FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CONSIGNOR
How does the consignment process work?
After booking an appointment online at your location of choice, bring in the items you wish to consign. One of our associates will look over your items, at which point you are welcome to shop around our store. The associate will then let you know which products we want to consign. If this is your first time consigning, you would then go through our consignment policy and fill out any information required. If you have consigned with us before, we will ask you for your name, account number, or phone number on file and add the items to your account. You will then receive an email from us in the coming weeks with a breakdown of the items and their resale price. Once the item sells, there will be a balance owing to your account.
Do you take walk-ins?
We do not take walk-ins, and prioritize consignors who book appointments. To book an appointment, click here and please read over what items we are looking for.
How do I book an appointment?
You can book your appointment online by clicking here. Please note that the store where you book your appointment will be where your items will be sold.
What items are you looking for?
We accept high-end handbags and accessories year-round. For clothing and shoes, we base intake on the season of the year:
- Fall/Winter pieces from August-February
- Spring/Summer pieces from March-September
Do you offer buyouts or trades?
We do not offer buyouts or trades at this time. Please see our consignment policy to see the split that you would get if you choose to consign with us.
Do you do house calls?
We selectively do house calls, depending on the products you wish to consign and the circumstances. If you wish to do a house call, we ask that you start by emailing us at accounts@secondnaturebtq.com and sending us a few photos of the items that you wish to consign.
Why haven’t I received a price list for the items I’ve dropped off?
Price lists take an average of 5-10 business days to be received. However, we may be backed up by 1-2 weeks. Please be patient as we try to get through the queue and provide you with prices as soon as possible. If you have not heard from us by 14 business days after your drop-off appointment, kindly send us a follow-up email or phone call to inquire.
How do I find out if my item(s) sold?
Send us an email at accounts@secondnaturebtq.com or give us a call (Mount Pleasant: 416-481-4924; Bayview: 647-633-4924) to find out the status of your item(s).
How do I check my account?
You can check on the status of your account by visiting us in-store and asking one of our associates, giving us a call, sending us an email, or messaging us on Instagram.
Will the price of my item(s) go down?
Typically, from the first month of the consignment period, items can be reduced. Please see the consignment policy for a detailed breakdown of markdowns.
As mentioned in the policy, please note that your items have the potential of being included in a store-wide promotion (i.e. Black Friday Sale).
How will I get paid for the item(s) I’ve sold?
We issue cheques at the end of every month, by request only.
We do not do e-transfers at this time.
When can I pick up my cheque?
Cheques are printed on the first of every month upon request and will be available for pick up at your location of choice or mailing (with an additional postage fee of $2.50, that can be deducted from your balance). You must request your cheque to be printed at least one day before the first of the month, otherwise the balance will remain in your account.
How do I get a cheque for my item(s) that sold?
We ask each consignor to request for a cheque before the end of each month. Cheques can be requested via phone, email, or in person at either of our locations. If your payout total increases between the time you request a cheque and the end of the month, the additional balance will be automatically added to your cheque. Please see “When can I pick up my cheque?” for further details.
Why don’t I see my item(s) on your website or Instagram page?
Not every item gets featured on our online platforms. Items under $75 typically don’t get posted on our website, and designer items are prioritized for getting featured. Items are selected for feature on our website and socials at the discretion of our Media & E-Commerce team. We cannot guarantee that your items will be selected for digital feature.
What happens to my item(s) after the consignment period?
After the 90-day consignment period, items that have not been requested to be returned have the potential to be donated (not including Designer handbags and accessories).
It is up to the consignor to request for their items that have not been sold to be returned to them. We are not responsible for items left with us for longer than this period without written agreement between the consigner and management.
Where do my items get donated to?
We donate to different shelters and organizations, including but not limited to, C3 Toronto, Diabetes Canada, Edward Village Emergency Shelter, and New Circles Community Services.
I want my items back, what is the process for this?
Send us an email stating you want your items back, and we will add you to our “To Be Returned” list. Once you receive an email from our admin team that your items have been gathered and packed, you can come into the store for pick up.
Can I take back my items that haven't sold?
You can take back your items at any point of the consignment period. As it takes time for the administration and media teams to list, price, and shoot your products, we kindly ask every consignor to try to honour the 90-day period.
Requests for items to be returned should be made before the consignment period ends.
I don’t have my original receipt for my Designer item–can you authenticate it for me?
We will happily authenticate your items with a fee of $30. Please note that we do not sell any Designer handbags without proof of authenticity.
Can I use my balance owing for something I want in store?
Yes! Your balance owing can be converted to store credit, which you can use at either of our locations.
CUSTOMER
How long have you been in business?
Second Nature Boutique has been in business for over 49 years! Our flagship store has been opened since 1974, and our second location in Bayview Village Mall has been opened since 2021.
Are these items used?
Since we are a consignment boutique, the products in the store are pre-owned, but not necessarily used. Some consignors will bring in unworn clothes that still have the original tags attached. Some bags, accessories, and shoes will still have the original packaging (dust bag and/or box).
We are very particular in ensuring all items in store are in very good condition.
We sometimes collaborate with wholesalers, in which case the products are new and unworn.
How many locations do you have?
We have two locations: Mount Pleasant (our flagship of 49 years) and Bayview Village.
Can I return an item I purchased?
All of our items are final sale.
Can I purchase an item through Instagram?
Yes! Just send us a DM (direct message) over Instagram, and our media team will get back to you! Please note that purchases over Instagram have to be paid via e-transfer. If the item you would like to purchase is available on our website, then you can pay via credit card or PayPal.
I saw something on the website/Instagram and I want to try it before buying. Can you set it aside for me?
We can put items on hold until the end of the business day. Please get in touch with the store that the item is located at to put in the hold request.
Is the basement at the Mount Pleasant store open?
As of 2021, the basement at Mount Pleasant is no longer available for shopping. However, every Saturday the second floor–usually reserved for the Media team–is open to the public to shop our discounted/clearance section!
What if I am looking for a specific item that you don’t carry?
We have a wishlist that we can add you to! Simply get in touch via email, in-person, or phone call, and one of our associates will add you to our list. Once the item you are seeking becomes available, an associate will contact you to let you know! Please note that by requesting to be added to our wishlist, you are agreeing to have us reach out to you via phone and/or email.
Do you offer a payment plan for your products?
We happily offer an interest-free layaway option for any product. We require a non-refundable 20% deposit, after which you have 30 days to pay off your item in full. You are allowed to make as little or as many payments as you would like, as long as it is all paid within the 30 days.
Please note that you do not receive the item that is on layaway until the payment is complete.
You are not allowed to open another layaway if there is a current outstanding one.