Get ready to score some BIG TIME baby bargains. Spring consignment sale season is upon us!
Consignment sales are a fabulous place to get started with your baby preparations. Starting this month you’ll find warm-weather items like shorts, tees, and baby swimwear. Expect to see lots of baby gear, too, from strollers to baby gates, to safety rails for toddlers’ beds.
Items I’ve picked up at consignment sales include Bumkins bibs, toys, books, sneakers, baby gates, clothes, and footie pjs. Readers’ favorite items to look for include outdoor and indoor toys, books, large baby gear items like Exersaucers and Jumperoos, shoes and clothing.
The quality of the items at the sales varies, but expect it on the whole to be better than thrift store stuff, but with more wear and tear than you’d find on items at consignment stores. Prices should follow suit–slightly higher than most thrift stores but less than most consignment stores. And WAY less than retail.
Find a sale near you at KidsConsignmentSales.com, The Bargain Watcher, ConsignmentMommies.com and local parenting magazines. You can also check your local Craigslist board for listings or Google the name of your town and “consignment sale” to locate nearby sales.
Many of the consignment sales have websites with details about the event, maps, and contact information if you have questions.
Things to Know Before You Head Out
- Get to the sale early, but check to make sure there aren’t “early bird” restrictions if you plan to bring your kids. Some sales reserve the first day or first few hours for child-free shoppers.
- The best baby gear items go fast, so think about what you need most and try to find it as soon as you arrive.
- Look items over well to make sure they’re in good, safe condition. If you have a smart phone, you can even check the recalls list before you buy. Baby Center has an easy-to-use recall finder.
- Know what the items you’re after cost new in stores. That way, you’ll know whether you’re getting a deal. Take along a smart phone if you have one so you can price comp and check for recalls on site.
- Avoid buying used car seats. You don’t know if they’ve been in a crash or not. Crib mattresses aren’t a great idea either because they can harbor mold and mildew.
- Consignment sales can be crowded and hard to maneuver with a stroller or with kids in tow. Strollers are actually verboten at some sales. Go without the kiddos if you can.
- Get there near the close of the sale for move-it-or-lose-it pricing. The last day or last few hours of the sale often bring half-off or “$5 per bag” type deals.
- Take cash, although many larger operations take debit or credit cards.
- Take along your own shopping bag so you’ll have a place for all the goodies you find. I’ve seen a lot of shoppers with small laundry baskets.
- If you like the sale, ask if there’s a mailing list you can get on so you’ll be notified of next years’ sales.
If you’re interested in selling your gently-used baby and kid stuff, contact the sale organizer and/or check the sale’s website.
What great deals have you found at consignment sales? Any more tips for making the most of your shopping?
Photo at right: SouthernBelle886 via Flickr
This post was published in a slightly different form here at BC last spring.
I would add:
Consider volunteering for a few hours on the sale. Many sales offer super-early shopping hours to volunteers.
Go with a team. When lines start getting long, have one person stand in line while others keep shopping.
Fabulous tips! Especially GO WITHOUT the KIDDOS!!! Happy consignment season!!
I have been consigning at our local sale since March 2008.
the owners check your toys,gear at the door to be sure they aren’t broken or recalled. I can list a recalled item for sale,but its sure to be checked at the door and sent home with me.
if you consign..you usually get to shop before the general public and a good time to get the goodies !! If you volunteer to work a shift its even better cause you first access to shop.
the last day is 1/2 price day . Usually the only thing left is goodies that no one else wants.
defintely bring something to put your goodies in !!
i love our local sale…I’m going to consign again this yr.. I’m actually preparing for our april sale now.
One more tip: bring a flashlight. One of our consignment sales around here has occasionally been held in a warehouse that’s really poorly lit for examining the clothes you want.
In addition to a flashlight bring a measuring tape or piece of string cut or marked to the length of pants/dresses/sleeves your child will need. Sizing on children’s clothing can be as wacky as sizing for adult clothing. And the flashlight should be an LED so the light is clear. For moms with 4 year olds, remember that some of the items you purchase will become “school” wear for your child entering Kindergarten, check the school’s dress code just in case. The most important piece of advice, know your budget and stick to it!
Wear a tank top and leggings if you are looking for maternity clothes, most sales do not have changing rooms.
Use the restroom before you go, bathrooms are rare and if they have them expect lines to be loooong. There have been times when I have had to abandon my loot to find a restroom!
Don’t bring kids! The sales are generally busy, busy, busy and little ones get under yours (and other shoppers) feet. They also require your attention so you don’t get the opportunity to check out the whole sale. Babies in carriers are fine but STROLLERS are as much pain as a hyper toddler.
I volunteer and consign at several sales every other season (sales are typical spring and fall) so those are my tips!
Always check the sale’s policies before you go so you’re prepared.
Some sales actually restrict kids. That sounds crappy because you have to get a sitter but it really is best to leave the little ones at home. With packed racks and arms full of clothes, its hard to hang on to an excited child and strollers just don’t fit. Plus, you could end up waiting in line close to an hour.
If you are a consignor, be fair. Check your clothes carefully for rips and stains. Don’t try to sell things you wouldn’t buy yourself. I religiously check my items before I make a purchase but I almost always end up with one item that is unwearable