Planning to Open a Resale, Consignment, or Thrift Store?

Opening a resale business is exciting, and there's a lot to learn before welcoming your first customer. Whether you're researching locations, developing your business plan, or getting ready to open your doors, NARTS can connect you with experienced store owners, educational resources, and a community that understands the resale industry.

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Provisional Membership is designed for individuals planning to open a qualifying resale, consignment, or thrift business within the next 12 months.

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Before applying, please review the membership requirements below to make sure your planned business will qualify for NARTS membership.

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Who Qualifies for Provisional Membership?

You may qualify if you're actively planning to open a resale business that will meet NARTS Primary Membership requirements within one year.  This may include plans to open:

• A consignment store selling previously owned merchandise.

• A resale store that purchases merchandise outright for resale.

• A nonprofit thrift store operated by a qualifying 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

• A dedicated online resale business that meets NARTS operating requirements.

 

You don't need to have your store open when you apply. However, your planned business must meet NARTS membership requirements once it begins operating.

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What Types of Businesses Do Not Qualify?

NARTS Bylaws establish certain restrictions on retail membership.  Businesses are not eligible if they:

• Operate in or from a residence.

• Sell merchandise only at seasonal events, occasional markets, or temporary sales.

• Operate within a multidealer mall or market.

• Lease or license space to other sellers to conduct business.

• Operate for private profit using inventory originally solicited as charitable donations.

 

What about selling online?

NARTS Bylaws recognize businesses operating through a dedicated online retail presence. However, they also exclude businesses operating in or from a residence.

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If you're planning an online resale business, including selling through platforms such as eBay, Poshmark, or similar marketplaces, please contact NARTS before applying so we can review your proposed business model.

Having an online store or selling on a marketplace does not automatically establish eligibility for membership.

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How Long Can I Be a Provisional Member?

Provisional Membership is intended to support you while you're preparing to open your business.

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Your first year: You may hold Provisional Membership for up to one year while working toward opening a qualifying business.

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If you need more time: You may request approval for one additional year of Provisional Membership. Extensions are not automatic and must be approved by the NARTS Membership Services Director.

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Once your business opens: When your business meets the requirements for Primary Membership, you may apply to transition to that membership category.

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Provisional Membership cannot be renewed beyond the one additional year permitted under the bylaws.

 

What Do the NARTS Bylaws Say?

The following provisions come from Article IX, Membership and Dues, of the NARTS Association Bylaws.

 

Article IX, Section 2: Provisional Membership

 
Any individual or person planning to be eligible for Primary Membership within one year from the date of acceptance into the Association in this Membership category shall be eligible for Provisional Membership. No Provisional Member shall be eligible to renew its Provisional Membership without express prior approval of the Associations’ Membership Services Director. Renewal of Provisional Membership is limited to one additional year.

What this means: You must be planning to establish a business that qualifies for Primary Membership within 12 months. If your opening is delayed, you may request one additional year, subject to approval.

 

Article IX, Section 1: Retail Membership Requirements

 
Retail membership in this corporation is limited to individuals representing retail stores and shops that continuously conduct the business described in Section 2 of this Article from non-residential physical retail premises or through a dedicated online Internet presence and falling within the following categories of retail stores and shops:

 
(1) For-profit retail stores and shops, which solicit inventory on a consignment basis, or on a "buy outright" basis; or

 
(2) Not-for-Profit retail stores or shops operated by and on behalf of charities they represent, providing that those charities have been granted Section 501 (C)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Code.

 

What this means: Your planned business must fit one of the qualifying retail business categories. It must also meet the operating location or online presence requirements.

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Article IX, Section 1: Businesses That Are Excluded

 
Retail stores and shops which (a) receive or purchase inventory originally solicited as a charitable donation, but operate in whole or in part for the benefit of a for-profit person or entity; (b) operate in or from a residence; (c) engage only in seasonal or event sales; (d) operate in or from a multi-dealer mall or market; and/or (e) lease or license third parties to conduct business on premises they own, lease or control shall NOT be eligible for membership.

What this means: Not every business selling secondhand merchandise qualifies for NARTS membership. These restrictions apply even if the business is registered, has a website, or regularly sells merchandise.

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What Happens When I Apply?

All NARTS membership applications are subject to approval by the Board of Directors under Article IX, Section 1.

When applying for Provisional Membership, we'll ask you to provide basic information about your planned business, including the type of store you intend to open, how and where it will operate, and your anticipated opening date.

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This information allows NARTS to review your eligibility before accepting you into membership.

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Ready to Begin?
 

If you're preparing to open a qualifying resale, consignment, or thrift store, we'd love to welcome you into the NARTS community.
 

Our goal is to connect you with the knowledge, resources, and relationships that can make the journey from planning to opening a little easier.
 

Not sure if your business will qualify? Please contact NARTS before submitting your application. We're happy to review your plans and explain the membership requirements.
 

By applying for Provisional Membership, you acknowledge that you have reviewed the eligibility requirements and understand that your planned business must qualify for NARTS Primary Membership within the timeframe established by the bylaws.