Consignment Shopping

Consignment shopping takes a little bit of time, but can produce some great rewards.  In order to get the best out of a consignment store, you should go to as many as you can in your area.  It is true that the more upscale neighborhoods have better offerings.  You should, also, know the general price at the different children retail stores.  Recently, I found a pair of Children’s Place jeans at a consignment store for $9.99.  Well, I know that if I waited for a sale, I could get new jeans for either that price or just above.  There is no reason to pay for second hand clothes when you can get new ones at or slightly above the price.  Now, on my next trip to another consignment store I found a pair of Ralph Lauren jeans for my son for $9.99.  I don’t think I could ever find those jeans for that price, even at the outlet mall, so I snapped them up.  There are many things to be found at great prices at these stores, like, big toy items, baby furniture, accessories and books. 

These stores are a good place to bring your no longer needed baby items, too.  Again, you must try different stores; some pay better than others.  Clothes never bring in the big bucks, because there is usually an over abundance of supply.  Strollers, furniture, some toys and highchairs will bring you more money.  I have found that in my area they are no longer taking carseats due to liability issues.  It was suggested to me to find a women’s shelter to donate my carseats.  It seems a shame to throw them out, as long as they are not pass their expiration dates.

Overall consignment shopping can be a good experience as long as you don’t expect to find designer kids’ clothes at rock bottom prices.  You must be reasonable when walking in, but that doesn’t mean you have to lower your standards.  I wouldn’t buy anything stained, because if the previous person couldn’t get it out then I know I won’t be able to either.  So, I examine everything carefully and make sure I really want it.  There are usually no returns or exchanges.  Also, most consignment stores sell some new stuff.  Retailers sell items that couldn’t be sold in their stores.  These items will be priced higher than the other stuff, so be careful not to pay at or over retail price.  If you are looking for play clothes, clothes that you don’t mind if you kids lose or destroy and for those one time outfits then the consignment store is where you can find it.