Consignment shops: The key to making quick cash at a consignment store is to ask them how they pay. There are plenty of consignment shops, but not all pay right away, and not all pay in cash. Possible scenarios include the shop paying you in store credit, paying you when your items actually sell, or cutting you a check at the first of the month when their payroll runs. The best (for fast cash) are places that pay within one to two days of you giving them your stuff. Take in items that are in style and in good shape for the maximum payout.

Craigslist: I know folks who do make money on Craigslist, but you should follow some basic rules. Advertise details; i.e “10 pairs size 9 jeans – dark navy” vs. “JEANS”. Never meet a buyer in private – meet them in a public place and only accept cash.

Specialty shops: Record stores, CD exchange stores, video game shops, bookstores, and other specialty sellers will usually pay decent prices for items that are in good shape. Do not take a boxful of scratched vinyl in for example, they check this stuff.  Also if you trashed all your CD and hardcover book covers, you’re pretty much screwed. Resale shops get more money for covered items, and usually won’t accept uncovered books or discs.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Dear Valued Customer,

We received great news from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), clarifying the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act  that goes into effect on February 10, 2009.    From the statement -

“The new law requires that domestic manufacturers and importers certify that children’s products made after February 10 meet all the new safety standards and the lead ban. 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…  Those resellers that do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties.”

We always have been and will continue to be committed to buying & selling product that meets the standards supplied to us by the CPSC.  To continue to ensure the safety of your children, we will not buy or sell items noted in the statement -

“recalled children’s products, children’s products that will contain lead such as children’s jewelry, painted wooden or metal toys, flimsily made toys that are easily breakable into small parts and dolls and stuffed toys that have buttons, eyes, noses or other small parts that are not securely fastened and could present a choking hazard for young children. ”

We are thrilled that we will be continuing to provide you with an outlet to buy quality, safe, gently used children’s merchandise.   We are also committed to providing to you an opportunity to get cash for children’s items you no longer need, and the ability to trade for items you do need.

We are committed to buying & selling product that meets these standards, and as we always have, we will continue to closely monitor CPSC recalls and advisories.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Dear Valued Customer,

As you may have heard in the news or through online blogs, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (H.R. 4040) was signed into law in August 2008.  This act is referred to as the CPSIA.  To view the Act, click here. In summary, beginning February 10, 2009 all children’s products that are sold must not exceed a specified lead content.  What this potentially means is —- may not be able to buy and sell untested merchandise!

The law is very vague as to how OR if it applies to resale retailers like —-. We are working diligently with associations and legal council to ensure we can continue to provide a place for you to buy & sell gently used kids stuff. We know it is important for you to be able to recycle your gently used toys and clothing as well as to buy low-cost, high quality items that you can currently find at our store.

With Congress back in session this week, it provides us with an opportunity to communicate concerns about this law to the respective Senators and Representatives.  The timing is perfect for us to raise our voices!  If you want to alert your congressmen about your concerns click here, we have created a template that you may use if you so choose.  To find your respective elected officials, go to www.congress.org.  Under “My Elected Officials”, simply type in your zip code.

We will keep you posted as we learn more about the affect of CPSIA on our business. Thank you for your time,

I am looking at this 2 ways, I love buying and selling at my local resale shop, but I also want to know that they toys I buy are safe for my kids.  So I am happy that this will make sure my kids are safe.  I have been a little leary of buying ANYTHING these days and was happy to hear about the new law.  Life should be interesting soon.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

Post from: Thrifty Mommy