Until I had Etta, I had NO idea these sales even existed. But I sure do *heart* them! I think once you've discovered consignment, you will have a hard time buying something new and paying full price ever again!
Here's a little guide to shopping these sales:
1. See if anyone in your area has compiled an online list of upcoming sales. This will help you know when and where your local sales are. My favorite resource for the Nashville area is consigningtime.com. Keep your eyes peeled though because not all sales are listed on this site (I think the way it works with this website is the sale organizers pay to "advertise" their sale on this site). I've seen signs while driving around town, postings on facebook, and postings on craigslist for sales that weren't listed on the consigning time website.
a screen shot of this month's sales taken from the Consigning Time website
2. Shop as early as you can in the sale! These sales usually only last a few days and remember, the items are priced by individual sellers. So, if there are duplicates of an item, the cheaper items will go first. If you can, volunteer to work at the sale. Volunteers get to shop before the consignors (who get to shop before the general public). You can also ask friends for consignor guest passes, and "like" the sale's facebook page to see if they are having any pre-sale pass giveaways (I actually won a presale pass to the Reruns Are Fun sale this year). I never find the time to volunteer, but that's really the way to do it.
Reruns Are Fun
Reruns Are Fun
Reruns Are Fun
I've been a consignor a few times. It can be a lot of work pricing and tagging your items, but it feels good to clear out things that aren't being used and make a little cash. You also get to shop early when you are a consignor in the sale. You only make 70% of what the item sells for. The owners of the sale get 30% PLUS whatever they charge for a participation fee (usually $10, give or take). This season, I made about $250. I have also spent about that much this season on a summer wardrobe for the kids and a few toys and stuff.
Kidz Klozet
Kidz Klozet
3. MAKE A LIST! These sales can be large and overwhelming and you can easily become distracted and walk out of there forgetting to look for something important. Make yourself a list of the items you are hoping to find. Do a little research ahead of time to see what these items retail for when brand new. The deal is really only a deal if the consignor is asking about 50% of what the item retails for.
Encores South
Encores South
4. Take something to carry your shit. I usually take a reusable shopping bag. Last year, I actually purchased a shopping cart. It was twenty bucks from walmart and SO worth it.It folds up and I just keep in in my car during the season. I have also seen people take strollers (the people at the sale will tag it when you come in so they know it is your personal item), laundry baskets (you can strap a belt to it and drag it behind you), rolling laundry baskets, and big plastic rolling trash cans (never used for trash, obvs!)
Jillian's and my haul from the Reruns Are Fun presale
5. Check your items closely before purchasing. There are no returns or exchanges. These are final sales. Check clothes for stains, confirm the size of the item is actually what the tag says it is. Also, if it's a two piece set, DO NOT just assume that the pants are the same size as the top. I have done this twice and found myself disappointed when I got home. Check toys too. Make sure the toy works. Most sale organizers check battery operated toys when they are dropped off by the consignors and they should work. My first year, I brought home a toy for Etta and the damn thing didn't work! Check for cracks or missing parts and know what you're getting! Just this week, I bought what I thought was a REALLY cute wooden train for $6. It was in the toy section, packaged in a bag and I was in a hurry. When I got home and unpacked it, I found that the wheels don't turn and that it really seems to be a decorative piece. *sigh* That didn't stop Etta from playing with it on the carpet though!
6. Shop with a friend! It's always more fun to shop with a friend. This season, Jillian was my partner in crime. She had never been to a consignment sale before and I can not believe her first time was the Encores and More pre-sale! Poor thing was so overwhelmed! Apparently, I'm an "enabler", but I talked her out of so many purchases that I don't see how that can possibly be true! ;)
(that's a combo of my stuff and Jillian's stuff in the check-out line at Encores)
7. TRY to shop without kids. They can be super distracting to your deal-finding mission. If you must take kids, try to "wear" them. It makes navigating the crowded spaces much easier than pushing a stroller!
Etta at Kidz Klozet
Daniel (in his Beco Gemini) at KidBargains
8. Plan to be there a while. The sales are usually crowded, space is tight, and check-out can take a while (I've stood in line for over an hour to check-out before). Don't forget to eat something before going, I have spent 4-5 hours at a large presale before (and I still left feeling like I didn't see everything). Also, check beforehand what forms of payment they are accepting. Some sales will not take credit cards and some will not take personal checks. I've been known to carry a credit card AND a blank check in my pocket when in doubt.
KidBargains
KidBargains
KidBargains
KidBargains
KidBargains
Some of my favorite purchases this season were:
-an opened, but unused package of chlorine-free diapers for $5
-a play kitchen for $50
(it needs to be repainted, but still cute!)
-a cozy coupe style car for $10
-a shopping cart/restaurant high chair cover for $3
-and, of course, clothes, clothes, clothes! My kids are pretty much SET for Spring/Summer!
The season is winding down, but next week I plan to hit ABC Kids Consignment on Wednesday night and *maybe* Sweet Peas and Baby Carrots Too on Thursday morning *if* I think I can make it back in time to get Etta from school and the Sullivan Farms Sale on Friday morning...
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