IMPORTANT DEADLINES

TO RECEIVE YOUR BARCODE PACKET BY MAIL, ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY MIDNIGHT TONIGHT (WED)! Barcode orders submitted Thur & Fri need to be picked up at Basketball Academy Sat. after 9am or anytime during drop off hours.

THE ONLINE ORDERING SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN AT 10pm ON FRIDAY. Barcode orders or workshift requests need to be emailed to info@littletreasuressale.com or call 216.2223. If something comes up and you need to change your drop-off time - no need to call - come during regular drop-off hours and we'll work you in.

Here we go...

Little Tikes Toy Recall

Little Tikes Co. is recalling 1.6 million workshop sets and trucks due to a choking hazard.

Plastic nails (red or blue) sold with a variety of Little Tikes children's products are the culprit. The recall includes the Electronic Project Workshop, Little HandiWorker Workhorse, Home Improvements 2-Sided Workshop, Swirlin' Sawdust Workshop and Black Pickup Truck with Tools.

You should immediately remove the nails and contact the company for instructions on how to obtain free replacement parts.

The affected toys were sold at retailers nationwide and online, from March 1994 through June 2009, for between $25 and $100. The products were manufactured in the U.S. and China.

For more information, visit http://cpsc.gov.

15 bins of toys on the wall

Finally started tagging my own stuff yesterday for Little T Sale and enlisted the help of my soon-to-be middle-school-bound daughter. She's quite the whip cracker. We sorted 15 bins of toys, clothes, shoes and books and tagged 5 of them. 

I decided to work backwards this season. I started tagging the stuff I dread first -- the things that never seem to make it into the sale because I don't get around to it. Puzzles, books and toys. I think I'm going to need a U-haul to get it there.

Hmmm...let's see.  A little sweat + 8 solid hours with my daughter + 15 bins removed from my basement = cash in my pocket. Works for me. 

Happy tagging...we'll be back at again tonight! 

My favorite little things

I have a lot of favorite clothing purchases from Little Treasures, especially for my Mia. She's decked out in Little T finds from head to toe everyday. From handmade custom outfits to the cutest little $1 tee that says "Miso cute" and has little chopsticks on it... But probably my favorite find ever was a little lobster costume she wore on Halloween when she was 3. Oh and my oldest daughter found a yellow coach purse for $10!

Fact or Fiction

We hear all kinds of things about seasonal sales -- some are factual and some, well, not so much. Probably the biggest myth of all however, is the one Little Treasures is happy to de-bunk:

Fiction: "The big sale has more sellers, more competition and my things have less of a chance of selling."

Fact:  We wondered the same thing which is why we've watched this statistic closely. As our sale grows in number of sellers, on average, our sellers make more each time. Average per seller sales increase dramatically each season because average number of shoppers increases dramatically, too. To put it in perspective...in the past two years, Little Treasures' average pay per seller has doubled!

The bottom line is this: If you have nice things in great condition and they are priced very reasonably, they will sell. 

Little Treasures Kid's Sale registration is currently open for our fall/winter sale! Register today: www.littletreasuressale.com. 

 

Ready for the fall/winter sale?

Yep. It's that time again. I hate to even say it out loud, but summer will be gone before we know it. That's why Little Treasures Kid's Sale is already up and running - ready for registrations and barcode orders all summer long - so you can avoid some of the craziness that comes with the back-to-school season. 

If you've never experienced selling with Little Treasures, before you let your kid's things go for pennies at a yard sale, check out how to consign at our upcoming Fall/Winter sale. 

Join our group

We're on Facebook now:  Check out our group and connect with other Little T Moms!

Click here to join Little Treasures Kid's Sale group on Facebook.

See you at the sale!  Don't forget...we're at HOOPS March 5-8, 2009.

Wave 3 interveiw

Here's a link to the story WAVE 3 ran about the clarification of the product law with my comments:  See story

One thing I need to note is that he stated consignment is now "exempt from the law." That's not exactly the case. We are not exempt from the law - we can't sell products that are over the lead limits. We are exempt from testing all products.

Stay tuned for details in the next blog on how Little Treasures will comply with CPSIA and how you can help as you prepare your items.

Here it is! CPSIA interpretation changes

CPSC just announced clarification to the new law that would ban reselling kids items that had not been tested for lead:

"...sellers of used children's products, such as thrift stores and consignment stores, are not required to certify that those products meet the new lead limits, phthalates standard or new toy standards.

The new safety law does not require resellers to test children's products in inventory for compliance with the lead limit before they are sold. However, resellers cannot sell children's products that exceed the lead limit and therefore should avoid products that are likely to have lead content, unless they have testing or other information to indicate the products being sold have less then the new limit. Those reseller that do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties..."

We're good to go, people! We'll have testing available at our sale this season. Let's get these tainted toys out of circulation. 

Thanks for all your emails, calls and support! Thriftiness lives... 

Sites to voice your concern

Following sites are being circulated in an effort to have our collective voices heard about the how the product safety law will effect resale.  Can't hurt:

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from _the_cpsia

http://www.rallycongress.com/make-second-hand-kids-clothes-legal/1471/save-kid-s-clothing

Response from government expected today

My sources tell me that the US Consumer Product Safety Commission will release a statement today or tomorrow that addresses how the new law affects the resale industry.

Again, we are hopeful that the language will change to minimize the fallout.

I will post their statement as soon as it's made available. Keep checking the blog for details.

In the meantime, please familiarize yourself with product safety and the recall list:  www.cpsc.gov. You can even receive regular email feeds of the latest recalls.

Thank you for all your support!

CPSIA - What it means for thrifty parents

*Please note: Little Treasures Spring/Summer sale will proceed as scheduled. Please check our blog for regular updates on CPSIA and how it may effect items we can accept.

Have you heard about what's going on with the Consumer Product Safety Information Act (CPSIA) that goes into effect Feb. 10, 2009? We want to keep you informed and assure you that we are working with a network of other sales across the nation to get clarification from Congress on how this act may impact the resale industry.

CPSIA was signed in Aug. 2008 and it has great intentions to protect children (under 12) from exposure to lead and certain phthalates. In a nutshell, ALL children's products (including clothes) manufactured after 2/10/09 are required to have certification that lead does not exceed 660 ppm. But as written, it creates "unintended consequences" for the resale industry because it has been interpreted to apply to all children's products in commerce, regardless of manufacture date. Which means that reselling children's things that have not been tested for lead is illegal.

We want you to know that Little Treasures is 100% in favor of getting toxic children's products out of circulation. We are going to help with the effort. However, this piece of legislation's blanket approach will cause adverse effects to resale, the environment and families who need a way to make extra money during these tough times. 

We are reaching out to John Yarmuth in an effort to get clarification on the language of CPSIA and exactly what processes we need to put in place for our sale in the coming year.

Here are a few links that provide accurate information about the act and contact information for contacting congress if you choose to do so:

CPSIA

Smart Mama

Find your representative

Find your senator

Consumer Product Safety Commission

Please stay tuned for details. I will continue to post information as it becomes available. 

See you at the sale!

Spring 2009 updates

Happy New Year! Wanted to pass along some quick updates pertaining to our March sale:

• Spring/Summer Sale:  March 5-9, 2009
• Please note our new location:  HOOPS off I-64 & Blankenbaker Rd.  
• We decided against accepting up-front registration fees online. It will be automatically deducted from your net sales at the end.  
• Two options for registration: $15 standard (includes barcode packet + tags + shipping & handling) or $12 print-my-own tags (includes barcode packet + shipping & handling).
• All barcode packets will be mailed within 48 hours of submitting your barcode order through the website.
• If you want the $12 print-my-own option, please notify us by email (billjanseymour@bellsouth.net) immediately after submitting your barcodes.
• Barcode orders need to be limited to 500 labels.
• Try to submit all barcodes on the same day. Additional barcode orders placed after your packet is mailed will incur additional postage fees. We will have a barcoding station on drop-off days for any last minute barcode needs.
• Consignor kits are still available for $12. Email billjanseymour@bellsouth.net after you submit your barcodes if you would like a consignor kit. It includes zip ties, packing tape, 50 hangers, 100 safety pins, 10 ziploc bags and a Little T shopping bag.

Happy tagging!  See you in March.

Fall 08 Donation Receipts

I have donation receipts to mail to those of you who generously donated your leftover things to Project Women, Inc.  If you've requested your receipt by email, thank you...it will be in the mail in the next few days. If you haven't yet requested your receipt, please email info@littletreasuressale.com with "need receipt" in the subject line.  Please provide your name, consignor number and mailing address in the body of the email.

Thanks to all! Stay tuned for Spring 09 details...should have something to announce by mid-December.

Little Tees

We decided to roll out our own line of shirts! Little Tees are adorable for any age with a Christ-centered message based on 3 John 1:4:  "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."  We also have specialty Christmas Tees this season. 

We're selling them at Little Treasures Kid's Sale in limited quantities, and we are taking orders. Each design comes in sizes 2T - women's XL.  Our signature "Walking in truth" tee is $10.  Christmas "Halleluiah" tees cost $14 each. Shipping costs $2.

Pre-order yours today by emailing your contact info & size to info@littletreasuressale.com.

Great gifts this season!

In addition to the thousands of brand name items that over 400 consignors will bring this season, we are excited to have several new vendors with handmade and personalized gifts perfect for birthday parties, Christmas and baby showers. So plan ahead for all your gift needs this season and don't miss this exclusive opportunity for boutique-quality gifts without the boutique prices. Here's a preview:

Emmagination

Everyone likes to see their name on something and that's the goal at Emmagination. Offering monogrammed and personalized gifts for every occasion, from babies to weddings and everything in between. Just a sample of the product line includes diaper bags from $35, bibs and burp cloth sets from $16, diaper cover panties and baby boy boxer shorts from $10, pacifier clips from $7, pony tail holders from $5, baby quilts, bib clips, baby bottle wraps and children's tote bags! Everything can be personalized with a name or initials.

Sa-Rel Bows

If you've been to our consignment sale before, you probably know about the top quality bows from Sa-Rel. With all the latest colors for the season, back-to-school and fall, you can dress up pigtails of all ages! Don't forget the infant baby bands that are best sellers among new moms. This season's selection will be larger than ever before.

We 3 Girls Creations

Offering a wide variety of uniquely personalized stationery including note cards, notepads, invitations and more, We 3 Girls Creations makes the perfect gift for anyone. Distinctive designs are printed in brilliant color on high quality paper. Personalize it to add that special touch.

Carmen's Creations

New this season are personalized wall tiles great for any room. These adorable tiles have that wow factor and make thoughtful gifts for baby showers, Christmas and birthdays. Don't miss Carmen's Creations at our sale...also featured in several boutiques around town.

Back to school savings

Seen the news lately? Reports of back-to-school spending show that parents are tightening the budget quite a bit due to high gas prices and the shaky economy.

Little Treasures Sale is here to help with all your back-to-school needs at a fraction of retail! You don't have to wait for fall/winter clearance at the mall...you'll enjoy at least 75% off of brand names at our sale this month.

Did you know that it's possible to turn your seasonal clothing budget into zero?  In other words, sell x amount and buy x amount. Our consignors do it every season. How smart is that? Consignors can even check their sales online each night to keep the budget on track.

We've already hit an all-time record number of consignors this season and we expect to end up with well over 400.  We're expecting a record number of shoppers, too.

So, just like the back to school season, ready or not...here we come! 

Eco-Parenting

Environment. Economy. Let’s face it. We’re all feeling somewhat of a pinch these days. Some of us, more of a gouge. But in this new age of environmentalism and cost-consciousness, one group is emerging as the new trendsetter in making a positive impact on both fronts: the Eco-Parent.

What is an eco-parent, you ask? An eco-parent not only buys green, but also watches the amount of water run by the children, potty trains a little earlier and reduces waste by buying used and selling or giving away their kids’ things rather than tossing them in a dumpster.

Over the past seven years, Little Treasures Kid’s Sale has generated a massive following of very smart moms and dads who are reducing the waste produced by having children by recycling nearly everything. What began as just plain, good commonsense, has now become the widely-accepted way to shop for children and we are forging the concept across our region.

Parents especially are feeling the strain of the times right now and whether motivated to reduce your carbon footprint or the ‘kid budget’, participating in our sale is a great way to tackle both. Plastic toys don’t end up in the landfill and some are even able to reduce their kid’s clothing budget to zero. What’s most important, however, is that we’re teaching our children not to be wasteful and reversing the mindset that got us into this.

So, thank you for being a part of our sale for many reasons...especially this one. Here are more great tips for green parenting:

1. Carpool, walk, bike, or take public transportation whenever possible.

2. Potty train a little earlier to reduce diaper waste.

3. Green cleaning is cheap and effective with natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.

4. Don't be greenwashed. Manufacturers are trying to cash in on the green movement by making products appear green. Here's a helpful resource to know when to buy organic and when to save your money: http://thegreenparent.blogspot.com/2007/10/when-to-buy-organic.html

5. Adjust your thermostat just three degrees to save on your annual energy bill.

6. Turn off your (energy-efficient) lights when you leave the room. Did you know lighting accounts for 20% of your annual energy bill?

7. Stop throwing money out the window. Make sure they are insulated and weather-proofed.

8. Ditch disposable bottles. Fill up reusable bottles for free.

9. Buy in bulk, go in with friends if necessary.

10. Shorten the shower: You pay for the water in your shower three times...to buy it, to heat it, and to take it away. You'll help conserve water, too.

11. The biggest impact you can make? Tell your kids why your making these changes and teach them how to make a difference, too.

Top Seller Tips!

I'm pretty conflicted this time of year because while I'm excited about Little Treasures fall/winter sale, it makes me realize the summer is passing by much too quickly!  I sure hope you and your kids are having fun, because the next time I see you, they'll be back to school.

Anyway, with a little over 8 weeks to get ready for the big sale, we are amazed that nearly 200 of you have already signed up to consign with us!  And we've already dusted off the barcode printer and are filling orders.  

So, since we have plenty of time to get our things ready at this point, I thought I'd take the opportunity to send along some tips from some of our top sellers over the years:

• Price reasonably.  People know brands and what they cost new or on clearance.  $4 for a shirt from Wal-Mart or even Old Navy will not sell because they can get it new from the stores at that price (or even cheaper).
• Boys clothes (sizes 3T and up ) are IN DEMAND, so don't feel like you have to under price them to sell them.
• Shoes are hot sellers, too.  If they are in good shape and polished up a bit, they'll sell.
• Make your tags look neat and easy to read.  Use good descriptions.
• Pin shirts to the hangers so they're always right where they belong.  
• Group just-for-play clothes together for a better deal.
• Hang everything.  Except socks and onesies.
• Package toys in groups and sell like items together -- create a boy grab bag or a girl grab bag.
• Group books together based on topic, gender or age.  Sound, pop-up or lift-the-flap books can be priced individually.
• Tape everything closed, ziploc bags, games in boxes...tape it all!  Saran wrap puzzles.
• The more care and attention you pay to preparing your things, the more money you'll make.
• Don't give up on those stains!  Bleach pens can make white items good as new.  Be sure to share any of your own stain removal tips with us...email info@littletreasuressale.com.
• Have your own successful selling tips to share?  We want to hear those, too.  Shoot us an email.

Stay tuned!  It's my goal to blog more this season...happy tagging!

Shopping the seasonal consignment sale

When I shopped my first seasonal consignment sale in Tennessee, I couldn't believe I ever paid full price for anything.  After one scan of the room I saw everything I needed and more for my 2nd child, Cole.  We get wiser and wiser with each kid, don't we?  This is why I want to jump up and high five all the new moms and expectant moms who shop our sale for their first baby!  

So if you've never shopped Little Treasures seasonal kid's sale, you're in for a big surprise. Possibly lots of little surprises, too.  So for all those first-timers, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:

• Consider "tag-teaming" with another Mom. You shop a while, she watches the kids. Then switch. Navigating a stroller at the sale is difficult and so is keeping up with young children who will become distracted by the amount of toys.
• BYOB -- Bring Your Own Basket, as in laundry basket.  We'll also provide some.
• Leave large purses & diaper bags at home or in the car.
• Make use of the discard racks for unwanted items. This way a worker will put the clothes back on the appropriate rack.
• Expect a long line at check out on the first day, but it moves very quickly. And it's worth the wait. 
• Familiarize yourself with recalls if you intend to shop toys and equipment.
• Write down all the sizes you need to shop. Trace your kid's feet on paper for shoe shopping.
• Remember, most everything has already been washed and dried several times, so they may run a bit small.
• We accept cash, check, Visa or Mastercard.
• Sign the mailing list and keep your contact information current by contacting us through the website with any changes.
• We will have new items arriving on the Thursday of the sale.
• Do not miss our 1/2 price sale.  It blows my mind every season when I see some of the steals people get on Sunday!  We always have great stuff left...don't assume everything is "picked over."
• Prices are non-negotiable. 

Happy Shopping!