Second Gear: Scaling, Surviving, and Thriving with SimpleConsign

Overview

Second Gear is a thriving outdoor gear and apparel consignment store based in Asheville, North Carolina. Specializing in high-quality, pre-owned outdoor equipment, Second Gear has built a loyal customer base by offering affordable, sustainable options for adventurers. As the business expanded, the team needed a robust, easy-to-use point-of-sale and inventory management system to keep up with growing demand.

The Challenge

Before adopting SimpleConsign, Second Gear faced several operational hurdles:

• Managing a rapidly growing inventory of consigned items.
• Tracking payouts to consignors accurately and efficiently.
• Streamlining transactions while maintaining a high level of customer service.
• Ensuring scalability as the business expanded its product offerings and customer reach.

The team required a comprehensive system that could handle consignment-specific challenges while being user-friendly for both staff and consignors.

The Solution

After researching software options, Second Gear chose SimpleConsign for its cloud-based capabilities, seamless inventory tracking, and robust reporting features. The platform provided an intuitive solution to manage their growing consignor base, automate payouts, and maintain real-time visibility over inventory and sales data.

Implementation and Key Features

Second Gear successfully transitioned to SimpleConsign, implementing key features that significantly improved operations:

• Cloud-Based System: Allowed the team to access inventory and sales data from anywhere, ensuring real-time oversight.
• Consignor Management: Streamlined the payout process, reducing manual errors and saving valuable time.
• Seamless Point-of-Sale Integration: Enabled quick and efficient transactions, improving the customer experience.
• Robust Reporting: Provided detailed insights into sales performance, helping Second Gear optimize pricing and inventory management.
• Scalability: Supported the store’s growth by making it easier to manage an expanding inventory and consignor network.

The Results

Since implementing SimpleConsign, Second Gear has experienced measurable improvements in efficiency and business growth:

• Faster Transactions: Reduced checkout times and improved the customer experience.
• Improved Consignor Relations: Automated tracking and payouts increased consignor satisfaction and engagement.
• Enhanced Inventory Management: Real-time tracking minimized stock discrepancies and optimized inventory turnover.
• Increased Sales Insights: Advanced reporting helped the team make data-driven decisions, leading to better sales performance.
  
  

Total Devastation: Overcoming the Flood

In 2024, disaster struck Second Gear and the entire Asheville community when Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic flooding. Situated along the French Broad River, Second Gear’s recently expanded location—one that had been carefully built over three years—was completely destroyed. Within hours, rising waters engulfed their entire inventory, damaging everything in sight and forcing them to shut their doors indefinitely. What had been a thriving outdoor gear consignment shop, deeply connected to the local adventure community, was now in ruins.

But Second Gear refused to let the flood define their future. With the support of their resilient community, they sprang into action. A GoFundMe campaign helped sustain employees and kickstart the search for a new location. Dealer reps, consignors, and loyal customers stepped up with donations, and the overwhelming generosity of Asheville’s outdoor community made recovery possible. After months of tireless work, Second Gear reopened its doors on December 10th—less than three months after the flood.

As they worked tirelessly to reopen, Second Gear saw an opportunity to come back stronger. They reimagined their space, streamlined operations, and reinforced their commitment to sustainability and service. When they finally reopened, it wasn’t just a return—it was a rebirth. The flood may have wiped out their inventory, but it couldn’t wash away their spirit. With 16,000 consignors and a growing base of outdoor enthusiasts, the mission remains the same: to make adventure affordable, sustainable, and community-driven.

SimpleConsign is honored to have supported Second Gear for over a decade, providing tools to help them stay organized and focused on what matters most. Their story is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and the unwavering spirit of independent businesses. As they continue rebuilding, we’re cheering them on every step of the way.

Looking Ahead

With SimpleConsign in place, Second Gear is well-positioned for continued growth. The store plans to expand its inventory selection, refine pricing strategies, and further enhance the customer experience. By leveraging SimpleConsign’s tools and insights, Second Gear remains committed to providing top-tier outdoor gear while supporting sustainability and the resale economy.