F.A.Q.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW TO BRING IN ITEMS TO SELL OR TRADE AT FIFTH-MAIN? (CLIFF NOTES)
WHO CAN SELL OR TRADE ITEMS AT FIFTH-MAIN?
WHAT DOES FIFTH-MAIN BUY?
WHAT DOESN'T FIFTH-MAIN BUY?
DOES FIFTH-MAIN PURCHASE FURS?
WHAT IF I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE LEAVING MY DESIGNER ITEMS OR FINE JEWELRY FOR REVIEW?
HOW MANY ITEMS CAN I BRING IN TO SELL AT FIFTH-MAIN AT ONE TIME?
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DOES FIFTH-MAIN ACCOMMODATE ESTATES OR OFFER HOME VISITS?
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I DO NOT LIVE NEAR FIFTH-MAIN...MUST I VISIT TWICE TO SELL OR TRADE?
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HOW DO I PREPARE ITEMS TO SELL OR TRADE AT FIFTH-MAIN?
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WHY CAN'T I BRING IN ITEMS ON HANGERS?
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WHAT CONTAINERS WILL FIFTH-MAIN ACCEPT?
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WHEN CAN I DROP OFF ITEMS TO SELL OR TRADE AT FIFTH-MAIN (DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?)
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I AM NOT SURE I WANT TO SELL MY ITEM(S).......
CAN YOU TELL ME OVER THE PHONE HOW MUCH YOU WILL PAY FOR IT/THEM?
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WHAT PAYOUT OPTIONS DOES FIFTH-MAIN OFFER?
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HOW MUCH WILL I RECEIVE FOR MY ITEMS?
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WHAT IS "TRADE CREDIT" FROM FIFTH-MAIN?
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CAN I RECEIVE A COMBINATION OF CASH AND TRADE CREDIT?
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WHAT IS MY "RETURN DATE(S)"?
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WHAT IF I MISS MY RETURN DATE?
MUST I RETURN IN PERSON TO GO OVER MY OFFER?
WHAT IF I CANNOT RETURN TO FIFTH-MAIN ON MY RETURN DATE?
MUST I SHOW IDENTIFICATION AND COMPLETE A CONTRACT EVERY TIME I SELL OR TRADE AT FIFTH-MAIN?
WHAT IF MY FIFTH-MAIN TRADE CREDIT HAS BEEN LOST / STOLEN?
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WHAT IF FIFTH-MAIN DID NOT MAKE AN OFFER ON MY ITEMS?
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IF FIFTH-MAIN "PASSED" ON ITEMS I WANTED TO SELL SHOULD I BRING THEM BACK AT ANOTHER TIME OF YEAR?
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HOW TO BRING IN ITEMS TO SELL OR TRADE AT FIFTH-MAIN? (CLIFF NOTES)
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All items presented to FIFTH-MAIN to SELL or TRADE must meet the following requirements:
1) Items must be free of hangers. NO HANGERS (no exceptions).
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2) Items must be contained within a clean, manageable size container, no larger than 13" H x 18" W x 24" L.
a) We cannot accommodate over-sized containers, containers weighing more than 30lbs, or containers that require more than one average person to lift. If you are unable to lift or carry your items to our Buying Counter please bring assistance or check with our Buying Counter (in advance) to see if special arrangements can be made to accommodate your special request.
b) No overflowing items, and no broken or dirty containers.
c) No garment bags.
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3) Items presented to SELL or TRADE must be clean (no stains, pet hair, damage, or strong odors).
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4) The number of items presented to SELL or TRADE may not exceed 100 per check-in and/or more than 5 containers. (If you have more than 5 containers (or 100+ items), please call our Buying Counter at (262) 242-2100 to discuss special accommodations.)
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5) Along with your items bring a valid driver's license or government issued photo ID at check-in and check-out.
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6) At check-in you will be assigned a date to return (check-out). On that Return Date you will need to come back to the store to review our offer, collect any items our buyers may have "passed on" and collect any payment.
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7) Payout options offered include Trade Credit and Cash. By selecting Trade Credit you will always receive 20% more for your items.
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WHO CAN SELL OR TRADE ITEMS AT FIFTH-MAIN?
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Sellers may not be juvenile (i.e. under the age of 18)
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Seller must be the owner of the property being sold.
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Seller has the right to sell the items presented to SELL or TRADE.
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Seller may not be under voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy.
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Seller may not be under any legal proceedings in which the property is involved.
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WHAT DOES FIFTH-MAIN BUY?
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FIFTH-MAIN specialized in luxury designer, vintage and contemporary brand name fashions. FIFTH-MAIN is happy to review all wearable goods for both men and women, including but not limited to: clothing, accessories, handbags, jewelry (fine, estate, designer, contemporary), fragrance and footwear.
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FIFTH-MAIN buys for all seasons all year long; Therefore, you can bring in shorts in winter and coats in summer.
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FIFTH-MAIN purchases a variety of brands and seeks luxury designer, vintage, and modern/contemporary brand name items.
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Fashion trends are constantly changing, when in doubt bring the item in and let our buyers decide!
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Please visit our SELL or TRADE page for more information.
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WHAT DOESN'T FIFTH-MAIN BUY?
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Exceptions may be made for items that fall into any of the categories below; especially for vintage, designer/luxury brands, and/or rare and unique items:​
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Children's: We are not actively pursuing children's clothing. On occasion we purchase children's clothing from select luxury brands.
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Bridal Attire: We are not actively pursuing the purchase of bridal or bridesmaids' gowns. We do on occasion purchase vintage or designer gowns.
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Prom Dresses: Though we do not have a strong focus on recruiting formal wear, our buyers are happy to review any black-tie attire presented.
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Men's Suits / Tuxedos: We do not purchase men's suits / tuxedos as they are often altered or made specific to one's measurements. On occasion we may purchase men's suits from select brands or that are considered luxury designer (e.g. Tom Ford).
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Items that are dirty, damaged or show excessive wear.
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DOES FIFTH-MAIN PURCHASE FURS?
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Yes. We are happy to review any furs that you would like to present for review. Please be aware that due to the current resale fur market we are conservative with our offers.
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PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept items on hangers or garment bags. Often, the best way to package a fur is to remove it from the hanger, gently fold it, and present it in a structure container such as a laundry basket. Please use your best judgement on how to safely package and transport your fur(s).
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Related questions & answers:
WHY CAN'T I BRING IN ITEMS ON HANGERS?
WHAT CONTAINERS WILL FIFTH-MAIN ACCEPT?
HOW DO I PREPARE ITEMS TO SELL OR TRADE TO FIFTH-MAIN?
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WHAT IF I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE LEAVING MY DESIGNER ITEMS OR FINE JEWELRY FOR REVIEW?
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FIFTH-MAIN is an established business with over 14 years of luxury resale experience. Throughout our years in business we have handled and care for a great deal of high value and rare specialty items without incidence. We have designed our selling process to be safer and simpler than traditional consignment. The only person who will be handling / reviewing your item(s) is our Buyers. ALL items are under constant video surveillance while in our possession and remain in their containers on secure shelving except for when being reviewed by our Buyer(s). If you have any questions or do not feel comfortable leaving items, please call our Buying Counter at (262) 242-2110.
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HOW MANY ITEMS CAN I BRING IN TO SELL OR TRADE TO FIFTH-MAIN AT ONE TIME?
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Currently we are limiting each individual to no more than 5 containers and/or 100 items (unless special accommodations have been arranged in advance with our Buying Counter) to be checked in for review with us at any given time.
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DOES FIFTH-MAIN ACCOMMODATE ESTATES OR OFFER HOME VISITS?
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We are happy to accommodate large estates, but first we may ask for a product sample to be brought in for our Buyers to review. Once we have had a chance to examine a sample of what you have to SELL or TRADE, our Buyers can further discuss whether a home / estate visit may be an option. Please call our Buying Counter at (262) 242-2100 to discuss your specific needs and mention that you are calling on behalf of an estate.
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I DO NOT LIVE NEAR FIFTH-MAIN MUST I VISIT TWICE TO SELL OR TRADE?
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If you live outside of our tri-county area (Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington Counties (or are located more than 30 minutes from FIFTH-MAIN) and would like to bring items in to SELL or TRADE, please call our Buying Counter at (262) 242-2110. We may be able to establish a waiting appointment (at a mutually agreed upon date and time). A pre-scheduled waiting appointment would allow for your items to be reviewed while you shop. We cannot guarantee that a same day appointment can be established but we will do our best to accommodate those who are traveling to visit us.
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The best way to secure an appointment is by offering FIFTH-MAIN as much notice as possible. (Please note that it is rare for us to be able to accommodate a same day appointment.) When calling us to establish an appointment for same day / waiting review, please have the following information on hand: approximate number of items, a short list of brands, types of items (e.g. hats, clothes, jewelry, shoes), and any other details that you feel may help our Buyers to allocate the correct amount of time for reviewing the items you plan to bring in. Additionally, please have your calendar on hand with options for various days / times that work for your schedule.
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Please keep in mind that we are first come, first serve and that all items are processed in the order in which they are received. We are often 7+ days out for scheduling. We do our best to accommodate all sellers but please note that we are unable to guarantee a same day review or waiting appointment availability prior to scheduling.
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HOW DO I PREPARE ITEMS TO SELL OR TRADE AT FIFTH-MAIN?
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Please use the following checklist to prepare your items to SELL or TRADE:
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​[ ] Gather all items to SELL or TRADE
[ ] Remove all hangers
[ ] Place all jewelry in small containers, plastic bags or wrap in tissue so they stay safe and untangled.
[ ] Inspect all items for cleanliness, stains, damage, lint, pills, animal hair, etc.
[ ] Launder / clean (as needed)
[ ] Package all items in manageable size containers (no larger than 13"H x 18"W x 24"L)
[ ] Make sure no items are loose, overflowing or protruding from the container(s).
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Related questions & answers:
HOW MANY ITEMS CAN I BRING IN TO SELL or TRADE AT ONE TIME?
WHAT CONTAINERS WILL FIFTH-MAIN ACCEPT?
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WHY CAN'T I BRING IN ITEMS ON HANGERS?
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Before and after your items are reviewed by our buyers, they are stored on shelving units (not hanging racks). Our system of reviewing and processing your items does not lend itself to allow for hanging garments to be presented to us for review.
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Historically, we have seen more items get damaged when brought in on hangers and have found that the safest way to keep all your items together (while going through our buying process) is to have them contained in shelvable.
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WHAT CONTAINERS WILL FIFTH-MAIN ACCEPT?
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Containers cannot exceed the following measurements: 13"H x 18"W x 24"L. These dimensions are especially important to follow when using hard sided containers. We cannot accept a container larger than these measurements as it will not fit onto our shelves.
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We encourage our Seller's to use clean shopping totes, sturdy bags, laundry baskets or structured bins (no cardboard boxes, recycled containers, or long garment bags please).
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Additional Information Regarding Containers Requirements:
- Garment bags are designed to cover items only and often break or tear open when used like a traditional bag (they are
not designed to accommodate the weight of items). Additionally, when laid flat containers of this size exceed the measurements
that fit onto our shelves for storage.
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- Any containers with items overflowing will not be accepted. We have a thorough labeling system, to keep everyone's items
separate and organized while waiting for review. BUT if an item falls out of your container, we have no way of knowing who
brought it in or what container it may belong to. Containers are labeled with your information upon drop off (not each individual
item). For this reason, we ask that all items are securely contained. When in doubt please use an additional container
(Reminder: We can accept up to 5 containers per visit).
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- If you are bringing in just 1 item, it still needs to be presented in a container so that we can properly label the item. We do not want
to risk any damage to your item(s) by placing labels directly on them.
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Please inspect your container for cleanliness and condition as we reserve the right to refuse any containers that appear unsanitary or have broken parts.
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FIFTH-MAIN reserves the right to decline for acceptance any item(s) or container(s) that may be deemed over-sized, dangerous, unsanitary, etc.
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WHEN CAN I DROP OFF ITEMS TO SELL OR TRADE AT FIFTH-MAIN? DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
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You may drop off anytime during our current store hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10AM - 6PM.
You do not need to call ahead or schedule an appointment. Come at your convenience!
Please Note: All items are accepted and reviewed on a first come first serve basis.
I AM NOT SURE I WANT TO SELL MY ITEM(S)...
CAN YOU TELL ME OVER THE PHONE HOW MUCH YOU WILL PAY FOR IT/THEM?
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Each and every item purchase by FIFTH-MAIN is carefully reviewed and individually evaluated by our Buyers. Part of our process is the in-person assessment of each item. Therefore, FIFTH-MAIN will only discuss a valuation on an item upon an in-person assessment.
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Our Buyers review thousands of items each week. To be fair and process everyone's items in a timely fashion, we must review items on a first come first serve basis. Therefore, we do not offer phone consultations.
Please keep in mind that we are ALWAYS happy to review any item(s) that you would like to present for sale. Safer and easier than consignment, the items remain your property until contract completion / issued Return Date(s). If you have questions or have changed your mind about selling you have until contract completion / issued Return Date(s) to collect your items and/or "pass" on any offer made.
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Related questions & answers:
WHAT IF I MISS MY RETURN DATE?
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WHAT PAYOUT OPTIONS DOES FIFTH-MAIN OFFER?
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1. Trade Credit is a physical card, issued for retail store credit, which may be applied to purchases exclusively at FIFTH-MAIN's Retail, Outlet, and E-Store locations. Trade Credit does not carry an expiration date. Trade Credit will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Trade Credit is not redeemable for cash or check. Trade Credit may be transferred to others at the discretion of the Seller.
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2. Cash / Check. A check may be issued by FIFTH-MAIN in lieu of cash if a substantial amount is being paid to the customer. A check will be issued at the discretion of FIFTH-MAIN.
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HOW MUCH WILL I RECEIVE FOR MY ITEMS?
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Easy question...not so easy answer...
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The amount each item is valued at will vary, based on the item itself, when assessed through our buying system. Every item purchased at FIFTH-MAIN is assessed by our Buyers and undergoes a multi-point checklist prior to a valuation being assigned. Criteria taken into consideration when valuing items are inclusive of but not limited to: condition, style, brand, age, market brand (desirability).
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All items presented by a Seller to SELL or TRADE at FIFTH-MAIN will be grouped post individual assessment into a bulk offer which will be presented to the Seller on the Return Date.
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FIFTH-MAIN values all items presented in their "raw state" or "as-is presented condition". FIFTH MAIN may purchase items that require restoration. The valuation of an item will vary by the degree of risk to invest, restore, and sell an item. We do not offer a list of individual pricing for our offers as we consider the items purchase at our buying counter to be in a "raw" state. Should a seller have specific questions on valuations, they may note those requests at check in.
FIFTH-MAIN also offers 2 different payout options. Cash and In-Store Trade Credit. You will automatically receive a 20% higher offer by selecting Trade Credit.
Related questions & answers:
WHAT PAYOUT OPTIONS DOES FIFTH-MAIN OFFER?
WHAT IS "TRADE CREDIT" from FIFTH-MAIN?
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WHAT IS "TRADE CREDIT" FROM FIFTH-MAIN?
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Trade Credit is a physical card, issued for retail store credit, which may be applied to purchases exclusively at FIFTH-MAIN's Retail, Outlet, and E-Store locations. Trade Credit does not carry an expiration date. Trade Credit will not be replaced if lost or stolen. Trade Credit is not redeemable for cash or check. Trade Credit may be transferred to others at the discretion of the Seller.
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CAN I RECEIVE A COMBINATION OF CASH AND TRADE CREDIT?
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Only if you have presented two containers of item(s) during "Drop Off" and created a separate contract for each container. No one contract can be divided into multiple payment types.
If you have items you want to sell for Cash AND items you want to sell for Trade Credit, please package your items in separate containers and have two separate buys checked in at our Buying Counter (one for Cash and one for Trade Credit). This is the only time that a seller may have two "Buys" checked in at the same time. Keep in mind that the 5 container minimum per seller still applies (in other words you can only have five containers left with FIFTH-MAIN at one time...not 5 checked in for Cash and 5 checked in for Trade Credit.)
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WHAT IS MY RETURN DATE(S)?
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When dropping off / presenting items for sale you are provided with a "Return Receipt Card". On that card you will find two dates. The dates on your "Return Receipt Card" are when you can come back to our store, review any offer details and when you will receive any payment for your items.
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Please note: Sellers are required to return for review no later than 6:00pm on the Saturday issued during drop off. If you have upcoming travel or other obligations, we recommend bringing your items after or once your schedule is clear. We do not continue to store any Seller's items past their scheduled Return Date.
Related questions & answers:
WHAT IF I MISS MY RETURN DATE?
WHAT IF I CANNOT RETURN TO FIFTH-MAIN ON MY RETURN DATE?
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WHAT IF I MISS MY RETURN DATE?​
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If you are unable to return or forget to return and the items are not claimed by 6:00pm CST on the Saturday established for you to return, your items will go into "default" meaning that:
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Items that FIFTH-MAIN is making an offer on will be moved through the processing system and offered for sale in our store(s).
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A "Trade Credit" may be issued for any items FIFTH-MAIN is making an offer on. The Trade Credit can be claimed until the last business day of the calendar year in which the transaction is scheduled to be completed.
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Unclaimed items automatically become abandoned property and are to be used, donated, or disposed of as FIFTH-MAIN sees fit.
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MUST I RETURN IN PERSON TO GO OVER MY OFFER?
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Yes! Per the agreement made at check-in (drop off), you must return on your scheduled RETURN DATE in order to review your offer, collect payment, collect items FIFTH-MAIN has passed on, and complete the contract thereby transferring ownership rights to the items presented to SELL or TRADE.
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Related questions & answers:
WHAT IF I MISS MY RETURN DATE?
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WHAT IF I CANNOT RETURN TO FIFTH-MAIN ON MY RETURN DATE?
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You may authorize someone 18 or older to return on your behalf to complete the transaction, including but not limited to: deciding upon the sale or trade of my items, accepting payout and collecting or donating "passed" items.
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When checking-in at our buying counter, sellers will have the opportunity to designate a representative to complete the transaction at check-out on their behalf. If a Seller realizes, after checking-in, that they need to designate a representative to come in on their behalf the Seller may call our buying counter at (262) 242-2110.
MUST I SHOW IDENTIFICATION AND COMPLETE A CONTRACT EVERY TIME I SELL OR TRADE AT FIFTH-MAIN?
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Yes, under Wisconsin State Statute 134.71 we are required to create a new contract for every transaction. This law also requires us to verify your identity using a valid state or government form of identification.
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WHAT IF MY FIFTH-MAIN TRADE CREDIT HAS BEEN LOST / STOLEN?​
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Trade Credit cards are to be treated like cash. FIFTH-MAIN is not responsible nor will replace Trade Credit cards (or its value) if there has been unauthorized use, is damaged, lost or stolen. FIFTH-MAIN Trade Credit cards are not credit/debit cards and have no implied warranties.
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WHAT IF FIFTH-MAIN DID NOT MAKE AN OFFER ON MY ITEM(S)?
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Never be discouraged if we do not make an offer on items you brought in. Each and every item is individually reviewed and assessed prior to acquisition. Therefore, just because we did not purchase your items on one occasion, that does not mean we will not buy other items from you. Though we wish we could buy everything that our Sellers present, we are selective based on market trends.
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IF FIFTH-MAIN "PASSED" ON ITEMS I WANTED TO SELL SHOULD I BRING THEM BACK AT ANOTHER TIME OF YEAR?
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No. Once FIFTH-MAIN has reviewed items you presented there is no need to bring these same items back a second time. We actually discourage it. Don't forget, FIFTH-MAIN purchases for all seasons year round.
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