My obsession with consignment sales started on the shopping end... as all good obsessions begin. But the true secret to consigning success is in becoming a really good consignor! Here are some helpful ideas to help you get rid of those toys / clothes and make more money!
Break out the iron and press all of your clothes and some toys, if necessary. It'll hide a bit of the pilling as well :)
Most people agree that the best pricing strategy is about 1/3 of what you paid retail for an item.
If something fits like a 12 month item, but is labeled 18 months, make a note and make sure it is placed in the 12 month area. Items often get left hanging because they look too big / small in their sections.
Every sale is a bit different so don't miss the opportunity to sell because you didn't follow directions!
If you can mail merge your tags, you'll be a step ahead. If you have no idea what mail merge is, don't waste time learning now (but do it sometime!) Instead, use sheets of Avery labels to at least print your consignor number so you don't have to keep re-writing it on all of those tags!
Don't try and hide worn / useless items with good ones... you'll drive everyone else crazy! Instead, think like the shopping maven / mom that you are and group intelligently. If you do have multiple items, make sure you can easily see all parts. 1. Presentation is Everything
2. The Price is Right
3. Add Notes on Sizing if Needed
4. Read Your Consignor Instructions TWICE
5. Go Digital
6. Group Wisely
Am I missing any stellar tips?? Comment below!
Happy Consigning Mommies!
- Chrissy
Comments: by 2 "Old Mommies" and
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Toys should always be clean. If they have multiple parts, include all the parts, put them in a clear plastic bag, and tape the bag shut. Electronic toys should have fresh batteries. (Many shoppers may test your toy over the course of the sale. If it doesn't work, it won't sell.) The best deal on inexpensive batteries in my neighborhood is eight AA batteries for $1.00 at the Dollar Tree.
Electronic toys with multiple functions also sell better with an explanation of what they do. A drawing or illustration with all the buttons labeled -- similar to what was on the toy's original box -- is a great sales aid. Some toy manufacturers provide instruction sheets online that will include such a drawing. Look for this illustration in the online instruction manual, print a copy on cardstock paper, and tape it to the toy or to a clear plastic bag with the toy inside. If additional instructions might be needed, print out and include the whole manual. Mattel, Fisher-Price and V-Tech have excellent online customer service with printable instructions for most of their toys. Website for Mattel and Fisher-Price is www.mattel.com Click on the link for customer service at the bottom of the web page. Website for V-Tech is www.vtechkids.com
Also remember that parents don't always pay attention to what their children are doing at consignment sales and your toys may go through some rough handling. Your goal is to keep all the parts together and your price tag attached to the package long enough to sell the toy. Pretend your toys have to survive a day or two in the chimpanzee cage at the zoo and package them accordingly.