Consignment Sale Time

It is that time of year again!! The bi-yearly sales are getting organized now! So take a little time to clean out the toy boxes, closets, attics and kids' rooms to find fall or winter clothing including Halloween costumes and winter coats. They also will consign toys, furniture, equipment, bedding, etc. Pretty much anything related to kids is accepted. Each sale has its own specific guidelines for consigning, but all of them are pretty consistent in wanting clean clothes, in good condition (stitch that button back on) and working order (go buy some batteries). It is a bit of work to get ready for the consignment sales, but it is worth it in the end. I have been shopping consignment sales before my darling princess was born almost 6 years ago - (Don't ask how much I spent-I was famous among moms for a while)
Here are some of the things I have noted about consignments:
1. It gets rooms and closets cleaned out
2. You get to shop early if you consign. The early bird gets the worm theory.
3. If you volunteer to work a few hours, you get to shop before anyone else does!!
4. You can find some really nice clothes - You know the ones you would never ever dream of buying because they are the cost of a small car- You get these designer cute clothes at a fraction of their regular price.
5. You can do some Christmas or birthday shopping for some large ticket items. A new mom? Great place to get some of that equipment- strollers, high chairsthese go fast.
6. Look for items with the tags still on them - Amazing how you buy clothes a season ahead and drat those kids, they just keep growing right past that size before the season comes around again. So new clothes at least half the regular price.
7. Take a basket for your finds!
8. Set a limit of how much you want to spend.
9. Make a list of items the kids need and their sizes.
10. Most sales have a half-price morning, usually the last day. Not all items are marked to be sold at half price. So check the tag. If it is, will it likely make it to the last day? Is it a definite got to have or would be nice if it were cheaper? Will you be free for that last sale day? If you really want it, you may want to go ahead and get it.
11. If you consign, make sure you let the organizers know if you want the unsold items back. They will often donate unsold items to area pregnancy care centers or other charitable organziations. Sometimes, they will mail your earnings(minus a percentage and a small fee) but if you would rather, make sure you go by to get the money and unsold items on the designated day.
12. Most importantly, Absolutely do not shop with the kids or hubby outside! Make this outing for mommy only. Go by Starbucks for a latte and then enjoy a few hours of shopping and mingling with other moms.

The Macon MOPS have a super sale!! Their sale is Friday, Sept. 18 9am-7pm and Sat. Sept. 19 8am-1pm (half price day. It is held at Hephzibah Children's Home -6601 Zebulon Road. For more information, visit www.maconmops.com

Karousel Kids in Milledgeville is Sept.30-Oct.1 at 415 No. Wayne Street. There is still time to consign so for more information email Tammy at tammy.dunn@anscom.com

A fairly new sale is the Jack and Jill Kids sale in Gray. It will be Oct.7-10 at the Jonesco Gymnasium. For more information about consigning or shopping times, visit www.jackandjillkids.net.

What is better than shopping? Add shopping for the cutest kids in the world and top that with bargain shopping!! Oh, yes, it is a day for mommies to schedule!
Now, Mommies, it is the time to clean out. Get ready to shop and maybe make a little money. At least enough to pay for the shopping you did- and don't forget this is for MOMMIES ONLY!!-