How to Make the Most Income Possible From Your Kids Old Clothes

Have you ever sighed in frustration at a darling outfit that no longer fits your boy or girl? Sometimes these things never get worn at all! The tags dangle just to spite you. And of course, each outgrown garment means another will have to be purchased. This can mean a huge expense especially if you are not satisfied with the mass-produced mini- teen clothing sold at most discount stores. But here is a way to recycle your old items so you have lots of income for new.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An eBay seller's account (or you can easily create one.)
• A consignment store within driving distance
• Desire and time
• Old clothes in decent shape.
• A reliable stain treater
• An iron or equivelent
• Storage bins
• Storage space

1. Four times a year, sort your outgrown clothes. You want to be a little ahead of the seasons as most moms are. For instance, August might be a good time to unload light fall styles and colors, September for heavier winter gear, February/March for spring outfits and April/May for summer. The seasons may vary according to your location. Florida will be different than New England. If you try to unload clothes out of season you won't get a very good price if they sell at all. Store off- season clothes in plastic bins.

2. Take the selected clothes and wash. This is most important for light colors; they can get dingy in storage. Go over each item for stains, especially the insidious brown stains that can occur. If you find stains, treat with your reliable stain treater. (I like Spray and Wash dual action, but you have to be careful about fading.)

3. Sort again by condition. The "I can't get it out stains" or badly faded, ripped, or other undesirables should be stored in a box or bin for your future garage sale. The exception to this is high end children's clothes. If it's a Gymboree, Hanna Andersson, or other boutique-like brand, you can sell them on Ebay even if they have a problem. Don't bother with anything else...well, maybe if it's part of a really cute set and the flaw doesn't show much. Everything that passes inspection goes into the ironing pile.

4. Iron. Yes, that's what I said, and yes it is a pain. But when you see the money coming in it will be worth it. An ironed garment looks so much better than an unironed one, and your pocketbook will reflect the difference. If you do all of it at once, it won't be so cumbersome. Take a deep breath and think of all the Gymboree you'll be able to afford.

5. Sort again. This time choose what clothing you wish to Ebay, and which would do better at a consignment store. Higher end things with recognizable brands do better on Ebay. Outfits with lots of pieces (hats, pants, tops, bibs etc.) don't sell well consigned, but do great on ebay. Separates, discount store items--even if it's really cute and in great condition--should all be consigned.

6. Sell. Take your consignment clothes over to the store, and sell the others online. Mourn a few minutes about the sad items only fit for the garage sale, then sell them in your garage sale (or let the pile grow for the moment.).

7. So. You just went to the consignment store to pick up your unsold items. There are a few, not bad when you consider the stack that went over there. There are also some pesky items on eBay that didn't sell. Swap, if the season still holds. Give the consignment items a whirl on eBay (you may need to combine them with other clothes that haven't sold in a lot). Take the eBay items to the consignment store. You probably won't get a whole lot for them, but what do you have to lose and you might get something. If the season has passed, back in the bin and you'll try again next year.

Tips & Warnings

• There are two types of resale stores that pay: ones that give you money up front for your items and ones that don't pay you until the items sell. You do not get as much money for your clothes being paid up front as you do with the consignment model, but the convenience may outweigh the difference in pay for you. I prefer to get the most money possible.
• With small children, you may want to consider having a garage sale once a year or so. Craigslist the nice bulky things, or just accept the $10 you'll get at a sale. The clothes that have problems or that you're just tired of trying to sell go here too, but you won't get more than about a dollar for anything.
• This article talks about Ebay as an online selling resource because it's what I use and am familiar with. I feel the amount of traffic outweighs the drawbacks. But you may disagree. There are other online resale sites, and these steps should work well with any of them.
• Make sure your consignment store will give you the clothes back after the period has expired. Some stores just donate the unsold clothing. If it doesn't sell you are out both the item and the tax credit for donating it yourself.

[oneloved]

on 6/18/2008 Great ideas! Thanx!

[Elizabethknows]

on 6/1/2008 well written article thank you for the info. Iron that sounds like a good tip too.

[brandnuheavy]

on 4/14/2008 Love the tip on ironing. Simple idea that probably does make a difference.

[grouch]

on 3/30/2008 The consignment shop is great. I have a wonderful one in my area that not only gives me cash but instore dollars which comes in great when your in a pinch and one of the kids are hitting a growth spurt.