I work at a Plato's Closet. We get customers all the time who are either unsatisfied with what we give them for their clothing, or unsatisfied with our selection.
I would like to set this straight.
Plato's Closet is a franchise. It is basically micromanaged by various owners all over the U.S. Contacting the owner to complain about whatever is not going to change anything, unless it's about a specific employee. Please take into consideration that even though this job is not something you'd want to make a career out of, it is OUR job, and we do know what we're doing.
Frequent complaints:
"But I BOUGHT these from you!"
Yeah, and they were already used, and possibly already a year and a half old, and we don't accept things that look too worn (most of us anyway) or anything older than a year and a half.
"I paid FORTY DOLLARS for these jeans! You're giving me $4.20?!"
Yeah. Our computer system prices everything for us, and generally it prices things about 70% off retail. We give you about 30-40%. So that pair of Levi's that you bought at Sears for $45? They get priced at $12 in our store. This is resale, and it is a business. The company must make a profit.
"Those are BRAND-NEW."
TWO PART ANSWER!
1. I see that, but unfortunately, they are hideous.
2. No, they aren't. I look at clothes all day long and that is not new. It has stains on the knees and in the crotch.
"That's stupid." (in response to our buying guidelines)
well, I don't care. I follow them because it's my job.
As buyers, we are one-on-one trained, we take a 100-question test and have to get every answer right, and we are constantly being sent style updates. Skirts, capris, dresses, jeans, shoes, etc.
It breaks my heart when I see someone carrying twelve tops and they come up and say "so....?" all hopeful and I have to sway that line, "we DID have to pass on everything...."
I really hate letting you down, but it's my job. If I took your stretched out, faded, holey, four year old Gap shirt, I'd lose my job.
But, my store recently implemented a new rule that if you bring a buy in, you get 10% off your purchase for the day.
I realize a lot of the styles and condition may seem inconsistent, but that's because we get buying updates, telling us what the store needs, what to be more lenient on, etc.
Everything about the store is meticulously organized, and I hate how some customers think we don't do anything.
I overheard one girl say "this job would be so fun! there's like, nothing to do!"
Hardly.
I mean, this is not physical labor (most days). It's not the hardest job in the world. But it's WORK. I do my job the best I can, and I actually love customer service. So when you scream at me, call me stupid, or are just flat out rude, it kind of bothers me.
When you bring your items in, to any Plato's, if they pass on everything and you don't know why, POLITELY ask why they passed on specific items. If they say "wear" or "style" or anything, and you don't get it, ask them to explain what that means. We are happy to show you why if you're polite.
I hate letting people leave disappointed, so if you have questions, ask them.
MY advice for you:
don't hover over the buying counter and say, "that's brand new." "I've never worn that." "isn't that cute? I love it."
it's called a high pressure buy, and it makes us uncomfortable. We are going to take or pass either way, it doesn't matter if you narrate it.
to be continued
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This was great, I always wondered how it worked... Do you also know how the system comes up when th the retail price? Does it do a price comparison from different websites?
ReplyDeleteI get that it is a business, but you wouldn't be in business IF people weren't bringing in their "gently used" items. So, to get an offer of $4.20 for Betsey Johnson shoes that were $129, worn only once, is like an insult!
ReplyDeleteI agree. OR, a pair of designer shoes (not Sears, Target or Penneys) with virtually no wear, and are are still in style but perhaps 2 years old instead of 1 or 1 1/2 years old - yet, they are rejected. It's hard to understand their explanation for rejection when you see rows and rows of clothing, many with holes, lots of snags, missibg buttons, stains, and shoes that I wouldn't even donate to Goodwill on the racks. Clothes Mentor does the same thing to you with explanations that don't make sense. Like they wont take something because they didn't have success in selling that particular style of Kate Spade handbag. Yet, I bought it there! Then there is the explanation that they can't take your designer handbag because their can't authenticate it. Well, if the person behind the counter knew her stuff, she'd be able to tell without a computer or receipt if something is authentic. The explanations are different depending on who you are talking to. The worse thing is taking in a handbag that you know is authentic and they say it's not. Yet, on occasion I've taken a Coach handbag I found on a rack and taken it to the counter person and told her it was fake and showed her how I could tell. They put it back on the rack! It's one thing to sell designer handbags and accessories to Platos Closet or Clothes Mentor, but another to to buy from them. You better know how to tell fake from genuine.
DeleteI stopped shopping and selling at our local Plato's Closet and Once Upon A Child because many of their staff members are rude and snooty. Furthermore, they don't pay squat! I read an employee's post about His complaints regarding customers irritating the staff because they want a legitimate explanation why their apparel either isn't purchased or the offer they give is outrageously low ( to the point of insulting the seller). Yet, as someone else already pointed out, the store racks are filled with ragged items that weren't very desirable when they were new, much less used! Also, the say they pay you around 20% of the items "mall retail prices" and sell them for 30-40%. Total bull! I brought in a pair of new Levis and they gave me $2, when I returned to shop 1 week later they were on the rack for $14. Not to worry, these franchises, like the malls whose clothing these stores covet, won't be around much longer. My advice, go to Goodwill in the nicer areas of your city and you'll find great clothes at more reasonable prices. If you are selling, especially name brand/designer items, do so at a consignment shop, Craig's List or Letgo. The staff at consignment shops, in my experience, are much more polite and helpful and you don't go away feeling insulted and frustrated because you brought in 15 items and the 17 yr old clerk not only turns them down, but, when you point out they have a much older style of Kate Spades than the ones you brought in to sell, she can only say, "well, I didn't buy those!". Then makes an offer of $4 for a pair of $90 Jordans, because we'll only resell them for $12-13, yet currently on their rack they have a pair of the same ones, in a women's 10 1/2 no less, with a price of $24. I would Much rather donate my items to Goodwill rather than accept $3 for something PC or OUAC is going to resell for 3x-4x that amount. You are likely to not make enough $ to pay for the gas it takes to drive their and back.
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ReplyDeleteWell dont take your stuff there when they sell everything 50 to 70% off. You get a third of the total the system comes up with. The system prices everything based on condition and brand.
ReplyDeleteYes, but the system determines the price based on the input that's being done by a particular person. How would you know what criteria they are using, or if they or other employees are interpreting that criteria in the same way. The "opinion" of the condition of an item could vary from employee to employee. I would petsonally like to SEE how the software works in the store when they are going through the process.
DeleteI think it's funny as fuck that these little girls will buy all my ugly left over Abercrombie from 2008 because it's "brand name" but then they don't know enough about fashion to know better than to turn down Gautier. Honestly there are better stores. I don't know who sends you "style updates" but thanks for perpetuating the basic bitch standards we've all come to love.
ReplyDeleteObviously your local PC isn't staffed like mine. The previous post, though the language was harsh, was right on the money with their description of the overall employee's attitudes. However, you are correct, the majority of the employees at our local PC and affiliate franchises are hired because they are young, and inexperienced, therefore they are paid a low wage, but then they are placed into positions where they are Expected to know fashion. The real problem with these stores is they are trying to squeeze every dime they can get out of the business from all ends. I haven't been back to PC in about 4yrs, I heard they closed, it's easy to see why when you read comments like these.
DeleteIf any of us want to get more for what we paid for, we have to result to personal sales - ie: craigslist, facebook local sale pages, poshmark, etc. People will buy from you if you market well ie: great photos, happy attitude, clear descriptions and contact info. Be your own franchise if you want more money for your brand items!
ReplyDeleteFor those that just want to get rid of what they can without spending time setting up shop, just go to the store and get some quick cash in small amounts. They dont have to buy from us. No business is perfect. If we dont like what we see we change it by creating something better.
Very true. But, I also think that it comes down to the employees that are hired that don't have the worldly experience to be a truly savvy buyer. I went back when the store owner was at CM and after better inspection, he took the very handbags that the younger employee declined. It's not about just selling your items a different way, it's about the integrity of the process set up by these brick and mortar businesses. While these establishments are in business to make a profit and to serve as an alternative to our "setting up shop," they can't afford to have inconsistent practices, or they will lose business. Like every business with poor customer service, they count on folks not challenging them.
DeleteThat sums it up perfectly.
DeleteAnd - Thank you so much for giving us the DL. Great to know how it operates! Im taking some stuff there now and thats how I came across your blog post. Thanks again :)
ReplyDeleteLet me start off by saying, you go girl! I'll be perfectly honest with you, before I read this, I was a hater. It really changed my opinion on Platos closet, being able to hear it from an employees perspective, instead of an irritated customer. Good for you for picking up on customer feedback, customer service is indeed a great field for you! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to comment on the comment above from the oh - so- classy Mara and DeAndra.
Spending 129$ on a pair of Betsy Johnsons, wearing them once, and then deciding to sell them, is an insult in itself. Period.
Mara-
Your comment is obsurd. Remember in the movie Bring It On, when they cheer "That's alright, That's ok, You're gunna pump our gas someday!"? Yes girlfriend, maybe take in to consideration that you are in fact insulting "basic bitches" with jobs offering your broke ass cash in hand for your "Abercrombie from 2008". Bad form sister.
firstly shut the fuck up, "sister," since you clearly haven't a clue what you're talking about. its not "obsurd" (lmao) to expect a little bit of cash at a consignment store when you offer them name brand or designer clothes that are practically off the rack. you seriously be saying you've never bought something and returned it/sold it because you realised it wasn't for you? lies for days! and you're what? a grown ass woman who quotes Bring It On? lets grow up just an eensy bit, shall we?
DeletePlatos closet isn’t consignment, it’s resale. The buy system tells you what you can sell the item in store for based on condition, style and brand. It determines what it’ll sell in store for and then you get a percentage of THAT in cash. No, it’s not for everyone. I generally encourage people with designer clothes/bags to try online instead. Platos is directed towards teens and early 20s, so the clothes they look for is what’s trending basically for high school and college kids.
DeleteLet me start off by saying, you go girl! I'll be perfectly honest with you, before I read this, I was a hater. It really changed my opinion on Platos closet, being able to hear it from an employees perspective, instead of an irritated customer. Good for you for picking up on customer feedback, customer service is indeed a great field for you! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI also wanted to comment on the comment above from the oh - so- classy Mara and DeAndra.
Spending 129$ on a pair of Betsy Johnsons, wearing them once, and then deciding to sell them, is an insult in itself. Period.
Mara-
Your comment is obsurd. Remember in the movie Bring It On, when they cheer "That's alright, That's ok, You're gunna pump our gas someday!"? Yes girlfriend, maybe take in to consideration that you are in fact insulting "basic bitches" with jobs offering your broke ass cash in hand for your "Abercrombie from 2008". Bad form sister.
It's not insulting. If she has the money yo buy them, then it's a choice that is hers and only hers. You are entitled to yoyr opinion, but not to dictate what others can and cannot do. While sometimes we all make poor choices, they are ours, and no one else's.
DeleteI have brand new nike tanjun I wore them literally twice I can't put them into any outfit, they're the grey tanjun nikes I bought them in March 2016 they're in style right now that's why I got them but I can't work with them, I also have doc martens that aren't worn in honestly they'd still be brand new scrapes on the ankle for the next owner, they're brand new I got them in January 2016. The Doc martens were 130$ and the nikes were 65$ how much would platos closet buy them for? They're honestly clean and brand new not gonna lie if they were bad I wouldn't even sell them I'm not that broke please help thank you!
ReplyDeleteI also used to work at a Plato's Closet as a manager and buyer so I definitely understand this.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to add that not only is Plato's Closet a franchise, but a franchise geared toward TEENS. When people would ask what to bring in, I'd give them the whole spiel and end with "basically, anything you would see a high schooler wear to school." We don't necessarily want expensive, high fashion stuff.
TEENS buy the (what we called) "throw-away" clothes, like cheap $7 forever 21 tops, abercrombie tees and charlotte russe clothes that would be ruined in a couple of washes anyway.
My advice: do NOT try to sell your precious, expensive designer items at Plato's. 9 times out of 10, you'll be disappointed.
Excellent clarity! Thank you. Also, the experience I was sharing in my posts were on Clothes Mentor, so a bit of clarity on my part. I have shopped at Platos Closet for accessories only. Shoes, etc.
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ReplyDeleteThe app Poshmark allows you to sell items at the price you want!!! i usually get $5-10 less then what i originally paid. People are willing to pay alot for nice clothing. use my code PXQLS for free credits. Honestly SO MUCH BETTER then selling to platos closet
ReplyDeleteI recently brought in 5 boxes of items ,left with 5 boxes of items and you guys kept roughly 15 things. I was given 32.00 for the tote of stiff you decided to purchase. And that same week I came in with my daughter and all my shoes I got chunk change for you guys were selling for 30 and 40 a pair and you bought 8 pair from me. And my vs sweater ,got chump change and it was out to for 30.00 . Why pay so little to the seller when your charging the buyer crazy prices??
ReplyDeleteAlso I'd like to know how you can say you sell at 70 off retail ?? I bought a shirt from Victorias secret and paid 24.99 for it . I LOVED it but when I went back to get another they were sold out :( . Roughly 15/20 days later I was in your store I saw my shirt just different color and was literally clapping and light weight jumping up n down in excitement. I then saw it had a 30.00 price tag on it . I was like oh h#ll no I am not paying more for it used than I did for a brand new one at vs. ??????
ReplyDeleteExactly. You feel cheated all the way around. To the young sales lady with the superior attitude: you are displaying the exact attitude that repulses shoppers who do have $ to buy better brade products, and this is the reason you are, instead, selling to those that can't/won't pay for great clothes. The fact that you cannot figure out that someone who paid $125 for a pair of new athletic shoes obviously isn't someone lacking means and that they are somehow, in your skewed perception, poor scroungers, proves the point that staff attitudes are one of the major factors that make shopping at PC unpleasant. Where do you think most your teenage customers get their $ to buy merchandise? Most aren't using the pittance they are earning from their after school jobs.
DeleteUst left there with my wife and 60 pairs of shoes..all name brand..
ReplyDeleteThey bought 2 pair,and i seen sum crappy ass shoes and hats throughout the store..seems like this place only buys wierd stuff
That was a great article. Thank you! I mean I don't understand why people are expecting so much more than what they're getting when they are selling their clothes to a used clothing store! Plato's has to make a profit off what they sell at an already discounted price. If you don't like what they are paying you, take your clothes elsewhere. Instead you take the money and still complain. It must not have been that bad of a rip off if you accepted the money for your clothes. Business is business. Saying Plato's wouldnt be in business if it weren't for you taking them your clothes isn't going to get you more money either or being rude to the buyers. They are definitely going to be in business without YOUR clothes. Many others will and have been selling their clothes at Plato's long before you so trust me they'll be just fine. Plus you're taking clothes in that you don't want so why expect that someone else will.
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