consigning at the totswap: this mom's experience

I just lost my consignment virginity. And couldn't wait to tell you all about it.

Because it was so easy. (SO easy).

This weekend is the spring Timonium TotSwap Consignment Sale. It's only THE biggest consignment sale in the region. And some lucky buyer is going to walk away with some of the Bug's infant wardrobe.

I had eight (yes! 8!) bins of clothes sizes 0-24 months sitting in my basement collecting dust. It wasn't really for sentimental reasons as much as it was a result of my sometimes frenzied life. Seemed easier to throw all of the clothes in a bin and send them into storage as opposed to sorting, storing, consigning and giving away. But as I was cramming more clothes into overcrowded bins last weekend, I decided enough was enough.

I registered as a consignor for the TotSwap online. It cost $10, but got me access to the database to register my items and two tickets to the coveted pre-sale event on Thursday night.

Then I got busy sorting. I did a first-run through all the bins and went with an immediate gut reaction (didn't want to get too bogged down in the 'ohhh-- I remember when she wore that for 30 seconds!): Keep, Trash, Donate, Consign. All of the Consign items then went through a second round of scrutiny as I sorted into piles by size (you can only consign 25 items per size, per TotSwap rules).

After I was happy with my selections, I sat down and entered each item into the TotSwap database. I had received a tip from Kimberly at The Muddy Princess to price well. So I usually erred on pricing lower than higher for my items. I also made a point of putting outfits together rather than consigning individual pieces. I'm not sure if this strategy was smart - - I'll let you know on Sunday! For each item, I needed to note whether or not I wanted the item marked down to 1/2 price if they don't sell before Sunday (YES -- sell, sell, sell) and whether or not I wanted them donated if they didn't sell (another YES. I don't want any of it coming home!).

Once each item was entered and priced, the database provided me with a PDF file of all of my tags so I could print them on cardstock and cut. Super easy.

Then came the tagging and hanging. By far this was the most tedious part of the process; however, I'm pretty sure it was self-induced tediousness as my Type-A personality came out in full force. (cool) progeny reader Heather White gave me a great suggestion of marking my hangers -- to make my clothing items stand out amongst the thousands at the sale. So I tied brightly colored ribbon around each hanger. I was also a bit neurotic about pieces getting separated or the tag being misplaced. I may of od'd on safety pins.

All of the clothes went into a plastic bin for transport. Once I got to the sale for drop off, I stood in line for maybe 10 minutes before an inspection station was free. All of my clothes were inspected and then I was free to place them on the sale floor.

Despite my scrutiny (and I'm pretty picky!) two of my items weren't up to snuff. Honestly, I didn't even pick up on the stains until I was looking at them in the florescent lights at the sale. Note to self: don't sort clothes in the basement and then tag at night. Make sure you're looking at all of the items in daylight.

So there you have it. All in all, I put about 4 hours into prepping for the sale and put 60 items on the TotSwap Sale floor.

I'm pretty sure it was worth it - - but I'll let you know for sure when I receive my check. It's due to arrive 7 days after the sale. {{Pretty sweet, right?}}

Just in time to buy the Bug a few new spring clothes.

(cool) tip: Headed to the TotSwap as a buyer? Check out our 10 tips for navigating the sale! Have things piling up that you too could part with? Like the TotSwap on Facebook to be notified of their next sale!

(hot) dish: great kids village and greenberries have teamed up for an amazing sale

Looking for winter and spring clothes, shoes, baby gear and toys? Head on over to Great Kids Village in Columbia for their consignment sale -- happening this weekend! Great Kids Village has teamed up with greenberries, an eco-chic upscale children's consignment shop in Columbia, to bring you a fantastic sale experience. The sale carries items for newborns through size eight, and ALL items will be 50% off of the ticketed price on Sunday.

While you're there, stop and play a while! (And what better way to shop than with your kids entertained in a 24,000 square foot play space?)

Sale runs 10 AM - 7:00 PM on Saturday, and 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM on Sunday.

Great Kids Village is located at 6570 Dobbin Road, Columbia, Maryland 21045. Check them out on facebook or give them a buzz at (410) 497-PLAY if you'd like more information!

PS: Did you RSVP for the (cool) progeny play date at Great Kids Village on February 19?

designer consignment for pint-sizers: the lily pad of towson

What do a Hasbro miniature Shetland pony, Apple Bottom beadazzled jeans outfit, Gymboree and Papo d’anjo have in common?

You can find all of them -- gently loved and at a great price -- at The Lily Pad of Towson.

With thoughts of warmer weather springing into mind, you may be pondering picking up a few new staples for your mini hipsters - - or unloading some of their gently used items. Boutique consignment may be something to consider.

Sarah Weiskittel, founder of The Lily Pad, believes the biggest difference between selling your used items through a boutique likes hers or your other options is the effort a consignor has to put into the sale. When you take your items to a regional sale or have a yard sale of your own, you have to tag your own items, schlep them, and, depending on the sale, perhaps even try to sell them yourself. The Lily Pad will handle all of that. They will price,tag, hang and sell -- for you.

The price your items will obtain through a local consignment boutique will likely be much higher than what your items will net at a larger sale venue. The perceived down side? The consignor only takes 40% of the sale price when you work through a local boutique. Notice I said perceived downfall. 40% of a larger starting price most likely results in a larger cut for you, with less effort.

So what types of items does Sarah look for from consignors? Designer and brand name items.

"Some of the brands that sell the best at the Lily Pad are mini Boden, crewcuts, Lilly Pulitzer, Gap, Tea, Janie & Jack, Hanna Andersson, Eland and Gymboree," said Sarah. "We love the French and Italian designers such as Lily Gaufrette and Papo d’anjo. We also take some gear: highchairs, Pack-N-Plays, strollers, bumbo seats, etc. We only take these items as space allows, so we ask that consignors call to see if we have room for their items before bringing them to the store."

All consignment journeys through The Lily Pad start with an appointment. Interested consignors are asked to select thirty of their very best items, freshly laundered and laid flat (The Lily Pad uses their own hangers). It's also recommended that the items be ironed because they'll show better. A better show equals a better sale. The Lily Pad staff then selects the items from the consignors collection that they believe will sell. Trust them. They know their clientele.

After the item sells, the consignor receives 40% of the sale price - -and you have your choice of receiving your payment by check OR store credit.

Sarah's favorite item that's in the store right now? Hands down.. Butterscotch! The Hasbro FurReal Friends Shetland pony. It's more than three feet tall - - so any little girl will feel like she's going for a ride. She came in last week and is residing in the store window.

You never know what treasure you'll find at a local consignment store. One of Sarah's clients found her favorite hoodie.

Not one she fell in love with. One that had been lost.

"She pulled it off the rack and showed her Mom and said 'look mom this looks just like my favorite hoodie that I lost at school!' The mother looked at the hoodie and turned the tag over to find her daughter’s initials," said Sarah. "It was the EXACT same hoodie that the girl had lost! I just smiled and said, that’s Smalltimore for you! And of course I let her take the hoodie, on the house!"

(cool) tip: Thinking about consigning but don't know if the whole appointment process is for you? Every season, The Lily Pad runs a "Leave it and Leap" promotion. Just drop off any 15 items you'd like to sell with no appointment. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for details!

Headed to the Tot Swap this weekend? Check out the loot!

Had a great opportunity to check out the TotSwap pre-sale for new mommies last night (thanks, Robyn!). While the sheer volume of items was a bit overwhelming, the staff and patrons couldn't have been friendlier. So if you were worried about the TotSwap being a bit like one of those running of the brides reality tv shows, fear not!

So if you're headed there this weekend, here's a little sneak peek at what you can expect! The TotSwap is open today and tomorrow from 9 AM - 5 PM, and on Sunday from 10 AM - 2 PM. Be sure to read our tips for navigating the TotSwap, too!

Toys.. toys... toys... (and baby gear). Lots of it and in really great shape!

Lots of clothing - - and surprisingly, much of it still had the originals tags. Brand new for consignment prices! As you can see, some people were really stocking up!


The ladies from Baltimore Mommies - - a great social network (online and in person) for Baltimore area moms. Couldn't have been friendlier! Looking forward to getting to know these ladies better.


My favorite find of the night? Fiorito Designs. Angie Riemer and Jean Fiorito are a mother-daughter team that creates fabulous purses, diaper bags, pillow dresses. onesies and headbands. All of their designs are named after family members (and they create the bad design to fit the family members' personality!). I loved their smaller purse designs and tote-like diaper bag that comes complete with a 'mommy bag' to slip inside. I am forever losing my lipgloss in the bag I tote around! You'll find Fiorito Designs online, at regional events and maybe at your next girls' night out. Jean mentioned that she and Angie do lots of purse parties where attendees can pick out their own fabric and bag design. Apparently purse parties are pretty popular for bridal showers - - but haven't made their way into the baby shower scene yet. Note to party planners: I think a design-your-own-purse-slash-diaper-bag would be a fantastic baby shower idea! Their motto? Design a bag that fits your purseonality!

A great time! Let us know how you TotSwap experience goes by leaving a comment!

Tweet

Top Ten Tips for Newbies Navigating the TotSwap

Last Thursday, we shared how you could make some quick cash by consigning your child's no-longer needed clothes, accessories, toys and other items at the TotSwap Sale in Timonium this weekend. This week we're talking shopping strategy.

Here are our Top Ten Strategies for Navigating the TotSwap!

1. Shop Early. Shop Often. Robyn Rutland from TotSwap is estimating more than 50,000 items up for grabs at this weekend's sale. That's a LOT of stuff to sift through! The most popular items (Little Tikes play gear, Ralph Lauren and Lilly Pulitzer clothing, etc.) tend to go fast and furiously at the beginning of the sale. But you'll find prized treasures at the bottom of the heap as the sale items thin out, too.
2. The late bird just might get the worm... Most consignors have elected to drop their prices by 50% on Sunday. Bundle of books that started at a $1 may just get marked down to 50 cents. While the hot items might not survive that long, real bargains are guaranteed for those who shop on Sunday.
3. New Moms have their own special sale! New mom? TotSwap offers a special pre-sale shopping opportunity on Thursday night for new moms. There are a limited number of $5 passes available, but pre-sale access means first shot at in-demand items for those lucky gals that score one. "New Mom" applies to anyone expecting or whose first child is under two years of age.
4. Hire/Find/Finagle a Sitter. By no means are you discouraged from bringing your child or children to the sale. But let's be honest. You'll be able to look more thoroughly and find the things you need if you aren't worried about keeping tabs on your tot. Strollers have to be checked at the entrance. If you're like me, one hand would literally have to stay on your child the whole time in order to keep them from reorganizing EVERYTHING. So save your sanity and give the kids to your mother, mother-in-law, husband, cousin, or sister's first boyfriend's second cousin-in-law for a few hours. You'll probably come home with the things you need... and avoid any oh-so-fabulous toy meltdowns. Remember - -there will be A LOT of toys there!
5. Ditch the big bag. Yes, I'm talking about the giant, behemoth purse or diaper bag you carry so that you always have apple juice, bubbles, your credit cards, a bottle of water, 16 diapers, 3 changes of clothes, crunchies and craisins available at the screech of a toddler. The only things you need are your car keys and your wallet. The TotSwap will provide you with a large, blue Ikea bag to tote your goodies around the sale - - and all other big bags will need to be checked upon arrival.
6. Be in 'bargain shopping' frame of mind. Remember that this is a consignment sale. It may the creme de la creme of consignment sales, but it's certainly not going to be set-up like an upscale boutique offering the same item in multiple colors and sizes. You'll be doing some digging (scavenging perhaps?). It'll be more fun - - and you're more likely stay longer and find the best deals - -if you keep that bargain hunter mentality!
7. Be social. Don't put up your blinders and anti-social shield. There are lots of volunteers who can help you navigate the piles of clothes, toys, and gear. TotSwap has a crew of 'regulars' who hit every sale as well. Ask questions. It's a friendly crowd!
8. Patience IS a virtue. Robyn and her team have done a fabulous job of streamlining the checkout process with automation and placement strategy. But while the check out lines move pretty quickly, you will need to wait a bit. The great news? The check out line winds through all of the TotSwap vendors. So chat it up as you wait! Baltimore Mommies and Macaroni Kid will both have vendor tables at the sale. We also hear there will be some adorable headbands and clips... First day of school accessory, maybe?
9. Hydrate - - but before you enter the sale doors. Scouring for bargains takes energy - - so you definitely want to make your at peak performance levels! (Almonds? Peanut Butter and Toast? H20?) But have a snack and hydrate before you come. Drinks and food aren't permitted on the sale floor in order to keep the merchandise in top shape (who wants an iced-tea stained sweater or game?). If you show up with your BPA-free gallon-sized water bottle, you'll be asked to check it or stash it in your car.
10. Volunteer. Volunteers get sustenance (goodies and drinks) provided by TotSwap, get insider knowledge of available items, AND get to shop the pre-sale on Thursday. Oh -- and they get to meet fabulous Maryland-area parents, too.

So print out this list, hire a sitter, grab your cash or credit card (remember, no checks), and hit up this weekend's TotSwap Sale at the Timonium Fairgrounds. The sale is open to the public on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, and on Sunday from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

And be sure to comment and let us know YOUR best tips for TotSwap navigation!

(cool) tip: Become a fan of the TotSwap on Facebook! Lots of great tips and a fabulous newsletter.

Tweet

Creative Entrepreneurship for Busy Parents: Consign at the TotSwap!

There's no doubt that the modern mom (or dad) has to be creative and entrepreneurial. Even those not in business for themselves are constantly looking for ways to maximize on their investments - - and save a little cash.

Baltimore native Robyn Rutland, founder of the regional TotSwap, is the definition of creative entrepreneur. Not only did she create TotSwap to fill a service void in the Maryland area and give her career/family flexibility, she's helping moms and dads throughout the region sell their children's no longer needed items and acquire new ones. Cost effectively.

What is TotSwap? It's the crème de la crème of consigning markets. (Think upscale tag sale with automation. No haggling. No adding totals on a calculator. No handwritten receipts.) If your living room is starting to feel like an overstuffed storage locker for toys, you may want to consider unloading some of those no longer used items at the sale. If you're in need a spare stroller to stash at your in-laws, it's a great opportunity to get a quality stroller on the cheap! No need to scramble for cash - - they take all credit cards. (Sorry, no checks).

TotSwap is kicking off it's first-ever SUMMER SALE next week, from Friday July 30th through Sunday, August 1st at the Timonium Fair Grounds. Wanna hit the coveted pre-sale on Thursday, July 29th? You'll need to consign, become a sale volunteer, or register for their new mom sale.

I've never consigned before, but Robyn has me convinced to try it once we're ready to unload some of our baby items. It seems pretty painless through her company. All I need to do is create an account on TotSwap, pay a $10 fee, enter and price my 'sale' items through their online inventory system, print pre-generated barcoded tags for my items, tag the items and drop them off for the sale. TotSwap handles the rest. After the sale, they cut me a check for 65% of the income my items bring. That's 15% above most consignment stores. AND - - I won't have to sweat it out in a stoop sale and pray a mom-to-be passes by and falls in love with one of my three exersaucers. (Yeah, three. One for my house, one for my office and one for my parents' house... and yes, the Bug grew out of them at 11 months...)

Want to maximize your TotSwap consigning experience? Volunteer. One shift you gets you an early shopping pass; two shifts gets you 70% of your items' income and you are invited to shop first; three shifts gets you an early shopping pass, 70% AND your registration fee refunded. According to Robyn, volunteering is fun and painless. You'll have a chance to network with other local parents (mostly moms), munch on some snacks, and assist parents hoping to outfit their kids for next season or pick up that toy their two year old has been coveting.

All quality children's items - - tots to teens and everyone in between - - are accepted! The largest consignment check Robyn has cut a consignor from a single sale was $1500. Not too shabby.

Toys are the expected hot ticket item. Especially Little Tikes' products like Cozy Coupe and backyard play items. Books (sometimes bundled - - $1 for the bundle!) are always a great item, as are puzzles. High end clothes like Lily Pulitzer and Ralph Lauren go quickly. New baby items like high chairs, strollers, and pack 'n plays are sure crowd-pleasers, too. A good quality exersaucer can go for as much as $40. Please don't consider consigning your drop-side crib; TotSwap is no longer accepting them due to the massive recalls.

TotSwap has created a handy pricing guide if you're not quite sure what to charge. After all, you want to be sure your items are priced to sell!

If your items don't sell, you have two options: pick them up or have TotSwap acquire them. All items NOT picked up during the designated pick-up time become property of TotSwap and may be donated. If you pick them up, you always have the option of trying to sell them again at another sale.

It's not too late to consign at next week's sale! You have until 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 29th to create you online inventory, tag your items and drop them off. Be sure to check the website for drop-off times and allow at least thirty minutes - - TotSwap staff screen for quality. (So leave the well-worn pants with thinning knees at home...)

If pulling things together for next weekend seems improbable or overwhelming, keep their fall sales in mind. They're hosting sales in Gaithersburg, Frederick County, Columbia and Timonium.

Not interested in consigning but want to know more about the sale? Check out our Ten Tips for Newbies Navigating the TotSwap next week!

Images courtesy of TotSwap.