TIPS FOR BUYERS

• Sign up in advance online if you're a new mom or mom-to-be. New moms can get in early to get the best selection.

• Attend the last day of the sale to get additional 50 percent discounts on most items. Strollers, toys and accessories will be picked over but clothes are often overstocked.

• Sign up on the e-mail list for future sale notifications.

• Check carefully to avoid recalled items. Consignors are required to sign a document that they have checked the CPSC.gov site for recalls. Sale organizers double-check.

• Scout out a sale before you start consigning to see prices. A general rule of thumb is 25 to 30 percent of the new price for clothes and up to 50 percent for equipment such as swings and strollers.

• Get 70 to 80 percent of the sale price compared with 30 to 40 percent at most consignment shops. Plus, consignors set their own prices. The registration fee to sell is $10 or less.

• Donate unsold items to charity if you don't want to see them again (and get a tax deduction).