Plato’s Closet – Harwood Heights

I am not a fan of shopping at thrift/​second hand stores so the only reason I came in was to sell my clothing. I walked in and was not greeted by anyone, just had one or two employees stare at me as if I knew what to do. I finally asked what I should be doing and she helped me through the process. However, the employees left the counter while I was filling out the information and when I was done I stood there not knowing what to do next. An employee finally ran up to take the bag and I walked around waiting for a half hour or so. After the half hour was up, I walked up to see what they would be purchasing from me. From the giant bag or topshop dresses and urban outfitters shirts and pants and a pair of uggs, they took a pair 6^th grade (10 years ago??) fake timberlands. I was confused as to how they were willing to take those other peoples old, aeropostal fur lined zip up hoodies, over my apparel. I know I have a biased opinion because I think my clothing are nice, but I feel as though some of these employees have biased opinions on what clothing they like as well.
Will not being coming back only because I would never shop here, it is very much out of my way and therefore not worth driving to if I dont get much in return.

Wow. Just. Fucking. Wow. I have no words. That’s a lie, I have more than several.
Let’s start off with the neighborhood, shall we? I must have turned around 728 482 727 times because I couldn’t find this location BURIED in the tightest corner you could possibly EVER imagine. Not to mention I can barely squeeze my way into and out of the parking lot because everyone driving in this neighborhood is he truest form of asshole you could picture. I should know I grew up 10 min from here in portage park and I worked at the Harlem and Irving Target as my first job. I’m quite familiar was this crowd of douchebags.
Not to mention this has been a mission because their hours seriously suck and I finally made it after weeks of delaying and missing the times. They close at 6pm on Sunday’s. Okay, fine-it’s Sunday I get it. But the first time I came here on a weekday thinking they would be open till 9 and they close at 8. So this has already been a mission and a half needless to say.
I was also looking forward to possibly getting a little chump change for extra spending money. I already knew the drill, just don’t give them ratchet shit and have it it fair condition. Look, I’m not looking to strike a goldmine I get that you’re not going to get shit but you mind as well try before giving it to goodwill for nothing-​am I righhhhhtttt? Or am I righhhhhtttt? Right! I know you all feel me on this one! So granted the clothes I have are not exactly in style but def for a few ratchet hoes and some classy trendy girl looking for something outside of the mainstream. Great condition. The guy worker on my way out even mentioned how clean my motherfucking shoes were like its a miracle! You know the amount of shit they probably see so it was like miraculous for them.
So I get there and I’m pretty clueless as far as when I should put my clothes down. The guy isn’t the friendliest but he’s just whatever it’s clearly his high school job. So I enter my information in their now automated system and they seriously ask you for the most ridiculous shit like my drivers license ?! This isn’t the motherfucking CIA I’m just trying to get rid of some ratchet clothes for a little bit of cash. Seriously thought I was going to have to give them a sample it was that intense. So then I’m done and I’m standing there for a good 2 min and I’m being ignored. The guy was on the phone more attentive to his phone call the girl was busy helping a customer and this guy was standing there looking at me pre tending to do something when he could have easily helped me.
So finally bro is off the phone and I’m like yeah do I just leave these? Cool. Not even 3 min go by that I’m already getting a text message for my shit. I already know I’m getting $ 1.00 for some shit.
Low and motherfuckin behold-​NOTHING! That’s NADA in Spanish ZERO SLITCH JACKSHIT SQUASH POOP! My mouth probably hit the floor. I was like uhhhh okay. The girl is trying to tread waters so fucking lightly as if you can tell she’s gotten so much backlash and beat downs in the past. And I was just like okay it’s fine it’s fine so then I go and wait for my bags and she doesn’t know which bags or how many. I’m waiting there for a little longer and then she tries to go on another tangent as to why they didn’t take it and the style their looking for till finally I just shouted, «I DONT CARE IM NOT OFFENDED I MIND AS WELL DO IT BEFORE I GIVE IT TO GOODWILL» and she was like «oh shit» not out loud but it was her face and was like okay bye.
The only slight plus was that the two guys were pretty cute but the fact they kinda seriously sucked more than ass itself gets this back down to a 1.
I suggest no one fuck with me today: huffing emoji:

Im giving 3 stars being I came last month and the items I brought at the time they said they were over stocked, again I come and have been told the same thing. This time around I brang a few more things and nothing was brought. I feel there should be a sign stating certain items are no longer being taken. It’s fustrating when you wait for them to process your items and then you get everything you brang back. Makes me second guest their honesty also being it’s the beginning of the month last month I had came at the end of the month. Customer service is fine.

Plato’s Closet is a joke! wasted twenty minutes of my time which I won’t get back. Brought it two Express purses in excellent condition and 4 hand clutches, was offered $ 16.81 cents. You want nicely taken care of accessories and up to date clothes but offer s#!t. Sell the items on offer up or eBay and you’ll get the amount you want or more. Don’t waste your time.

I just left this store and I am super upset. I found ALOT of clothes for work today and was excited for the purchase. However when I got to the register… are you ready for this one!!! I was refused the sale because the back of my credit card was not signed. I quickly scrambled to get another one and all of my credit cards say SEE I.D. I have all of the proper identification cards with me and I was still refused the purchase. ALL $ 253 worth of it… apparently their new store policy does not allow them to take credit cards un signed or if it says see ID. Will not ever return!

I sell her a lot and the last time I came in was told my stuff was older and not current. Well I had stuff that I had just purchased recently so that isn’t «old» styles. Most of the stuff I brought in was forever 21 or H & M. I think they should not use that to describe people’s stuff, it’s offensive somewhat.

I had been selling Plato’s Closet on-​and-​off to clean out my closet, and this location is 100% focused on trendy styles from fast fashion brands. The buyers are under 21 and look for items that sell well and teens would wear so keep in mind that they likely wouldn’t buy older designer items or high heels. On my last visit, the racks were full of Forever 21, Love Culture, H&M, etc. in the $ 5-​$ 12 price range.
In the past, there was a sprinkle of other mall names (Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, etc), but they have either moved away from buying more «mature» brands or sellers have opted to go elsewhere due to the low payout (less than ¹⁄₃ of what they sell it for). For example, I found a new with tags dress from Forever 21 that was originally $ 22.XX priced at $ 6. This means great savings for the buyer, and the seller probably only recouped $ 2.
If you bring in your items during off-​peak hours, it only takes about 10 minutes to process, but I’ve had to wait 30 – 45 min. when there were other bags ahead (usually in the early evening). For items that are just taking up closet space and commands too much effort to sell individually, Plato’s Closet is helpful but keep in mind the average payout has usually only $ 2 – 3 per item.

Got paid $ 13 for new jeans that cost me $ 60 each back when I bought them. I only had 1 used thing, l out of 7 items, and the black dude says «the other ones had signs of wear tear. Awful platos and what a damn ripoff. Not to mention. The unfriendly staff that kept giving me looks. THIS PLATOS WILL NOT GIVE YOU THE MONEY YOUD EXPECT.

Through radio and mail advertisement, the public is encouraged to bring in lightly used, if not new items. I have to say, I’ve brought in brand new heels that I’ve never worn along with other great standing items etc. and things have never been taken. I guess they really don’t want your clothing, shoes etc unless it is a name brand. I’ve walked through multiple locations of Plato’s Closet before and I have seen shoes that these workers deem acceptable that are filthy, so it does just make me laugh at their «selection» of items that they do take, so if you have a pair of run down Coach sneakers, bring them in. I’m not one to complain, but they’re selection of items that they do take are very selective and you won’t get much for them. I understand they need a turn around profit for what they buy off of their customers but it’s almost worth posting certain items on eBay, and other selling websites like
yourself and making a decent turn around for what you paid for your items.

Been here multiple times. Waited over 45 minutes for them to look at the clothes I was trying to sell even though there was only one other person in the store. I know how this place works, the names are in the board of people before you. No ones name was on the board but mine. They suggest you don’t leave, but after walking around the store twice I left anyways. I came back 20 minutes later (after already being in there for 15) and still had to wait! Only to be told they would offer me a small amount of money for multiple items. The stuff they take is expensive and they give you hardly anything for it. Decided not to sell to them and sold on Ebay for almost triple what they offered me. They clothes they do sell are over priced and basic. I’d rather just go buy something new for their prices. Not impressed, been there 2 or 3 times, but will not be going back. Thought it’d be different each time, but it’s always the same. Long wait, for no money. Such a waste of time.

If you look hard enough, you may find a diamond in the rough here. Or, if you need a purse to match that weird yellow dress you thought looked cute — this is the place. Pros and Cons: This place rocks cheap prices, and everything is arranged not only by size but also by color (and the staff actually maintains it).
Now for the cons: JUNIORS SIZES ONLY. Also, many of the items here were in lousy condition with ripped stiching and worn, cheap fabric. Brands were typically: Old Navy, Target, H & M, Forever 21 — brands not meant to last. I really wish they expanded their collection and brand quality (I recommend Crossroads for women’s clothes).
Overall, cool stop. Good place to look for something specific — but I doubt you’d find more than a few things at a time here. Unless you wear a size 3 — the XSMALL setion here is huge.

Love this location!!! The staff is so friendly, welcoming, organized. I went in to sell on a Sunday morning, was in and out in a half hour. I do recommend calling first if your selling and see what their looking for, I brought two bags and ended up bringing a lot back because it was not what they needed right now, and some was past season. Love this place!!’

Did you notice that the cost of everything has gone up but none of our salaries have increased? Can you name one thing that has decreased in price? Gas? Gone up. Electricity? Gone up. Water? Gone up. Food? Gone up. New Clothing? Gone up.
Well, allow me help direct you to a place where you can find GREAT deals at reasonable prices on your accessories, shoes, and clothing for men and women alike.
And even better yet, you can SELL your clothing here, as well.
Let me give you the 411 on Plato’s Closet. They…
–buy and sell gently used clothing.
–go up to size XL.
–have standards as to what they will purchase.
–will only buy clothing styles from the past 18 months (approx.).
–will pay you about 20% to 30% of the price they sell the items.
–have a knowledge and helpful sales staff that can help you locate what you might be searching for and will give you cash in exchange for your gently used items.
Tips for selling:
–Bring your items in a duffle bag or even a piece of luggage to make things easier on yourself. Trust me when I tell you that they will likely, not buy everything you bring if you being a large quantity of items because they stick to current fashions! They will return your bags or totes to you when you return.
–Wash your clothes before you bring them in if you want to make them more desirable and clean for the shoppers for trying on when they come to shop.
–Don’t expect to get rich, but they seem to be very fair with their offers.
Don’t plan to stand around while they go through your stuff. They get pretty busy so plan to drop your items off for them to sort and then come back later to see if they have an offer for you. Sometimes it can be 10 minutes to wait, but sometimes they are over an hour. It all depends on how many other people brought in items to sell that day. They take care of people in the order in which they show up to be fair and I appreciate that.
Finally, go check them out to shop! You can find some great deals on items you would pay a lot more for in-​store. Everything they buy must be gently used and in good condition or they will not buy it, in other words, they will not sell crap. They have a system and it works well. I love the concept and it seems to be working well.
Keep it up, folks!

Pretty decent stuff. It’s a hit or miss. I find that I go in and walk out with one or two awesome items for a great deal. I definitely have to be in the mood to rummage through all of that stuff but at least it’s organized!

I went here once to get some cash for my clothes I bailey wore. I brought shoes, dressy tops, and some jewelry. It took over a half hour for them to look up less than ten items for pricing which made me irritated. Then they only wanted to give me $ 7 for everything that would have totaled to over $ 40. I left with my items and gave them to goodwill because I was so displeased.

I usually frequent other Plato’s Closets and its always a hit or miss with the clothes but at least I always encounter pleasant service.
Totally not the case at this particular location. I agree with the other reviewers. their customer service sucks. I am sure that not all the staff that works there is rude. but the two I encountered when I went this past week certainly were. They wouldnt acknowledged that an item that I was thinking of buying was defective. and wouldnt offer a discount despite the fact that clearly the item looked like itd been stretched out from the elastic.
the way they handled the situation was unprofessional and dismissive. The owner at the store needs to give their staff a crash course on customer service.

Plato’s Closet is actually the gem of Harwood Heights (besides the fabulous Marianos) The place is always kept clean, organized, and many selections are very easy to find. Another important aspect that Plato’s Closet has covered that many other thrift stores tend to forget is q-​u-​a-​l-​i-​t-​y. The clothes are never holey or terribly worn out, and always the latest style. I had to take off one star however, because I’ve had more than one encounter with rude staff. But otherwise, Plato’s closet is a great place to get cheap brand name clothes!

This was a great location. There was tons of dresses to choose from.

I would not visit this Plato’s Closet again due to the absolutely horrible customer service. I wanted to sell clothes and called to find out the closing time. I had to listen to a long automated message before I found out that they closed at 8pm. Luckily, I continued to wait on the line and spoke with a real representative because the real closing time was 4pm due to a holiday although this was not noted on the automated message. I informed the woman I spoke to that I would be selling clothes and she told me to be there before 4pm.
I drove across the entire city to get to this location and arrived at 3:15pm. As soon as I entered, an extremely rude employee told me that they would not have time to look at my clothes that day and to come back because there were two people ahead of me in line. I explained that I had traveled very far just to sell my clothes and that I had called just before 3pm and expressed my interest in selling clothes and had been told just to come by 4pm. Despite the fact that I saw at least three people working there and only two people were in line in front of me, I was turned away with absolutely zero effort to accomodate me. I will not be coming back.

Clean Big Fitting room organized and great prices!
Definitely look through every single item You will find the perfect shirt shorts jeans sweater dress shoes and definitely find something at a great price!
Just make sure there are no stains or defects!