How to Shop for Kids Consignment Treasures
1. Plan Ahead
Write out a list of items in three columns; those that you need for right now, those that you could use down the road, and those that are dream finds. Check your kid’s closet to see what is missing and think ahead for the school year, a special occasion, or even next season clothing. Include exact quantities – for example; Aiden needs (2) long sleeve shirts, (1) pair of lined pants, (1) formal dress wear shirt….etc. I even like to buy a season ahead (yes, I know it’s a gamble, but it has yet to fail!) – because you can get even further reduced prices. Case in point, I just purchased many Summer dresses for our little girl who is due in December. She will be in the 6 – 9 month size range next Summer; so I found some beautiful pieces by Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Laura Ashley, and BabyGap at 50% off their consignment sale price. Does that mean that I paid $2.50 for a darling, gently pre-loved, Ralph Lauren dress? Yes, it does!
2. Set a Budget
Like for any shopping trip, I would recommend having a rough budget or a price in mind of what you are willing to pay for an item. For instance, I know I won’t pay over $4.99 for t-shirts of top brands. That keeps you from over spending. Also, knowing what actual retail price a brand typically goes for helps identify if your find is really a great find. I know that “The Children’s Place” t-shirts sell for approximately $14.99-$19.99 regular price; I won’t be paying over $3.99 for them at a consignment store.
3. Check for Blemishes
Look for stains, loose threads, tears, broken zippers, or stretched/shrunken garments. Unless you’re a sewing whiz, it’s not worth the time or effort to buy damaged clothing. Stains didn’t come out for the last owner, I don’t recommend taking a chance.
4. Know your Kids Size
It’s really important to come prepared. What size does your child wear in X brand and Y brand? They usually vary. Take a few notes from his/her closet (maybe even take a sample of their ‘perfect’ shirt). Also, be conscious that the clothing you are buying has probably been already slightly shrunk. I’ve purchased 3Ts that looked like 2Ts because of that reason. If you are looking for shoes, I suggest either bringing a pair that currently fits your child or tracing his/her foot on a piece of paper. At the very least, know their current shoe size 😉
5. Love it or Leave it
Would you buy that consignment piece if it were brand new and from your favorite kids store? If the answer is no, then don’t buy it now! Just because it’s on consignment and a good price, doesn’t mean you should compromise your taste and style. You don’t want to get home and think…why did I buy that?
6. Be Choosy
This is kind of hammering the same point as above – but being selective, whether it’s style, quality, wear (how new does it look?) – will make your experience a better one. You will walk away with choice items that you will be happy you brought home for your kids. It helps save you buyer’s remorse afterwards.
7. Take your Time
Walking into a consignment store can be a little overwhelming. I hear ya. I usually go fed and hydrated. I know that I’m in for a search and potentially going to encounter some disorganization and even retail merchandising nightmares (Is there seriously a pile of books just sitting in the middle of the aisle?) That said, I think that consignment stores have made strides in the last decade. Their presentation is much more appealing to shoppers, the sizing is more visible, as is the price of each individual item. Find your rack, park yourself there, and take your time looking for exactly what you have on your list.
8. Review your Selection
Okay, so you’ve found a ton of awesome consignment clothes for your kids – yay! Way to go! Now it’s time to review your choices. Yep, I’m actually telling you to triple check your decision. I know you already checked for blemishes and felt you were pretty picky when going through the rack, but now’s the time to really make sure.
9. Check the Return Policy
If you’re at all unsure about the items you’ve selected – sizing or colour or style – ask what the return policy is. Most places have, at the very least, a 48 hour return policy so you can take it home, try it on your child and return it the next day if it didn’t work out. If they don’t, ask if they can make an exception and have the manager write it on your receipt.
10. Visit Frequently
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Or maybe you got half of your list? Visit again soon! Even if it’s a quick drop by in search of one or two particular pieces. Consignment stores add new stock daily, so your chances of finding fresh inventory to pick through is good.
Hope you find these tips helpful! If you are wondering where I like to shop for kids consignment clothes, here is a list of local and online stores that work for me!
Ottawa/Canada
USA/International
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This is a really great, very useful post — thank you for sharing! I am 19 weeks pregnant (due Dec 22) with our first, a boy, and will soon be visiting several consignment events in my area. I feel like I’m going more as a spectator with highly selective eyes simply because these events are “before” my three baby showers! However, I love your idea about taking a list with three columns and planning ahead. Kamden will be 6-8 months old this time next summer and year by Christmas 2014. Knowing this is great for scouting special outfits (i.e. for portraits) and holidays, as well as staple pieces like t-shirts, shorts, and shoes. Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU for sharing, I will definitely put this wisdom to good use!!!!
Awe, thank you Nicole! I’m so glad that you found it helpful! Also, congratulations on your new addition!! I can definitely see why you’re waiting to shop – I hope you have so much fun at your baby showers 🙂 We are expecting our little girl December 8th – so we’ll both have special Christmas presents!!
Ooh, it looks like you’ve gotten some treasures! It’s kind of ridiculous how hard it is for me to keep track of my boys’ shoe sizes! Just brining along a shoe (or the kid wearing them) is a great idea. 🙂
Hahaha, yep, bringing along the kid is a good idea too! Aiden is a 2 1/2 and kind of wants to play with all the toys in the consignment shop (he can’t read the TOYS ARE FOR SALE NOT FOR PLAY sign yet!) – so I usually visit alone…very well equipped! Thanks for coming by Erica 🙂
Haha, good call! It’s a tricky age, when they’re too little to realllly understand things like that. The whole world just feels like they’re sandbox! 🙂
I love that chiffon gray outfit in the first picture!!
Me too! It’s so beautiful; I was so happy to find it 🙂
For those interested in trying ThredUP.com, use code KPC35 to save 35% off your entire first purchase + get free shipping. 🙂 Great for netting some beautiful back to school bargains!