How to Sell Children's Clothes at a Consignment Sale

Saving money and recycling used items are a motivation for many parents to consign their children's used clothing at annual and seasonal children's consignment sales across the country. Many parents prefer to shop for gently used children's clothes rather than buy everything new. Here's how to make some money selling children's clothing at consignment sales.

Instructions

1. Locate a seasonal children's items consignment sale in your area. Network with parents in your daycare, preschool, school, MOMs group or MOPs group, to find a local consignment sale. Some consignment sales are held by private individuals, while others benefit specific charities, such as Catholic Consignments in Ashburn, VA, in which all proceeds go to non-profit groups. Kids Consignment Guide online has an extensive-though not exhaustive-list of sales by state.

2. Request information about the sale and the specific consignment procedures. Frequently, the information is available on a website. Otherwise, or perhaps in addition to the information available online, sale organizers may send a consignor information packet at your request.

3. Read the contractor agreement and consignment guidelines. Make sure that you understand what is required of you and how much you will receive for your items. Note any extra fees, such as a cost to return tags to you by mail or a per-item charge.

4. Sign and return all required forms. Register online or by mail as required by the consignment sale.

5. Prepare your clothing to sell at the consignment sale. Be sure the hangers all point the right direction (most sales have the hook part face the left, so it looks like a question mark) and all clothing items are clean and in season. Add tags and prices as required by your children's consignment sale.

6. Bring the clothing items to the children's consignment sale on the designated drop-off day. Be sure to bring any consignor agreement or required list of items. Some sales request a self addressed stamped envelope so they can mail your check.

7. Pick-up your unsold items during the designated time. Look for your check in the mail, and enjoy the proceeds.

Tips & Warnings

• Be realistic about prices for your items. Ask what you would pay for the item. Remember that the clothing is pre-worn

• In almost all cases, consignment sale organizers are not responsible for stolen or missing items. Keep that in mind when bringing big-ticket items.

• Unless the item is otherwise exceptional, do not consign stained or ripped clothing items. They will generally not sell and simply clog the racks.

Resources

• Kids' Consignment Guide.