Consignment Sales

So this week I'm finally trying to get back to my normal routine because last week was so crazy busy. I had something to do every day before work last week and while that doesn't sound too bad it does make for very long days when you are still working at 10 or 11 at night.

Three of my mornings were spent volunteering at a church consignment sale. I usually only work for 2.5-3.5 hours at a time, but I'm so exhausted when I get home I just want to take a nap instead of work. You wouldn't think that organizing a bunch of kid's clothes and toys would be that hard, but it really is more work than you would expect.

I took a couple of pictures, but some are blurry because I was trying not to look like a crazy weirdo and I definitely did not want to get accused of taking pictures of people's children.

There are children's clothes for all ages from newborns to size 12 in both girls and boys. There are always more infant clothes and the younger they are the better condition they are in.

I think this consignment sale is almost the perfect size because it's big enough to get a great mix of different styles of clothes and prices, but also doesn't attract so many people that it's unbearable. At it's busiest it's still very manageable and that's coming from someone who will only go to Costco at certain times of the day (serial crowd avoider).





There's always lots of toys, games, puzzles and books.

This picture is actually a terrible representation because it was taken on the second day so it really does not give justice to how much stuff we sell. Usually the tables you see are overflowing and the floor is so crowded with all the push/walking/riding toys that you cannot even walk through this area. The deals are so great that almost everything is sold by the last day. 



Here are my suggestions at succeeding at consignment sales:

1. Find out if there is a presale and if so, how can you get in to that? Our consignment has a pre-sale for the consignors and the volunteers. So if you register to sell stuff then you will get a ticket and first dibs at all the goodies.
2. If you can't go to the presale or there isn't one, be sure to be at the door when it opens or at least within the first hour or so. If you are looking for something specific it is always better to be there earlier. If you are just going to browse then you can go later.
3. Always take cash. Some places may only take cash - you never know. Plus, if you are on a budget you might not spend as much because you will usually find more than you really need to buy and the cash will keep you in in line.
4. Plan ahead by thinking of what you want to look for so you don't get overwhelmed when you get inside. The sale might be super organized or not depending on the level of detail it was set up or the amount of shoppers who have attacked the racks.
5. Take your own bag to use while shopping. There's no polite sales girl to come ask you if they can start a dressing room for you. I suggest a reusable "green" grocery/shopping bag.
6. Browse the toys/game section first because it's easier to walk through and scan while the clothes will take you longer. If you see something you want that's sort of big ask someone how you can "reserve" it so you can pick it up when you leave instead of having to lug it around with you.
7. Visit several consignment sales so you really learn what is a good price and what isn't. I found a pair of shorts with a three dollar store tag on them and the consignment price was $4. That's a pretty obvious example, but learn to be familiar with what a price should be. Usually 30-40 percent of retail value with exceptions for items that are in high demand or just in really good condition.
8. If you become a regular consignor then you might earn enough money to then turn around and spend on your child's clothing budget for a whole season. Lots of moms say they do that so I know it's feasible.
9. Keep an open mind. You might not find exactly what you are looking for, but you will probably see stuff you never expected to find at a consignment sale. Some stuff will definitely raise your eyebrows, but others will make you sick that you ever paid full price and probably stun you how relatively new, but still super cheap something is.

I've also found a cool website called www.consignmentmommies.com. You can type in your zip code and search for sales near where you live. Remember most sales happen twice a year in the spring and fall so even if you only look for sales during those times you will still save lots of $$$!

Happy Shopping!!