Life of a Frugal Shopaholic: Donate, Save & Make Money!

This is definitely the season to donate to the less fortunate and also get rid of clothing that you know your aren't going wear at all in the near future. This post will highlight ways to give back, save money or make money.

H&M has launched a garment collection program. Customers are encouraged to bring in unwanted garments of any brand and in any condition to stores in all 53 markets to be given a new life. If you bring in two bags of unwanted clothing you will be given 15% off one item coupon that can be used on your next visit. Look for the box below near the checkout in your local H&M store. Make sure when you are about to donate to let an associate know so that they can give you your coupon. 

Goodwill & other thrift stores: Most local thrift stores allow you to donate clothing, accessories and other household items. They will probably have a drive-thru or an associate will come to your car to collect the donated good. You can get a receipt to use for tax purposes.

Plato's Closet/Uptown Cheapskate/ Buffalo Exchange:
All three of these stores operate the same but are different in their own way. The biggest difference is the type of clothing the store specializes in buying from customers. This is how it works:

	Take your gently used brand name clothing and accessories.
	While you check out the latest styles in the store, the buyer will review your items.
	The buyer will create an offer based on style, condition, brand and the store's current stock levels.. This offer is  a PERCENTAGE of the retail price.
	Once you accept the offer, you'll be on your way with some extra cash or store credit to buy something in store.

In my opinion, Platos Closet pays less for clothing out of all three. Buffalo Exchange pays more and Uptown falls somewhere in the middle.

- Uptown Cheapskate is boutique styled. So they are really looking for clothing that is in good condition and is in style at the moment for the most part.

- Buffalo Exchange is a more vintage and one of a kind type of store. So items that may be older but vintage looking they are more likely to buy. I've noticed that they like current clothing as well but I find way more stuff to buy there than the other two stores.

- Plato's Closet is very particular but they buy more urban items along with other styles.
 
All three buy men's and women's clothing. You can also call the store and see what items they may be looking for at that time. I'm an avid customer at all these places so if you have any questions about the process or anything feel free to leave them in the comment box!


-Derria