Volunteer Perks at the Consignment Sale

These large consignment sales are operated by volunteers. I highly recommend it! Here are some of the perks:

• More $$ - for me an additional 5% payout on the items I have for sale
• Opportunity to shop early before the sale opens to the public and before the 50% off sale
• Sneak peaks at all the goodies
• Meeting new people
• Being part of a big effort to bring value to families and recycle toys, clothes, and more

First, sign up on the website for the time and type of shift you're interested in. You can choose the length of time (typically 4 hours will earn you the minimum incentives) and the type of work (set up, break down, sale, etc.). I always try to schedule my shift to coincide with drop off, pick up, or my shopping time so it saves me from an extra trip to the event.

Here's what to expect:

• Check in when you arrive - it may not be obvious where to go, but just ask
• There may be organized teams or just informal assigned tasks
• There may be snacks/water, but I also bring something
• Dress as you would for shopping - be comfy, carry essentials in your pockets (no purse)

You are there to work, but I do take an opportunity to sneak a peek at the loot. At one large sale a team of us was assigned to inspect as many clothes as we could. It didn't matter which clothes so I picked the size I would be shopping for my daughter. Then I had an idea of items to look for when shopping the next day :) Yesterday I was asked to clean up the shoe shelves - yippee!!! I had already scored big on the shoes at the presale, but I had a chance to thoroughly go through all the rest again.

I have done several different types of shifts and tasks and always enjoyed it.

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!!).