Chrissy Confessions... I Really Love Small Sales

Friday, February 18, 2011

Now, don't get me wrong... I love going to a big warehouse sale and finding everything I need for my kiddos. And across the country, there are some AMAZING "Mega Sales" where you can get an entire season's wardrobe in one trip. For those of you in those "Mega Sale" markets: I AM JEALOUS!

The reality for many areas (um... Greensboro, NC) is that there just aren't a ton of "large sales." Or, in some markets, the mega sales are so "recycled" with the same group of consignors that the same items seem to get re-sold time after time.

I've often heard people say, "That's a small sale, I'm not going to try it." But I have to tell you, if you hit the right sale and they have the right consignors, you can definitely rack up. I went to a "small" church sale here in town and fell in love with consignor #42! I stocked up on some AMAZING 2T Gymboree goods that I absolutely loved - I probably walked away with 15 name-brand items for under $50. So, in the Chrissy spirit of positivity... I have to say, I actually really enjoy small sales!!! Why?

1. Small Sales are Often Non-Profits

I love that I am helping a consignor (by purchasing their goods) and supporting a local church or preschool when I go shopping.

2. Small Sales Are New Seller Friendly

I often find that a lot of the smaller sales are where people get their "consignment feet wet." Some folks are really intimidated by the big sales and don't know where to start. BUT, they are happy to participate in their church or school sale. I often find that those first time sellers usually have STELLAR goods - name brands, boutique items, etc.

3. Shorter Lines

While not always true, you can usually get in and out of a small sale fairly quickly. So, go ahead and line up 3-4 sales for a Saturday. You'll still save WAY more time and money than you would hopping from Target, Carters, Gymboree & Gap!

4. Sometimes you hit the jackpot

Sometimes, you just find a consignor # and you instantly realize you are a consignment sale match made in heaven. Yes, it is the luck of the draw, but it is sooo rewarding when you hit a good stash!

Anyone else a small sale fan out there?

Comments: by 4 "Old Mommies" and "New Mommies"

*** What is going on there?!?! We changed our comment format to Facebook only but are keeping the "old comments" for now!

Jane commented on 18-Feb-2011 05:08 PM

The major reason I love small sales is LESS COMPETITION! This works both ways. As a buyer, I don't have to stand in line with 50 other people on the first day of the sale waiting for the sale to open and then fight my way to the rack of clothing in the size I need in order to beat someone else to the best deals. As a seller, I don't have to compete with dozens of other people trying to sell the same toy. The small sales also often have no limit on how many items a consignor can bring. This gives them a bigger variety of things to sell at a wider range of prices. Last fall a friend suggested I try consigning at a small sale at a little church way out in the boonies. I got lost (twice) trying to find the place. Their sale was scheduled the same weekend as one of the mega sales, and I expected the small sale out in the country to have few customers. To my surprise, I made over $600 at this little sale! I'm definitely going back this spring. Hurray for the smaller sales!

Jeannine Moentmann commented on 22-Feb-2011 03:52 PM

Chrissy,

As the owner of a small sale, I LOVE that you LOVE small sales! This spring will be the 4th sale for 3 R Kids Consignment and we have enjoyed our progressive growth. It's customers and consignors like you that enable us to grow! So thank you!

Jeannine

Carlee commented on 25-Feb-2011 06:50 PM

Im also thrilled as a small sale owner to see such a positive post. It is hard to "compete" with a mega sale, but I have had many consignors say they actually make more at my small sale. Thanks Chrissy!

Wendy Skinner commented on 26-Feb-2011 09:20 AM

Chrissy,
I LOVE that you wrote this article, I would consider our sale small to medium and quickly growing we have about 60-100 mommies who sell with us each sale, but we possess many of the aspects you mention including a HUGE non-profit portion of our sale (we dedicate one whole day to this!!)Our consignment mommies end up making much more with us than those megasales which can have SO much stuff that you can't get through it all much less the lines with your kiddos(who I am very seldon without lol :-)) I LOVE ALL the sales and shop them all despite running one myself!!