If you’re looking to make extra money, you might want to consider selling at a children’s consignment sale. It’s not for everyone, but it just might be for you!
On Monday, I published a post on why I stopped selling at children’s consignment sales. It wasn’t intended to be an attack or anything of the sort.
Rather, my purpose in that post was to share with my readers why I let something–a good thing–go in order to give myself and my family more breathing room.
I wrote that I still support my local consignment sale in other ways like shopping there and spreading the word. But for the three reasons I named in the post, consigning is not for me in my current life season.
I had heard from other women who were struggling with this too, and that’s what prompted me to write.
I was not prepared for the backlash. In fact, I was not even expecting the post to get much interaction at all.
To be completely transparent with you (because I’m honest to a fault), the post was based on a Periscope I had recorded months ago. Because I’m knee-deep in the middle of marriage, motherhood, homemaking, and writing a real-deal book (with a publisher to whom I have to meet deadlines!), I’ve decided to use some old scopes as a base for fresh blog content during this incredibly busy season.
I thought these “scope posts” would give me more time–not less.
Instead, I’ve spent nearly all of my emotional energy this week on damage control, and I’ve been in tears to think that my post on why I no longer consign might have hurt a dear friend who has meant so much to our family.
I had no intentions of the post being taken maliciously or negatively affecting anyone else’s business. And for that, I am so very sorry.
Because I didn’t properly convey how much I think consignment sales are truly a very good thing, I decided to write a post on 8 reasons why you should consider selling at consignment sales–if you are in a good season of life for it!
Without further ado, check out these:
8 Reasons Why You SHOULD Consider Selling at a Children’s Consignment Sale
1. You have a lot of clothes, gear, and toys to get rid of.
The more you put up for sale, the more you will sell, and the more money you will make!
As I said in my first post, I was not making much money. I have heard the same from others who beat themselves up with stress, trying to find things to consign.
But those who have a lot of items will probably make a very good return on their investment. This is particularly true if those items are bigger ticket items like baby gear, commodity toys, and boutique brand clothing.
I have even heard of some consigners who make thousands and thousands of dollars by purchasing cheap (but good!) clothing and items from yard sales and thrift stores and then reselling them for a profit at the consignment sales.
I say that is incredibly good business sense, and I applaud their ingenuity!
If you have a lot of clothes, toys, and gear laying around your house, or if you love garage sale and thrift store shopping and think you want to try your hand at turning consignment sale selling into a profitable business, then consignment sales might be the perfect fit for you!
2. You have young children.
As I wrote in the first post, I began to feel like my kids were starting to get too old for me to have the same benefit of consigning as I had had before.
Although my youngest is just 3 1/2, my oldest is nearly 8. Because I have three girls, I primarily shop for the oldest and pass things down from her to the others.
But when I just had babies and toddlers, consignment sale selling and shopping were a dream.
Babies and toddlers produce much less wear on their clothing, so I was able to have a steady stream of inventory to sell during any given season.
Most sale owners will not take clothing with damages or signs of heavy wear–and they shouldn’t! If the item is not something you would donate, you will not be able to sell it either.
3. You don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding buyers on your own.
Yes, there are Facebook buy/sell/trade groups.
Yes, there is Craigslist.
Yes, there is eBay.
Yes, there are yard sales.
All of these options come with pros and cons–but a big con with the above mentioned retail scenarios is that the seller must take a lot of responsibility.
All of these come with risks that consignment selling does not have.
Selling (and buying, for that matter) via Facebook groups and Craigslist even come with safety concerns because you never know who is on the other side of the computer screen!
4. You need to make some extra money but don’t want to get a full or even part-time job.
In my first post, one commenter made the excellent point that some women could make more money than consigning by expending the same energy in another venture, but not everyone truly can.
I wrote that I finally realized I was working for a much lower hourly rate on consignment selling than I would be by doing income-producing work on my blog. The same rang true with my friend who cleans houses on the side.
However, if a mom doesn’t want to or can’t commit to a full or even part-time job, consignment selling is a perfect fit because it’s a one-time commitment that might take a few weeks–max!–of her time.
For some sellers, it might only take a few days to prepare items.
5. You just like it.
To be honest, this is why I kept consigning for about a year after I realized the financial benefit wasn’t as much as it had been before.
I actually really loved participating in the event that our family friend runs.
When we were barely making ends meet and living on a low income and I was freelancing for our local newspaper, I had met her and asked my editor if I could write a story about her and her business.
I was inspired by how, as a young mother, she had started a sale in her garage in order to pay for homeschool materials for her five young children.
She is about to put on her 34th sale, and it’s now a pillar event of our community. My husband and I look forward to it every year.
6. You enjoy the community aspect of it through volunteering.
If you’re a young mom who’s never around other grown-ups, then let me tell you: Getting out of the house and volunteering at a consignment sale is not going to feel like work; it’s going to be a treat!
Even after I stopped selling, there were a couple sales when my husband and I both (yes, my husband!) continued to volunteer at our local sale.
As extroverts, we enjoyed the fellowship. The couple who runs our sale are Christians, and we could feel Christ’s presence in the venue every time we entered it.
We loved getting to know the family who ran the sale and the other families who were consigning and volunteering.
As well, we appreciated the way the sale owner at this particular sale gives back to the community–donating clothes and a portion of the sale’s proceeds to a crisis pregnancy center and also other ministries, including helping out with the adoption of other family friends of ours.
7. You want to be able to shop first or get a sneak peek at the inventory.
When you’re a consignor, you can’t help but see some of the other amazing items fellow consignors are dropping off. If you are a volunteer, you will get to preview it at an even closer proximity.
8. You have a knack for organization.
It will take some semblance of organization to be a consigner.
The sale owners usually work hard to make the tagging systems, sale requirements, etc. as easy as possible. You will still need to be able to keep up with things, though.
I don’t have a knack for organization. Most who know me–even well–think that is not true, but you can ask my husband and my parents. 🙂 I keep organized at the things I absolutely have to keep organized at, but it’s a lot of work for me.
If you aren’t organized and start breaking out in hives at the thought of entering your consignment items into a computer program, you can also hire a valet service to do it for you. These services cost a small fee, but I’ve heard from many moms that it is worth it.
A Word on Shops vs. Sales
Since I no longer consign at large sales, I mentioned in the first post that I will occasionally (rarely is more like it!) drop off items at a local consignment shop, where I don’t have to do any tagging, and the store does all the work for me.
Yes, that is convenient, but I did not mean to imply that the large sale owners are doing the consignors a disservice by having them do the tagging, etc.
The truth of the matter is, the sale owners work many long hours and front all the fees associated with the venue and advertising in order to run a successful sale. Because the consignors prep and tag their own clothing, though, they typically give a much higher percentage to the sellers.
The store where I sometimes drop items only gives a 50% cut, whereas many sales give up to 70% or higher. Although I didn’t make much money during the latter years of selling at consignment sales, I by far made more than I do now with the occasional sale of an item at the shop.
Consignment sale owners are not slave drivers; they are hardworking mamas just like you. They deserve thanks for all they do to make selling a success for their consignors.
My Favorite Sale
I rarely ever reveal where I live–it’s one thing I usually like to keep private. However, I really want those of you who are local to me to check out the BEST consignment sale ever!
If a business can exude Christ, the Teri Kidz Sale does. This is the sale where I consigned in the past and the #1 sale I shop at now.
Check out the Teri Kidz sale website here. They have two sales per year–one in the fall and one in the spring. (Teri did NOT ask me to do this and this is NOT a paid post. She has no idea I am even writing this!)
Tiffany at Don't Waste the Crumbs
Erin,
First, I’m a bit baffled that anyone could be personally offended for you sharing a decision that you’ve made in the best interest of YOUR family, but I’m encouraged in how you’ve handled the situation with humility and grace. Personally, I thought your earlier post was so helpful to many areas of life! It was a great reminder to evaluate why we do the things we do, and that it’s okay to stop doing some of them if they’re not as beneficial as they once were.
As for the content, I’ve never consigned personally, but I think that both posts combined are helpful for anyone who is considering doing this as a way to earn income for the family. Thank you for sharing both of these for us!
Erin
Thank you so much for the encouragement, Tiffany!
Denise Ciofani
I wholeheartedly agree!! I have sold at consignment sales in the past and completely identify with the first post. I was shocked that any part of it would be offending at all. In fact, I found both of these posts this evening as confirmation that I just need to bag up some stuff and donate! I work from home as well as part time at my daughter’s school. And the idea of organizing everything (which I do love when I have time) and getting it ready for consignment causes me stress. I have also found that it take time away from family. And the idea of folding it all up and putting it in a bag to donate makes me feel lighter. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and posting about this. It is greatly appreciated!!
Keelie Reason
I’m so glad that many people benefit from consignment sales both buying and selling. It’s always a great way to look out for the environment so that clothes do not go to waste.
I’ve never shopped at a consignment sale, but buy everything at our thrift stores in the area. I know a lot of people prefer consignment to thrift, and I think that is great. Whatever works for your family!
Erin
I think there are great finds at both. Thanks so much, Keelie!
[email protected]
I have not tried consignment, but have had huge success with selling my son’s clothes on Facebook garage sale sites in my area.
Erin
I’ve never tried the Facebook groups for selling but I have bought some furniture through them!
Natalie
I consigned at a sale once or twice a few years ago. We were doing major downsizing prior to a big move and I was able to get rid of a lot of unwanted gifts we had received that year (a newborn does not need 15 blankets!). I made about $70-100 which allowed me to break even as I stocked up on clothes for the next baby.
Erin
That’s great, Natalie!!
Oxford WeeCycle
Wonderful post!! Thank you!! 🙂
Erin
Thank you!
Tricia
Words cannot express my graditude! Thank you!!!!
I’m so sorry if I upset you in any way. It was never my intention. My sincerest apologies!
I want to also thank you for reading our article. I’m a full believer in we are all different and embrace our differences. Also, share each other’s perspectives as this gives more understanding. It has personally helped me grow.
I’ve shared your blog here because I feel it’s beautifully written. Thank you!
Erin
It wasn’t you that upset me, Tricia! LOL I did have to block some others from the site, but not you. 🙂 Your article was very helpful. Thank you for sharing the post! Best wishes on your spring sale!
Sara
Thank you for taking the time to post this blog…it is appreciated. I think you hit on all the reasons that I love being an avid consignment sale shopper myself!
As a consignment sale event owner (in PA) I am happy to share a few insights. Our average consignor walks away after the sale with a check for $327. My biggest consignor tip is to get started early (don’t wait until the weekend before the sale to try and prep everything – you WILL get overwhelmed!). Tag with a friend. The time will pass quickly, you will feel accountable and you can catch up with each other while you “work”.
As children age and time becomes more limited moms tend to think they have “aged out” of sales before they really have. Consider all those piles of sports gear, tech equipment and hopefully a few good books. Involve them. Use this time to bond with them and teach them skills so that they can earn money while clearing out and helping the planet stay a little greener. Often a preteen or teen will happily exchange time tagging things they no longer need, love or use for a few extra bucks (and those games while small add up to big dollars fast!).
Erin
Thanks so much for sharing these valuable insights, Sara! I love the idea of the older kids helping mom–and maybe even earning some money themselves in the process!
JoEllen
Erin, your first post was fine. You don’t need to apologize. People need to read what’s there without assuming the worst. Consigning is a HUGE amount of work for our family. BUT, it allows me to buy most all of the clothes my three kids need for the following season. I don’t even have clothes and shoes in my monthly budget!!! For a single-income family, this is an absolute God send! We are so very thankful for Teri’s sale! That said, this is the season we are in right now. It’s not everyone’s story, and that’s fine. #livegrace
Erin
Thank you so much, JoEllen! That means a lot!! <3
Carol
Love how this post is written with two sides objectively presented. I am truly at awe at the way you took comments to heart. Words written don’t always reflect one’s true tone. I apologize if my comment on the previous caused any grief. That was not my intent. :/
Best wishes with your book!
Erin
Thank you, Carol! Your comment wasn’t a problem at all. The mean ones were deleted, and I banned some people from the site…a lot of them were on Facebook and not the site itself. I am a feeler! Ha! Thank you!