Friday, July 30, 2010

10 Things Trendy Moms Should Know about Consignment Sales


(Taken from My Consignment Mommies)


Repeat after me: Consignment Sales are not Garage Sales, Consignment Sales are not Garage Sales...There's a lot of "misunderstanding" about consignment sales.  Until you've been to a really good one, its hard to appreciate the full value in these sales.  If you are one of those trendy moms who is skeptical of the whole consignment thing, here are a few things you should know. 

1. You Won’t Be Wearing What EVERYONE Else is Wearing!

When my little one was “little” he wore the same ol’ Carter’s & Target outfits as every other child. I can recall several instances where we showed up to play groups or the library with Jack wearing the EXACT same outfit as another child. While not as stressful as say, showing up to prom in the same dress, I was quickly OVER the whole look like everyone else thing. At consignment sales, you can see TONS of brands across several seasons and definitely won’t be wearing the same ol’ same ol’!

2. Boutique Items at Prices You CAN Afford

Boutique items can get very expensive and most of the time, they get worn very little. At consignment sales, you can pick up incredible boutique clothes at 30-90% off retail pricing.

3. New with Tags

Most folks don’t realize this, but there are always tons of brand new items with tags at consignment sales!

4. Volunteer to Get the Good Stuff

This is definitely the number one secret of the pros! The good stuff gets gone early in the sale. If you volunteer, you can shop the volunteer pre-sale at most sales and can get your hands on the best items first! If you go on the final days AND you are a picky mom, you'll be totally disappointed in the selection.  Go early to get the good stuff!

5. Seasonal clothing that’s barely worn

Easter outfits, Christmas sweaters, Halloween costumes… all at incredible prices! Seasonal clothing is a steal at consignment sales and it’s usually in great condition because it gets barely any wear!

6. Vendors!

Most sales have incredible vendors – from smocked clothing and monogrammed items to fabulous accessories.

7. Bigger Wardrobe for a Fraction of the Cost

If you are like me, I LOVE to have options in the closet (ok, and I don’t keep up with the laundry so well either). Shopping at consignment sales has meant a much bigger wardrobe at a fraction of the cost. And… I do laundry less often. HaHa!

8. Get Your Shopping Fix without Driving All Over Town

I love shopping… LOVE IT! But now that I’m a mommy, I have much less time for it. Consignment sales help me get my fix without driving all over town. Where else can you find clothes & toys from hundreds of sellers all in one place?

9. Or, Better Yet, Some Sales are Worth the Drive

If you love boutique items, there are tons of new “boutique” only and high-end consignment sales that are popping up. Search your zip code and add the word “boutique” in the keyword search to find sales in your area.

10. It’s Cool (and Green) to Shop Consignment

More and more savvy moms are jumping on the consignment bandwagon because it’s such a practical and green approach. Americans throw away 68 pounds of clothing each year (Earth911.com).  Doesn't that seem like a waste?
SOO...REGISTER NOW TO SELL AND COME SHOP!!!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

TIPS ON HOW TO "ROCK" YOUR CONSIGNMENT SALE EXPERIENCE AS A CONSIGNOR AND A SHOPPER

For Consignors:

1. Clean Out Your Closets and Start Labeling!
The benefits are two-fold. First, you’ll get some extra closet space. Second, you’ll get the added benefits of early shopping at most sales. And that means you’ll get your hands on the best items before the crowds!

2. Presentation is Everything:
Break out the iron and press all of your clothes and some toys, if necessary. It’ll hide a bit of the pilling as well.

3. The Price is Right:
Most people agree that the best pricing strategy is about one-third of what you paid retail for an item.

4. Add Notes on Sizing:
If something fits like a twelve-month item, but is labeled eighteen months, make a note and make sure it is placed in the twelve month area. Items often get left hanging because they look too big/small in their sections.

5. Read Your Consigning Instructions Twice:
Every sale is a bit different so don’t miss the opportunity to sell because you didn’t follow directions!

For Shoppers:

6. Consider Volunteering:
If you can’t part with your clothes and toys just yet, volunteer with your favorite sale. You’ll get in early and get the best finds!

7. Man Your Troops:
Let’s face it, shopping in packs is much more fun! You might need a second opinion on whether that $2 green dress is really cute or just really cheap! Plus, with so many sales in the area, you’ll never make it to all of them… but your friends just might! Spread the word on items you are looking for and help a friend in return.


(Taken from a post of "Divine Caroline's Blog)