NEW IMPORTANT POLICY: Store credit can only be used on other resale items. I can no longer accept store credit on new Clothing, new See Kai Run or Monchi Shoes, new Diapees and Wipees or new Melissa and Doug toys. If there is a rare item that is new that can be purchased with store credit it will say such on the tag and usually be placed with other resale items. In order to maintain a store with a variety of new and resale items, I have to be able to keep new items in stock by having them purchased so that the money is there when a new order needs to be filled. In the beginning, the store policy allowed any item in the store to be purchased with store credit but we have a budget to work with. The exception was temporarily made, however after careful consideration and long conversations, it was decided that the resale items and new items would naturally have different expectations. In addition, it is fair that if you sell an item to a resale shop for store credit, you expect to purchase quality resale items in return.
- Usually, buying is made by appointment only. If you do not make an appointment, and I have the time I will look at what you have, although you may have to wait. There are no particular buying days, however Thursday-Saturday are usually best. Please call if you need to cancel/reschedule! I will give you the same consideration. Buying times are usually between 10:30 and 2:30, however other accommodations may be possible, just ask. Considerations are based on daily circumstances.
-As this is a new business and I get so many appointments and calls about selling items, we are still only offering store credit at this time. The current store credit offered is 40% of what I will price the item. This is usually about 1/3 of the original value, although it may be more or less depending on several factors. Eventually, once the business has been open longer, you will have the choice between store credit and 25% cash. This is competitive buying prices in the resale business. If the items do not come in freshly laundered and ready to be tagged, I will give 35% Store Credit, make an offer (depending on the item, brand, need, condition), or refuse the item at the time. I have been spending hours and hours each week washing and ironing because I wanted to buy some great stuff that was brought in even though it looked as if it had been wrinkled in a ball! But now that the store is filling up, I need to spend my time on more important things or offer less money to make up for the time, water, electric, etc. If its donated to the store or the donation bin, I don't care if it needs a clean up! Just thankful.
-Store credit does not have to be used right away or all at once, although it can. It does not expire. I am constantly buying items for our resale area so there is always new stuff in stock for you to look through. Our resale area is currently larger than the new items and I plan on it remaining that way or at least maintain an equal balance.
-What stuff do I buy? First, I do not buy large items such as strollers, high chairs, car seats, cribs, etc. If I have them in the store, they are either my own, a friends, or on consignment. So there usually is something or other out of my ordinary items. Therefore, it does not hurt to ask if I have a play mat or a bouncy chair. I love the roomy atmosphere of a boutique, while selling resale items. I despise crowding and unorganized stores/racks. So, for the most part, think smaller items. This may change at some point (I have been advised there is way more money in the larger items), but for now, I look at clothing, some shoes, diaper bags, slings/carriers, crib bedding, blankets, hats, nice accessories, some small toys, games, popular books, etc. I do have some items such as new photo albums, nursing pillows, shower gifts, boppy headrests, shopping cart covers, etc. I have just a small selection at this point to see if they sell. If they do, I will be buying more or bringing in more new items. I also maintain a wish list.
-Items should be freshly laundered, free of stains, and in great condition. Sometimes they are not and if take them anyway the price will be less because I have to take it home and see what I can do with it. If it is something I really want, I will do just that. Items can also be new- with or without original tags or packaging. I can usually tell and it will be priced accordingly. Also, I usually cannot look through more than a couple bins at a time. It can be very time consuming for us both and it is unlikely that I would need that many items at one time. You can always ask when making your appointment. Then you can come back with more items another time. Unlike most stores, I am still taking some newborn (up to 12M) clothing. I am very particular about what I buy, but even more so in the smaller sizes due to the fact that babies sometimes grow so fast that I have so many people coming in with just the smaller sizes. I sell up to size 14, Juniors, Nursing/Transition, and Maternity. And I do actually have some newborn styles- don't be afraid to take a look at the tiny stuff for your new baby. I promise to only have quality items- there are so many things that don't need to be purchased new. Babies need a lot and in this economy, buying resale items will save you a lot of money.
-Donations are also welcome and accepted, both for the store and for our donation bin. If you don't need or want store credit, I thankfully except all donations. Your kindness would be very appreciated. I will even pick up donations locally. Anything I cannot sell will be donated. If you bring items in that I don't buy, you may leave them for the donation bin. Or if I say it is something I would buy but don't currently need, feel free to hold on to it and call back at a later date. For our donation bin, I am working on setting up something with Becky's House and the YWCA. I have a large amount so far, so thank you to everyone who has graciously given their items to be passed on to someone in need. I also take donations for the playroom.
-This is a boutique, and therefore I am looking for name brands, clothing in high-demand, boutique or designer brands. I occasionally will buy a lower brand if it is in excellent condition, has great stitching, great style, very popular or I am very low in that size and it is a great basic addition to any wardrobe. I do my research, although time consuming and usually at home, through the Internet, catalogs, other stores and store owners, and of course talking to other moms. And having three kids of my own, I know what washes well and passes on well. What sort of brands? Think anything you would find in a small boutique or high-end department store. Original catalog brands. Internet stores and boutiques. Also popular stores like Gymboree, Gap, abercrombie, etc. Accessories would be things from Pottery Barn Kids or babystyle for example. Popular New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles brands, as well as most European brands are very good sellers. Shoes should be in like-new condition and well made. As my racks fill up, I do get more particular with the brands and styles. But I will take a look at whatever you bring- some things are irresistible!
-Seasonal items are preferable but due to the climate here, not always necessary. Therefore, I try and keep a little bit of everything on hand. We have all been in the position of one of our kids growing in the winter, but it is warm enough for shorts! Or in the summer here, sometimes you need a sweater at night. Also, you might be traveling to a different climate. I can also help you with layering ideas for items that can be worn year-round when you are purchasing something. And I can point out specific items or even shop for you by bringing you items while you relax or play with your little one. And since some basics do not go out of style (or are coming back in style) I will look at older clothing unlike many stores as long as they have been kept in great condition.
I am also looking into taking orders for baby shower gift baskets. I know a lot of businesses like to give useful gifts to their employees as they leave on maternity, but have no idea what is really useful. I'm looking into what they are buying and paying and then hopefully getting the word out that I can do a better job for a better price. I also would be interested in giving consultations (for a fee) for new moms on what items are really necessary, creating a registry, etc. These would be at least an hour or more and very detailed. I would love to get into doing those to things in addition to the store. I'll keep you updated if it becomes a reality. Of course, if you come into the store and just have basic questions about that kind of stuff, my advice and help would be of no charge! Or if you need to buy for a friend and you don't have children yet, you should ask what they might really want or need and I can show you what I have in stock. And if I don't have what you are looking for, I will refer you to where you can find a particular item.
Maternity and nursing items should also be of good quality. And please, no over the belly stuff anymore! Those of us who have had to wear our waistlines up to our bra-straps cursed the designer. And when the new mid-belly, no waist, and under the belly styles came out, we praised the designers!
I do also have some other frequently asked questions that I should try and post soon. For now, I think I have covered the basics on buying and selling. Hope it helps! I'll be back with some pictures of some of my new clothes. Also, I should be getting the Halloween costumes that I have so far out on a rack by the end of the day tomorrow (Tuesday). I am still buying costumes and holiday wear!
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