10 Tips for Children’s Consignment Sale Success – Prepping

Children’s consignment sale season is upon us!  Am I the only one who looks forward to this time of year?    🙂

I have found consignment to be a fantastic and frugal way to outfit my children.  Other than some great deals I can score at the end of the seasons and relatives who love to spoil our children, most of what they wear has either been passed down or probably purchased at a consignment sale or consignment store.

The first time I stepped foot into a consignment sale, I was completely overwhelmed.  The children’s consignment stores in our area tend to be smaller and more manageable to me, but I was completely intimidated when I walked into my first children’s consignment sale.  With racks of clothing and a plethora of baby gear and toys, Where was I to begin?

My goal is to share some ideas on how you can set yourself up for a successful trip to some children’s consignment sales.  After reading, hopefully going to visit some consignment sales won’t be so daunting.  Today is part one and is all about prepping for your trip.

1.  Take inventory

This week and last, I’ve been pulling everything out of our attic to see what we already have.  Whether it’s hand-me-downs or clothes you purchased on clearance from last year, it’s important to note what you already have on hand.  It’s easy to forget when you were given the items before they needed them or you bought the items so long ago.

I also double check sizes.  I will have them try on some of the clothes they already have for the upcoming season to make sure I know what size would be needed.  Both of my children usually go up a size in the middle of the season, so it can sometimes be tricky knowing what size I should purchase.

2.  Know what you will need to fill in the gaps

Once I’ve looked through everything we already have, I bounce that list off a general list of what I think they need to get through the upcoming season.  The list below usually is sufficient for us, but it is very basic.

– 5 everyday outfits
– 5 sets of pj’s
– 3 or 4 church outfits {although we tend to be casual so everyday outfits are often worn on Sundays too)
– lightweight jacket or fleece
– casual coat
– dressy coat
– pair of tennis shoes/sneakers
– pair of dress shoes
– 1 or 2 specialty items for holidays

If the budget allows for it, I love to have more than this.

Related:  Clothes Your Children Really Need for Cold Weather, Clothes Your Children Really Need for Warm Weather

3.  Determine your budget & confirm accepted forms of payment

I find this to be incredibly important because I usually find tons of cute things at great prices.  Hopefully your list of needed items will help keep you on track and focused, but I tend to get an adrenaline rush when I shop these sales and my cash or budget is my only link to reality.  Since I knew consignment sales were happening in September, I made sure to include it in my monthly clothing budget.

Also, make sure you know whether or not they will allow checks or cards.  Some will only take cash, perhaps to keep their costs down, but you just need to know this ahead of time and prepare accordingly.

4.  Make childcare arrangements if at all possible

I would highly discourage you from taking all your children with you.  I read a post the other day about tackling thrift stores with kids in tow and while it can certainly be done, I would only do it if it is your only option.  Even if it means hiring a sitter or asking a friend to do you a favor, I think it will make for a much smoother experience.  I have found that space is usually limited where these sales are held and strollers can often be cumbersome in the tight spaces.  If you are doing some serious shopping, you will need your hands free to dig through all the racks

If you must bring your young children along, I’d try to use your Baby Bjorn or definitely strap them in a stroller.  You will need to be as hands-free as possible.