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Ms. Cheap: Annual consignment sales are shopping paradise for savers




March is a top month for consignment sales in the Midstate for clothes, toys and other household items.

Why spend hundreds of dollars on children’s clothing, toys and equipment, when you can outfit your kiddos for a fraction of the retail cost?

Yes, it is time for the spring/summer round of popup children’s consignment sales where parents and grandparents can pick up gently used clothing, and essentials like baby furniture and equipment as well as luxury items, at huge discounts.

MARY HANCE

Twice a year, these seasonal sales take place for a few days at a time in school and church gymnasiums and other big spaces, selling thousands of pieces of clothing for infants through teens, plus cribs, strollers, highchairs, toys, puzzles, books, sporting equipment, and summer fun items at 60-90 percent off retail.

“Consignment is a win-win for everyone,” said Russie Carter, whose Encores sales have been taking place for more than 30 years with buyers and sellers benefitting. “Parents can sell and can make as much or even more than they will spend on their growing child’s ‘next season’ wardrobe.

“It’s  like recycling clothes,” she said, adding that buying and selling at these sales is “also a fabulous way to be good to the environment by re-using perfectly good merchandise instead of sending them to the landfill.

“At Encores we have items for every member of the family from baby to adult and even pets,” Carter said.

As a certified cheapster and cheap grandmother, I definitely recommend checking out these bargain-oriented sales before you pay full price for baby and children’s items. I know that over the years I have bought everything from snowsuits and sleds in the winter to swimsuits and pool items in the spring, to holiday wear and just plain old play clothes.

Here are dates and locations and contact information for a sampling of upcoming public spring/summer consignment sales in Middle Tennessee:

  • March 1-3: Floods of Duds consignment sale, at the Hendersonville First United Methodist Church, 217 East Main St. in Hendersonville. This sale, which has about 300 consignors, has been running for more than 20 years. Proceeds benefit the community and children’s ministries at this Methodist church. Details: Floodsofduds.com
  • March 3-4: Brentwood United Methodist Kidsale takes place at the church at 309 Franklin Rd. The sale, which expects about 300 consignors, raises money for the church’s missions, which include Room in the Inn and Harvest Hands.  Details: Bumckidsale.net
  • March 3-4:  Otter Creek Church’s spring/summer children’s consignment sale takes place in the gym at the church at 409 Franklin Rd. Proceeds support youth ministries and child-related charities. Details: www.ottercreeksale.com/
  • March 3-5:  Reruns Are Fun sale at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center at 4215 Long Lane in Franklin. This sale has been taking place since 1990, with all categories of children’s clothing toys and equipment being offered. The public sale is free, but there is a March 2 ticketed presale if you want to pay to shop early. Details: Rerunsarefunsale.com.
  • March 7-9: Hooked on Consignment Sale at 162 Imperial Blvd. in Hendersonville. This sale usually has 50,000 items and features sizes infant through girls and boys 18. Details: hookedonconsignment.com
  • March 23-24: Little Sprouts Sale, with more than 500 consignors and an estimated 75,000 items in Liberty Hall at the Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Rd. This sale has been taking place since 2008.   Details: www.littlesproutssale.com
  • March 31 – May 6: Not a children’s sale, the Ladies of Charity Fall/Winter Consignment Sale features consigned and donated men’s and women’s clothing and accessories. The six-week sale takes place at the Ladies of Charity shop at 2216 State St. and is open Mondays through Saturdays during the sale. Details: www.ladiesofcharitynashville.org/thrift-sale or call 615-327-3453.

Tips for savvy consignment shoppers

  • Check the sales’ websites to find out how to get an early shopping pass. Most of the sales offer this perk to volunteer workers, consignors, grandmothers, new moms, and first responders and some sell presale tickets for early shopping privileges.
  • Shop early the first day of the sale for best selection, or the last day for best prices since most of the sales offer a half price day at the end of the sale. Be aware that the first public day of most of these sales is pretty hectic and some of the sales discourage shoppers from bringing children with them.
  • Some of these sales can be overwhelming, so preparation can make it easier. Before you go, make a list of things to look for: think ahead for summer swim items, Easter holiday apparel and other items you might need in the spring and summer months.
  • Know that in most cases the consignors price their own items so if you see several duplicate items, the prices might be very different. Consignors typically get 70 percent of the proceeds, with the sale organizers getting the other 30 percent. (If you are considering consigning in the future, it is good to ask about the split because some sales have a 60/40 split.)
  • Bring a shopping bag or laundry basket or rolling cart (or even a wagon) to carry items you are considering buying as you continue to shop.
  • Bring cash. Most of the sales accept credit cards but some have an upcharge if you use credit cards.  Some of the sales do not accept checks. Cash always works.
  • Know sizes before you go. Some savvy shoppers even take their children’s measurements (inseams, pants length) along with a tape measure to the sales since sometimes sizes vary by brand.
  • It is good to know that most of the sales have a great selection and super low prices on books and games.
  • Inspect all items to be sure they are in good shape, (zippers work, no stains or other flaws) before you pay since all sales are final at most of these sales.
  • Become a volunteer to gain access to presales.
  • Go back on half-price days to see what kind of great deals are still available. You might be surprised!

Mary Hance, who has four decades of journalism experience in the Nashville area, writes a weekly Ms. Cheap column. She also appears on Thursdays on Talk of the Town on NewsChannel5. Reach her at mscheap@mainstreetmediatn.com and follow her on Facebook as Facebook.com/mscheap

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