Consignment Noob

[smellyia]

Im participating in my first consignment sale and need advice on how to price. Proceeds from this are paying for a pit stop at Disneyland for our California trip this summer

The sale recommends 30-50% of retail prices which seems high and doesn't give an item breakdown. A friend of mine has participated and done well. For example I have several maternity items ranging from target/old navy to pea in the pod. All my jeans, cargos, and cords are high end and I paid 30-50 each. They are in excellent condition and I was thinking $10 but again seems high. Shorts I've prices at $8 from high end stores. Tops $6 for higher end brands. Anything target or old navy I've placed in the $4 range and my pricing percent are more like 20-30%. I've also discounted 50% for unsold items.

Additionally my Chicco travel system with 2 bases and car seat retailed for $400 but I was thinking $125-150 as the bases alone are $85 a piece.

Some other prices:
Dollhouse bookcase: $40 (retail $105 in excellent condition without marks or discoloration)
Lamb Swing $40
Graco Glider $55 (retail $140 excellent condition)
Chicco pack play $50
Convertible cherry wood crib $100

Any help would be great

 

[Arkansan]

Does your sale offer the option to go half price for the last day or two of the sale? I participated in a sale that offered that as an option. (It was not mandatory to reduce your price.). Anyway, I would start a little higher for the name brand pants--maybe $15-20 each. If they don't sell, either go half price if your sale allows that or save them until the next sale. There will always be pregnant women who need clothes! Good luck! Those sales can be a lot of fun, but they are also lots of work.

 

[Arkansan]

Does your sale offer the option to go half price for the last day or two of the sale? I participated in a sale that offered that as an option. (It was not mandatory to reduce your price.). Anyway, I would start a little higher for the name brand pants--maybe $15-20 each. If they don't sell, either go half price if your sale allows that or save them until the next sale. There will always be pregnant women who need clothes! Good luck! Those sales can be a lot of fun, but they are also lots of work.

Sorry, I would price the name brand shirts at $10 each. The travel system price looks good to me. The pack and play seems a little high--maybe $40? The dollhouse bookshelf I wouldn't take less than $50, but may start at $60 if you can change your price mid-sale. These sales, to me, are above a garage sale and I view them as a chance to buy and sell higher end things at a discount, but not total bargain basement type price. If you really want things gone, price lower.

Also, does your sale give you a higher percentage if you work a little? If so, try to work the minimum hours in order to get more money.

 

[smellyia]

The sale is 70/30 split and I'm not sure if they give a higher percentage. I may up some of my prices on the maternity clothes. I feel like I can ask more than the kids' clothing. They do offer a 50% reduction which in opting for the majority of things except some of the higher end like the Graco glider which is new in last year and only used for 4 months.

My only concern was this area is suburb and median income here is average. I had option to do a sale in a high end area but my brands are mostly middle to high range so not sure I would sell as well there. My concern is that the customers here may be looking for huge bargains. I've put an email to my rep there to feel it out and maybe I need to reevaluate which sale I participate in.

 

[AZMermaid]

I've done two. My experience was the baby clothes hardly sell. Only bother with your best stuff. I did a big one and ALL my toys and equipment sold and like 20% of my clothes , which were 0-18 months. I did a smaller one with clothes sized 2-3 and I was much more selective as to the clothes as they were harder to prep. I sold about half the clothes and probably 75% of the toys and gear. This one didn't see as well advertised as the big one. I let everything go for 50% off figuring some money was better none. But I think you could sell the glider elsewhere easily, so I think that makes sense not to reduce it. I liked getting rid if everything in one shot instead of on Facebook yard sale sites taking forever. Good luck!

 

[smellyia]

I've done two. My experience was the baby clothes hardly sell. Only bother with your best stuff. I did a big one and ALL my toys and equipment sold and like 20% of my clothes , which were 0-18 months. I did a smaller one with clothes sized 2-3 and I was much more selective as to the clothes as they were harder to prep. I sold about half the clothes and probably 75% of the toys and gear. This one didn't see as well advertised as the big one. I let everything go for 50% off figuring some money was better none. But I think you could sell the glider elsewhere easily, so I think that makes sense not to reduce it. I liked getting rid if everything in one shot instead of on Facebook yard sale sites taking forever. Good luck!

Good point on the kids clothing. I have some items likes 2 pairs of Disney store frozen boots that were not worn and some nicer jackets that I'll put in. I think most baby clothes unless nicer I will just donate and take a write off. I have tons of Disney Store costumes from 2-5 and matching shoes/accessories and I wonder if I should price those higher as they are so pricey at Disney. Like the green velvet Merida long sleeve dress with shoes at $20? I think together I paid close to $60.

I've prices all maternity to sell. Motherhood shorts pants capris at $8, pea in the pod designer jeans $10, motherhood tops $6. Old nave and target stuff at $4. And made all 50% in case doesn't sell just to be rid of it. I have no desire to see those stretch bands again! I have so much gear I don't even know where to start. If it was pertinent to a baby no matter how ridiculous the idea it seems like I have at least 1!

 

[AZMermaid]

I think $20 for a good condition Disney dress is a decent price. I'd pay it! I try to think "If I was in need of xxx, how much would I pay for a used one?" The last (small) one I did, I was WAY underpriced. I price my stuff to sell. It seemed like a lot of people shopped the Gymboree sales and then put that stuff on the rack (with tags, so new) but then doubled what they had paid for it. None of that stuff was marked to go 50% off either. I gotta think that stuff didn't sell! The big one I did, seemed much more in line with my pricing.

 

[3boymthr]

For the baby clothes, if they are brand name, I'd find a regular consignment shop and take them there. Many will pay cash for the clothes if you are willing to take a little less up front. I've done very well that way. I made $125 on a 18 gallon rubbermaid tub of clothes last year.