Helpful Tips for Consignors

Helpful Tips for Consignors:

If you plan on consigning on an ongoing basis, we suggest that you gather the following supplies to make the process easier:

Hangers – We suggest that you use old, recycled hangers from your closet. You do not need to use small, child-size hangers. During the months between sales when hangers are not in high demand, dry cleaners are usually more than happy to give you recycled hangers. You may also purchase hangers from dollar and discount stores.

Index cards – We ask that you use 3x5 index cards. It does not make any difference if they are ruled or unruled.

Safety pins – We also ask that you use regular size safety pins. Small pins are difficult to remove and straight pins are dangerous to our shoppers and our helpers! We suggest that you purchase pins during months between sales when they are not in high demand.

Storage bags – These zip closure bags, both quart and gallon size, are nice to have on hand to use for toy parts and for small clothing items, among other uses. Recently many grocery stores have begun to carry very large size zip closure bags (large enough to store sports equipment).

Sealing tape – We suggest that you invest in a good quality, not off-brand, packaging tape.

Twine – We suggest that you purchase a bundle of 100% cotton twine. Other fibers are too soft and unravel during the sale, causing the card to become separated from its item.

Scotch tape – We suggest that you use a good quality, not off-brand, office tape.

Supply of pens – You will want to have on hand a supply of both red pens for marking non-discounted prices and either blue or black ink pens as well.

Information folder – We suggest that you keep a folder with your consignment supplies. In this folder you may store receipts of items you expect to sell at some time in the future. You may also keep instruction manuals, assembly instructions, and other papers which you may need later when it’s time to sell particular items. Cut-out photographs from old catalogs or printouts from internet sites can also be extremely helpful. Original sales receipts or invoices for furniture may also be kept in this folder.

Storage boxes/bins – Many experienced consignors make use of plastic containers to store their children’s clothing by seasons.

The first time you consign, we suggest that you begin with the current season. Try to gather everything together, but don’t be overwhelmed! Don’t attempt to do it all in that first sale. Take a manageable amount to work on, and organize/store the rest for later! Each season if you clean out a bit more, you’ll eventually have organized closets with room to spare!

You may have difficulty letting go of some things. Keep special outfits and meaningful toys. But remember if you plan on using equipment later for other children, you’ll probably want to get something newer. And you’ll realize a more significant profit if you turn things around quickly. Playpens kept in hot attics over prolonged periods of time usually have yellowed, dry-rotted netting. And later children may not wear the same size clothes during the same season. So learn to let go and clean out the closets…make some money!

Many websites can be helpful in pricing your toys and equipment. We suggest that you print out current pricing information and attach it to your item. This is helpful in selling your item, by pointing out to the buyer what a deal she is getting! The following websites may prove helpful:

Checklist:

Find a space to work in for several days.
Gather things together, from children’s bedrooms, attic, garage, playroom, children’s bathroom, etc…
Wash and inspect clothing in good light. Pull out items that may be donated but are not consignment quality.
Iron and hang clothing items, separating by sex and size.
Package non-clothing items and prepare for tagging. Check to ensure all pieces are present.
Check for recalls on equipment and toys that you plan to sell. http://www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/prod.aspx
Price and tag your items.
Make sure clothing is in size/sex order before loading into car
Separate non-hanging items into dollar amounts by bag or box. Mark on outside of bag or box the number of items included, or make a list. It’s easier to create barcodes from a list of amounts (example: 15 items @ $1.00, 25 items @ $2.00, 40 items @ $3.00, etc…)

Size charts:

Gymboree size chart

Infant	6 - 12 months
X-Small	9 - 18 months
Small	1 1/2 - 2 1/2 years
Medium	2 1/2 - 3 1/2 years
Large	3 1/2 - 4 1/2 years
X-Large	4 1/2 - 6 years

babyGAP size chart

Newborn / XS	0 - 3 months
S	3 - 6 months
M	6 - 12 months
L	12 - 18 months
XL	18 - 24 months
2xl	2 years
3xl	3 years
4xl	4 years

GAP size chart

XXS	2 - 3
XS	4 - 5
S	5 - 6
M	7 - 8
L	9 - 10
XL	11 - 12
XXL	13 - 14