Consignment Shopping

One of my favorite seasons of the year is “consignment season”!  Yes, it’s a season for me, and it comes twice per year!  Every March, and then again in the fall (usually August), there are three consignment sales that are within an hour drive for me.  Two of these, I make sure to hit every time!

Now, a lot of people love to go check out consignment sales and find great deals.  I, however, always go with a list–which surprises people.  Before I start my shopping, I think about the coming season.  I make a list of how many of each type of clothing each boy needs to own, and in what sizes.  Then, I pull out their drawers, and the boxes of their upcoming sizes, and see what they already have.

From that, I make my shopping list.  I want to make sure my boys have church clothes, play clothes, casual clothes, pajamas, swimwear, and shoes.  Sometimes we need a hat, coat, jacket, or gloves.  On the list this spring is an Easter Sunday outfit for Nathanael.  Joshua will wear the one Nathanael wore last year (Score!).

Two weeks ago was the first of my favorite two sales–the Consigning Mothers Sale in Paris, TN.  I got there about an hour after it opened to the public (because I always struggle with being late), and there was still a great selection!  I was able to buy about half of everything I need!  At that sale, I spent an average of $1.79 per item of clothing, and everything is in like-new condition.  And I scored a few super-cheap family games and wooden puzzles for Nathanael, in brand-new condition!

Today I’m going to my second sale of the season.  It’s a large sale called the Kentucky Kids Consignment Sale.  It’s slightly further from home, but still close enough to make it worth the trip!  (In all honesty, I went to this sale every time, even when I lived 2 hours away…)  I have no doubt that I will be able to finish all my shopping for the boys’ spring and summer clothes!   I almost always spend slightly more at whichever sale is second–simply because I am pickier at the first sale, knowing that I have another opportunity coming up soon.  More than likely, I’ll still spend less than $2.50 per item–maybe even less!

This year, I even tried something new, and consigned my own things with the Kentucky Kids Sale!  It was a lot of work to get things ready, but it was much easier than having a yard sale, or than selling things on Facebook buy & sell groups.   I took all my things to check in on Monday and it was super easy.  By my choice, anything that does not sell, they will donate to a local charity, and we’ll be able to deduct it from our taxes.  I won’t even have to go back to pick up the items!  I can’t wait to see how much money I make!

Do you consignment shop?  What kinds of things do you look for?  I’d love to hear about your favorite local sales or shops!