How to Buy Clothing at a Children’s Consignment Sale
Because children’s clothing consignment sales can be jam-packed and overwhelming, it is best to put together a plan. Here are some strategies for finding and buying what you need without overpaying.
Some sales offer a consignors’ pre-sale where you can shop early if you also have items that you are selling on consignment at the sale. This is a great way to make some extra money AND buy things before the rush. Don’t have anything to sell? Offer to work at the sale in order to get a sneak peek at sale items.
Preparing for the sale:
- Know what items your kids will need between now and the next sale (at least). Do they need seasonal wear, back-to-school items, a special occasion outfit, shoes for church or sports? Make a list of these needs and when your child will need them.
- Know what sizes to buy. Because you may be buying things in advance of when your child will wear them, try to estimate the size they will wear when you need the clothing to fit them. Note the size you need next to each item on your shopping list.
- Know brand-specific size guidelines. Sizes vary by brand. If you have favorite brands, go to their website and copy their size chart. The chart will tell you what body measurements their sizes are intended to fit.
- Know your child’s measurements. Height and weight are a start, but you might also want to take chest, waist, hip, and inseam measurements. If you are looking for shoes, it is also helpful to trace your child’s foot on a piece of construction paper and cut it out; you can insert the cut-out into shoes to find ones that fit well.
- Know what things are worth and what you’re willing to pay. Because the quality and prices of items can vary so greatly from sale to sale, it is helpful to know how much things cost new – whether full price or on sale – so that you don’t overpay. Stick to name-brand and high-quality items that hold their value and keep your budget in mind.
What to bring with you:
- Your shopping list with sizes and colors needed in each item.
- A measuring tape and a list of your child’s measurements.
- A fanny pack that allows you to keep your essentials close and your hands free (also, some sales don’t allow large purses.)
- A small box or a laundry basket to carry the items you find at the sale.
- Even though it is nice to try things on them, it might be best NOT to bring your child with you to the sale so that you can focus and so they don’t get tired and overwhelmed.
Shopping the Sale:
- Inspect each item. Before buying any item, inspect it thoroughly. Babies and kids can be rough on clothing. And once, you buy an item from one of these sales, you are stuck with the stains and strains that come with it.
- Check the sizing of an item against your child’s measurements to make sure it will fit.
- Put back what you don’t need. When prices are as good as this, it’s easy to go a little crazy. Know your limits and focus on what you need.
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