Two weeks ago, I spent a few hours (okay, maybe several hours) hanging, ironing Downy-spraying, and tagging 72 clothing items for the children’s consignment sale I was participating in. One week ago, I drove 2 hours to OKC to volunteer my time at this consignment sale to earn 70 percent (vs 65 percent) of my sales (plus, I really enjoy volunteering!).
Today, I am headed to pick up the remainder of my clothing items that did not sale.
So, what now? What are my options for getting rid of the leftover items?
Donation
Many consignment sales have a donation bin where you can leave your unwanted/unsold items. These items are usually donated to a women’s and children’s shelter (or a similar-type charity). Some sales have the option of including “donate” right on the sales tag, so you do not have to worry about picking up your items after the sale; they place your items in the donation bin for you (and will send you a donation receipt).
Re-Sale
Pick-up your unsold items at the end of the sale and save them for the next one! This is a great option if you have space to put these items.
Many times, there are just so many items at a sale, that not everything – even the good stuff – does not sell.
|
Costumes/Dress Up |
Hello Kitty witch Halloween basket *NWT* |
———- |
$2.50 |
|
Clothing-Girls |
Children’s Place – leopard-print velvet pants |
4T |
$3.50 |
|
Clothing-Girls |
Chicken Noodle – Christmas-print one-piece |
9 mo |
$6.50 |
|
Clothing-Girls |
Gymboree – red dress w/ purple, white, and blue flowers and matching bloomers |
6-12 mo |
$6.50 |
|
Clothing-Girls |
Rose Cottage – dress w/ white lace on top, blue velvet on the bottom, and red rose embellishments |
6-9 mo |
$3.00 |
|
Clothing-Girls |
Old Navy – Christmas “Santa” dress |
3-6 mo |
$3.00 |
|
Clothing-Girls |
Gymboree – ivory-and-gold dress w/ white fur collar |
3-6 mo |
$10.50 |
As you can see, this is what was leftover from my items. I have to admit, I was surprised when the BRAND-NEW (w/o tags) Gymboree dress did not even sell in the half-price sale. When I put this up in the next sale, I will be sure to add “NWOT” (new, without tags) to my tag. It is the truth, because my daughter never wore it, and it was never even washed. As a consumer, knowing that information will help me make a better buying decision; as a seller, it has a much better chance of selling the item at full-price.
E-Bay
If you want to get something out of your items, but do not have the space to keep them until the next season, try selling on eBay.
I have sold on eBay before, and there are so many people selling their children’s clothing, that it might not even be worth your time. It is still an option to check out, though.
Garage Sale
Most people hate to have garage sales! I really enjoy them. If you do not have enough items to have your own garage sale, consider going in with a friend or two, and toss your items in it.
My Plans
I will be re-selling my items in another consignment sale that will happen in a few weeks. I have several other items that I did not get cleaned, pressed, and priced for the OKC sale, so my unsold items will make a nice addition to these things.
What do you do with the clothing your children have outgrown?
I save the best for our yard sale every year and then if they don’t sell I donate to friends or a thrift shop. I rarely take them to a consignment shop.
Clicked over to your site from Couponing 101…loved your guest post. 🙂
My son gets alot of his clothes from an older cousin and then we pass them down to the next oldest cousin. 🙂 My daughter…well, I’m not sure what I’m doing with most of her clothes. I’ve given some to friends, might try to sell others…