Mandy with Multiples: Shopping Kids Consignment, Part 2

This is the second post in my series on Shopping Kids Consignment. I have recently become a consignment addict (sad really), and I know it can be quite intimidating. SO, I thought I would write a few posts about my thoughts on it to help you out. Here is the first post I did on WHY you should shop consignment.

How to Shop Consignment - what's your strategy?

There are a number of ways to go about shopping with a plan. And it all depends on what you are shopping for, and how motivated you are. First, you need to be aware of what consignment sales are held in your area, and when they take place. I go here to get my info http://www.kidsconsignmentsales.com/

When I go here I see LOTS of sales to choose from. How do you choose?

What are you looking for? Do you have a specific thing in mind you are looking for? The most sought after items at consignment sales are listed below, courtesy of the Consignment Queen

Large Outdoor Sets- Think Little Tykes and Step 2 slides and jungle gyms. These items sell so well, you can even price them upto 75% the original price if they are in excellent condition. I usually price mine at 50% the retail price just so I know I won't have to take them home.

Large Baby Equipment- Swings, exersaucers, strollers, high chairs, walkers, cribs, ect. Cribs saw a decline in sells this past year due to the recalls, however as long as you have a non-recalled/non-drop-side crib, you should be able to sell it for a pretty penny the next few seasons because not only will new mommies be looking for cribs, but a lot of mommies will be looking to replace their cribs.

Large Plastic Toys - Kitchens, tool benches, vanities, doll sets, etc.

Furniture- Bookshelves, kid's table and chair sets, nursery furniture, rocking chairs, storage sets (cloth bins on shelves).

Ride-ons - Tricycles, bicycles, scooters, etc.

Popular Character Toys - This changes from season to season depending on the latest 'fads' (Bratz, Beanie Babies, etc.), however some of the 'timeless' ones seam to be: Thomas the Train, Barbie, Transformers, Super Hearos (Batman, Superman, Spiderman, and any other "...man"), My Little Pony, Pokemon and Little People.

NIB Toys - Especially at the fall sales, people are thinking gifts and love to pick up toys that are New still In the Box .

Books - If you price books correctly you can SELL, SELL, SELL. The best books are Home-school supplies, series (Boxcar children, Nancy Drew, Harry Potter, etc), toddler hardbacks, and characters (Sesame Street, Dora, Thomas, etc.)

NEW Clothes - Girl's size 2T-6X and Boys size 2T and up. Under 2T there's just too much of it! Girl's get too pick about what they'll wear around the size 6 ages. Boys will wear what mom buys them usually, and there's less boys clothes due to the wear and tear they receive.

Namely, these items (especially the carseats, furniture, swings, equipment, etc) go the fastest. Clothing, not so much. So, if you are in the market for these quick-selling items here are my suggestions.

1. try to volunteer to work or sell some things to get the ability to shop early. You will get to shop before it opens to the public, so you get first dibs, and avoid "most" of the crowds this way. Also, you have a great shot at getting what you want. (also, if you are selling you get to see what everyone is bring to sell. Bonus!) New moms also get to shop early.

2. go to the biggest sale. Yes, I know this will be a headache, because that means you are dealing with lots more people. But trust me, it is worth it because you have so much more selection!

Now, if you are the market for just clothes and aren't THAT picky, here are some options:

1. go to any sale on 50% off day (usually the last day or two of the sale). The bigger ones usually have a pretty good selection left. One big one here that is a week long had sellers restocking all week long, so by the 50% off day, they still had a TON of Gymboree, Janie and Jack, Gap clothes left.

2. Go to specific sales on 50% off day. Again, if you are looking for a specific sought-after brand, or specific thing (Halloween, Christmas outfits, etc) You are better to try and shop early. However, if you're not, then do what I do. Here in Nashville, or Franklin rather, there are two consignment sales that ONLY sell high end brands. They won't even accept Children's Place or Old Navy things, only high end brands. So, this one is KILLER to shop at 50% off day. I usually hit both of these up.

3. Go to those other ones. I love shopping the twin consignment sale. I don't want to make them feel bad, but it just doesn't get the shoppers like the other bigger ones get. So, because it is smaller, the selection is HUGE on 50% off days. So, I have lots to choose from and get a great deal. Plus, these sales also have lots of baby equipment left over as well. Its a hit or miss with these though. (think of church consignment sales in nicer, upscale areas).

I hope this helps! Any questions, hit up the comment section!

Some of my finds: