I have been a consignor before.
Let me tell you, there is a lot that goes on in being a cosigner.
I did fairly well my first time making nearly almost $100! I ended up using almost all of it to pay for my kids summer clothes this year. It was a great feeling to sell and not have to really spend anything for summer clothes.
Sadly I could not be involved this time for the fall. I had too much going on with my husbands new job and Eden is now almost 6 months. She is learning so many new things. Josiahs potty training is going at great success, but we still have some mess ups. Things that are/were more important keep coming up. With all the weddings, baby showers, bridal showers...I am beat this summer!
I still remember being a consignor back in spring and it was a lot of work. I just had Eden and she was so newborn that she slept all the time still. I really wanted to make some extra cash and help out by purchasing clothes for the kids. We have parents that help us out all the time and they would probably buy an entire wardrobe if I let them. But I like to be thrifty. Its my small way to be a little more earth friendly.
Anyway, when you are a consignor you have to go through all the steps.
Checking all your clothes for rips and stains(they will not accept it otherwise)
Washing all the clothes especially if they have been in storage for awhile.
Pressing a few collars and wrinkles. You want everything to look nice. I know that if I look at an article of clothing I am looking to see how nice it looks. Seeing a wrinkly stale toddler shirt is not eye appealing.
Then you have to go through the process of checking all of your items into the computer system. You price all of your items yourself. That's the part I hate the most.
After that tag all of your things. In my case I had to use safety pins to attach my bar-codes because I have not yet bought a tag gun. Also, you need to have enough hangers to hang all of your clothes. Even the cute little newborn onesies have to be on hangers.
Right before dropping off your things its a good idea to sort them at home. Boy from girl. Sized.
When you get to the place that your items are going to be sold, you have to put all of your things into bins and your clothes sorted out on the clothing racks. After doing all of that work, you sign up for a pick up time. (if you want your items back that is) They go to charity if you don't. If you don't want your check mailed then this is also a good time to pick up your earnings.
Its a lot of work. I can't tell you if its worth it or not. You put hours of work into making sure everything is right for selling and if your things don't sell, then it seems pointless.
But if you have a lot of items that are of great quality and are gently used then this might be for you.
Its a really great system. Working outside my home is something I would rather not do. So this is really great for moms that want to make a few bucks.
On the other side of that, I love to shop consignment! Think of it this way. Moms have babys that grow out of things. Moms want to sell their babys clothes that which they only wore probably a totally of 5xs. So they sometimes sell for really cheap! I have found some really, I mean really great stuff!
It gets harder to find nice things for boys when they are Josiahs age I have found out.
Boys seem to be so rough on their clothes. I have a tough time finding something tasteful in consignments for him. They don't just sell clothes though! Toys are really great to buy because honestly, moms are always wanting to get rid of toys so those are super cheap.
Little hats and bows for girls are fun. I have even found a pair of baby legs for $2.
Every once in awhile I would find a good pair of shoes. Name brand shoes like Robeez(sp?) are great finds and if in good condition I take those up fast.Even if my kids don't quite fit in them yet I see if its worth the buy to save on the side until they are old enough to fit into them.
That's what's so great about kids. They grow so fast!
Consignments take time to go through the articles of clothing, the bins of random and the piling heaps of toys on the tables. But just think of the small favor that you are doing another mom. Besides, you might find something really awesome!
Here is a consignment going on in my area this weekend!
Another one to come up soon after that and I would be more than happy to post that one as well for you! :)
-Jess
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