CHECK YOUR TOYS AGAINST RECENT RECALL LISTINGS. IT IS ILLEGAL TO SELL AN ITEM THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED (unless the item has been fixed/corrected). Check the CPSC website (at www.cpsc.org) or the Consignor Library on our website for a recent list of items.

***Be careful using packing tape directly on certain items. Using packing tape directly on books, game boxes, puzzles or the decals on toys may destroy those items when removed. Feel free to use masking tape to attach tags to books, game boxes etc.***

1. SECURE all the pieces. Many toys have accessories or multiple pieces. Be sure to use plastic bags to store pieces/accessories AND SEAL those plastic bags closed with packing tape. Be sure to mark each bag with your seller id# in case it gets separated from the main toy. Secure all those pieces to the main toy with packing tape or some kind of strong string.

2. Puzzles will only sell if a shopper can see they have all their pieces. You should assemble your puzzle and use saran wrap to tightly hold the pieces in place. Use packing tape to secure the saran wrap stays in place. You can also place the puzzle in a ziploc style bag but be sure to secure the pieces in place first.

3. Books may be sold as individual items or sets. If you are selling multiple books, use string or curling and tightly (like wrapping a present) tie the books together. You should also include your seller id# on each book in case the string/ribbon unties.

4. Many items sell well inside ziploc bags. For example, a set of matchbox cars, rattles, infant accessories etc. Seal the openings closed with packing tape.

5. The best way to sell bedding is to put it inside a large comforter or plastic bag. You can purchase large and extra large ziploc bags from places like WalMart, Home Depot or even Target. The Dollar Tree sells a similar version for only $1!. Use your tag to tell the shopper what is inside (i.e. crib bumper, comforter, bedskirt etc.). If you are selling a baby blanket (outside of a bag) you can fold the blanket into a square and pin through all the layers in each of the 4 corners to make sure it stays folded.

6. If you are selling toys that require a battery, make sure you have a newer battery installed. You can expect many people to play the toy and if your batter dies, the toy will not sell.

7. Use a good description of your tag. If you simply use the word “toy” or “book” and your tag falls off, we will have a hard time trying to match it back up to sell. Our system allows us to search by consignor id# and description. The better you describe your item, the more likely we can re print the tag, if necessary.

8. Tape your boxes and cases shut! If you are selling a game, tape the box so that game cannot be dumped out or rooted through. If you are selling DVDs or Video games, tape shut the cases or boxes to avoid tempting any little thief to slide it out. ***Check inside your boxes/cases to make sure all the pieces are there and/or you are selling the correct DVD.***

9. Be careful of your high value (but small) items. Video games, Vtech games, LeapFrog cartridges can be attractive to a little thief. If you use a plastic bag, seal it shut. Consider taping the bags of games onto a larger piece of cardboard or something else to make the item look physically larger and harder to hide.

10. FINALLY, prepare you items so they stay together, safe and sellable. We get a large number of children shopping our sale and not all of them are supervised like they should. Keep that in mind when preparing your things.

Happy Tagging!

When you’re pricing your items, it is purely subjective.  However, you need to gauge how aggressively or conservatively to price your items.  First gain a clearer understanding of your objective. 

If your items don’t sell will you be picking them up?

It is important to take the emotions out of pricing your items.  We all have that sentimental outfit that the baby wore home from the hospital or the one they wore on their first day of school but that does not mean we can price it $100. 

• To price your clothing….New clothes with tags can easy be priced at 50% and more of the original retail price. Clothes that are not new but in great shape are usually priced 1/3 to 1/4 of the original price. The price should also take in account the brand, age and condition of the item.
• Furniture and equipment prices can be calculated 1/2 to 1/3 of the original price.
• Books typically sell priced at 1/3 of the original listed price. There are so many variables when it comes to books. Is it soft/hard cover, Is it educational, What is the condition?
• Work with a buddy. This gives you the opportunity to bounce ideas off of each other (and the work becomes fun).
• Group all your items before you start pricing. Price all the dresses at the same time, the sweaters at the same time, etc.
• Lastly you should ask yourself “What would I pay for it?”
• DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!  You will stress, feel unprepared and will rush through pricing and tagging your items.  Take the time to do it right and you will sell more.

Kidzsignments  is Central New Jerseys Premier Children’s Consignment Sale. Our Fall/Holiday sale is happening November 17-19 in Flemington, NJ (76 Reaville Avenue – next to the McDonalds – Flemington, NJ 08822). You will find a HUGE selection of gently-used (and new) children’s clothing, shoes, outerwear, dance/dress-up, toys. DVDs, books, strollers, highchairs, baby gear, furniture and more! PLUS, we will have a holiday decor shop too!

  

Find a Sale

Pick a sale that best fits you. Consider how far you’re willing to travel, sale hours, how popular the sale (the more popular usually means the more crowded), what they sell (not all sell car seats or maternity clothing), what payments they will accept etc. A large sale is usually worth the drive, but don’t rule out smaller less popular sales that may not have a large quantity, but will likely still have quality items for sale. Google your area using keywords ‘children’s consignment sale’ to find one in your area.  If you find a sale you enjoy, join their email list to stay informed.

Make a List

Like grocery shopping, it’s never a good idea to walk into a consignment sale without a list – your plan. Take a few minutes prior to the sale to write out what you’re looking to buy. This goes for clothing, sports equipment, books etc. Don’t forget to specify sizes too.

Set a Budget

Walking into a consignment sale for the first time can be overwhelming. There are thousands of GREAT things to buy and the prices are always great. If you don’t set a limit, you will likely over spend. Consider shopping with cash to avoid the urge to buy more with a credit card. Please note that not all sales will accept credit cards for payment.

Leave the Kids at Home

Some sales restrict if or when children may attend. It’s never a great idea to bring your children even if a sale allows. It’s usually stressful to shop anywhere with a child but a consignment sale can be even tougher because of the crowds and lines.  It’ll be more fun for everyone if you can
leave the little ones at home.

Shop Early

Most sales allow sellers and volunteers to shop before the public. This can be the difference it makes to ensure you get the ‘best’ deal, and not just the ‘good’ deals. You don’t have be a consignor to shop early. Check sale websites for opportunities to volunteer a few hours to earn a preview shopping pass. Some sales offer First-time moms an opportunity to register for an early shopping pass (rules will vary per sale). Visit the sale website for specifics on early shopping opportunities. If you plan on shopping the first public day, be sure to arrive early, up to an hour, to get in line.

Grab Your Tools

Having the right tools will make your shopping much easier. Use string to measure your child’s waist and length to use when shopping for pants/skirts. You can use cardboard to trace an outline of their feet to help with shoe or snow boot sizes. You can also keep a list of clothing and shoe sizes when shopping. If the sale allows, bring a wagon, basket or rubber bin to hold you items while you shop. It is also a good idea to come in a vehicle large enough to hold your purchases (especially if you are shopping for train tables, infant gear or furniture).

Shop Strategically

When you first arrive make a beeline for the items you want most. Ask about ‘HOLD’ areas or marking items ‘SOLD’ to avoid carrying (or
dragging) heavy loads. When shopping for clothing hold an item if it is a “maybe”, instead of returning only to find it gone. Don’t forget that the last day of a sale is usually a discount day. And don’t make the assumption that nothing good would remain on the final day of a sale. Many overpriced items can be snatched up on half price day when the price is right.

Think Outside the Box

Most people think of consignment sales as a less expensive way to buy clothing, toys and baby gear for their family. But consider buying birthday, holiday and other gifts at a consignment sale. Many consignors are selling brand new items – similar to what you may find at WalMart or Target. Some larger sales offer brand new products lines like Melissa & Doug for sale at a discount.  You may also find vendors at some sales selling homemade items or hard to find items.

Know Your Prices/Brands

Consignors are usually responsible for setting their own prices. Don’t assume every price is a ‘good price’. Know the higher end brands (i.e. Baby Gap, Gymboree, Janie & Jack) which will be priced higher AND the lower end (i.e Jumping Beans, Circo, Kid Connection, Faded Glory) which should be priced lower. Take advantage of your SmartPhone to check Ebay or retail store websites (i.e. Target.com) to compare pricing.  Remember, consignment stores will not negotiate pricing or take items back if you find them cheaper somewhere else.

Inspect Your Items

Be sure to double check your finds before paying for them.  Check the sizes on the garment label. Be careful when buying clothing sets to ensure all pieces are the same size. Most sales inspect items during drop off, but it’s always a good idea to look for stains, holes or make sure toys work and have all the pieces. Double check your movies to make sure the correct DVD is inside and check books for tears and writing. Remember, most sales don’t accept returns.

Laurie Owens lives in Flemington, NJ and is the mother of 3 children and owner of Kidzsignments Childrens Consignment Sale. She organizes
semi-annual events in Edison (Oct 6-8) and Flemington (Nov 17-19). If you’d like to learn more about her consignment sale, visit her website at www.NJKidSale.com.

Back to school time can mean having to spend big bucks on everything from clothing to shoes to books and school supplies. According to a
Back-to-School survey done by BIGresarch the average family with K-12 grade students will spend $600 this season on items for back-to-school.  You don’t have to break the bank on back-to-school if you use a little creativity and some savvy shopping. Here are 10 tips to help you save money on the clothing your kids will need for school.

1. Take an Inventory.  The best way to save money is to not spend it at all! Before you spend money on
   back-to-school clothing, take a look at what you already have at home. Save money
   and buy only what you need.  In many
   states shorts and capri pants can be worn well into October. Wait to purchase
   long pants. You will find that stores start to discount as the holiday season
   approaches. Or look to “pass down” clothing from one child to another. If you
   do need to purchase new items be sure to make a list of exactly what you need
   to avoid buying more than your kids really need.
   
2.  Shop End of season sales. Shop stores at the end of season for deeply discounted
   items. July is when most stores start stocking their stores with winter items.
   From July-September you can find great deals on short sleeve shirts and shorts
   which can be worn well into the beginning of fall. Or use these sales as an
   opportunity to pick up spring/summer items for the following year.
   
3. Use Coupons and Rewards programs. You can save even more if you combine sale or
   clearance prices with coupons or in-store bonus programs like Gymbucks at
   Gymboree or J Bucks at Justice.  Instead
   of using your bucks on full price items, use them on sale or clearance items
   and multiply your savings. You can print retail store coupons at www.couponcabin.com  or www.retailmenot.com.
   Or try key word search “coupons” with the store you like to shop. Visit
   websites of your favorite stores and sign up for their mailing list.
   
4. Shop Consignment. Kids grow out of clothing and shoes quickly. Consider
   outfitting your little ones with gently-used clothing from a local consignment
   store or seasonal consignment sale.  Buying
   from a consignment store is a great way to find great name-brand clothing at a
   fraction of regular retail prices. A consignment sale is different from a consignment
   store because it happens only a few times a year but gives parents a way to
   shop from tens of thousands of things from other families over the course of a
   few days! If you live in New Jersey, check out www.njkidsale.com for information on sales
   in Edison and Flemington. If you live in another state visit one of the consignment
   sale (and store) directories like www.consignmentmommies.com
   to find a store or event near you.
   
5. Start a Clothing Swap. If you have children you probably know many of other
   families with children close in age. Consider swapping clothing, shoes, coats
   and other children’s items with friends and neighbors or through a community group
   or church. If you are interested in learning more about setting up a swap check
   out this article from eHow. Facebook is another source to trade items. Post what you want or
   have to swap. Likely your friends or friends of friends have things to trade. An
   alternative to a local swap is to join a site like www.swapmamas.com  where you can connect and swap items with
   families from different areas.
   
6. Buy Gently-Used Items Online. Craig’s List is a great resource to find new and gently used items. www.Craigslist.org
   is a free online listing service. You can use their search feature to look for specific sizes,
   brands etc. Because Craig’s List is organized by location, you’re buying from people
   in your area and eliminating shipping fees. Or consider Ebay, a similar online vehicle. Parents can
   find gently-used and new items on Craigs List and Ebay. Read listings carefully
   and ask about things like quality and condition before making payment to avoid
   disappointment.
   
7. Garage Sales. Everyone knows garage sales are a great place find things for next
   to nothing. Children’s clothing is often offered for sale. They can be very
   hit-or-miss and time consuming.  If you find great stuff but in the wrong size, you can still take advantage of these
   great deals. Larger sizes can be purchased and held onto for a future season. Smaller
   sizes can be purchased and sold at a consignment sale (www.njkidsale.com) to offset the money
   spent on things for you own family. When purchasing anything at a garage sale,
   be careful to inspect the clothing for stains, holes, wear etc. Most garage
   sales will not give you money back once you have made a purchase.
   
8. Shop Big Discount Stores. Stores like Marshalls or Burlington Coat Factory can save you big
   money on name-brand clothing. Many times you will find the EXACT same items in
   these stores for 1/3-1/4 less than department stores. Don’t forget to check out
   the clearance racks at these stores for even deeper discounts!
   
9. Save Money When Shopping Online. Shopping online versus a brick and mortar store
   can also bring savings.  But shipping costs can negate that savings. Getting a discount on your order or free shipping when
   you use special online coupons or promotional codes will save you some money.
   You will find coupon and free shipping codes on websites like www.couponcabin.com or www.retailmenot.com or by searching the
   store name and a term like “free shipping code” or “coupon”. Some online
   retailers require a minimum purchase to get free shipping. One way to meet a
   minimum order, when you cannot meet it on your own, is to combine your order
   with a friend and share the discount!
   
10. Get What You Need for Free. What about getting clothing, shoes, coats etc. for free?
    What better way to save money than to not have to spend it at all! Networks
    like The Freecycle connect people who want to give away items with those looking
    for the same items. You can also post a “want ad” for specific things you need.
    You are usually expected to pick up your items in a timely manner. This is a
    great option if you are on a very limited income or have little to no money for
    back to school items. Check out http://www.freecycle.org/
    to find a network near you.

A few minutes and some great tips for stain removal may be all it takes to salvage clothing and toys and make them sellable. Here are some ideas. If you have others to share, please reply to this post so others can take advantage. Kidzsignments is in no way endorsing the use of any of the above products (name brands) or methods. These are tips used by myself and other individuals that have worked. Follow manufacturer instructions for use and check the care label of your garments. We are in no way liable for damage done to any piece of merchandise as a result of the use of tips on our website.

TIP: Google your specific stain and you will probably find several suggested ways to remove it**

CLOTHING

• Fresh stains are the easiest to treat, of course, but even the older more established spots can sometimes be removed. 
• Laundry stains on washable fabric: Combine equal parts of water, liquid dishwashing detergent and ammonia in a small bowl.  Start with small proportions, as it does not keep for longer than a day or so.  Use an old toothbrush to rub the solution onto the stain, and launder as usual.
  • Loose dyes in the wash? There are new disposable sheets called “Color
    Catchers” by Shout that you simply put in your washer and launder with clothes as usual to keep your clothes looking crisp and free from those pinkish edges. This will work for all colors.  You can find this at most grocery or mass merchandise chains.
  • Hot water may work great for Kool-Aid and Jell-O type stains.  Rinse and soak as needed.
  • Tide Stain Sticks are handy and work well on fresh stains.
  • Clorox Bleach Pen: Is a good spot remover on white fabrics.
  • Goop applied liberally to stain and then allowed to sit works well.  Put it in your regular wash.  This is an inexpensive product to try on fabrics that have been washed with crayon.
  • Biz is great for soaking all kinds of stains loose.  Just soak in the sink then wash as directed in the washer.
  • Did you know that you could try Tilex? This product normally found in the bathroom will work on white clothes with mildew stains?  It is a bleaching product, so beware and use carefully.  On white clothes, just spray on the stain and let sit, simply rinsing if you see blue spots appear.  Using Tilex on colored clothes should really be a last resort as bleach spots are easy to cause.
  • OxyClean in warm/hot water works well (I sometimes microwave the water to get it extremely hot). Or make a paste with warm water and apply directly to the stain with a toothbrush. Allow this to sit for at least an hour. Rinse in warm water and reapply if necessary. Soak in a sink of warm water and dissolved Oxy Clean crystals for an hour or so before washing in warm water. This has gotten many stains out for me, but can take more than 1 application.

OTHER

• Oops is a latex paint remover that has worked well to remove stains, marks and stickers from of plastic toys.  Test the toy if the plastic is thin, but most thicker plastic toys such as Little Tikes will do well.  This will also take crayon off of chalkboards without damaging the finish! Remember to wear rubber gloves! Find this product at Wal-Mart and most hardware stores.
• Shoes and laces: You can make your shoes look better by using a spray solution on scuff marks. You should be able to find this solution at a local shoe store.   
• Soak your white laces in Biz and your shoes will look 80% better!
• Mr. Clean’s Magic Eraser works wonders on plastic toys. Test an small area on the toy first before using all over.

Disclaimer:  Kidzsignments is in no way endorsing the use of any of the above products (name brands) or methods. These are tips used by myself and other individuals that have worked. Follow manufacturer instructions for use and check the care label of your garments. We are in no way liable for damage done to any piece of merchandise as a result of the use of tips on our website.

****See the bottom of this post if you are interested in selling at one our consignment events***

• Everything must be in season and in very good to excellent condition (no holes, stains, missing pieces etc.)
• Toys and infant equipment should be less than 5 years old & must be in good working order (with batteries, if applicable)
• We cannot accept items from a recall list or that are made up of unsafe materials. Click here for the CPSC list of recalled items.

Here is a Sample of What Kidzsignments Will Accept:

• Spring/Summer clothing (jeans and khakis are acceptable)
• Shoes
• Toys
• Spring jackets/windbreakers
• Dress up & dancewear
• Sports equipment
• Books
• Puzzles
• VHS/DVDs
• Games
• Computer Games
• Electronics
• Bedding
• Bedroom furniture
• Infant gear (strollers, highchairs, bouncies etc.)
• Bikes
• Outdoor toys

Kidzsignments Does Not Accept:

• Drop side cribs – NEW
• Car seats, infant seats, booster seats, and bike helmets
• Toy weapons of any kind (guns, bow and arrows etc.)
• Maternity Clothing
• Misses or Adult Clothing or shoes
• Stuffed Animals (unless battery operated characters ex. Tickle Me Elmo)
• Underwear (unless new in package)
• Bottles or pacifiers (unless new in package or sold without nipples)
• Plastic feeding items like sippy cups, straws or anything that touches the mouth
• Jewelry

Commonly Asked Questions

1. When is it acceptable to sell long shirts or dresses at the spring sale? We recognize that some long sleeve shirts might be appropriate for spring. We will accept long sleeve dress (i.e. button down woven) shirts if they appropriate for private school uniforms or religious services. Long sleeve dresses need to be spring/summer themed (i.e. Easter colors/patterns). We do accept jeans (unless lined) and khaki pants at either sale.
   
2. What are the restrictions on shoes? Shoes sell really well at both spring and fall events. Shoes need to be in new or next to new condition. No cold weather shoes are permitted at the spring sale. We limit shoes to 10 pairs per consignor. Snowboots and rainboots are included but sports cleats, slippers, dance shoes or dress up are not included in this total.
   
3. Will you accept capri pants at the fall sale? We do accept denim or khaki capri pants at both fall and spring sales.
   
4. Can I sell outdoor toys like sleds and snow tubes? Toys are one our biggest sellers.  The only outdoor items that we ask you wait for fall to sell are winter sport items like sleds, snow tubes, skis etc.

Item Limits

Click Below to Learn How to Sell!

Edison - April 28-30  (NJ Expo Center) – registration open

Do you get the whole family involved to get ready for Kidzsignments? Recently I travelled out of state to help a fellow consignment sale owner with her children’s consignment event. While chatting with one of her volunteers I learned how this sale was a family affair to her, her husband and their 3 kids. She explained how it is her job to gather all the items to sell and tag them.  Both her husband and son work the volunteer hours during the sale and the smaller children help mom to put tags on the things they sell.

This consignor inspired me to get the entire family involved this season. We spent a good chunk of the weekend pulling out things and getting them ready to sell. And, you guessed it, we got all 3 kids involved. I took a few minutes to put together a list of what you can do to get everyone involved and help decrease the time it takes you to get ready.

Dad
- Moving larger items from basement/closet/attics
- Washing down or hosing clean outdoor toys
- Assembling larger toys and furniture
- Loading cars/vans/trucks for drop off

Mom
- Washing and ironing clothing
- Inspecting clothing for stains
- Pricing items
- Inputting items into the computer

Older Children
- Gathering items to sell
- Setting prices
- Sorting toys into groupings or bags
- Boxing items for transport
- Attaching tags with tape or safety pins
- Help watch the younger children while Mom works on list

Younger Children
- Gathering items to sell
- Bagging smaller toys or accessories
- Taping tags onto books, toys, puzzles etc.
- Showing mom what accessories belong to what toys
- Sorting tags
- Marking hangers or tags with yarn, pony beads, string, highlighting etc. for pick up

It is not too late to register and sell at our Edison event (April 28-30) at the NJ Expo Center in Raritan Center! Sellers earn 60-75% of everything they sell PLUS earn a pass to shop the sale early! Click here to learn more and register today!

Did you know that a 5 year comparison of the NRF BIGResearch Back-to-School Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey found that the average amount consumers plan to spend this year (2010) for Back-to-School Clothing and Accessories is $225.47 and another $102.93 on shoes! This figure doesn’t even include school supplies! That is a lot of money that YOU DON’T HAVE TO SPEND! If you or someone you know has been to a children’s consignment sale, like Kidzsignments, you kow that you can likely cut that figure in half or less. One of the best things about a Kidzsignments event (besides the bargains) is that you can earn money selling the things that you children no longer use or wear and take that money to spend on the things they need for the upcoming season. It is like renting their wardrobe!

Would you like more information on selling or shopping at one of our TWO upcoming events? Visit our website at www.kidzsignments.com for more information and to learn how you can take a bite out of your back to school budget!

Anyone who has been to a consignment sale can tell you that presentation can be everything. An item might be newer or less expensive than another, but the one that looks nicer will usually always sell first and for a higher selling price. Here are 10 tips to help your items sell fast and for full price.

1. Button buttons, zip zippers, snap snaps and press wrinkles out of clothing. Presentation goes along way and may not only increases the value of an item but it can make it more appealing than the exact item priced lower.
2. Attach the owners manual. If you are selling infant equipment, furniture or an electronic, it is a good idea to include instructions or the owners manual. If you no longer have the manual, try this online resource to print a new one. www.manualsonline.com.
3. Pin pants to the top of the hanger to keep them from sliding to the corner. Use duct tape to create a small tab over the shoulder of the hanger and pin through the tab. This will keep your safety pin in place and  prevent it  from sliding down the shoulder of the hanger.
4. Add the current retail selling price to you tag (i.e retails for $200 new) if an item is nearly new or priced substantially less than what current versions are selling for in stores. I have seen sellers attach ebay pricing and print offs from Toys R Us and WalMart to items to show the buyer how much the item is selling for elsewhere.
5. Include assembly instructions or tips /special instructions with your item. It is helpful to include assembly instructions for cribs or steps to follow to collapse a stroller. This can help make up the mind of a shopper who wants to feel confident they will be able to operate or set up after purchasing.
6.  Add accessories to increase the value of an item. Include a hairband, socks, tights or a purse with an outfit. Not only can you charge a little more, but you also help to “sell” your item with cute and matching accessories over its lower priced neighbor with no accessories included!
7. Selling identical items in the same or multiple sizes? Indicate that on the tag (i.e matching dress in size “x”). Moms of multiples or moms of siblings may be looking for matching outfits. Here is a great chance to market another one of your items!
8. Package miscellaneous or smaller items together using a theme. For example, you might have several halloween items (bibs, onesies, headbands, socks etc.). Bag those items together and sell them as a Halloween themed bag of goodies!
9. Include a picture of your item/set fully assembled. Items that are not pre-assembled may be hard to sell beacause a shopper may not be able to picture where to put it or how it looks. Include a photo or print out of the assembled item. This will help the shopper to visualize.
10. Put together outfits for clothing in sizes up to 4t. You don’t  have to match brands, but putting an outfit together makes it easier for a shopper than having them have to hunt down a matching tops or bottoms.