How To Switch-a-Roo

My sister in law, Rebecca, took me to one of the largest baby consignment sales in Greenville this week. We were able to go on the preview night with extra guest passes from her sister and sister in law who had both consigned clothing in the sale. Oh my what a treat! The sale is housed at our local convention center and was at least 2000 sq ft! In order to make the most of our time and energy, Rebecca had these pointers:

1. Bring a LARGE bag or laundry basket & belt. Either carry the bag, push it with your foot, or drag the laundry basket attached to a belt as you scan the aisles.

2. Set limits. Have a dollar amount in mind that you don't want to go over. She recommends spending no more than $150 if buying for multiple kiddos.

3. Stay focused. Because the sale occurs every 6 months, only shop for 6 months into the future. This will allow you the freedom to really dig through the racks to find those special pieces that are worth $4-$8 a piece.

4. Don't get distracted by prices. Consigners at this sale price their own items. It is more than likely that the same blue and white dress could be priced at $12 and at $2, so keep an eye out for the duplicate that might be less. Also, items with brand names and/or smocking can run high when purchased new, so don't forget that $20 might actually be a great deal compared to $80 or $90 new.

5. Grab EVERYTHING you THINK you MIGHT purchase. It is a fast-paced sale and there are many hands in the bag, so to speak. If you don't grab it now, it won't be there when you go back through the second time.

6. Evaluate the goods. When you get to the end of the row (or your bag simply can't take one more addition), find a place on the floor to sort through your items. Sort into the following categories: Buy, Maybe I like it but the price is steep, and Stained/Don't Want It. Go through the second pile one more time and then sort your items back into their respective sizes so that you can simply slide them back on the rack for the next person.

7. Get in line to check-out. You can continue to evaluate your items in line; however, it is bad form to simply discard your unwanted items along the line. If shopping on a packed out night (like we were), it might also be good to bring a friend along to simply wait in line while you shop. Had we done that, we would have only had to wait about 45 minutes instead of 2 hours and 45 minutes!

Other things to consider might be bringing snacks and water. Children would not be a good idea, especially if the wait to check out is going to be long.

Here's what I found for $86.13.

From Drop Box

Newborn & 0-3 months - 1 sleeper, green shirt with brown pants by Dwell Studio, pink play dress by Ralph Lauren, 4 colored onsies by Circo
3-6 months - blue and white polka dot dress by Gap, green and white top with green striped pants, purple bubble dress by Circo, khaki and floral peasant top by Old Navy, white eyelet top with khaki capris by Old Navy, pink bathing suit
6-9 months - denim blazer by Kenneth Cole, floral dress by Gap, striped red and white dress by Ralph Lauren, brown tank by Old Navy, khaki pants by Jumping Beans, purple plaid dress by Gap, khaki corduroy jumper by Gap, yellow smocking dress, purple peasant top by Old Navy (still had the original tags on it)
24 months - purple embroidered dress (....yes, I broke the age limit rule. A buyer had simply dumped her entire laundry basket and left the line, so I picked it up as we walked by. It was $4 and stinkin' cute!)