There comes a point in everyone's life when we long to make a profit! Whether it's a lemonade stand on the corner to good ol' fix-n-flip house one thing is for sure: Making money is a GOOD THING! Tonight I learned the hard way about the negative side to the business negotiating...
I imagine that most of you out there, that happen to be reading this, know what Plato's Closet is. For those who don't, let me explain. Plato's Closet is a discount apparel store. How it works is this: When spring rolls around, it's time to clean out those closets- out with the old, in with the new! These used clothes can go to many different places, but for those of us who enjoy the idea of 'cash in our pocket,' we take what's left over to Plato's Closet. Plato's Closet is strictly designer, high end, top notch, sexy, fashionable, expensive brand clothing... meaning that they might not take those 10 year old overalls that have haunted you for years. If they approve of your style, they will pay you an amount they feel appropriate for the article of clothing. It is then recycled for girls, like me, who enjoying paying 15 bucks for a pair of 80 dollar heels!
Tonight I decided to find a loop-hole in the system, and hopefully make a profit! I am blessed to have a DI just down the street from me, chuck full of anything and everything you might need- all you need is five bucks! I figured, what if I went to the DI and found some used NAME BRAND clothing, only to turn around and sell it for a higher profit at Plato's Closet. So that's what I did.
I searched all around, and narrowed my choice down to this little black dress, complete with jewels on the front. Not something I personally would wear, I knew that it would be considered "fashionable," and for only 5 bucks how could I go wrong. I bought the dress. I then traveled the couple miles to Plato's to take them my find(only after throwing a few of my own rejects into the pile.) I handed the nice lady my hamper of clothes, and waited. After about 5 minutes, I saw my hamper still on the desk... and still mostly full of clothes! Could it be that she really didn't want anything?! I mean, yes my own stuff had already been rejected numerous times... but I thought for sure that dress would win em over! I finally bit the bullet and went to see the damage. She ever politely said- "We're sorry we couldn't take much of this because of wear and tear. We did, however, like this black dress." BINGO! My plan was a success! She then, even more politely, told me, "We can offer you $2.10 for it!" ...... Are you serious. I LOST money?!?! I thought for sure I would've made AT LEAST a buck or two.
So there you have it, kids, not every great business plan comes out on top. Will I try this whole charade again? Yes. I believe I will. But before I do, I am going to do my homework and learn not only what sales and what doesn't... But I am going to read the minds of those at Plato's Closet. Mark my words, I will beat the system someday and my plan WILL come out on top. Hmmm, this brings up a good question... Would Plato's closet buy back their own stuff? :)
