I've worked at a Plato's Closet for three years now, and I've seen most everything a person can see from working there. If you don't know, Plato's Closet is similar to consignment, but you get cash on the spot for your clothes. Each and every Plato's Closet's is separately owned, and have different policies, but these "secrets" are based on the one I work at.
1. Color coordinating is a huge deal
Everything in the store is colorized, even shoes! It starts with red, and makes its way through black, with patterned items behind their respected color: RPOYGBPBWGB. It's just a really complicated rainbow. The reason why we do this is to make sure its easier to shop and make everything very organized.
2. We know where you hide things
We spend every night straightening the store and check under every single rack, so it's useless stuffing a pair of cute shoes underneath the jeans because you forgot your wallet. Oh, and we also know when you stuff jewelry in the pockets of things because we look through those when you check out or leave it in the dressing room.
3. Becoming a "buyer" is tough
Before you even step behind the counter to sort through people's items, you have to show your true work ethic, and even have to pass a written test. The test comes with a handbook with six modules you read through, and you have to make at least a 90 before you can start sorting with a trainer.
4. Labels matter, people!
We are trained on new and old labels on mostly every single brand that walks through our doors. There are many brands that actually have the date written underneath the tag on the side of your shirt, like American Eagle, Old Navy, and Adidas. We don't take anything that is older than around two and a half years out of recent stores, just so our store stays updated.
5. Stamp cards don't expire
Yep, you read that right! There is an expiration date written on each card, but we do not value it. Most stores have actually gone virtual and keep up with your stamps in the computer system, so you don't have to keep up with your card.
6. We have gift cards!
Not many people know about this, but you can purchase a gift card with any amount you want! All you have to do is go to a register and an employee can set you up.
7. New products go out every day
We buy all day, every day, so we are able to fill our racks with new amazing products as soon as they come in.
8. Our storage room is packed
Although we do put new products out daily, we also have to store some of the things we buy from customers. Many stores don't buy items out of season, but because we do, our storage room gets filled with bins and bins and bins full of seasonal items.
9. We buy high-end items
High-end products sell very well for us, especially because of the price difference. Some people sell Yeezys, Michael Kors, Frye, and many other brands that are very expensive, and we sell it for so much less!
10. Our pricing system
When you sell your items with us, our computer system does all of the pricing. It takes 50%-70% off of the original value of your item, and that is what we sell for in our store. Then, you get back around 30%-40% of what we sell for in the store.
11. Our tag holds so much information
The tag we put on our items can tell us so many things, like when the item was purchased, who purchased it, and how much money the customer got back from the item. These things are important to know because we determine what goes on clearance by the date, make sure whoever purchased the item did so correctly, and if the customer wanted to know how much they got back, its right on the tag for us to see.
12. We are one big family
Although we can annoy each other quite often at work, we always love sending memes in the group chat, going out for birthday dinners, or visiting other Plato's Closets to shop.
So, there you have it. All of the secrets have been exposed! This company has given me a lot of opportunities and if you ever have the chance to shop or experience working here, I would highly encourage it.
