What Goes Around Comes Around

It's true that a huge community consignment sales means money in your pocket from savings and/or selling, but you're also contributing to something much bigger. Just Between Friends in Tacoma has 600+ consignors. This is putting more money into all of their pockets; money that is supporting the well-being of their family/home and will be spent elsewhere supporting the economy and local businesses.

In turn, this means businesses can remain open, are more prosperous, busier, possible hiring more staff. Then the business owners and previously unemployed people have more money to put into the economy... And so the cycle goes....

Volunteering at the sale puts a little extra money in your pocket, but your time is also a valuable investment in this cycle. In the end, we all benefit, but I always like to believe that when you put good out into the world, you'll get more good back at you.

The economy has forced most of us to spend less, but we have already learned to spend smart and savvy. JBF is a perfect example of smart and savvy.

All About the Money $$$

There is much more to a consignment sale like Just Between Friends than money, but it's time I mentioned the cash.

Consignors earn cash! As a consignor, you have choices as to how much money you make depending on hours of volunteering, whether you tag your own items, etc. I choose to volunteer 4 hours at the sale which makes increases my commission to 70% from 65%.  I also pay a $10 flat rate to consign and tag my own items.

What did I earn? The estimate for my payout is $468.80...woo hoo!! On the JBF website, you can check each evening which of your items sold and see an estimate of your payout. I sold a total of 126 items at an average of $5 per item.

And, did my extra 5% make a difference? I calculated my payout at $66 higher because I volunteered. It sure did make a difference!

Shoppers save money! You will save money on loads of everyday things you need for your kids. Clothes, shoes, toys, games, baby furniture and gear. Don't forget the full cycle I mentioned in a previous post. Not only do you get these items at a huge discount, when you are done with them, you can resell them. This can make your full cycle of those necessities very inexpensive (or possibly free if you are very savvy about your shopping).

Shop, shop, shop - first dibs at the presale!

When you volunteer at a consignment sale, this earns you certain privileges. One is the opportunity to shop before the public at the presale.

Here's how it works at my JBF. After all of the consignments are dropped off, volunteers and select groups (expecting moms, military, etc.) can shop the evening prior to the public sale. You get first dibs at the best deals! Really, there are plenty of deals to go around, but this is a little extra perk.

Be ready and be comfortable, it will be busy. Here are some tips:

• Wear comfy shoes and clothes.
• Don't carry your purse.
• Have pants with pockets for your cash/credit card, phone, and keys so hands are free to grab, feel, inspect, hold, carry, etc.
• Bring reusable shopping bags, a stroller or a wagon. Many sales have Ikea bags or carts for you, but they may be in use already. You still need to get your loot to your car too.
• Bring a list and know your sizes.
• Relax and have fun!!

My daughter was mostly in need of shoes and I scored big!! I found several pairs that she can wear now or grow into and I can resell them at the same (or higher) prices when she outgrows them:

• 2 pairs of lined Crocs @ $5 each
• 2 pairs of Pediped Mary Janes - $6 & $4.50
• 1 pairs of Stride Rite sandals - $4
• 1 pair of Keens sandals $8.50

I also got several quality pieces of clothing in great condition for a great price, a book, and a jewelry organizer (shaped like a dress...so cute!!).

Consignment Sale Drop Off - What to Expect

I have already mentioned community consignment sales as a terrific option for reselling kids clothes and toys. I go to two Just Between Friends sales in my area. The first one starts today and I'm excited!

Here's how it works. First you sign up for the sale and tag your items. I've covered this in a previous post and the JBF website has awesome tutorials.

Drop your stuff off:

1. Load up your vehicle and head to the drop off. There may be carts or clothing racks available to help you bring in your things, but you may have to wait for one. Be patient and give yourself time. If you don't have time for this, sign up for their Express Drop Off.

2. Your clothing will be inspected for stains, tears, etc. If you have less than 3 rejected items, you'll be on the list to skip inspection next time.

3. Put your items out on the sales floor. All done :)

It doesn't hurt to keep your eyes open for hot deals while you're doing this. You can't shop yet, but you'll be ready!

Next step, shopping the pre-sale...