You know that feeling when you look at a pile of clothes in your room and realize you haven’t touched half of them since the 2024 solar eclipse? We’ve all been there. If you’re living in Central New York, your first thought is probably to haul it all down to Plato’s Closet DeWitt NY.
But here is the thing.
Most people walk into that store at 3455 Erie Boulevard East with a trash bag full of hope and walk out twenty minutes later feeling kinda salty because the buyer only took three items. It’s a classic Syracuse rite of passage. Honestly, if you want to actually make money at the DeWitt location, you have to understand that they aren't a charity or a standard thrift shop. They’re a curated business.
The Reality of Selling at Plato’s Closet DeWitt NY
Let’s get the basics out of the way. This spot is right in the heart of the Erie Blvd shopping strip, nestled near the Best Buy and the Price Chopper. It's high-traffic.
Because they get so many walk-ins from SU students and Le Moyne kids, they can afford to be picky. Like, really picky.
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If you bring in a box of "vintage" stuff from your aunt’s attic, they’re going to pass. They want stuff that looks like it was bought at the mall in the last 18 months. Think Lululemon, American Eagle, Nike, and PacSun. If it’s got a hole, a weird smell (we’ve all got that one "gym" shirt), or if the brand is something they’ve never heard of, it's a no-go.
How the process actually works
You don't need an appointment. You just walk in, head to the back counter, and sign in.
- The Drop-Off: They’ll ask for your ID. You must have a physical, government-issued photo ID. No, a picture of it on your phone won't work.
- The Wait: Depending on the day, it could be 20 minutes or two hours. Since it’s DeWitt, Saturdays are usually a madhouse.
- The Offer: They use a computer system to price everything. Typically, you’re getting about 20% to 35% of what they plan to sell it for.
- Cash on the Spot: This is the best part. You get cash right then and there. No waiting for it to sell like at a consignment shop.
One thing people forget is the "Trade and Save." If you find a pair of jeans you love while waiting for your buy to be processed, you can use your credit toward them and save on the sales tax. It’s a small win, but in this economy, we take those.
Why Your Clothes Might Get Rejected
It’s frustrating to hear "we're passing on everything today," but there’s usually a reason.
Sometimes they’re just overstocked on a certain item. If they already have 400 pairs of AE denim shorts in the back, they aren't buying yours, even if they're brand new.
Condition is king. I can’t stress this enough. If there is even a tiny yellow pit stain or a loose thread on a hem, it’s probably getting rejected. The DeWitt staff is trained to look for "wear and tear" that isn't intentional. Also, if your clothes are wrinkled like they’ve been living at the bottom of a hamper for six months, it’s a bad look. Fold them neatly in a bin or a laundry basket.
Pro Tip: Never bring your clothes in garbage bags. It makes them look like trash, and some buyers will subconsciously treat them that way. Use a sturdy plastic bin.
Brands that actually sell in Syracuse
Because we live in a place where it's gray and cold for seven months of the year, Carhartt and The North Face are huge here. If you have a clean puffer jacket or a decent hoodie, you’re much more likely to get a "yes" than if you’re trying to sell a sundress in the middle of January.
That said, they do buy all seasons all year long. Just know that their "selective" meter goes way up for off-season items.
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Shopping at the DeWitt Location
If you’re there to buy, it’s a different game. Plato’s Closet DeWitt NY is basically a treasure hunt.
You’ll find a lot of "mall brands" for about 70% off retail prices. It’s a great spot for picking up basics like hoodies or gym shorts. The shoe section is usually the most hit-or-miss area. You’ll see some beat-up Vans next to a pair of Jordans that look like they were worn exactly once.
The organization is pretty solid—everything is sorted by size and color. It makes it easy to scan the racks quickly if you’re on your lunch break. But be warned: the dressing room lines can get long, especially during the "Back to School" rush in August or right before the holidays.
Is It Worth the Trip?
If you’re looking to get rich, no. If you’re looking to clear out your closet and get enough money for a decent dinner and a tank of gas, then yeah, it’s worth it.
The staff at the DeWitt store are mostly younger, which makes sense because they need to know what’s trending on TikTok and Instagram. Sometimes they can be a bit short if the store is slammed, but they’re generally just trying to move through a mountain of clothes.
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Actionable Steps for Success:
- Wash everything first. Fresh-smelling clothes get accepted way more often.
- Check the labels. If it's from a grocery store brand or something "dated," leave it at home.
- Go on a weekday. Tuesday mornings are infinitely better than Saturday afternoons.
- Be realistic. You paid $60 for those leggings two years ago; don't expect more than $10-$12 back.
The next time you're heading down Erie Blvd, take twenty minutes to pre-sort your gear. Pull out the stuff with the "fast fashion" tags and focus on the name brands in good shape. It makes the whole experience way less stressful for everyone involved.
Check the current hours before you go, as they occasionally change their "buying hours" (the time they stop taking new bins) to an hour or two before the store actually closes. If you show up at 8:00 PM on a night they close at 9:00 PM, you might be out of luck.