Kids consignment sales happen every Spring and Fall. Be sure to review these tips so you can shop smartly! Look for the list of local sales at the end.
Consignment sales can be overwhelming -- the crowds, racks and tables overflowing with items, and long checkout lines. Here are some tips for consignment sale shopping gathered from years as a consignment sale shopper and manager:
- If possible, don't bring your children. It's very hard to keep an eye on them when you're searching through tightly-packed racks. They'll want to play with the toys and will need to go to the bathroom. Plus, some sales don't allow strollers due to the crowds. Perhaps a friend would be willing to watch your children in exchange for babysitting during an event that she really wants to attend?
- If you must bring your children, use an umbrella stroller for non-walking children; some sales will only allow this type of stroller. Warn older children that it will be crowded and there might be a long wait in the checkout line. Bring a bag of new (to them) small toys to keep them busy. Promise a reward for good behavior, perhaps a toy from the toy tables.
- Make a list of everything you need, and the sizes of each child. Trace their feet on the back of the paper as a reference for shoes. Take a quick look through your books, movies and games so you remember what you already own and don't buy duplicates (been there, done that!).
- Bring a few enormous, sturdy, vinyl tote bags, the kind you can buy at Ikea, TJ Maxx or the Christmas Tree Shop. Or, if you happen to have a rolling shopping cart, the kind for grocery shopping in the city, definitely bring it. Some shoppers bring laundry baskets. If you tie a belt or leash on it, you can drag it behind you.
- To save the most money, head for toys first; in general, you will get the best deals in this department, sometimes 50-75% off high-priced toys. Look for almost new (or even brand new), well-packaged toys to set aside for gifts. Plan ahead -- if you have a toddler, but see a perfect-condition Razor scooter or some other classic toy that every child uses, purchase it and tuck it away for a few years until your child is ready for it. Shoes are the next most lucrative department, especially at sales where the clothes are higher end. Look for excellent brand name shoes (skip the Payless and mainstream department store brands) with little wear.
- You may not save as much on clothes (perhaps 30-50%), but if you shop carefully you can find an entire wardrobe of good brand names at great prices. Always look at bigger sizes, too, for future necessities (for instance, good deals on brand name winter coats to use in a year or two).
- Check every department in the sale hall and take the time to browse carefully. You can find great things lurking underneath a huge pile of toys or stuffed in a rack of clothes, and you may have forgotten about a certain baby need until you take a look in that department. Clothing sizes sometimes get mixed up; I've found lots of nice clothes put into the wrong size category.
- Cash or credit? Check ahead of time to see if the sale has an admission fee (bring a few dollars in cash) and if they take credit cards and what type. Some sales are cash-only. Have some cash too in case you want to shop the vendors. You may find some beautiful handmade bows or accessories but many vendors only take cash.
- Be prepared for a long wait in the checkout line. Most sales only have a few cashiers (who are generally the sale owners), although one or two local sales have well-staffed checkouts that move quickly. As you're shopping, keep an eye on the line to get a sense of how fast it moves; don't be put off by a long line if it moves quickly. If you're with a friend who's done shopping, she can get in line while you continue to shop and bring items to her.
- Unfortunately, it needs to be said (as a former sale manager, I saw this happen too often) -- DO NOT remove tags or switch tags on items. This is not some soul-less corporation -- you're literally taking money out of another mom's pocket by altering tags in any way, including the sale owners who have put a lot of their personal savings on the line renting the sale space, buying equipment, and all the marketing and other expenses.
- Don't forget to come back during the Half-Off Sale! Tags marked "Discount: Yes" will be 50% off (or vice versa, tags marked "Discount: No" will not be discounted but all others will be). Also, some local multi-day sales are now re-stocking their inventory after the first day and will have fresh merchandise out on the floor during the second sale day. The sale managers don't choose the merchandise for re-stocking; instead, consignors who sign up late in the game are given re-stocking spots. There's no telling what will be in the restock merchandise -- it could be great quality clothes, toys, shoes and more. Sales that restock are definitely worth a repeat visit on the second day!
- Please be considerate to the vendors who may be located next to the checkout line. Most are moms too, trying to make a living just like all of us, and they usually have nice things to offer. You may not be interested in buying their items or booking a party but please still be pleasant. The vendor table fees help the sale managers to pay for all of their many expenses to run the sale, and the vendors won't continue renting tables and helping to support the sale if the shoppers ignore them. I've been a vendor at many local consignment sales (selling new Melissa & Doug toys and also sharing information about Macaroni Kid), and it always surprises me when people choose to be rude. No one can force you to buy anything, and a smile and a bit of pleasant conversation to pass the time doesn't cost you anything!
- Make your seasonal shopping trips a fun occasion! Go with a group of friends and plan an early breakfast before or brunch afterward. (Note: some sales do not allow you to bring food or drinks in, so leave the coffee in the car.)
Good luck, and I'll see you at the sales!
SPRING 2016 SALES:
Cornerstone Kids Consignment Sale
February 4th-6th, 2016
Kindermarket YMCA
March 3rd-5th, 2016
FairyTale Finds Children's Consignment Sale
March 17th-19th, 2016
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