This post was sponsored by JBF Lancaster. All opinions expressed in my post are my own.
For years, I had heard about kids consignment sales but I was too afraid to step out of my nice little “yardsale and garage sale shopping” comfort zone and actually visit a consignment sale. Consignment sales sounded big and threatening to me. Like they were going to be so chaotic and full that it wouldn’t be worth my time. I know, silly right?
Three years ago, I finally visited my first consignment sale, and I am so glad I did!
Not only did I just visit a sale, but I went all out. I learned how to sell my own items, I volunteered to help at the consignment sale to earn more profit on my sales, I visited the consignor presale AND I attended one of the largest consignment sales in our region, the Just Between Friends Reading Consignment Sale. I may have been crazy—but I guess if you decide you are going to do something, you might as well go all the way in!
Considering this was my first consignment sale experience, I couldn’t have attended a better kids consignment sale to give me a positive impression of consignment sale shopping (and selling). The JBF sale was very well organized and coordinated. I could easily find all the items I was shopping for—and many more items too! The venue had plenty of space, so it was quite simple to maneuver the crowds. And there were hundreds of shoppers, so I sold almost all of the items I was hoping to sell. I truly had a very positive experience!
Needless to say, you can imagine how super-excited I was to learn that the same amazingly organized and coordinated Just Between Friends Consignment Sale was going to be happening right here in Lancaster, too! Woohoo!
Fast-forward three years later, and here we are at the 5th JBF Consignment Sale in Lancaster, PA! It has grown in size every year and is continuing to grow with each new season.
Here are 5 of the best deals I find
when I am consignment sale shopping!
1. Dress Clothes
Who loves to dress their kids in great looking clothing? I know I do! But I hate the price tag of new clothes, especially holiday dress clothes that will only be worn a few times. Consignment sales are a great place to find dress clothes for kids because they are almost always like-new—because they are only worn once or twice usually (especially Christmas outfits!)
2. Shoes
Kids go through shoes at lightning speed, right? It’s crazy! It took me way too long to learn that I need to spend a little extra money and buy great shoes in a good name brand so they last a lot longer. Buying name brand shoes at a consignment sale, saves me tons of money! I often find brand new Fila, Nike and Adidas sneakers for $15 or less!
3. Crafts and Art Supplies
This is an area you will want to spend some time searching through. Be careful to look at every item and be sure to reach to the back of the shelf. And what I love about consignment sales, is you’ll often find unique arts and crafts items. Last year I found a big bag of wooden ornaments for kids to paint. They were perfect to enter in the fair and then give as gifts to family or deliver to nursing home residents!
4. Sports Gear
Make a list of all the sports gear you’ll be needing to purchase in the next year. Think fall, winter and spring but also summer sports camps. Look for knee pads, shin guards, helmets, socks, balls and more. You never know what you might find.
5. Baby Gear
I know not everyone is in the baby stage, and the items are short-lived, but you can save A LOT of money buying new, or like-new, exersaucers, bumbo seats, swings, bouncy seats, basinets and even strollers.
My FAVORITE consignment sale shopping event is coming to Lancaster October 5-7, 2017! I am partnering with Just Between Friends Lancaster, PA to share their sale with you. In the next week, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, as I show you how to save 50-90% off retail on clothes, books and toys!
Mark Your Calendar
Here are the dates you want to mark on your calendar: The Just Between Friends Lancaster Spring 2017 sale runs from April 20-22, 2017. It is at the LANCO Fieldhouse (1901 Miller Road, East Petersburg PA 17520). Parking is plentiful and FREE!
The JBF Sale has FREE Admission every day. Be sure to print this coupon if you’ll be shopping early, and save $3 off $30 on the first day only, October 5!
WANT TO SHOP EARLY?
There is a pre-sale the day before the public sale for select groups. On October 4, consignors, team members (those that volunteer to help at the sale), and special guests are invited to shop early. Those special guests include first-time parents and grandparents, teachers, and anyone who wishes to purchase a Prime Time pass. Are you in one of those groups? Then you get to shop early! Just remember that you do need a pass to get in that day. Grab yours here.
LEARN MORE
The Just Between Friends Lancaster website has tons of information for shoppers, consignors, and those wishing to grab one of those coveted pre-sale passes.
Take a peek at the sale from last spring. The fall sale will also include seasonal stuff like Halloween costumes, winter coats, etc.
Be sure to follow JBF Lancaster on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram — they are always posting new pics of what is for sale!