Used baby clothes is big business. Between the current financial climate and an ever-increasing number of parents looking for ways to re-use and recycle clothing, now is a great time to consign outgrown baby clothes, plus possibly find some great deals on some "new to you" gently used baby clothes.
So how does baby clothes consignment work? Overall, it's a pretty easy process. In fact, you may find the hardest part to be cleaning out your baby's closet and deciding what to get rid of. If you need a deadline to motivate you, call your local used baby clothes store first and make an appointment. It can take anywhere from two days to two weeks for them to get you in.
Make an Appointment
When you talk to the consignment shop, asked them what season they are accepting clothes for. Each consignment shop is different, and some will take any season, any time, while others don't have the space to store off-season items.
Sort the Clothes
Now, it's time to start sorting. Start with anything that is too small, and make two piles. One pile should have any piece of baby clothing that is ready to go, right now. Your second pile will be any items that will be good for consignment, but that might need a few repairs, such as a snap replaced or a seam fixed.
Once you're sorted and packed, you just need to wait for your appointment.
Cash or Credit?
When you get to the baby consignment store, they'll usually ask you if you'd rather take cash or store credit. At many used baby clothes stores, you'll find that you get more in store credit than you will in cash. Other used baby clothes stores won't give you a choice, you'll just get cash.
Be prepared to browse the store while a store clerk, or even the owner goes through your items. Depending on how many items you brought in, how busy the store is, and how many people they have working, this could take as few as five, and as many as thirty, minutes.
After the Appointment
You will inevitably take some of your baby clothes home with you, or you'll stop at the donation center on the way home. I have yet to see a used baby clothes store that will take everything you bring in. You can't be offended by this, simply because it happens to everyone. The fact of the matter is, the store has a lot of appointments and a lot of inventory; they have to selective and choose only what will complement their existing inventory.
Your used baby clothes can make you a little extra money if you choose to consign. It takes a little prep work on your part, but in the end, it can offset the cost of buying new-to-you baby clothes for your growing bundle of joy.
