Are the toy bins overflowing in your house? Do your kids have trouble keeping their toys picked up? Have they outgrown some of their toys or clothes? Are you looking for a little extra cash?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you should sell old child items at a consignment or kid-to-kid store!
Many parents use consignment stores to buy gently used child items for much less. But did you know that you can cash in on your child’s gently used toys, books, and clothes? This is an excellent way to keep your house cleaner with fewer toys and clothes and get some extra bucks to put towards the next season.
If you’ve tried selling at kid-to-kid stores before, then you might have experienced some frustration with the store not taking your items or not giving you the monetary return you expected. Here are some tips to get the most back on the items you’re selling to a consignment store.
Have Right Expectations
Before bringing in your items, have the right expectations. You’re not going to make big bucks by selling your child’s old items, but you can still pocket a handful of cash–and it’s more money than donating it!
Consignment stores sell items for far less than the new listing price. The low prices encourage buyers to thrift and save money. However, to do that, they purchase your item for far less.
Say you’ve purchased a darling 3-piece Easter outfit for $25. Your baby only wore it a few times, so it’s in pristine condition. The store may only give you $3. This is because they can only sell it for perhaps $5, and they have to make a profit to pay their overhead and employees.
Focus on Quality Condition
Consignments will pay you more money for the quality of the items. Toys without (or minimal) dings and scratches, toys and puzzles with all the pieces, clothes without stains, and books with no (or minimal) tearing will always get you more money. This is because consignments can sell these items for more than items in good or poor condition.
Try these tips to prove your toys and baby gear are in top condition:
- Leave batteries in toys so the employees can validate that the buttons work
- Place loose pieces in a baggie and attach to the toy so the employee can validate that all parts are accounted for
- Wipe all dirt, dust, and splotches from toys
Try these tips to prove your clothes, coats, or other weather gear are in top condition:
- Ensure clothes are freshly washed and stain-free
- Fold clothes for easy sorting. It also gives the impression that the clothes have been cared for. If applicable, fold brand-new clothes with the tag visible to the employee
- Pair matching clothing sets together so the employee knows they are sold as a set
Wait to Sell Items so They Are In Season
Consignment stores need trending items that you were looking for! At the turn of the season, kids need sandals, water shoes, swimsuits, shorts and short-sleeved shirts, dresses, baseball pants, and other summer items. Even if your child’s winter clothes are in mint condition, consignment stores are less likely to sell these items, and will therefore pay little for these items.
However, put that box of winter clothes in a closet and set a reminder on your phone for six months away. You’ll be shocked at how much more you’ll get for the exact same items because they are in demand.
Immediately Sell Items That Are Trending
On the contrary, immediately sell any items that are trending. Consignments will pay far more for trending toys, characters, shoes, baby gear, and books than for similar items from five years ago. If your child outgrows a trending item, don’t hesitate to sell them!
Most consignment shops will advertise the trending items they need to stock. You can access these lists on the shop’s website or social media platforms, by picking up a flyer at the store, or by calling the store.
What Do I Do With Returned Items?
A consignment store rarely accepts all your items. The store will offer you reimbursement for the items they wish to buy and give you the rest. It’s up to you what you do with the returned items. You can try selling them at:
- Another consignment store
- Social media groups
- A yard sale
You can also donate them to a charity organization like Goodwill or Salvation Army. Donation is preferred over disposal because it keeps more items out of landfills.