Q: What is Consignment and how is it different from thrift stores?
A: Consignment means that after we sell your item, you get paid a percentage of the selling price. We pay 40% of the selling price if you want cash/check or 50% if you want store credit to shop with us. We pay at 50% for some specialty items. At Songbirds, we consign specific items that we have chosen and inspected. Items must be modern styles only (excluding furs & designer items) and in new or mint condition with no odors, stains or damage. Thrift stores take items that are donated to them, regardless of age or condition.
Q: Do you pay cash up front?
A: We do not pay cash up front. You will get paid for your items after they sell. We pay 40% of the selling price if you want cash/check or 50% if you want store credit to shop with us. We pay at 50% for some specialty items.
Q: Do you sell maternity, flower girl dresses, children's, men's wear or furniture?
A: No we don't. We only sell women's name brand clothing, accessories, bridal and formal.
Q: What brands & styles do you carry?
A: We specialize in name brands and designer brands. In casual clothing we take brands such as Chico's, White House Black Market, Talbot's, Ann Taylor, Anthropologie, St John Knits, and brands from department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Belk and Macy's. We take most modern style bridal & formal designers. In handbags we take formal and designer only, such as Brahmin, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Coach, Dooney & Bourke, etc. We do not take items from discount stores such as Target, Walmart, JC Penny, Cato, Old Navy, etc.
Q: How can I consign my items with you?
A: We take items that are modern styles only, in mint condition with no stains, damage or odors. The only items we'll take in older styles are St John Knits, designer items, furs, and sterling and 14K jewelry. We take items seasonally and by appointment only. We book up quickly and stop taking items once we are full in that size or style. If you have bridal or formal gowns, please email us pictures with the brands & sizes or pictures of labels. Contact us for an appointment!
Q: Do I need an appointment to consign items?
A: Yes, we consign items by appointment only for three reasons. First, we want to make sure an owner or manager is present and available to inspect your items and go over our contract with you. Second, we don't want you to have to wait in line so we schedule appointments to avoid that. Third, we have to get your items logged into the computer, tagged with your account & item number and out on the floor before our next appointment arrives, so that we can ensure everything gets put into your account correctly.
Q: Do you carry plus sizes?
A: Yes we carry sizes 0 - 4X.
Q: Do you have layaway?
A: Yes. Layaways can be set up for 30, 60 or 90 days depending on the purchase price. You must make a 20% non-refundable down payment. We don't charge any interest or fees, all monies paid down go towards the item(s).
Q: Can you order items?
A: No, all of our items are sold right off the rack and can't be ordered. That's how we get them at such low prices.
Q: Do you accept returns or exchanges?
A: No, unfortunately all sales are final. We do not own the merchandise. All merchandise is consigned either from other stores or from individuals. Once it's sold, that sale gets posted into the consignor's account and we can't get the money back from them. Depending on what the item is, we might be able to consign it for you.
Q: Do I need an appointment to look at prom, bridal or formal gowns?
A: Appointments are required for bridal but not formal or prom. See our Bridal FAQ section for more details.
Q: Are items new or used?
A: We have both. Most clothing is used or bought but never worn. Many shoes are new in the box from local stores who consign their end-of-season shoes with us on clearance. Most gowns are new with tags either from individuals who never wore them or from other formal wear stores who consign their discontinued dresses with us on clearance. Almost all wedding gowns (except sale room) are brand new with the tags from other bridal stores across the US who either sent us their discontinued dresses, their end-of-season dresses, or their overstock dresses to put on clearance in our store.
Q: What are your hours?
A: Mon - Fri: 11:00-5:00
Sat: 10:00-6:00
prom season Jan-Apr ONLY Sun 12:00-4:00.
Closed Sundays May - Dec.
Q: Do I need an appointment to look at your bridal gowns?
A: We always prefer appointments so we can make sure we have enough staff working, the space for you and your party as well as a dressing room available. We'll help walk-ins only if we can but we can't guarantee there will be room for your party to look at gowns or try on unless you make an appointment. We are appointment only on weekends and holidays because we are extremely busy those days.
Q: How can I make an appointment to look at bridal gowns?
A: You may call us, email us, send us a message on Facebook or Instagram or visit our Facebook page and click BOOK NOW. We will need to know the number of guests coming with you and your phone number before we can confirm an appointment time with you. Our appointments are booked based on the number of guests coming with you so that we don't overcrowd the bridal area. We have 4 bridal dressing rooms and can book 4 appointments at a time. Appointments are for 90 minutes. We schedule a bridal consultant to come in and work with only your party so we ask that you please let us know if you need to cancel or reschedule, even if it's that day.
Q: Do you charge for bridal appointments?
A: No we do not charge for bridal appointments. We schedule a bridal consultant to come in and work with only your party so we simply ask that you please let us know if you need to cancel or reschedule, even if it's that day.
Q: Do you have layaway?
A: Yes. Layaways can be set up for 30, 60 or 90 days depending on your purchase price. You must make a 20% non-refundable down payment. We don't charge any interest or fees, all monies paid down go towards the item(s). But moneis paid down will be forfeited if you cancel the layaway.
Q: Can you order items?
A: No, all of our items are sold right off the rack and can't be ordered. That's how we get them at such low prices.
Q: Do you provide alterations for dresses?
A: Our store does not do alterations, however we do have some seamstresses who will book an appointment at our store to meet with you, give you a price quote, and alter your dress. We also have several alterations studios nearby that we can refer you to. Keep in mind that average cost of alterations is $400-$600 for the whole package(hem, bustle, adjust straps, adjust bust & top).
Q: Do you accept returns or exchanges?
A: No, unfortunately all sales are final. We do not own the merchandise. All merchandise is consigned either from other stores or from individuals. Once it's sold, that sale gets posted into the consignor's account and we can't get the money back from them. Depending on what the item is, we might be able to consign it for you.
Q: Are items new or used?
A: We have both. Most formal gowns are new with tags either from individuals who never wore them or from other formal wear stores who consign their discontinued dresses with us on clearance. Almost all wedding gowns (except sale room) are brand new with the tags from other bridal stores across the US who either sent us their discontinued dresses, their end-of-season dresses, or their overstock dresses to put on clearance in our store.
Q: What are your hours?
A: Mon - Fri: 11:00-5:00
Sat: 10:00-6:00
prom season Jan-Apr ONLY Sun 12:00-4:00.