What Clothes Mentor Is and How It Operates

Clothes Mentor is a consignment store chain where you can sell used clothing and accessories, or buy secondhand items at lower prices than retail. The company operates hundreds of locations across the United States. You bring clothes you no longer wear, the store evaluates them, and if they accept the items, you receive a percentage of the sale price when someone buys them. You do not get paid upfront — only when your items sell.

The store buys and sells across all seasons and styles. They accept women's, men's, and children's clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories. Items must be clean, in good condition, and in current or recent styles. Heavily worn, stained, or outdated pieces are typically rejected at the door.

Clothes Mentor is owned by Winmark Corporation, the same parent company that runs Plato's Closet (which focuses on teen and young adult fashion). The two operate separately, though the business model is identical.

Key Takeaways

  • You receive a percentage of the sale price only after your item sells, not when you drop it off, and the store keeps the rest.
  • Items must be clean, undamaged, and in styles the store currently wants — bringing in clothes that are stained, torn, or very outdated will result in rejection.
  • The store holds your items for a set period (usually 60 to 90 days depending on location); unsold pieces are returned to you or donated if you do not pick them up.
  • You can shop at Clothes Mentor to buy secondhand clothing at roughly 40 to 60 percent off original retail prices.
  • Payment is issued as store credit, a check, or direct deposit, depending on the location and your preference.

How to Sell Your Clothes at Clothes Mentor

Start by gathering items you want to sell. Wash or dry-clean anything that is visibly soiled, and make sure zippers, buttons, and seams are intact. Clothes Mentor staff will inspect everything at the door, so damaged items will be rejected when ready and you will take them home.

Bring your items to your nearest Clothes Mentor location during business hours. You do not need an appointment, though some stores may ask you to call ahead during busy seasons. A staff member will flip through your pile, checking condition, brand, size, and style. They will separate items into three groups: accept, reject, and maybe. Items they reject go back to you on the spot. Items they accept go into the system.

You will receive a receipt showing how many items were accepted and the consignment period — usually 60 to 90 days. During this time, the store tries to sell your clothes. You can check your balance online or by phone to see which items have sold.

When your item sells, you earn a percentage of the sale price. The exact split varies by location and item type, but typically ranges from 30 to 50 percent to the seller. The store keeps the rest. At the end of the consignment period, unsold items are either returned to you (if you pick them up) or donated by the store.

What Clothes Mentor Will and Will Not Accept

Clothes Mentor focuses on current and recent styles in good condition. They accept most mainstream brands and designer labels, but they are selective about what they take. Items must be from the last few seasons — very old or heavily dated styles are rejected even if they are in perfect condition.

The store will not accept items that are stained, torn, faded, pilled, or have broken zippers or missing buttons. Undergarments, swimwear, and activewear are typically rejected. Items with odors (smoke, perfume, mildew) will be turned away. Clothes that are too small or too large for current sizing standards may also be declined.

Brand matters. Designer and contemporary brands (like J.Crew, Banana Republic, Coach, or similar) are more likely to be accepted than fast-fashion or discount brands. However, policies vary by location, so what one store accepts another may reject.

How Payment Works and When You Get Paid

You do not receive money when you drop off your items. Payment comes only after each piece sells. Once a customer buys your item, your account is credited with your percentage of the sale price. You can then request a payout.

Most Clothes Mentor locations offer three payout options: store credit (which you use to buy other secondhand items at that location), a check mailed to your address, or direct deposit to your bank account. Store credit typically pays out when ready. Checks and direct deposits may take one to two weeks to process, depending on the location.

If your items do not sell within the consignment period (usually 60 to 90 days), you must pick them up by the important date. If you do not retrieve them, the store donates them. You receive no payment for unsold items.

Shopping at Clothes Mentor as a Buyer

Clothes Mentor is open to anyone who wants to buy secondhand clothing. Prices are typically 40 to 60 percent below original retail, though the exact discount depends on the brand, condition, and how long the item has been in the store. Designer and newer pieces cost more than older or less-known brands.

You can browse in-store or, at some locations, view inventory online before you visit. Items are organized by size, type, and sometimes brand. The store rotates stock regularly as new consignments arrive and items sell, so the selection changes frequently.

Return policies for purchases vary by location. Some stores offer a short return window (typically 7 to 14 days) if an item has a defect you did not notice. Check your receipt or ask staff about the specific policy at your location.

Finding a Clothes Mentor Location Near You

Clothes Mentor has locations across the United States, but not in every state or city. Use the store locator on the Clothes Mentor website to find the nearest location, hours, and contact information. You can search by zip code or city name.

Each location operates independently, so policies on consignment splits, accepted brands, and payout methods may differ slightly. It is worth calling ahead to confirm what your local store accepts before you gather a large pile of clothes to bring in.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get paid after my item sells?

Payment is credited to your account when ready or within a few days of the sale. If you choose store credit, you can use it right away. If you request a check or direct deposit, allow one to two weeks for processing, depending on your location.

What happens if I do not pick up my unsold items before the consignment period ends?

The store will donate unsold items after the important date. You will not be paid for them, and you will not be able to retrieve them. Mark the end date on your receipt and plan to pick up or check your balance before that date.

Can I sell items online instead of bringing them to a store?

Clothes Mentor operates as a brick-and-mortar consignment chain. You must bring items to a physical location. They do not offer mail-in consignment or online selling through their website.

Do I need to be a member to sell or shop at Clothes Mentor?

No membership is required to shop or sell. You can walk in with clothes to consign or browse and purchase items without signing up for anything. You will receive a receipt when you consign items, and that is your record of what you left with the store.

What if the store rejects most of my clothes?

Rejection is common, especially if items are outdated, from discount brands, or show wear. Take rejected items home and consider other options: donating them, selling them on a peer-to-peer platform, or trying a different consignment store that may have different standards.