Why Seasonal Consignment Sales Make Good “Cents” – Part 1: Shopping

This is Part 1 of a series of posts on Seasonal Consignment Sales.  I’m going to bring you all the info you need to earn and/or save money by using your local Consignment Sale.  After the series is complete, I’ll be featuring some local sales, and offering you some giveaways – early shopping passes, gift certificates, etc!  Don’t miss out – check back often!  You can also subscribe by e-mail or RSS, or “Like” me on Facebook to get updates on your News Feed!

If I said that your favorite kids clothing store was having a 65% off sale, would you rush right over there?  That’s a pretty good bargain, right?  What about toys, baby gear, or even furniture at less than half their original price?

I am amazed at how many people I talk to that don’t know about the wonderful seasonal consignment sales in our area.  They are one of my primary sources of back-to-school clothing and birthday presents.  Both of my younger children made use of baby gear purchased from consignment sales.

What is a seasonal consignment sale?

There are 6 seasonal consignment sales in the Jacksonville area and hundreds more throughout the country.  Most of them hold one sale in the spring and another sale in the fall.  In Jacksonville, this year’s fall sales will be during the months of September and October.  People bring in their gently used (and sometimes new!) items, and earn a percentage of each sale.  Items are usually priced at about 1/3 of their retail price.

What items will I find?

Inventories will vary sale to sale, but you will generally find seasonally appropriate children’s clothing (including shoes and accessories), toys, DVD’s, books, outdoor play items (bikes, wagons, playhouses, etc.), strollers and other baby gear, maternity clothing, and children’s furniture.  Since these are fall sales, you will also likely find Halloween costumes.  Although not every sale accepts them, one of my favorite finds is dance gear!  My 3-year old is in a ballet & tap class, and dance shoes are SO expensive.  With the rate that she grows, it is always exciting to find some gently used dance gear!

If you are a frugal mom too, then you know that used is the new “new”!  The items you find at a seasonal consignment sale are gently used, although I have in the past found items that still had the tags on.  If you think about your own kids’ clothing, you can imagine how “gently” some items have been used.  I’ve had at least half a dozen outfits that my girls have worn only a couple of times before they hit a growth spurt.  They’ve also been given clothes as gifts with no gift receipts that ended up not fitting them.  Although some items at a consignment sale will have been well used and still in great shape, you may also find items like mine that are new or practically new!

What kind of bargains will I find?

On average, items will be priced at around 1/3 of the retail price.  Specifically, I have previously purchased brand new Gymboree outfits (shirt, shorts, and accessories) for $10, a pack n’ play for $15, ballet shoes for $3, a tricycle for $6.  How good of a deal you get will depend on what items you are looking for, when you shop, and what your budget is, but I always leave feeling like I’ve gotten a good deal.

A lot of sales offer a half-price sale on the last day in order to move out inventory.  Obviously there are less items to choose from, and a lot of the big ticket and high-end items will be gone, but if you are looking for an extreme bargain, this is the day to shop.

What is the shopping experience like?

First, the good:

This is not like heading out to a garage sale!  Seasonal consignment sales are very selective about what items they accept.  Clothing is checked for stains and tears.  Toys are checked for missing pieces, functionality, etc.  You don’t have to sort through junk to find the good stuff – the volunteers at the sale have already done that part for you.   You also won’t be digging through bins and piles to find what you need.  Clothing is sorted and hung by size and gender, and toys are grouped with similar toys.  Also, most sales now accept debit and credit cards, if you do not carry cash.

The not-so-good (but not necessarily bad):

The earlier in the sale you shop, the more inventory for you to choose from.  However, the earlier you shop, the more crowded it will be.  It’s not like those bridal dress clearances where people are trampling each other, but you should be prepared for a lot of people who are all looking for a good bargain too.

How do I make sure to have the best shopping experience possible?

1. Prepare, prepare, prepare!!  Have a list of what items and clothing sizes you need.
2. To make your shopping list, inventory what you already have, and decide what things you might need.  You don’t want to end up with 15 pairs of pants and only 3 shirts.  Make sure the clothing you buy will create matching outfits.
3. Decide on your budget beforehand.  Nothing ruins the excitement of getting a good bargain more than realizing you’ve spent more than you should have.  It’s easy to get caught up in the experience.  Create your budget and list, and stick to it!  Remember, if you don’t need it, it’s not a good deal!
4. Remember that sizes vary by manufacturer, so make sure you know if your child wears a size 5 at the Gap, but a size 6 at Gymboree.  Don’t forget shoe sizes!  I love these techniques:  To make sure pants and long-sleeves will fit, hold a string up to your child’s legs and arms, cut the string to the correct length, and take it with you to measure clothes at the sale.  For shoes, trace their foot on cardboard and cut it out.  Then at the sale, you can slip the cardboard foot in a shoe to see if it will fit.  Other ways to be sure to get the right size are to bring a cloth measuring tape or a piece of current clothing that you know fits.
5. Also remember that worn clothing shrinks.  You may want to look at the next size up.
6. Shop as early in the sale as you can.  These are not retail stores with more stock hidden in the back.  The sooner you arrive, the more items to choose from.
7. Bring something to carry your purchases – a laundry basket or large bag will work great.
8. If at all possible attend without your children.  This is not an anti-children statement – I promise it is for your own sanity!  The sale will be crowded, and you want to concentrate on finding bargains, not making sure your children don’t get lost or figuring out how to maneuver the stroller.
9. For even better selection, earn a pre-sale pass!  Most consignment sales have private pre-sales.  You can usually earn one of these passes by consigning items (more on this in Part 2) or volunteering to work at the sale.  Some sales also offer presales for 1^st time parents and military.
10. Know average retail prices for the clothing brands you prefer.  You don’t want to pay more for an item than you would pay at the retail store.
11. Check your items for stains, rips, stuck zippers, etc.  The volunteers will do their best, but they are only human, and sales are final.
12. Be prepared.  It will be busy, and full of people looking for the same deals as you.  You don’t want to miss a good bargain because you need to go find a restroom, or a water fountain.  Wear comfortable shoes.  Bring water, maybe even a snack if you have a long shopping list.
13. Plan your holidays in advance. If you can get your child to commit to what they want to be for Halloween in advance, look for a costume!  Also, there is likely to be a good selection of Christmas dresses/outfits.  Since these are often only worn once, they will probably be in great shape.
14. Shop early, but go back for the half price sale.  Most of the higher end things may be gone, but you could still find some good play clothes.

A big thank you to my sister Sarah, (the consignment sale queen!!) for all her help with the shopping tips!!

Still have questions about consignment sale shopping?  Leave a comment below with your question, or e-mail me at frugaljacksonvillemom [at] gmail [dot] com.  The third post of this series will feature questions and answers from my readers.

Stay tuned for Part 2:  Consigning…..

Jacksonville Area Consignment Sales
Finders Keepers – Sept. 2-4
WeeTrade – Sept. 12-18 and Oct 3-9
Between Friends – Sept. 16-18
Upscale Kids Sale – Sept. 16-18, 23-25, and Oct 7-9
Jump N Jax – Sept. 23-26
Kids Go Round – Sept 30-Oct 2

Related posts:

1. Mark your calendar: 2010 Florida Sales Tax Holiday
2. Let the Target Toy Clearance Begin!!