How Does a Children's Consignment Sale Work?

Children's consignment sales are 2 to 4 day events, often sponsored by churches, in which people bring in clean, gently used children's clothing, toys, books, furniture, games, etc., and sell it at a huge markdown compared to new prices. The church or other sponsoring organization takes a cut. The prices are set by the seller, called a "consignor".

What do they typically sell?

They are great way to find excellent lightly used (often looks like new),

• children's clothing,
• toys for children and infants, educational toys,
• baby clothes,
• maternity clothes,
• infant equipment, baby monitors, etc.
• baby and children's furniture (cribs, rockers, etc.),
• strollers,
• books, cds, dvd's, video's.

Typical locations

Overwhelmingly, consignment sales are sponsored by churches and held in church buildings. Number 2 and 3 are Schools (private, public, daycares, etc.) and private organizations and groups, often non-profits.  So, most locations are:

• churches
• schools
• empty big box stores

Typical prices

The prices are usually fantastic.  Overall, usually 10% to 20% of the new cost.

Clothes often go for as little as $1 per article, most commonly around $2 to $5 per item.

A child's bicycle can be $10

Books, cd, dvd's are often 50 cents to $2

Toys and games  are typically in the $2 to $5 range.  Electronic games can be $2 to $20 depending upon their original cost.

Typical Dates, Days and Hours

Overwhelmingly, consignment sales held in the Spring and fall.  Spring dates are usually mid Typically in February rough March.  Fall dates are usually in August and September.

Days of the week vary from 2 to 3 days.  Thursday, Friday and Satrurday; or just Friday and Saturday. Some have an earlier day or earlier opening time for volunteers of patromns who pay and extra $5 fee.

Often, the consignment sales have a half-price sale during their last day, which is typically a Saturday.