10 tips for consignment shops and sales - How you can get the most for buying and selling on Consignment

Not long after giving birth to my son, I found out about consignment sales. It was like finding hidden treasure!

Half-priced toys?!! Brand new clothes for only a few dollars?!!

It's been nearly 10 years and I have been to many consignment sales. I've sold at one or two, but I now end up donating outgrown clothing and toys to friends. It's way easier than having to tag everything and I get to see the items go to a good home.

I've gotten brand new Disney princess costumes at a fraction of retail prices, plus a much-loved playhouse for my daughter - all at consignment sales.

Over the years, I've come up with a strategy for...

Buying and selling on consignment sales and consignment stores near me

1. Sell something or work a shift at the sale

Yeah I might not sell items anymore, but if you want to get into the sale early, find something you can consign! Sellers get passes to get in a day early and shop. If you are looking for something specific or just want the first pick of what's out there, you will want to get in as early as possible. Working a shift at the sale will also get you access to early shopping times, so volunteer!

2. Get a map for larger consignment shops and sales

Check out a map of where everything is located. This is imperative for larger sales like the Kids Consignment Sale at the fairgrounds. You don't want to spend your time wandering around looking for the bikes or PowerWheels, only to find that the good ones got picked up already! Map out where you want to go first and what you want.

3. Bring a stroller or wagon

You will need something to put your purchases in and there aren't always carts available. Bringing your own cart is a must for consignment pros! I've seen many strollers with and without children in them being used to carry clothing (just hang them on the handles) or toys.

4. Bring a friend

I'm serious. If you don't have a friend, call me. I'll come with you because you need someone to be there to , for lack of a better word, squat on the items that you want but are too large to drag around. Example: My dad is my consignment buddy. He loves the hunt for cool stuff! One year, I found an ESPN pitching machine. It was the only one left, but it was heavy and awkward to carry around. I didn't have a cart (rookie mistake!) so I loaded up my bags and left them with him and the pitching machine in the corner of the Jim Graham Building. He hung out with my items while I shopped! He also waited in line for me while I finished looking at clothes.

5. Prioritize what you want

The PowerWheels, scooters and ride-on toys seems to go fast, so if you want a good selection, I'd hit those first. Make a list of items or types of items you want to look for. If you are looking for a crib or baby furniture, stop there first to get the best selection.

6. Navigating the toys

My son loves sports-related toys so we always go to the toy section first and look for the sports table. You can find everything from gear to automatic pitching machines and even basketball hoops there. My daughter is fan of princess stuff, so the Disney table is one of our first stops too. Know what your kid likes and focus on those tables first. Don't be afraid to dig through and move stuff around on the table. Sometimes, the coolest thing you will find is under something else!

7. Don't just buy it

This is a tough one. Sometimes we get caught up in the sale. We grab too many items. We talk ourselves into spending more than we really should. If you like it, put it in your cart or bag. Before you hit the checkout line, go through the bag and make final decisions. Especially on larger items like consignment furniture.

8. Check out expiration dates and quality of items

Sometimes the items being sold are missing parts or don't have the back for the battery compartment. Car seats have expiration dates, check them before buying one.

9. Hit the clothes last

Most sales have a lot of clothing so you don't have to rush to that section. Take your time there and browse through the racks. Calculate how old your child will be and the sizes they could be in different seasons. That way you can get clothing for the rest of the year. Winter coats and snow boots are always great buys during the summer sales.

10. Go back on half-price day

The final day of any sale is usually half price day. Go back and see if there are any items you like. Sometimes you get great items that were just a bit overpriced or out of your budget, but are now much more attractive!

Are consignment shops worth it?

Children outgrow clothing and toys incredibly fast. Consignment shopping is an excellent way to save money on clothing and needed items. Selling with the consignment sales is also a great option to get some money for the items taking up space in your closet or garage.

What consignment store gives you the most money?

Some popular consignment stores in the Raleigh area to check out include Adore Designer Resale Boutique, Plato's Closet, Uptown Cheapskate and Mission Thrift Store. Also try, the Guardian Angel Thrift in Fuquay-Varina and Durham Rescue Mission Thrift Store.