I'm very pleased to welcome guest blogger Liz from Frugally Blonde!
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One of the main reasons that I shop at consignment sales is that they are a wonderful source of gently used name brand clothing for my two daughters. I generally look mostly for Carters, Gap, and Gymboree items, and I have even found quite expensive brands, such as Janie and Jack and Flapdoodles, for just a few dollars per item.

Honestly, my girls own few clothing items that are not name-brand. And this is not just because they are spoiled by loving grandparents, great grandparents, and aunties! I have simply found that for me, it is actually more frugal in the long run to get the more expensive brands.

I thought I would share some reasons why I prefer name brand children’s clothing and also some strategies I use to get it for less.

Why I prefer name brands:

- Name brands tend to wear a lot better - I am lucky enough to have two girls who were born at the same time of year (two years apart), so everything that I buy for my older daughter I automatically plan to pass down. I want clothing that a preschooler will not tear when she’s running around or stretch out when she’s dressing herself and will look nice washing after washing.

- Name brands tend to fit better and look nicer - It’s not just a matter of "expensive taste"; it’s that higher-quality clothes tend to consistently look more like they were intended to look. We’ve all had clothes that wrinkled constantly or the hem turns up or the picture is bent. While this can happen with any clothes, I find that better brands have more details in the sewing that keep things looking nice. My girls also tend to be on the skinny side, so I really appreciate extra attention to fit, as well as details such as adjustable waistbands.

- They're cute! - I admit it, I am a flawed frugalista! I love Gymboree’s adorable matching styles and Carters' sweet baby collections. I still will not pay full price or violate my budget to get them, but I do enjoy making my girls look extra cute. :-)

How I purchase name brand clothing on a frugal budget:

- Buy it used - Consignment sales are one of my main sources each season for gently used name brand clothing. I live in a fairly prosperous area, so there are many parents out there who can afford to buy expensive clothing and then sell it after their child wears it a few times. Other sources at which I have successfully found good name brand clothing include yard sales, thrift and consignment stores, ebay, freecycle, and hand-me-downs. All of these can be great sources of nice clothing. It is my personal preference to buy or receive gently used high-quality clothing rather than buying all new clothing in cheap brands.

- Don’t ignore in-store sales - I have heard several moms say that they can’t afford Gymboree for their children. While I would certainly agree with them if we were just talking about Gymboree’s regular prices, they may not realize that Gymboree has fabulous sales and promotions on a very regular basis. Just as an example, a couple of years ago I wanted matching Christmas pajamas for my daughters for my baby’s first Christmas. I priced them in Target, but I was actually able to get ones I liked even better in Gymboree for several dollars less, due to a promotion. The advantage of buying from a popular store is that they will often have excellent sales and coupons, while cheap brands from a big-box store may always stay the same price.

- Plan ahead - In order to get more expensive clothing at rock-bottom prices, I often shop at the end of the season. At first, I had to guess what size my daughter would be in the next year, but now with my second daughter I have a much better idea. With name-brand clothing, I figure that if I get it cheaply enough and it doesn't end up fitting, I can always resell it on Ebay or at a consignment sale and recoup some if not all of the cost.

I hope these strategies are helpful if you are interested in getting name brand clothing for less. Of course, if you prefer a different approach, that's great too. As long as our kids have the clothing they need and we're staying within our budgets, we can all do whatever works for us!

You can find more from Liz at www.frugallyblonde.blogspot.com

While almost all of us LOVE the shopping part of this consignment sale gig, the tagging & pricing side of things can be such a pain!!!  I am very excited to share a WONDERFUL pricing guide from the Consignment Queen herself, Steph Seibert. 

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The "Life Happens in a Hurry" Pricing Guide by Steph Siebert

I have constantly sold 80-90% of my clothing every year. Paired with the way I shop I actually turn a profit even after my kids have worn the clothes for a year or two. Why is this: Because I price VERY competitively. I sell in a CCS that has 300-500 sellers, depending on location. That means 300-500 OTHER people are ‘competing’ with me for the shopper’s money. I’ve put together a ‘quick guide’ for how I price my clothes. Keep in mind you may need to adjust your prices depending on location, size of sale, and type of sale, but this is a good starting point ;) For a detailed pricing guide and more information on pricing other items check out my Pricing Guide

• Birth- 12mo: This is one of the hardest sizes to sale. For the most part this size should range around $0.50-$2 per piece. Unless this is the ONLY size you are selling, I strongly encourage you to find somewhere to donate your baby clothes. Try your local women’s shelter.

• 18mo-2T: This size is a little bit easier to sell, but not much. This size clothes should be priced for $1-$3 per piece.

• 3T-10: This is the easiest size clothes to sell (Especially boys). This size range should be $1 per outfit per size number. In other words a Size 3T outfit (that’s top AND bottom) should be about $3., a size 8 outfit should be $8 and a size 6 outfit should be $6. If you’re selling just one item (top OR bottom) then just half the price of an outfit ;)

• 12-20 and Junior: Since starting with this size the kids are starting to shop with mom and can be picky about what their wear: it’s a little harder to sell this size (but fortunately not as hard as the infant sizes). This size should be priced at about $4-$6 per piece.

With all of the above sizes a good rule of thumb is to add $1 to the price if it’s new without tags, has an accessory that matches (Headband, socks, etc.), or if it’s name brand.

Maternity clothing should be priced pretty much the same no matter the size. Here are my suggested prices based on several years of selling and shopping:

• Tee shirt $1-2
• Casual Top $3-4
• Dress Top $5
• Jeans $5
• Jean Shorts $2-5
• Shorts $1-4
• Pants $1-4
• Dress pants $3-6
• Casual Dress $3-5
• Dress $5-8
• Suit $10-$15
• Swim Suit $5-10

Bottom line the best advice I can give you is to price your items as a buyer, NOT a seller (Or as a mother who has placed sentimental value on an outfit). Ask yourself “What would I pay for this outfit?”

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The Consignment Sale Queen, Steph Seibert, has been selling, shopping, volunteering and helping run Metro-Atlanta’s oldest Children’s Consignment Sale, All 4 Kids, for the past 15 years. She now shares her experience and advice with other moms, dads, and grandparents at www.consignmentsalequeen.com. 
 
 

Are you looking for ways to market and advertise your consignment sale? Social media can have a HUGE impact on the marketing of your sale and can be a great benefit to your existing consignors and shoppers. But how do you get started? Here’s a quick little guide with ideas on using social media to grow your sale.

FACEBOOK

Set it up:
Log in to Facebook and go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/create.php. Follow their simple instructions to set up your page!

Spread the Love:
After you’ve created your page, click on the “Suggest to Friends” link on the left hand side of the page (under your logo) and encourage all of your consignors to do the same. Consider doing a little contest to increase fans. Example: For every 50 Facebook fans, give out a $20 Gift Cert to your sale. Fans will be encourage to invite their friends and up their chances of winning that money!

Work It:
Add photos of your sale and create an event with your sale dates so people can RSVP.

TWITTER

Set it up:
Setting up an account is super easy! Make sure to upload your logo and include your web address

Spread the Love:
Include a Twitter link on all outgoing emails and post a badge on your site to encourage signups.

TWITTER & FACEBOOK TOGETHER

Linked Up:
Link your twitter & facebook accounts so you only have to make updates in one place.  Go to Facebook.com/twitter 

Before the Sale:
Give updates and reminders on important deadlines
Let people know when you max out on consignors
Share your press stories

During the Sale:
Send messages about hot products you receive to get your shoppers even more excited and in the door! 
Brag about your turn out! 
Vent about your need for caffeine (you'll be surprise at who may surprise you with that Venti White Chocolate Mocha)

BLOGS, DIRECTORIES & MOMS NETWORKS

Listing your sale on blogs, directories and in other mom-related networks can help you gain traffic and increase your search engine rankings (meaning, you’ll show up higher in the list when people google you). Here are a few of my favorites. If you have suggestions for sites that have worked for you, please share them below!!!

Community Calendars in Your Market – In G’boro, we have gotriad.com, diggtriad.com and a dozen or so others. Start with the newspaper and local publications and go from there.

ConsignmentMommies.com – You saw that coming, huh? We do a lot of marketing for you… and there’s power in numbers!

Craigslist – Create a “call for consignors” ad early in the season. Then, the week before your listing, post your sale. Keep in mind that postings made too far in advance may get pushed WAY down the list and overlooked.

MomsLikeMe.com – There’s a group in most cities and a calendar that is begging for you to add your event!

Google – Create a Google Business listing for your sale

Local Bloggers – Chances are you have some local mommy bloggers attending your sale. Harness their powerful voices to help you spread the word!

Other networks to consider:
CafeMom.com
BabyCenter.com
TheBump.com
Skirt.com

Ah... consignment season is here.  How do I know?  There's a pile of clothes on the dining room table and a dozen prick marks on my thumb... oh, tagging season, how I have missed you!?!?!?

Let's face it, the whole shopping part of this consignment sale thing is JOYOUS!  But the preparation and tagging to sell your items?  Not so much.  If you aren't one of those lucky few who know a sale that has computerized printing or, gasp, will even tag the items for you, then you have to roll up your sleeves and let the tagging begin.  Here are a few tips to streamline your process:

1.  Go Digital: 

For you computer whizes out there, create a mail merge template and make all of your tags on the computer.  The benefits?  You can quickly scan your list of items and compare prices.  Because after all, about 3 hours into, $2 on anything sounds good right?  (Plus, you can do a little "total" and get a sneak peek at your potential earnings... motivation enough for me!)

2.  Go "Mini" Digital: 

If you don't want to do the WHOLE mail merge thing, then you should AT LEAST print a sheet of small labels with your consignor number and any other "repetitive" elements.  Peel & stick is much easier than rewrite, rewrite, repeat, repeat, repeat. 

3.  Add Flair:

Well, not as much as Jennifer Aniston in the office, but at least a little something.  Add a personal sticker or use colored index cards (if your sale allows).  It will make that "pick up" time much easier and will help the sale organizer filtering through as well. 

4.  Buy the Big Safety Pins: 

Shopaholic that I am, I have a stock pile of pins from my past purchases.  If you don't,  don't try and make do with those tiny safety pins.  Go ahead, buy a big pack and save your thumbs. 

Do you have any great tips????   Please share!!! 

Happy Tagging Consignment Mommies!!

So, the hubbies are parked on the couch doing the football thing... what's your idea of pre-gaming?  Planning fall wardrobes, of course!  Here are a few tips to consider before heading out to consignment sales:

1.  Start with the Basics

Duh, yes, this is obvious.  Do you have khakis, jeans, white tops and enough cozy jammies to make it through cold winter nights?  This should be your key list and first priority at the sales. 

2. Make a "Perfect Piece" Wishlist

The most important part of this step is, of course, making sure you have coordinating pieces.  Do you have 10 tops with no matching bottom?  Make a "wishlist" of perfect pieces to complete your wardrobe.  I have a pretty standard "color scheme" that I stick with when shopping clothes. 

Random Tangent of the Day: Maybe that's why I love consignment sales.  I'm not limited to just the collection at Carters or Gap, instead, I can cross tons of brands and seasons and get a great wardrobe of Jack's signature brown, orange, navy and green winter palette in just a few weekends of shopping.  AND, we don't look like all the other kids all season!   

3.  Get Size Samples

I grab a pair of pants and a top that fit Jack NOW.  That way, I can hold them up against questionably sized clothes.  It's a lot easier than toting him with me to the sales.  Of course, I always look for items he'll grow into over the next 6 months.  Using an index card, I also trace Jack's foot so I can evaluate shoes. 

4.  Accessorize

Do you have a winter jacket?  Gloves? Hats? (and do they match?)  What about shoes and socks?

Hope these tips help you think through your shopping plan of attack! 

Happy Consigning!  Next post: Getting the Most at the Sales!
- Chrissy
 
 

Gone are the days when the mom with the biggest gas guzzeling SUV was the coolest.  Now, suddenly, its the savvy mom who can fit the same stuff into the mid-size sedan, who shops local produce, who can save more in coupons than she actually spends and who can fashion a bag out of t-shirt that wins the award for best mom on the block! 

Ten years ago, if you would have told me that I'd be shouting from the rooftops about consignment sales, I would have laughed in your face!  And clipping coupons?  Ha!  Not this princess.  Now suddenly, to not do so seems like such a waste! 

Aren't we all glad that "times they are a changing?"  I bet our grandmas are sitting back screaming "finally... these crazy kids are over this overindulgence." 

Does that mean I'm giving up my need for purses and cute shoes?  Um... I don't think so... but I will be checking out this sale in Raleigh next month.

My obsession with consignment sales started on the shopping end... as all good obsessions begin.  But the true secret to consigning success is in becoming a really good consignor!  Here are some helpful ideas to help you get rid of those toys / clothes and make more money! 

1.  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 :) 

2.  The Price is Right

Most people agree that the best pricing strategy is about 1/3 of what you paid retail for an item. 

3.  Add Notes on Sizing if Needed

If something fits like a 12 month item, but is labeled 18 months, make a note and make sure it is placed in the 12 month area.  Items often get left hanging because they look too big / small in their sections.

4.  Read Your Consignor Instructions TWICE

Every sale is a bit different so don't miss the opportunity to sell because you didn't follow directions! 

5.  Go Digital

If you can mail merge your tags, you'll be a step ahead.  If you have no idea what mail merge is, don't waste time learning now (but do it sometime!)  Instead, use sheets of Avery labels to at least print your consignor number so you don't have to keep re-writing it on all of those tags! 

6.  Group Wisely

Don't try and hide worn / useless items with good ones... you'll drive everyone else crazy!  Instead, think like the shopping maven / mom that you are and group intelligently.  If you do have multiple items, make sure you can easily see all parts. 

Am I missing any stellar tips??  Comment below!

Happy Consigning Mommies! 
- Chrissy

We've seen a lot of best practices this weekend at sales and thought we'd share some tips & ideas for sale organizers.

1.  Make Signs Big, Bold and Clear

You know and love your church or school.  Visitors, however, can get confused very easily.  Make your signage, big, clear and when in doubt, add a sign to direct people where to go.  Key areas to highlight:  Where should people park? Which lot should they use?  Where is overflow parking? Which entrance should they use?  Mark it with big bold signs from the lot into the door?  Once inside, where are they going?  If you have multiple rooms, make sure they are clearly labeled

Example:  One sale we attended this weekend repeated BIG RED arrows throughout... from the parking lot, into the appropriate door, then through the sale and into checkout. The simple, clear signage was easy to understand and the repetition prevented it from getting lost amongst other church-related signs and clutter.

2.  Establish a Flow

Some sales are fortunate to have one huge room for everything.  For others, the dreaded "multiple rooms" doesn't have to be a problem.  Establish a flow using arrows or steps to your sale.  That way, you can guide people from one room to the next and limit some of the haphazard traffic flow. 

3.  Choose Bins Wisely

Tiny bins are pointless and oversized bins will make your visitors feel like they are literally digging through a haystack to find their items.  Choose medium sized bins and have volunteers on hand to periodically check that sizes don't get mixed up.

Example: I loved how one sale used dollar store laundry bins in blue and pink to sort shoes.  The bin size was perfect and the gender-appropriate color system was genius! 

4.  Use Vertical Space

Bags of socks, onesies, hats and accessories do best when displayed, instead of tossed into bins.  Consider using bulletin boards, wire racks or old shutters to clip bags of small items up and in plain site.

Example:  For a cheap solution, use dowel-style drying racks or devise a clothes line system and use clothes pins to hang bags and accessories. 

5.  Create Aisles

Don't just scatter items on the perimeter of the room or in clumps.  Instead, create an aisle system that establishes a flow through the room.  That way, during high traffic days, people can navigate through easily, instead of getting trapped in the room.  This is especially helpful for those of you with multi-room sales. 

6.  Offer Holding Areas

If you have the space and resources, offer a place for consignors to hold items while they are shopping in other areas.  Because they won't be burdened with a growing load of products, they may even pick up more in other sections!  Plus, you'll take some of the clutter out of the way and make it easier for everyone to move around the sale. 

Happy Consigning!
- Chrissy
 
 

After a fabulous day of consigning, I'm totally glowing from the community spirit of the Triad Consignment Mommies!!!   I talked with some amazing women today - women who absolutely understand the need for great positive energy to make all of this magic of mommy-hood happen! 

We just "launched" the site last week and traffic and response has been outstanding - in one week, we've already gotten 10,000 pageviews!!

Many many many thanks for the support, especially from the sale organizers who are sharing their insight and spreading the love!! 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is cracking down on product resales from recall lists.  Bascially, the CPSC has developed a top 10 list of recalled products and is searching craigslists postings, yard sale forums, etc and then seeking out offenders.  Find the list here. 

To learn more about product recalls, we've compiled some resources for you:


> CPSC Article on Recall Targets

> Search for Product Recalls

> Handbook for Resale Stores & Product Re-Sellers

 
Happy SAFE Consigning Mommies!
- Chrissy