We took a trip to Ireland last year, but it was just us. We knew immediately the kids would love it, so this time we brought the kids to Ireland! Day 1 We left the house Monday, August 14th about noon and arrived at Newark International Airport at about 2:30, breezed through security, and sat […]
5 Tips for Selling at a Consignment Sale
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I believe it’s crazy to spend full price on anything, especially baby and kids’ clothing and gear. They grow out of everything so quick, that used items are often in near perfect condition.
We sell at a big consignment sale twice a year. It’s a great way to make some money and get rid of the outgrown children’s items in your house. For us, it’s usually just a trade-up. We make money selling our old items and spend about the same getting new items that we need.
If you’re interested in making some money at your next consignment sale, these tips are for you:
Read the Rules!
Each sale has its own rules. You need to make sure you read the rules or your items won’t sell. Some of these rules include what items you can sell (holiday outfits, coats, swimsuits), how to hang them, what sizes, certain brands they might not take, and where the tag should go on the item.
Sort Seasonally!
When you go through the drawers and closets at the end of a season, sort those clothing items! Put them into categories : keep, donate, and sell. When sorting, make sure you are looking extra close and being very picky about what items you put into the sell pile. This will save you time later.
Treat Stains!
If you’re selling at a children’s consignment sale, you already know how messy those little monsters can be. You many not realize the stains are even there, but check closely. Look around the collar, sleeves, and backsides (think baby blow-outs) especially. If the items have stains, they’ll most likely be turned away from the sale. If they happen to slip through, shoppers will probably catch them. Oxi-Clean or similar products should get out most stains.
Volunteer / Work the Sale!
By volunteering or working during the consignment sale, you often receive perks. At the consignment sale that we participate in, we earn 5% more commission for each shift worked up to 15% extra. The base is 55%, we work 3 shifts and then we earn 70%. It makes a big difference. Because we volunteer to work shifts, we also receive passes that get us into the sale earlier than other shoppers. This is a huge perk because we get first dibs at some great items!
Start Early!
This is something that I say we need to do every time, but we’re just awful at starting early. This past week we’ve been gathering and tagging for the sale. This is the best we’ve managed to do. Ideally, I’d say start about a month out so you can gather all your items you’ve been collecting and make sure they’re in great condition and clean. You’ll then have to hang or bag your items to prepare them for tagging. It’s exhausting if you wait until the night before (which we’ve done). The earlier you start, the more you’ll get done, the more you’ll sell, the more money you’ll make.
passaskat says
I’ve been on the fence about doing the next Consignment here. This makes me feel motivated to cosign instead of just dumping them off for credit at “Once Upon a Child.”
Robin Rue says
I actually signed up for a consignment sale, but the amount of work involved for the minimal amount of money that I ended up making totally wasn’t worth it. I did better selling myself on Craigslist.
♡ Toodies Momma ♡ says
I never thought to participate in a consignment sale. I have a ton of my daughter’s outgrown and barely worn clothing in the den right now. I had no idea what to do with it besides donate. This sounds like a great way to earn some extra money.
brett says
oh gosh, yes. treat stains. so many people don’t!
SippyCupMom says
Great tips, thank you! I’m getting ready to sell stuff in a sale next month.
Chrissy Kilgariff Freeman says
What a great article!!
Debbie Lamb says
Good info – I do art fairs and starting early is key! 🙂 Good Luck at your sale! I Recycle Reuse Repurpose! It is the only way to be.
Mandy Young Carter says
I LOVE kid consignment sales too! I have a pile that has been treated and ready for tags as we speak! Great list of tips!
mail4rosey says
I like to visit consignment stores, but I’ve never offered anything. I think it would be fun (and maybe bring in a little money too). 🙂
Joanna Sormunen says
Great tips! Thank you for sharing. I have sold some of my stuff in consignment sales and sometimes it works great, other times, not so much.
Krystal says
I’ve never tried consigning! I’ve sold things to stores but never get as much as I think things are worth!
Susanna Barbee says
Great tips! I’ve always wondered about this. It seems so confusing to someone who has never sold items before but maybe it’s not. Thank you.
Amy Desrosiers says
I use to love consignment shopping. My three kids grow so fast that sometimes it is the only way to go.
Janeane Davis says
You shared quite a few tips. There are many parents who have a lot of outgrown children’s clothing they would like to get rid of profitably, your tips will help.
SimpleLifeStrategies says
Great tips. I am definitely the type of person who would overlook rips & tears so good idea to look closely before purchasing!
A Mom's Take says
I have a ton of kids stuff I really, really need to consign. Thanks for your tips!!
Paige T. says
These are great tips! I really need to consign my clothes but I just don’t have time!
Amanda Her says
I hear about these all the time and am almost embarrassed to say that I have never even attended one before. I know you can save a ton of money at a consignment sale!
Ashley M says
Great tips, we’re looking to get rid of some things and a consignment sale is just what we need to attend.
ElizOF says
Great information to know. I loved visiting when my girls were younger. It’s such fun to visit.
Alesha @ Full Time Mama says
I’ve never sold nor shopped at a consignment sale, but I know I’m missing out when I see the things my friends score when they go. I have to shout an “AMEN” to the stains tip you gave, though. Nothing worse than getting something and not seeing the stains until you’re home!
Christina Shirley says
Thank you so much for sharing this!! I wish I had read this before I prepared.