CONSIGNMENT STORE TIPS

Consignment and Resale Stores are an easy way to make money from your child's outgrown clothing.  All stores have their own rules and standards so inquire with your local resale shop before taking items in.  However, below are some basic guidelines to help get you started.

*Consignment stores allow you to bring in your items and utilize their space to sell them.  You are paid after the items sell;  minus the fees held by the shop.  A resale store will purchase your items outright.  You walk in with your items and, hopefully, you walk out with cash or store credit.

*You might find that stores in your area specialize in different types of products.  Do a little research so you can take in the right items.  Some stores will only accept certain brands or only name brands.  Some will only accept certain sizes, and what they are accepting may vary at different times depending on their stock.

*Visit the shop before taking your items in.  Look around to see what types of items they stock and the average pricing.  This will give you a good idea of which of your items might be worth taking to that shop.

*Some shops require you to set an appointment to bring your items in.  Others will require you to drop the items off for them to look through later.  Check with the shop to find out how they work their drop off procedures.

*If you are dropping off items for the consignment shop to review later, make sure to write your name and phone number on the box or bin.

*As your kids outgrow things look for stains, rips, or excessive wear.  Discard those items.  Store the other items in a box or bin specifically for the consignment/resale shop.  It will be easier to have all of the items in one place.

*Button the buttons, snap the snaps, and zip the zippers.  Make sure the items are clean and free of odors.  If possible, iron to remove a majority of the wrinkles.  Fold the items neatly to take to the shop.

*Most shops do not require the items to be on hangers.  Ask to be certain.  If you need hangers, check dollar stores for inexpensive packages.  Or ask your dry cleaner;  many will provide free or inexpensive wire hangers.

*Ask if there is a limit to the number of items you can bring in.  There is no use taking in three bins of clothing only to find you are limited to 20 pieces.

*Take a few items into different shops to test who pays the best and who takes certain items.

*If you are consigning your items, make a list of what you are taking.  That will make it easier to collect your items later if they do not sell.

*If one shop doesn't take your items, try taking them to another.  What one shop doesn't take, another might be thrilled to get.

*If you are consigning baby furniture, do a search on the internet for recalls on the item.  Always discard a car seat that has been in even a minor accident.