Ten Tips for Kids Consignment Shopping Success

I've already shared some of the great deals I snagged at my recent consignment sale visits, but wanted to share my top ten tips to remember before hitting the sales floor.

1.  Find Your Sales and Make a Game Plan: One of my favorite mom bloggers pointed me in the direction of http://www.kidsconsignmentsales.com.  This awesome site is super convenient for finding the sales in your local region.  Next, consider your game plan.  This past week, there were five sales in our area, so strategy is a must.  Consider opportunities to shop a pre-sale or half price day late in the sale in order to make the most of your time.

2.  Go As Early as Possible: Not only will you have your "pick of the litter" with the clothes, toys and gear, but you can also snag some of the best deals this way.  Because sellers each price their items independently, there may be duplicates of the same items at a range of prices.  For example, one recent sale had six almost identical items (a popular battery powered ball blower toy) in stock.  Prices ranged from $5-$15 for the toy, with the highest priced item not necessarily the one in the best condition.  Earlier shopping allowed us to pick up the best quality item for $8.  Many sales offer pre-shopping events for new parents, new grandparents, military veterans and their families, organization members, consigners and volunteers.  The early bird catches the worm and some of the pre-sales require online registration so check the sale's website for opportunities.

3. Bring a Bag:  Sales are unlikely to have shopping carts so think creatively about how you'll tote your items around while shopping.  We hung lots of clothes on the handle of our stroller, and used an ikea bag for overflow.  We have a Mommy Hook and plan to get a second one for our future sales which was perfect for hooking toys with handles and loops.  A cart on wheels or wagon would be especially helpful.  We even saw women with clothes baskets attached to their belt loops with strings that they dragged around the sale.  What creative problem solvers!

4.  Get to Know Your Sale: What are your options for pre-sales?   Do they have a policy against strollers?  What payment methods are accepted?  Do they have a half-price sale and if so - what are the details.  I really recommend scouring all the links on the sale's website (FAQs, Info for Shoppers, Videos etc.).  You'll get a good look at what to expect.  When you arrive, consider chatting with a volunteer.  Most sales have a "holding area" that you can utilize so you don't have to carry around your large items.  They can also provide great details about bathrooms, checkout procedures and any sale discounts.  One piece of advice learned from my own failure is to really ASK about the half price sale.  Do not assume that because it says "half price" that all items are discounted.  Some sales put red dots on sale items, some put dots on items exempt from discounts.  Communication is really key for getting all the deals you were expecting at checkout.

5. Be Prepared for Anything:  You won't know what to expect before the sale - so expect the unexpected.  Our first sale was fairly small, and we walked right up to the checkout counter.  So boy was I surprised when, while shopping new mom pre-sale at our second sale (which was huge), we encountered an ENORMOUS line.  I'm talking 2 hours waiting in line to get through the checkout process.  Lucky for me, I had extra formula powder and the babies were pretty well behaved.  Also when shopping with kids, realize the possibility that there may not be a bathroom as many sales are held in usually unoccupied buildings.  Both my babes got changed in a corner behind a sales rack, and I was glad to have an extra blanket to protect them from the floor.

6. Shop for Everything You Need: There are certain pieces of clothing your kids will always need.  "Dress Clothes" for example will likely be part of your child's wardrobe in every size.  My family goes to a horse race every spring, so I will be shopping ahead for both babies for lots of seersucker and khaki pants to prepare for the seasons ahead.  Use my Baby Clothes Inventory Sheet to keep up with your current stock and identify future gaps in your needs.

7.  Grab a Half Price Deal: On half price day (available at many sales) you can really get some of the best deals.  Yes, things may be slightly "picked over" and you'll unlikely find the hot item Bumbo Chair.  But when you have every thing you really need you can shop half price for future sizes, or great items at low prices for gifts or even potential resale.  Remember these sales have everything - clothes, books, toys, bedding and other necessities and you'll be glad later that you got such an incredible savings.

8. Come with an Empty Car: Yeah I hear ya - you don't plan to buy anything big.  But you really never know.  We ended up having a FULL back hatch of my SUV and an exersaucer riding home on my mom's lap. Do yourself a favor and make room before you shop!

9. Consider Consigning: What a great way to make some money to reinvest in your shopping!  I am the absolute worst at letting go of adorable clothes.  It is easier for me at least, to give up clothing that I purchased second hand.  I think of it as "clothes sharing" - someone owned it before my kids, and someone will own it after my kids.  Coming in with that expectation makes parting a little less sorrowful.

10.  Get Ready for the Next Sale:  Don't forget to sign up for the sale's mailing list to be sure you're ready for the next event.  Most hold events twice a year and mailing list signups are available at checkout.

Now grab your purse and get shopping!  If you're already a veteran consignment shopper, leave a comment and tell us about your BEST consignment sale deal!