Consignment 101: How It Works, Why It Matters, and How to Make the Most of It
If you’ve ever looked at your closet full of outdoor gear and thought, “I should really do something with this,” — consignment might be exactly what you’re looking for.
At its core, consignment is a simple idea: you bring in your gently used gear, we sell it for you, and you earn money when it sells. No meetups, no online listings, no hassle.
But at Mountain Equipment Recyclers, it goes a little deeper than that.
What Is Consignment (Really)?
Consignment is different from donating or selling something outright.
Instead of giving your gear away or accepting a low buyout price, you’re partnering with a shop to sell your items. When your gear sells, you receive a percentage of the sale — either as money or store credit.
It’s a win-win:
- You make money from gear you’re not using
- Someone else gets high-quality gear at a lower price
- That gear stays out of the landfill
How Consignment Works at MER
We’ve made the process as easy as possible:
- Schedule an appointment
- Bring in your gear
- We handle pricing, merchandising, and selling
- Once your item sells, you get paid (ACH transfer or store credit)
👉 You can learn more:
https://www.merecyclers.com/consign/
or
or book here: https://www.calendar.com/mountainequipmentrecyclers/dropoff/
No coordinating with buyers. No posting online. No ghosting. Just drop it off and let us do the work.
Why Consignment Is Worth It
Consigning your gear isn’t just convenient — it’s smart.
You make money back
Outdoor gear isn’t cheap. Consignment helps you recoup some of that investment.
You keep gear in use
High-quality gear is built to last. Consignment keeps it circulating instead of collecting dust.
You shop more intentionally
Many consignors choose store credit, which means you can roll your earnings into gear you actually need.
Timing Matters: Consign in Season
One of the biggest tips we can give? Bring your gear in when people are shopping for it.
- Spring/Summer: camping gear, hiking apparel, bike gear
- Fall/Winter: jackets, snow gear, insulated layers
Consigning in season = more visibility, faster sales, and more money in your pocket.
What Sells Best (and What Doesn’t)
Set yourself up for success, bring in items that are:
- Clean and in great condition
- From quality outdoor brands
- Functional and ready to use
Items with stains, damage, or excessive wear are harder to sell — and less likely to be accepted.
What Makes MER Different
There are a lot of places to sell gear — but MER isn’t your average consignment shop.
At Mountain Equipment Recyclers, we’re built around community impact.
100% of our net profits go back into local nonprofits.
That means every item you consign, every purchase you make, and every dollar spent in the shop is helping support:
- Outdoor access
- Environmental stewardship
- Local recreation and education programs
👉 Learn more about our mission:
https://www.merecyclers.com/about/
In fact, in 2025 alone, MER donated nearly $195,000 back into the local community.
So when you consign with MER, you’re not just making money — you’re part of something bigger.
Pro Tips to Make the Most Money
Want to maximize your return? Here are a few quick tips:
- Clean your gear before bringing it in
- Bring items in early in the season
- Stick to higher-quality brands
- Choose store credit for a higher payout
Small steps = better results.
Turn Your Gear Into Something More
Consignment is one of the easiest ways to clear space, make money, and support your community all at the same time.
Whether you’re rotating seasonal gear, upgrading your setup, or just doing a closet reset, MER makes it simple.
👉 Ready to get started?
Schedule your appointment here.
