The Problem With Rag-O-Rama:
Why selling used clothing at full price isn't "fetch"
Debbie Bitzan, Editor-in-Chief
Issue date: 4/9/08 Section: Culture
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There are two main types of thrift-store establishments made available to the eager second hand consumer. The first being the non-profit type, such as Goodwill, which includes perks such as a false sense of altruistic satisfaction, as well as one case of ringworm for every five articles of clothing purchased - always an added bonus. The second kind of thrift store a poor college student with a clothes fetish may drift into would be the less charitable, but more sanitary for-profit thrift store, such as Rag-O-Rama. This brand of thrift store gives you money for the crap you don't want anymore, and then cashes in off of unassuming clothes junkies.
Rag-O-Rama is a Columbus favorite for trading used junk that you don't need anymore; but even more so it is a social trademark, denoting those who shop there as independent, environmental and trendy. Sure, many of Rag-O-Rama's customers are just poor twenty-somethings looking for a cheap deal and something semi-fashionable; however on the several occasions I have been there, their establishment has been flooded with trend-seeking sycophants who longingly desire to improve their already "intriguing" social image with kitschy-vintagey looking threads. This very specific and gullible group of consumers helps to explain the financial inconsistencies that seem to occur regularly at Rag-O-Rama.
"Rags" is actually a chain establishment, which has locations in four cities in the United States, comparable to the much larger thrift store chain Plato's Closet. Both companies pride themselves in their up-to-date fashions and their adequate trade offers. Although I have not been to Plato's Closet as many times as I have been to Rag-O-Rama, I have noticed a discrepancy in price range. Like Plato's Closet, Rag-O-Rama pays a comparable return to those who wish to sell used items: 50% in trade or 35% in cash of the value at which the item will be sold. However, a vast difference in resale price is apparent, possibly due to differences in style. Plato's Closet tends to carry commonly found brands and popular items which can be acquired quite easily, whereas Rag-O-Rama claims to cater to a less mainstream, more unique style. This still does not explain why I have found seven items at Rag-O-Rama which were all priced either at retail price or above when they were clearly worn items.
Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 7
Derek Bower
posted 4/11/08 @ 6:16 PM NA
Oh whatever. You can buy labels like Diesel, Seven, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, DSquared used at Rag-o-Rama for ridiculously cheap compared to their retail prices. (Continued…)
My A
posted 4/11/08 @ 8:07 PM NA
No,Rag-O-Rama is not a chain like Platos Closet. The guy who started it lived in Clintonville and has since opened other locations. Platos Closet is a franchise operation in which you can invest to open your own. (Continued…)
Sally
posted 5/06/08 @ 12:05 AM NA
Yeah, like "My A" said, Rag O Rama actually isn't even close to a chain. It's still a mom & pop store. The guy who created it still owns it and opened the four other stores completely by himself. (Continued…)
that girl
posted 5/06/08 @ 2:30 AM NA
Rag-O-Rama is not a chain or a franchise. It's way better than Plato's and shouldn't even be compared to it. It's awesome, unique and great place to find a diverse mix of syles and labels. (Continued…)
Barbara
posted 5/19/08 @ 5:16 PM NA
Why do you call it a "false sense of altruistic satisfaction" when a person shops at a charity based thrift store? Is it more altruistic to shop at a place that is just there to make a profit?
Do you just wear stuff that you buy from thrift stores without washing it first? Do you wash your clothes? If you do, then you can prevent getting the fungus that causes ringworm on your skin. (Continued…)
Debbie Bitzan
posted 5/19/08 @ 8:54 PM NA
Babs,
Thank you for your insight. I buy used clothing all of the time, and I wash it before I wear it (I know, you're floored). However, the point of my article was not to bash thrifty shopping. (Continued…)
Jared
posted 5/30/08 @ 5:16 PM NA
Few things;
If you haven't heard of Red Planet X off Olentangy River Rd you are missing out! Its at the corner of Ackerman and Olentangy behind the Apple Bees. (Continued…)
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