And so it begins, the crazy AR weather when we have warm 70 degree days and then the very next day temps are back down in the 40s. Oh yes, love this weather 🙂 but it is always a great reminder that for us, Spring really is right around the corner and it’s time to start going through Abby’s closet to prepare for warmer weather. Usually in the Fall, as the cooler weather moves in I slowly shift all the warm weather clothes to either my office closet if they still fit or a tub if they are outgrown. Little by little I’ll add to the two piles, usually the outgrown tub is over flowing while only one or two items remain in the “to wear again next year” pile.
With the warm temps arriving so soon (hello! it’s still only January!) I’ve run into the problem of having almost nothing for Abby to wear. The pile of clothes that still fit for this year is almost nonexistent because she’s grown so much! That means I have to buy an entire new wardrobe for her… shorts, shirts, dresses, even shoes! No way can we afford all new of so much. That’s why I’m oh so grateful for Rhea Lana’s Children’s Consignment!
I have shopped at Rhea Lana’s for years, before Abby I helped my sister shop for my niece and then once I found out I was pregnant I started shopping for Abby. Rhea Lana’s is absolutely amazing for shopping for children’s clothing, shoes, toys, books, furniture, pretty much everything! And all at affordable prices that allows me to keep up with her sudden growth spurts! Gently used (sometimes even new with tags!) name brand clothing such as Gymboree, Baby Gap, Children’s Place, etc at great prices. Every year I shop both the Spring and Fall sales, I completely stock her closet with all that she will need for less than half of what I would pay retail.
What I love the most is being able to cosign in the sales, this allows me to make money while shopping! Those tubs I fill with outgrown clothing are eliminated each season which means less clutter here, a chance to sell the clothes and make a little money which I can put towards purchasing new items she needs. I’ve had awesome luck the past couple of sales, I usually break even between the amount I make and amount I spend and sometimes I come out ahead, making more than what I spend! I always shop the first day and the half price day, I have always been able to find great items and Abby’s closet is usually stocked for the entire season with just these two trips! I tease hubby telling him I should be allowed to shop more the times I’ve made more than what I spent, he just laughs at me. I really enjoy being able to keep track of my sales online/with my phone because I can actually see how things are selling, how much I’m making and it helps me have an idea of what to spend. Shopping really has never been easier!
I plan to spend this weekend getting the rest of my items entered into the database, tagged and ready to take during the drop off days. This is actually the last couple of days to enter items, I’m running a bit behind due to all the doctor appointments but I’m determined to get my items entered! I love shopping Rhea Lana’s and Abby definitely needs new clothes! Plus I want all these tubs and clutter gone!
Consigning is super easy and Rhea Lana’s website gives step by step instructions on how to get your items entered, tips on pricing, what is allowed and not allowed, plus you can visit their Facebook Page to hear great tips and advice from others who are seasoned shoppers and cosigners. Here are a few things I always keep in mind when preparing my items to sell:
- make sure clothing is freshly washed, ironed and looks nice. No one wants to see messy, wrinkled clothing and it won’t sell.
- check for stains!! stained clothing is not allowed so always give your items a close look when sorting to enter them. That never worn shirt still might have managed to get a stain on it (seriously how do kids managed this!?) so you’ll want to double check. Also double check for holes, rips and missing buttons!
- how old is the item? Consider the style, something several years old might not sell because it’s outdated and no longer in style.
- avoid really worn out clothes. Some kids seem to wear their favorite jeans/shirts/dresses nonstop until they just can’t fit in them anymore. These most loved clothes sometimes are just too worn out looking to try to resell.
- consider pricing! If your item can’t sell for at least $3 you should either group it with another item or two or avoid putting it in the sale. Rhea Lana’s has a minimum of $3 so items need to be worth at least that. If they are not, try pair them with a few other similar items that don’t quite reach that price range alone.
- more on pricing… don’t price items too high! If you price it at retail price or only a dollar less people won’t be getting any kind of deal and are less likely to want your items. Price to sell! Some items can be priced a little higher than others depending on brand, if it’s new with tags, etc. Other items will be priced lower depending on condition. Again, consider if you saw the item… would you pay that price? Also, if you really don’t want to have to bring anything home price things low to sell! Let them go for halfprice.
- make outfits! Outfits are wonderful and usually always the first people grab. Sure, you have tons of outfits that were purchased together and are a set but don’t stop there. All those single shirts and shorts or jeans can easily be paired up to make an outfit. Keep in mind to make sure things do match, are the same size and even pairing the same brand is nice when it comes to pricing. Please DO NOT pair things that are not the same size!! One thing I hate is finding a super cute outfit only to discover the shirt is my daughter’s size but the shorts are two sizes smaller. Your child might have worn different sizes like that but others don’t and items paired like that will be looked over.
Normally I have things setup a little better in my office but with all my medical problems right now the couch was a bit more comfortable for me 🙂 Oh… and this is only a small handful of what I have, there are three more huge tubs full behind the couch. Yep, I should probably get busy!!
- double check everything! We’re all human, we all over look things sometimes, double check your clothes for stains before buying! I can’t tell you how much stuff I have put back over the years due to staining. And although its a rule not to bring stained clothing some people do, I’ve come across items that were better suited for the trash than a consignment sale due to tall the major stains.
- check those sizes!! Especially with outfits, make sure both pieces are the same size! Also for the items bundled together, four shirts at one low price is great but make sure they are all the size you really need and not mixed. Also always check the size on the clothes, don’t just go by what the tag says.
- check the tag! Make sure if the tag says it’s a 3T pink dress that’s really what the item is. People do switch tags, I’ve had that happen many times to items I was selling so make sure you’re paying for what you are getting.
- when buying toys, dvds, etc – make sure all parts are there, that the toy does work, nothing is broken, and check dvds for major scratches!
- if you decide not to get something put it on a return rack. Don’t just leave things somewhere random or stick items on the wrong racks, this hurts the cosigners because people are not able to find their items.
- have fun! Yep, best tip of all! Go, have fun and enjoy your shopping. You’ll find some great bargains!
I found this adorable dress that ended up being perfect for Abby’s Easter pictures! even better? I found these super cute shoes that ended up being a perfect match!
Also a few of the dresses I found, I found so many dresses!
Yep, I even found her swim suit there… NWT!
Still here? what are you waiting for 🙂 go clean out your kid’s closets of all those outgrown clothes (Spring and Summer for now) and register to consign in the upcoming sale! Hurry, deadline to enter items is Monday (or until maximum capacity is reached). Shopping begins February 10th!!
Disclosure: In exchange for this post I will receive an early shopping pass to attend Rhea Lana’s so I can share a personal review of my shopping experience. My opinions were in no way influenced by the company, all thoughts are my own. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. My thoughts and opinions may differ from yours. If you have any questions you are welcome to contact me.
We used consignment stores a lot growing up and it’s a great way to feel you are doing your part to be green while making a little cash at the same time. 🙂 Very cute dresses on her!
Awe, you got some cute clothes!
Such adorable outfits for an adorable little girl. She is just too cute.
I am dropping my stuff at a consignment sale this weekend and hoping to find some great deals. It gets harder to find stuff when they are in their teens though!