Merchandise Prep

We know that preparing and tagging your items takes time! Here are some tips to inprove your item’s “sellability”, as well as some tips on how to effectively tag and display your items.

When selecting items to consign, BE PICKY! Look at everything as if you were going to purchase it. Items will be closely inspected at drop-off and anything with stains, holes, fading, or obvious wear will not be accepted. Please also check for current fashion (within the last five years).

CLOTHING

• All clothing must be hung on hangers with the hook pointing to the left (like a question mark) and the tag safety pinned (NO straight pins) to the right shoulder as you are facing it.
• When hanging an outfit that includes pants, hang the pants with the shirt so that they can easily be seen. Here’s how: Turn the shirt around so that you are facing the back of the shirt, then safety pin the top of the pants to the shoulders of the shirt. Try to grasp the lines of the hanger in the safety pin as well, so the pants do not weigh-down the shirt.
• DO NOT use Ziploc bags for clothing, onesies or pajamas! Shoppers don’t want to buy items they can’t fully see. All clothing items must be on hangers (unless new, in original store packaging).
• Have multiple items you want to sell together? There are two options: 1. Hang the first item on the hanger and pin the others to the shoulders of the one on the hanger. 2. Put each item on its own hanger and rubberband the hangers together. In either case, make sure to put the quantity in the description on the tag.
• If a shirt has a wide neck and doesn’t stay on a hanger securely, safety pin the shirt onto the hanger near the shoulders or neck to make sure it stays.
• Make your items look brand new. The more time you take to wash and iron your clothing, the better they will look to a buyer. Also, button all the buttons, zip all zippers, tie all bows, etc.
• Please do not use S, M, L on your tags except for maternity clothes.

Only spring and summer clothing will be accepted for the March sale. For more specific guidelines, click “what we accept” to the right.

STAIN REMOVAL TIPS

• Grease Stains: For dark spots on dark fabrics, which are usually grease stains, use Dawn Dishwashing Liquid. Rub into the stain and wash as normal. Almost always works great, even if the item has been dried in the dryer. Occasionally it will take treating twice.
• Yellow Stains: Mix about 1/2 cup dishwashing detergent (such as Cascade) with 1/2 cup of Clorox 2 (the pink liquid) in about 1-2 gallons of water. Soak the stained item in the mixture for several hours, and then wash as usual. Works for other types of stains as well.

SHOES

• Laces and shoes must be in excellent condition! All shoes will go through strict inspection and will not be accepted if they are dirty, scuffed, smelly or overly worn.
• Shoes must be tied in pairs by shoelaces or ribbon.
• Attach the tag with a large safety pin or punch a hole in the tag and tie it on with ribbon.
• Please do not put the tag on the shoebox. Shoes are easily separated from their box.
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works wonders on making shoes look new again!

LOOSE ITEMS

• Many small items such as belts, bottles, bibs, and hairbows, fit GREAT in Ziploc bags. We DO recommend using Ziploc bags for small items. Attach the tag to the outside of the bag with packing tape or a safety pin. Make sure not to cover the bar code with the tape.
• Tape the bags closed with packing tape to prevent little hands from reaching in.

TOYS

• All items must be clean, in working order and include working batteries if required.
• Small parts should be bagged and taped or cable tied to the main part of the toy very securely.  If parts get separated, the item will not sell.
• Several small items can be grouped together in Ziplock bags (books, rattles, grab bags or small toys). Please list all items on tag. Please DO NOT cover the bar code with tape.

Games and Puzzles should have all pieces and be tied or taped closed.

Books can be priced individually by taping the tag to the book (blue painter’s tape works best!). You can also combine several books in a Ziplock bag. Make sure to tape the bag shut and tape the tag to the outside of the bag. Also include the number of books in the description line.

Stuffed Animals will only be accepted if they are name brand (Build-a-Bear, Disney) or battery operated and do something (musical, animated, etc).

Movies and games must be age appropriate. We do not accept “R” rated movies or “M” rated games. Please check every DVD case to make sure that the movie/game is actually in the case.

Large toys and outdoor play equipment must be clean, free of dirt and water. Mr. Clean magic erasers work well on these items. Must include all pieces.

EQUIPMENT & FURNITURE

• Make sure your car seat or larger item has not been recalled by the manufacturer. This information can be found at the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall website.
• Car seats that are more than 5 years old can not be accepted (there is a sticker on the bottom with the manufactured date). Check the recall list or call the Dept of transportation 1-800-424-9393.
• Batteries must be included in all equipment that requires them (swings, bouncies, monitors, etc.).
• Cribs & toddler beds must meet safety requirements and must be assembled on the sales floor. Please allow yourself time during drop-off (and bring your husband if necessary) to assemble these items.
• Be careful of where you place the tape so it does not damage the item when removed.

MAKING YOUR TAGS

• Login to your Consignor Homepage (using your consignor # and password).
• Enter the information for your tags.  Write good descriptions!  If a tag is separated from an item the only way we can match it back up is by the description.  Good examples are: brand, color, 2-piece, etc. If your item is “NEW” or “Only worn twice”, put that on the tag. Those phrases catch shoppers’ eyes!
• Print your tags on white or very light-colored cardstock (regular paper tears too easily). Set your printer to draft to create clear bar codes.  6 tags will print per page.
• For added security, consider placing a piece of packing tape over the safety pin once the tag is pinned to the item.
• Track your sales online.  Your account will be updated each night.