10 Ways to Shop I’ve Outgrown It Sales Better

03/21/2013

This post is written by Stay in Your Jammies co-owner and Outgrown It Sale expert Deanne.  Enjoy!

It’s I’ve Outgrown It Sale season!

These sales are popping up everywhere. They are a great way for schools and community groups to fundraise and a great way for parents to get gently used baby/children’s items for a fraction of what you would pay new. I have been attending these sales since before my oldest was born and I am addicted. After attending many sales over the past 5 years and opening up an online consignment company with my sister-in-law, I have learned a few tricks that allow me to shop sales and consignment more efficiently and effectively!

Here are 10 tips:

1. Go early! Yes it sucks lining up outside and waiting. Stop to get a coffee and bring a friend to pass the time. It is worth it. Those big ticket items like strollers, bouncers, bedding sets, and other furniture go fast. (bonus tip: make friends with someone who has a truck to haul everything home for you!)
2. Leave and come back about an hour before the sale ends. I have come away with great deals at this time because people selling don’t want to take anything home. Some people even set up boxes labelled FREE during the last hour.
3. Bring reusable shopping bags from home. Some vendors will have bags but they are light weight and may break causing you to waste precious time running to your car to drop things off.
4. Don’t bring a stroller. These sales are often crowded especially right at opening. If you have an infant or Toddler with you bring a carrier or wrap. This also allows you to look through the bins of clothes with two hands.
5. These sales are a great way to get cheap toys and books but try to buy these items when you are leaving because they get heavy fast! (or bring your husband/mom/dad/friend with you to sit by your stash while you shop for more)
6. The sales are all in cash so bring small bills and lots of change. This allows you to pay exact amounts easier but also helps when bargaining.
7. Know what size your child is (including shoe size!). This will help you buy clothes that will work next fall/winter as well as clothes for right away. I have bought all my sons winter jackets at sales and have never had to pay more than $10 for name brand jackets.
8. Sales that are larger will have more of a variety as well as more Small Businesses participating. A new one to look forward to in St. Albert this year is the Kinderland Market at Servus Place on April 13.
9. If you have a girl look in the boys bins and vice versa. Yes most of the clothes are very gender specific but you can find great basics for cheap and they are very gender neutral.
10. Stock up on play clothes at these sales. No one wants their kids ruining a $40 jacket from Gymboree. Buy an extra jacket, pair of shoes, sweats, and shirts that you won’t mind getting destroyed on those messy days.

I am always looking for better ways to shop I’ve Outgrown It Sales.  What are your tips?

Deanne co-owns Stay In Your Jammies Consignment an online consignment store that allows busy Moms (and Dads!) to stay in their pyjamas while shopping for quality used children’s clothing. Our goal is to allow you to easily shop whether it is 3am and you are up with the kids or 3pm and you don’t want to drag a screaming toddler to the store. We will even deliver your order to your door truly allowing you to Stay In Your Jammies!

Please visit our website www.stayinyourjammies.com to start shopping! Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter (@stayinyourjammi) us to get updates and exclusive deals!