Want to try kids consignment sales? Here are buyers, sellers tips.

Buying or selling kids toys, clothes and accessories at occasional sales requires a different strategy than at Once Upon a Child. For example, shop late. Here's more.

September 28, 2009 at 9:36PM

Here are more tips that wouldn't fit in Tuesday's Dollars & Sense article called "It's Kid Stuff."

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.

Tips for consignors
• 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).
• Bedding and maternity items are slow sellers.

about the writer

about the writer

John Ewoldt

Reporter

John Ewoldt is a business reporter for the Star Tribune. He writes about small and large retailers including supermarkets, restaurants, consumer issues and trends, and personal finance.  

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