Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: First Time Consigning? It Can Feel Overwhelming — Where Do You Start?

1. Start with the current season only.
2. Gather everything together, but don’t let it overwhelm you!
3. Don’t try to do it all in your first sale. Take a manageable amount to work on and store the rest for later. You’ll end up with nicely organized closets and extra space!
4. If you plan to use baby equipment for future children, consider selling the older pieces and buying newer ones. You’ll usually make a better profit by turning items around quickly. Baby equipment stored for long periods (especially in hot attics) can yellow and become unsellable.

Bottom line: Learn to let go, clean out those closets, and make some money!

Helpful Steps for Getting Organized

1. Set aside a workspace for several days. Let your significant other know it will only take a few days!
2. Gather items from kids’ bedrooms, the attic, garage, playroom, bathroom, etc.
3. Wash and inspect clothing in good lighting. Set aside items that are better for donation than consignment.
4. Iron and hang clothes, separated by gender and size.
5. Package non-clothing items and check that all pieces are included.

6. Check for recalls on equipment and toys before selling them at www.cpsc.gov.
7. Price your items using our Consignor Portal
8. Print and affix tags to your items.
9. Sort clothing by size and gender before loading it into your car.

Pro Tip: As an optional step, tape your consignor number inside clothing items with masking tape. This helps us return items to you if a tag falls off.

Q: How Do I Hang Pants on a Hanger?

Safety pin the waistband of pants or shorts to the top of the hanger so they don’t slide around. Hangers with paper covers work best for pants, skirts, and shorts.

This method lets customers easily see the knees and seat area without removing the item from the hanger.

See our How-To Videos for step-by-step instructions!

Q: How Do I Hang Clothing Sets?

Hang the shirt on the hanger, then safety pin the shorts or pants to the top of the hanger (not to the shirt itself).

Do not hang pants under the shirt where they can’t be seen, and never pin pants directly to the shirt — the weight can create holes. By pinning to the hanger, the hanger supports the weight, not the shirt.

See our How-To Video for a visual demo.

Important: When creating outfits, do not mix different sizes.

Q: How Do I Package Bedding?

The best way is to use the original packaging if available.

If you have multiple pieces (ex: bumper pads, comforter, sheets), do not make separate tags for each. Instead, label them as “1 of 5,” “2 of 5,” etc., and create one descriptive tag that details the full set and number of pieces. 

Pro Tip: XXL Ziploc bags also work great for bedding sets!

Q: How Do I Package Puzzles?

Wrap the puzzle tightly in Saran wrap and secure it with clear packing tape. Make sure your tag is on the outside and easy to see.

Games and puzzles in boxes must include every piece. Please do not consign incomplete items. Seal the box with clear packing tape.

Q: How Do I Package Books?

Place sets of books in 1-gallon or 2-gallon Ziploc-style bags. You can also wrap them in plastic cling wrap and secure the tag with clear packing tape.

When selling book sets, try to group them appropriately. At the sale, books are displayed by reading level, subject, series, or audience, so grouping your sets appropriately will help the right shoppers find your books!

Individual books do not need to be bagged.

Q: What’s the Best Way to Price My Items?

General Pricing Suggestion: Price most items at about 1/4 to 1/3 of their original retail price.

For name-brand or boutique items (OshKosh, Gymboree, Children’s Place, etc.), you can price closer to 1/3 of retail.

Example: A GAP t-shirt that retails for $10.99 could sell for…$3.50 (good condition), $4.50 (excellent), or $5.50 (new with tags still attached).

Exception: Indoor/outdoor toys (like Little Tikes kitchens and playhouses) are in high demand. You can often price these at 1/3 to 1/2 of original retail, especially if they’ve only been used indoors and are in great condition!

When in doubt…Ask yourself, “What would I actually pay for this?”

Pro Tip: For items you plan to donate anyway, mark them half-off — it’s better to make something than nothing.

Q: How Do I Prepare Toys with Small Parts?

Make sure all pieces are complete and securely fastened together. Use zip ties, packaging tape, Ziploc bags, or clear containers.

We try to keep kids from playing with the toys, but it still happens — pieces can get scattered or tags removed. The more secure your toy and tag, the better!

Pro Tip: You can place the price tag inside the bag so that it faces outward; use tape to secure the tag inside of the bag.

Q: How Do I Package Small Items?

Place small items like socks, hair bows, and belts in Ziploc bags.

Pro Tip: You can place the price tag inside the bag so that it faces outward; use tape to secure the tag inside of the bag.

Q: What Is My Profit Percentage?

Consignors receive 65% of the sales from their items.

Q: Want to Become a Consignor Diva? Here’s How:

1. Presentation is Everything — Iron your clothes (and toys if needed). It makes a big difference and helps hide minor pilling.
   
   
2. The Price is Right — Most successful consignors price at about 1/3 of original retail.
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3. Add helpful notes about sizing when needed. Example: size 3T, but fits like 2T.
   
   
4. Read the Consignor Instructions Twice — Every sale has small differences, and following directions helps you sell more.
   
   
5. Group Wisely — Group thoughtfully like the smart shopper you are, and make sure all parts are visible.

Q: Why No Straight Pins?

Straight pins are dangerous and can injure shoppers or volunteers. We also do not allow clothes pins — they fall off easily and take up too much space on the racks.

Q: Why Is There a Consignor Fee?

The $12 consignor fee helps cover the costs of running the sale, including rent, utilities, advertising, insurance, and more.