Hiring Your Dream Team: How to Find and Keep Great Employees in Resale

Starting a new consignment store is exciting—finding the perfect location, setting up your resale inventory, and welcoming shoppers into your shop. But one of the most critical (and often overlooked) pieces of the puzzle? Hiring a dream team to help your business thrive.

Whether you're just opening your first consignment shop or you're ready to grow your team, having the right people in place can make or break your success. In the resale industry, great employees do more than ring up sales—they build relationships and represent your brand to consignors and customers alike.

Here’s how to find, hire, and retain the right people for your consignment business.

 1. Know Who You’re Looking For

Before you post a job, think about what you need most. Are you looking for someone with retail experience? A knack for fashion? A passion for sustainability?

In the consignment world, soft skills matter just as much as retail know-how. Look for people who:

1. Communicate clearly and warmly
2. Are detail-oriented (think: tagging items, tracking consignments)
3. Can juggle multiple tasks without dropping the ball
4. Genuinely enjoy helping others

2. Write a Job Description That Stands Out

To attract quality candidates, your job posting should reflect the unique personality of your consignment store. Be honest, specific, and a little fun.

Instead of:

“Looking for a retail associate to help with day-to-day operations.”

Try:

“Join our growing consignment shop dedicated to sustainable fashion and community connection! We’re looking for a team player who loves helping people, organizing treasures, and thrives in a fast-paced environment.”

Be sure to include:

• Clear job responsibilities
• Flexible hours or scheduling (if available)
• Opportunities for growth or learning about resale
• A brief overview of your store’s mission or values

3. Hire for Attitude, Train for Skill

In the consignment business, systems like SimpleConsign software can help simplify training—but personality is harder to teach.

While experience is helpful, a positive attitude and strong work ethic often matter more. During interviews, ask open-ended questions like:

1. “Tell me about a time you solved a tricky customer issue.”
2. “What interests you about working in resale or consignment?”
3. “How do you stay organized during a busy day?”

4. Set Clear Expectations Early

Once you've found your person, don't leave them guessing. A solid onboarding process sets your employee (and your store) up for success.

Include:

• Training on your consignment software and POS system
• A walkthrough of how inventory intake and tagging works
• A quick guide to pricing, merchandising, and customer interactions
• Clear policies around consignor relationships, returns, and communication

Even in a small resale shop, consistency matters. Documentation—checklists, a welcome guide—can make training smoother and less overwhelming.

5. Build a Culture People Want to Grow With

People stay where they feel valued. Your employee experience should reflect the same care you give your customers. Make your consignment store a place your team is proud to work in by:

• Recognizing wins, even small ones
• Offering flexible scheduling when possible
• Letting them contribute to displays, social media, or merchandising decision
• Encouraging feedback and celebrating progress

• Teach them how to use consignment software tools like reports or consignor communication
• Assign them responsibility for a specific section (like vintage, kidswear, or luxury)
• Share insights into pricing or marketing so they feel more connected to your goals

When your team feels ownership and opportunity, they’re more likely to stay—and help your business thrive long-term.

Your People Are Your Power

Hiring for a new consignment store doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right mindset, clear expectations, and a focus on building the right culture, you can attract the kind of team that helps your resale business thrive.

And remember: SimpleConsign is here to support you every step of the way. From streamlining your employee training to helping manage consignor payouts, we’re proud to be the partner behind successful consignment shops nationwide. Our New Store Program is designed for resale business owners like you—with free onboarding, expert training, and access to proven strategies that help you connect with your community and grow your loyal customer base. You’ll also receive $500 off SimpleConsign to get started with confidence and build a business that lasts.