With spring right around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning and prepping for the children’s consignment sales in Northeast Ohio.
To help make sure you are prepared like a consignment mama pro, here are eight insider pro tips to help you score the best bargains this Spring!
Take Inventory of Your Kid’s Closets
Before heading out to the consignment sale, grab your phone and make some notes. We recommend taking 10 minutes to inventory your kid’s closets. Pull items out of the closet and see what they already have hiding in those dungeons. It’s easy to forget what spring and summer duds they already own when we have been layering up for winter these last few months. Also, double check sizes. Ask your kids to try on last season’s clothes and take a few measurements.
PRO TIP #1: For shoes, trace the size of their feet on construction paper to know what size to purchase. Bring the paper with you to the sale for a fast reference.
Fill the Gaps and Shop Ahead of the Next Growth Spurt
Here is a quick checklist that our savvy mom shoppers use for the spring season: five everyday outfits, five sets of PJs, three or four church or dressier outfits, one lightweight jacket or fleece, one pair of sneakers and one pair of dress shoes, two holiday outfits (this season, shop Easter and patriotic gear!), sports gear and two to three bathing suits.
PRO TIP #2: shoes often are overlooked but offer the best value! Most shoppers can find amazing shoes in like-new condition, so double check those shoe bins!
Determine Your Budget (and Stick to It!)
Even though you’re going to get killer deals, you don’t want to overstretch yourself. Keep your mobile phone handy if you need to calculate the total before heading to the checkout line. While most sales accept credit, it’s not a bad idea to stick with cash.
PRO TIP #3: don’t overlook the sports gear. Spring soccer will be here before we know it. Grab those bargain cleats now for an amazing deal!
Make childcare arrangements now.
Tackling consignment sales with kids in tow can be very difficult — Let’s be honest, they can sometimes get a little distracting. So, do yourself a favor now and schedule a sitter. If you have to bring the littles with you, we definitely recommend bringing a stroller or a baby carrier, and don’t forget the cross-body purse. These will allow you to be hands-free to browse and grab all of those amazing deals.
PRO TIP #4: Contact the consignment sale to see if strollers are allowed at the event prior to arriving.
Volunteer & Shop First
At some events, you can volunteer for a short shift, hang out with other moms and earn an early shopping pass. Volunteers often grab the best bargains and avoid long check-out lines.
PRO TIP #5: Sales are busy! Getting passes to early shopping = best bargains! Two ways to score early shopping passes (and stay up-to-date on important information) is to register for e-newsletters and follow the stores on social media via Facebook and Instagram.
Day of the Sale: Wear Your Running Shoes, Have a Plan and Stay Focused!
Now that you are organized, list in-hand and ready to go…here is what you need to know to shop like a consignment mama pro at the event. Our best piece of advice is to get to the sale early and be ready to shop! Shop! Shop! Lace up your running shoes and bring an IKEA tote or laundry basket to hold your items as you shop through the store!
PRO TIP #6: Shop strategically. Start with furniture, baby equipment and large toys. Then, go straight to the sizes on your checklist. Find a large item? The workers at the event will take them up to the checkout area for you, so flag one of them down.
Sometimes shopping can be a little overwhelming. We recommend looking for your favorite brands, like Matilda Jane, Janie and Jack, Hanna Anderson and Gap. Identify pieces that are versatile and could be easily mixed and matched.
PRO TIP #7: Shopping for boys and girls? Start with Boys! Boys can be harder on their clothes and shoes, so to get the best selection, hit up the boys section first!
If you aren’t sure about an item, grab it and stick it in your basket anyway. When you get to checkout, review your items. Separate all items into “like,” “love” and “live without.”
PRO TIP #8: Don’t forget to stock pile sizes — not just for this season, but the next two seasons. You just never know when the next growth spurt is going to hit!
Ready. Set. Shop!
Well, there you go. Eight insider pro tips to help you score amazing bargains at this seasons children’s consignment sales. Grab your calendar and save the dates for the next consignment sale on your list. Click here for a list of upcoming resale and consignment sales in the greater Cleveland/Akron area.
BONUS PRO TIP: Plan to come back later before the sale ends. Many sales offer discount days toward the end of the event. Markdowns = Cheaper! Cheaper! Cheaper!
— By Jennifer Ryan, owner of Rhea Lana’s of Medina. For more information, visit medina.rhealana.com.
