment shops can be found all over the Internet. Just use your favorite search engine and type in "consignment shops" if you don't believe me. And the cost to post your products can be very minimal.

So, throw away your dusty, old ideas about consignment shops. Pack up your samples and head off to your nearest consignment shop. You may even find a treasure or two while you're there.

Lisa Muller has been in the embroidery business since 1982.