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. 

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!

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! 

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!