Consignment Shopping- What to take {Thoughtful Thursday}

Last week we talked about the newness of spring and new-to-me consignment shopping. Today, lets finish prepping ourselves for The Big Sale!

I would say 98% of the time, I do all my shopping {grocery & otherwise} with my kids. I like it that way; they learn how to shop and I learn patients. BUT when we start talking consignment shopping, clothes trying on three different kids, crowed racks, all among the crazies that are consignment shoppers...it's just silly to try to take your kids.

I also like the idea of shopping with a friend but it never fails, two things happen. First, we either don't get any shopping done because we wanna hang out or we don't end up spending time together. Second, we have awkward conversations about how ugly clothes for each others children or we go home with something we and/or our husbands don't really like {or they do} because have completely different tastes.

This year I have a baby sitter lined up and a shopping date with my hubs planned!

Check List for Children's Consignment Shopping:

1. Buddy/Spouse
   • When considering who would be a good shopping buddy ask the following questions:
     • do I like what their kids wear
     • do they like consignment shopping
     • will they help you stay within your budget
     • are they willing to help you dig, sort through, and make tough decisions
2. Vehicle
   • Based on what you plan to buy, make sure you have enough to store all items you intend on buying.
   • Think size if you are planning to get larger toys or baby equipment at the event.
   • Remember to leave room for the driver and any passengers 😉
3. Portable Container
   • You will be walking in circles around lots of other determined women {and some men}, squeezing between crowded racks, and carrying all your finds. Remember to take something to aid you in this.
     • Stroller- easily maneuvered, as light weight as possible.
     • Hanging Rack {with wheels}- this is best if you have one, are planning to but tons, and are mainly looking for clothing.
     • Laundry basket- possibly with a rope/bungee cord attached to one side so you can pull it when necessary.
     • Tub {small enough to carry when filled & heavy}- this can work like a laundry basket. Both can be put inside a stroller or hooked on the bottom of a rolling rack to help in holding small items.
4. Measurements/measuring devices
   • Not all clothes are standard so having your child's measurements ahead of time means you don't have to have them with you to try items on, you can just measure clothes themselves.
   • A fabric tape measure can not only help you measure clothing items but also aid when trying to make decisions about furniture, toys, or baby equipment.
5. Shopping List
   • There are going to be a slew of awesome items. You don't want to go crazy buying up everything in your child's size.
   • Know what you already have/don't need, and exactly what you Do need.
   • Stick to your guns.
   • Don't know how best to create a good shopping list? Read This.
6. Budgeted Cash
   • Having a budget is key to getting in and out of a consignment event without getting into trouble.
   • Cash helps you stick to your budget way better than checks and definitely more than credit/debit cards.
   • Many events don't take checks or credit/debit anyways. To be safe- take cash. You don't want to have to put back all your awesome finds.
7. Calculator
   • With so many low prices, it will be easy to feel like your way under your budget.
   • Keeping track as you go {or laying everything out one more time BEFORE you reach the checkout} will make you very aware of how much you're spending and keep you from overspending.

The Morning {afternoon/night} of the sale:

It may be a long wait to get in, hours of shopping, and eternal check out. Consider the following 5 tips for your sanity:

1. Eat a good meal before going so you don't get shaky, grouchy, or mean while shopping.
   Taking a drink/snack with you.
2. Dress comfortably. Light weight jacket, comfy pants, t-shirt, hat, tennis shoes, pull your hair up and out of your face.
   Avoid carrying excess like a purse or anything else that is now absolutely necessary. As little to keep up with as possible: put keys, phone, money in your pockets or stroller.
3. Know what time starts. Every state/town has different regulations or times for who can come when. Check their website, Facebook fan page, or other forms of advertisements.
   Arrive early so you have plenty of time to calmly shop but beware, some of these women are for reals about their consignment shopping. If you're not up for tight spaces and pushy mammas, you may not want to be first in line ;O)
4. Take your phone {ideally a smart phone} so you can call a life line to help make tough decisions: i.e. Family/friend to their opinion on an item, Google regularly priced item.
5. Take a chill pill. If you don't have any prescribed, {hardy har har} just take a deep breath every time you feel like acting childish and fighting over silly, well-priced items.
   Treat everyone like Christ would, workers & even crazy consignment shoppers.

HAVE FUN! Come back & share your adventure.

UPDATE:

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