How to Make Money Easy and Still be a Stay at Home Mom

Member

By Katrina Derrico
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (49 Ratings)

Earn Extra Money

Single income households have a tough time making ends meet. Often even a little extra money here and there can make a huge difference.

Consignment shops are an excellent source of savings, as well as a way to make an easy way to make money seasonally or possibly create a steady stream of income. Curious about how this can seasonally make money or become a home based business? Keep reading.

A consignment shop is a storefront location that resells used items in like-new condition. These stores are an excellent place to shop for baby items, clothing, children's clothing and toys. Occasionally it is even possible to find items with the original tags or packaging still intact.

Consignment shops are a great way to repurpose old and no longer used items. It is possible to purchase children's clothing, baby items and sometimes toys for a fraction of retail at these small local shops. Saving up 75% (maybe more) is not uncommon practice.

Utilizing consignment shops for their own children's outgrown items can provide parent's with a nice seasonal income. For those with a little more initiative, it is possible to turn this seasonal income into a home based business creating extra money monthly or even a steady stream of income.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Transportation
Slightly Used and/or Outgrown Children's Clothing (in good to excellent condition)
Slightly Used and/or Outgrown Baby Items(in good to excellent condition)

Step 1

To generate working capital (make money to operate) and hopefully that first check, the first step will be to begin with outgrown clothing and toys from home. Anything the children can not wear, won't wear or play with is fair game.
Step 2

Sort these items into three categories:

(1) Clothing and Toys in good or excellent condition, this means no stains, no tears or holes, no missing parts, and in good working order, in other words, almost new.
(2) Clothing and Toys that still have some life left in them
(3) Clothing and Toys that are ready for that big closet/toy box in the sky.
Step 3

Category three items are to be recycled or thrown out. This includes anything that can not be re-used or re-purposed, is missing parts or is broken.
Step 4

Next, generate good Karma by donating any item that is not ready to be thrown out but may not be in the best of shape. The local Goodwill, church or other charitable organization for families in need are good outlets for these items.
Step 5

Now the work part comes in, where the money is made. Grab the local yellow pages and locate the neighborhood consignment shop(s) for children's clothing and toys.

Those who live close to a larger city, may have better luck with shops just on the outskirts, they tend to move merchandise quicker and have more customers. This will generate more income and have a faster turn around time.

It is important to have a second and even third outlet for items. Sometimes one shop will need certain items the other does not, this is especially true of seasonal items. Having backup store also eliminates garages and spare rooms from turning into storage facilities and increases income potential.
Step 6

This is the start of a new home based business and as such, the terms of the consignment are important. A few questions that need to be asked of each shop will be:

(1) What items are currently in demand or are needed?
(2) What is the consignment rate?
(3) How often do they pay out consignment commissions?
(4) Do they mail payments regularly or is it necessary to come in and pick up the money earned?
Step 7

Decide which shop offers the best financial benefit for you. Be sure to freshly wash all clothing items and wipe down all toys before listing them for consignment. All items should be free of stains, cigarette smoke and should smell clean.

NOTE: Consignment shops are generally picky about the products they accept, anything not up to par will be rejected.
Step 8

Take the items to the shops for consignment.

Make sure to give each location correct contact and payment information to ensure proper and timely payments.
Step 9

Once the items are on consignment and begin to sell, extra income is right around the corner.

This can be done two or three times a year for a little extra cash. Or the tips below can be incorporated to include trips to garage sales and flea markets to create a new home based business.

Comments

AsktheNurse said

Flag This Comment

on 12/8/2009 Good tips. Creating a consignment shop on Ebay is also a great way to retain most of the profits for yourself with little overhead. 5 stars.