Maternity to teens and in-betweens... all at great prices that must be seen!

Consignors

Reasons to Become a Consignor
Acceptable Item List
Unacceptable Item List
Resources
Preparation of Items
Cleaning Tips
General Stains
White Fabrics
Shoes and Toys
Pricing
Tagging
Tips for Using My Consignment Manager
Entering Inventory

Hanging/Bagging Items and Attaching
Tags
Clothing
Loose Items
Toys, Furniture, Equipment
Shoes
Books, Videos/DVDs, CDs
Important
Drop Off Information
Pick Up Information
Automatic Donation

Reasons to Become a Consignor

REASON #1: You set the price! You determine exactly how much your items sell for and decide if you want your items to be discounted for the half-price sale.

REASON #2: As a consignor, you will receive 60% of all sold merchandise. If you volunteer to work a 4 hour shift (or Barter your time), you will receive an additional 10%. If you volunteer to work 8 or more hours, you will receive the maximum of 75% on your merchandise sold.

REASON #3: Your earnings are sent to you two weeks after the sale!

REASON #4: Your items will be viewed by hundreds of people during the selling period! We bring the larger, targeted shopper audience to you!

REASON #5: We do the advertising for you! We advertise in local papers and stores, and get the word out to places where moms and dads commonly go.

REASON #6: You bring your items for drop-off, put the inspected/accepted items in the appropriate area and the rest is done for you! (See Drop Off/Pick Up for more details)

REASON #7: You get a pass to view and purchase items first, before the public, where you can find the best deals available!

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Detailed List of Acceptable and Unacceptable Items

Acceptable Items

  • Season-appropriate children’s and junior’s clothes
  • MATERNITY – any season
  • Baby equipment that is cleaned and checked for safety recall
  • Children’s furniture and layette item
  • Bedding – infant and juvenile
  • Seasonal Shoes, Clothing
  • Sports/Video Equipment
  • Toys, books, games, DVDs
  • Uniforms (Boy Scout, Girl Scout and School) and Costumes (Dance, Gymnastics and Karate)
  • Strollers with no car seats

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Unacceptable Items

  • NON-FAMILY CONTENT ON IT (i.e. graphic images, inappropriate wording or subject matter)
  • CLOTHES WITH STAINED, FADED, WORN OUT, OUT OF STYLE, DIRTY, WITH HOLES, RIPS OR TEARS, MISSING BUTTONS, BROKEN ZIPPERS, OR MISSING PARTS.
  • Used pacifiers or nipples, nursing bras
  • Underwear unless brand new
  • Stuffed Animals (unless they are battery operated like Tickle Me Elmo)
  • Car Seats, Booster Seats, Strollers with Car Seats
  • Bags of loose toys unless theme oriented (i.e. bags of all army toys, all McDonald’s toys, all Barbie toys, etc.)
  • Toys with missing parts
  • Drop-side cribs (due to massive recalls)
  • Bicycle or Sports helmets
  • Toilet training gear (i.e. potty seats) new or used

CHECK OUT THE MOST RECENT TOY RECALLS TO ENSURE YOUR ITEMS ARE NOT ON THE LIST.  WE WILL NOT ACCEPT RECALLED ITEMS!

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Resources

In order to view some of these resources, you will need to have Adobe Acrobat on your computer.

Consignor Agreement
Consignor Corner
My Consignment Manager User Guide

Pricing List (detailed)

Printable Flyers for helpful advertising of the sale:

Sale Flyer with TearOffs
Sale Flyer without TearOffs
Postcard Size Sale Ads
Half Page Flyer

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Preparation of Items

Clothes that are clean, smell fresh, and pressed, with buttons and zippers closed, look newer and generally sell better.

Having buttons and/or zippers closed will help keep the item securely hung and avoid falling off if other hangers get caught in them.

IRON your clothing. You will be surprised how much newer it will look. We will not accept clothing that is not presentable. No one will want to buy it!

Sets tend to sell better than separate individual items, so match things up and package or hang them together if possible.

Shoes must be clean and in excellent condition.

Toys which require batteries must include them. Make sure these items have been tested for proper functioning.

Baby furniture, equipment, and toys should be clean, have all parts, and any small pieces in a Ziploc bag securely attached to the main part with packaging tape or ribbon.

Clear packaging tape is great for securing the bags so small hands can’t reach in. Tape your tag to the outside of the bag, preferably with packaging tape which is stronger than the plastic bag and keeps your tag from becoming loose. Please don’t use scotch or masking tape; it is not strong enough to keep your tags on the bag. Also please make sure you DO NOT cover the barcode with tape. You can tape anywhere else on the tag but not on the barcode.

Anything requiring assembly must be assembled by the consignor at drop off.

With the exception of onesies and other small items that are normally packaged in stores, it is better to hang clothing so that shoppers can see what they are getting. It is too hard to get a sense of what the clothing item looks like if it is in a bag.

Large plastic zip top bags are useful for larger toys with loose parts. This keeps those parts from getting lost.

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Cleaning Tips

We are always trying to make sure that as a shopper, you do not have to sift through items that are not in good condition. Please help us maintain our high standards by checking through your items before bringing them in.

*The following are suggestions only; test fabrics before using them and use them at your own risk

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General Stains

Biz Soak stained clothes in Biz and water, and then wash as directed per each item. Use bleach on a toothbrush for removing stains on white fabrics.
Goop Apply liberally to the item (no need for water), wait some time, and then put in regular wash cycle. According to some other sites, Goop has been found to remove stains from clothes that were previously washed and dried.
Mother’s Miracle A cleaning solution for removing spit-up, urine, blood, etc.
Hot Water Great for food coloring stains, such as Kool-aid and gelatin stains. Soak or repeat if necessary.
Oxy Clean Power Mix some powder and water to make a paste.  Rub the paste on the stain and wash.  Follow the directions on the package as some fabrics should not be cleaned with Oxy Clean (i.e. dry clean only).  Stain removers with enzymes, like Oxy Clean, are highly effective on stains.

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White Fabrics

Bleach/Bleach Pen Can also scrub the bleach into the fabric with a toothbrush.
Tilex or other similar cleaners with bleach Removes mildew stains on white fabrics. These products contain bleach, so they may not be appropriate for use on colored fabrics. Spray on and let sit. Rinse any blue spots that form.

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Shoes and Toys

Spray Preparation Solution (found at shoe stores) Use on white oxford-type shoes for scuffs and marks. For scratches that have taken off the original color, use shoe spray. Follow instructions for both products. Don’t forget to soak clean the laces too.
Oops Useful for getting all kinds of stickers, stains, and marks (scratches, scuffs, crayon, pen, pencil) off plastic toys. Make sure to test a small area before cleaning on any toy that is made of thinner plastic. Use steel wool with the product on tougher stains. The product will also take crayon off chalk boards without damaging the finish. Make sure to wear rubber gloves when working with this product.
Magic Eraser This works wonders at getting off crayon, pencil, dirty handprints, and other tough-to-remove stains.
Replacement Decals / Cotton Swabs and Alcohol For Power Wheels. You can find replacement decals at local repair stores. Clean fuses and switches with a cotton swab and alcohol.

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Pricing

The following are some guidelines for pricing:

  • Consignment items are typically priced at approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of their original retail price. If your item is a higher-end item, with name brand such as GAP®, OshKosh®, or Gymboree®, you may want to set the price on the higher end. Clothing from discount stores, such as Target®, should be priced on more toward the lower end. Try to look at the item from a buyer’s perspective and determine what you would pay for the item if you were purchasing it.
  • Certain consignment items, such as larger indoor/outdoor toys (kitchens and playhouses) with brand names like Little Tikes and Step 2, can be priced higher than apparel, around 1/3-1/2 of original retail price. These types of toys are more durable and in greater demand. The price should also be based on condition, with higher prices given to items that have only been played with indoors and are gently used.
  • Package similar items together for quicker sale. It’s more attractive for a buyer to purchase a bag of similar items (socks, blankets, toys) or a matching outfit than a single toy or pair of pants. Plus, you can make more on these combined items!
  • Prices must be in whole dollar or 50 cent increments. Use our detailed pricing charts for a better idea of how to price your items. Prices must be a minimum of $1.
  • There are often many of the same type of item for sale, so if your item is priced too high, it won’t sell. This is especially the case for baby apparel (sizes 0 through 2T). Also, if you have items that you know you won’t want to take home, then you may want to price them lower.

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Tagging

Get Your Supplies Ready

We prefer the use of tagging guns. However, if you do not have one, the following are some of the things you will need to tag your items:

  • Safety pins (silver, one-inch size)
  • Plastic zip-top bags to hold onesies, parts, or other accessories
  • Clear tape to keep items together or to keep bags closed
  • Ribbon/string or zip-tie to tie items together like shoes and books
  • Hangers appropriate for the item. Adult-sized hangers should be used for juniors and maternity items only. Children’s hangers must be used for all other sizes. Hangers can be purchased at discount stores, like Wal-Mart, or may possibly be available at stores which do not keep their hangers, such as OshKosh and Kohl’s. You can also contact us to get hangers while supplies last.
  • Hole punch (use on tag to attach tag to the item with string)

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Tips for Using My Consignment Manager

Organize your items first by type and size. For example, put all of your toys together, separate of your clothing. Then, organize your clothing by gender and size. Inspect all of your items for stains, broken or missing pieces and any other factor that would make it unacceptable. After you have done all of this, you are then ready to enter your inventory.

If you have never used My Consignment Manager, please register first. If you are a returning user, you can sign in using your existing username and password. You will need to choose the B.B.’s Closet Sale for the most current season and year.

Your consignor number is the first letter of your last name followed by the last four digits of your phone number (i.e. B1234).

Please also refer to the My Consignment Manager manual that we have provided in case you have any questions. You can also contact their help line at support@myconsignmentmanager.com.

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Entering Inventory

Several criteria will be entered for each item:

Consignor number: First letter of your last name followed by the last four digits of your phone number. This is automatically filled in when entering each item.

Size: For clothing and other sized accessories, please use numerical sizes (i.e. 12 - 18 months, 6).  Letter sizes (i.e. S, M, L, XL) can be used for maternity items.

Category: Several categories are available to choose from in the drop-down list. Be consistent!

Description: Tell the story behind your item and why someone should buy it. Is the brand highly regarded? Has the item never been worn or used? Is it perfect for a special occasion? How is it a good deal for the customer? Make sure to mention any or all of these things if they apply.

Donate:  “Yes” means that you would like the item to be donated at the end of the sale. Indicate “yes” for any item that you want to donate and will not be picking up at the end of the sale. Please note that any items not picked up by the end of the scheduled pick-up time will be donated.

Price: Provide a price for your items in $0.50 increments, with a minimum of $0.50 Need some ideas on how to price your items? Check out our pricing section, including our pricing guide.

Discount: “Yes” means that the item should be sold at 50% off the price indicated on the tag during the half price sale.

Printing Tags
Once you have completed entering your inventory, you are ready to print your tags. Please use the print code sent to you in your registration confirmation email.

Tags should be printed on white or light-colored cardstock (60# paper). If you make a mistake on a tag, please do not make corrections on it.  Print a corrected tag.

Items marked for donation will display a “D” on the printed tag. Items marked as half-price for the half-price sale will display as a red dot on the printed tag.

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Hanging/Bagging Items and Attaching Tags

DO NOT PLACE MULTIPLE TAGS on items.  Items with multiple tags will not be accepted.

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CLOTHING:

All clothes must be on hangers with the hook of the hanger facing left like a question mark when looking at the front of the garment. The tag should be securely fastened with a tagging gun or safety-pins. If at all possible, please attach your tag to the inside garment tag of the item. If the item is tagless, please tag through a seam on the front left neck/shoulder of the garment (refer to picture below). For pants, please try to use pinch hangers if possible, as they tend to keep the item more secure and flatter for viewing. For sets (must be same size top & bottom), it is best to use a shirt and pants hanger and zip-tie or rubber band them together to avoid unnecessary pin holes in the garments. If you must use one hanger, please safety-pin the items together at the shoulder seams/waistband pinning around the hanger. This minimizes the chance of the garment slipping off the hanger. On larger clothing items, such as maternity or dresses, please secure them with safety pins as they have a tendency to fall off the hanger. Your items won’t sell if they’re on the floor!


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LOOSE ITEMS (bibs, toys, socks, etc.):

Place in clear Ziploc type bags with the tag attached to the OUTSIDE of the bag using tape to secure it to the bag. Please be sure to not cover the barcode with the tape as it will not be readable by the scanner. We also suggest using clear packing tape for securing the bags closed.


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TOYS, FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT:

Items must be in working order and clean. Small parts should be bagged and taped to the main part very securely. Batteries must be included with all battery-operated items. Use clear packing tape for securing the bags closed. Tie the tag to the item using string by putting the string through the tag.  Please try to refrain from using tape if possible. If tape is necessary, be sure to not cover the barcode with the tape as it will not be readable by the scanner.


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SHOES:

Remove shoes from any boxes. Tie shoes together with string or ribbon, and then tie the string or ribbon through the tag. Only use plastic bags for infant shoes/booties.

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BOOKS, VIDEOS/DVDs, CDs:

Please do not bag sets; components of the set are often separated from the set and the tag, making the item unsellable. Tie sets together with string in a 4-square as seen below. Loop the string through the tag and tie it securely. For individual items, secure the tag to the item using tape, making sure not to cover the barcode. Consider putting the tag inside the cover of books to prevent them from being ripped off.


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Important

No matter how secure a tag may seem to be attached to an item, there is always the possibility of them becoming separated. Using masking or scotch tape, write your consignor number and item price on the tape and attach it to an inconspicuous spot on the item. This might be the bottom of a toy or the inside of a shirt. On bagged items, you can also write your consignor number directly on the bag. If there are any items that are found during the sale without tags, we can look for the consignor number that has been placed on the item and contact you if necessary.

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Drop Off Information

  • Items must be properly tagged. Untagged or items in poor-condition will be returned to you. Also, we will only be accepting fall/winter clothing at our Fall sale and spring/summer clothing at our Spring sale. The exception is maternity clothing, which does not have to be seasonal.
  • Clothing must be on hangers and sorted into boy/girl groupings by size before you can be checked in. You may want to use a rubber band or other securing device to keep like-sizes together. This helps to keep clothing organized as you transport it from home to the sale. If your items are not organized by gender and size, we will ask you to sort them accordingly before checking them in.
  • Items requiring assembly must be assembled by the consignor at drop-off.
  • Bring your signed Consignor Agreement, registration fee, complete inventory list and a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE), which will be used to send you your earnings.  There will be a $1.00 charge for envelopes and stamps if you do not provide your envelope at drop-off. If you do not have all but the SASE, you will not be able to check in your items at that time and you will have to reschedule a new check in time. NO EXCEPTIONS!
  • Pick up your Consignor/Volunteer shopping passes! You will be given your early half-price sale pass and a preview sale pass. If you have registered to volunteer, you will be given a Volunteer preview sale shopping pass! (Volunteers get to shop before those who consign.)
  • Stay while your items are checked in. Some items may not be accepted at check-in.  If you are present during check-in, we can help explain why they are not accepted. Please don’t feel bad if we happen to reject something. We look to set high standards for the items we sell, and want our shoppers to be confident that the items for sale are of high quality and condition.
  • Random inspection of bundled items. We will be performing random inspections on bundled items. This will ensure that there are no inappropriate items within the bundle. There can be NO books with writing/scribbles or torn pages. There can be NO inappropriate/distasteful subject matter printed on any item entered into our sale. It is unfair to our customers as well as your fellow consignors and will NOT be tolerated.
  • At least 5 different items will be scanned at your check in as a test. This ensures that your tags do not have to be manually entered when being purchased. Manual tag entering slows down check out and frustrates our customers. If your tags do not scan you may need to reprint and reattach your tags.
  • Move your accepted items to the appropriate racks and tables.
  • Please allow at least 30 minutes for drop-off. This time will be necessary to review your items and have them moved to the appropriate racks and tables

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Pick Up Information

  • Items will be sorted by consignor number at the time of pick-up.
  • Time Slots will be given for pick-up according to consignor number. You must call John or Lori if you are unable to pick-up your items at your allotted time slot.
  • Items not picked up by Sunday by 5:30pm sharp will be immediately donated.
  • You will receive your check within two weeks of the sale. They will not be available at pick-up.
  • All sales are final.
  • We are not responsible for lost, damaged or stolen goods. We are not responsible for unsold goods due to lost tags.

PICK-UP DETAILS
Seller #s Starting With A – C 3pm - 3:30pm
Seller #s Starting With D – H 3:30pm - 4pm
Seller #s Starting With I – N 4pm - 4:30pm
Seller #s Starting With O –Z 4:30pm - 5pm

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You may pick up your leftover items after the sale, Sunday. All leftover items not picked up by 5:30pm will be donated IMMEDIATELY to a variety of charitable organizations. B.B.’s Closet makes huge contributions at the end of the sale. Items left at 5:30pm on Sunday will AUTOMATICALLY get donated. The majority of our infant and maternity items go to local charities.

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