Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are questions often asked about our sale…selling, shopping, volunteering or becoming an advertising sponsor. If after reading our website and these FAQ’s, you find that you need more info, please feel free to contact us coastalkidsale@yahoo.com or call 410-603-3925.
Once you shop our sale or sell your kids items with us, you’ll never go back to yard sales, the mall or traditional consignment stores again! We know Mom’s are short on time and families are short on funds. We have it all under one roof –great selection and great prices.
General:
How does the sale work?
Parents clean out their attics and kids closets, sell their kids items with us and earn 55% of the sales price. Sellers decide their own price and whether or not to discount or donate the item. It’s easy…just gather all your kids items, register as a seller and tag items using our secure website. Bring tagged items to us at your chosen check in time and we do the rest for you. Sellers do not have to be present to sell. Unsold items can be picked up after the sale or keep them tagged and bring to our next sale! If you don’t want the unsold item back, we’ll donate for you but you’ll get the tax deduction. Expect to receive a check for your sold items about 2 weeks after sale closes.
When & Where is the sale?
Our 2010 Spring/Summer public sales are as follows:
Wicomico Youth & Civic Center (in the Midway Room) ~ Salisbury MD
Friday April 16th 9am - 7pm and Saurday April 17th 9am - 1pm
DE State Fairgrounds (Exhibit hall --bldg in front of the casino) ~ Harrington DE
Friday May 7th 9am - 7pm and Saturday May 8th 9am - 1pm
A private pre-sale will be held the Thursday before both events for volunteers, consignors, new moms and advertising sponsors. A pass is required to enter the private pre-sale events.
How often do you have the sales?
We are a semi-annual kid’s consignment sale event. Our Spring/Summer event normally occurs around April/May and our Fall/Winter occurs around September/October.
How do I volunteer so I can shop the pre-sale if I have nothing to sell?
Volunteers are rewarded by getting to shop the pre-sale before everyone else! Visit “Volunteer” page of our website and click on “register now.” Choose a time slot and task description that suits your schedule. Your name will be on the pre-sale shoppers list at the door.
What happens if I sign up to volunteer then have to cancel?
Please consider this commitment carefully and make sure you are available before you sign up. Because we rely heavily on our volunteers and their help in maintaining a high quality sales event, we hope you understand our need for such policies. All volunteers must be on time to insure proper & constant floor coverage for customers.
If you are unable to fulfill your commitment, please notify us immediately by calling 410-603-3925. It is your responsibility to find a replacement. If you are unable to find a replacement and are a no show, your consignor sales percentage will be lowered to 40%. In addition, you will not be permitted to sign up as a volunteer at future sale events or participate in future volunteer pre-sales. Deadline for cancellations is Friday BEFORE the sale 5pm. Any cancellations after that time will be subject to the policies stated above. Some extenuating circumstances will be considered.
Sellers:
How do I become a seller?
That’s easy, visit our “Seller” page on the website and click on “register here” to create your account. Be sure to setup your account under the name you want your check issued to and include a full mailing address. We have reduced the seller fee to just $8 and will be deducted from you check at the end of the sale (not due up front for this sale--subject to change for future sales).
Next, gather items to sell, prepare them for sale is indicated on our “Tagging” page of the website. Tag the items by logging onto your account and enter info required.
Finally, select a check-in time to bring in your items (appointment required).
Two weeks or less and you’ll get a check for items sold.
Why should I sell at this event?
With our event, you are in control of how your item sells. Plus you get more money because you, receive the higher percentage of sales price (between 55 – 65%)!
Yard sales are a lot of work for very little money and way too much haggling.
Consignment stores are great but when you shop the selection is hit & miss. Most consignment stores have limited space and aren't able to accept many items all at once. We have 10,000 sq ft and tons of space to accept your items. As a consignor with a traditional consignment store, you don’t get to choose the sales price of your item or whether or not to discount your item if it isn’t selling. Also, they normally receive the higher profit percentage …with us you receive the higher amount (55 – 65%).
Where do I sign up for check-in (appointment required)?
When you register as a seller, you will see “check in sign up” and all open time slots appear. You can also click on “Register/Volunteer with a consignment.” Pick a time that fits your schedule. Bring your items (tagged and ready to go on the sales floor) along with the inventory report to your appointment. **We strongly recommend registering for the check-in appointment at the time you register as a seller to insure you get the date/time that works for you. Early morning, lunch time and evening appointments fill up very quickly.
Where do I sign up to volunteer so I can increase my profits or where can I find out what’s involved in becoming a volunteer?
Visit our “volunteers” page of the website to learn more about what is involved. As a seller who volunteers for a 3 hour shift you will increase your consignor profits from 55% to 60% of items sold. Consignors who volunteer for two 3 hour shifts will increase their sales percentage to 65%. Send your husband to volunteer a shift and help setup or break down tables & racks (light lifting required)…we could use the extra muscle…and you get to shop the pre-sale!
And if my items don’t sell?
If by chance something doesn’t sell you have the option (when you tag the item) to either donate the item or pick it up at the end of the sale. See sale schedule on “Home” page for pickup requirements. You can also hold on to the tagged item and sell it at our next sale event. If you decide to donate, we’ll handle delivering the donation to charity for you but you get the tax deduction and can print out an inventory report of donated items from your seller account after the sale ends for tax purposes.
When do I pick up items that haven’t sold that I don’t want to donate?
All unsold items that won’t be donated must be picked up between 2 – 4pm on Saturday. Any items not picked up will become the property of Coastal Consignment, Inc. and will be donated. We do not have the facility after this time or the storage to hold items for you. No exceptions…sorry.
How can I tell if my items have sold?
No need to wait until the sale is over…at the end of each day of the sale, we will update seller accounts with what has sold. Log into your account and click on View Settlement Report to see what has sold and how much money you've made so far. Ahhh…the beauty of computers!
Do I have to be present to sell?
No. Once you check-in, we arrange items on sales floor and handle the sale. The success of our sale relies heavily on volunteers. If you have the time, please consider volunteering and in exchange we offer an increased profit percentage on your items sold!
What does the $8 consignor fee cover and do I pay that up front?
This year we are able to offer a lowered fee of just $8 which covers administrative costs such as consignment software, advertising and facility rental. This fee is deducted from seller's check at the end of the sale so no money is due up front.
When can I expect my check for items sold (less consignor $8 fee)?
Checks will be mailed within 2 weeks or less of the sale end date to the name and address on your account that you provided when registered as a seller.
What’s a good price for my items…how do I know?
Normally tag clothes around 30% of retail since they are in abundance. Toys (indoor & outdoor), furniture, baby gear, etc. are in high demand and normally sell for a higher percentage than clothing. Remember we have a $2 price minimum. Similar items can be combined to meet the $2 minimum. A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself…how much would I pay for this item? Research the internet and e-bay for retail costs too. Everyone is getting a good deal by selling and shopping with us! Click here for a list of pricing suggestions but remember...you are in control of how to price your items and this list is merely a suggestion.
Is there anything I can’t sell?
Yes, anything that is NOT kid related (ex: household items); stuffed animals and dolls, car seats (unless part of a stroller travel set). Winter clothing will not be accepted for the Spring/Summer sale. Please bring them to our next sale in the Fall.
Also, anything that has been recalled. Visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website to learn more. In accordance with the new federal CPSIA law, we are unable to accept children’s products with more than 300 ppm total lead such as children’s jewelry and painted wooden or metal toys; flimsily made toys that are easily breakable into small parts; toys that lack the required age warnings; and toys that have buttons, eyes, noses or other small parts that are not securely fastened and could present a choking hazard for young children. To learn more about this law click here. You are the reseller and responsible for verifying compliance with the law. We are here to help too.
“High quality, Brand name items”…what brand names can I sell?
Anything in great condition from our local department stores and locally owned boutiques will be accepted. Walmart and Target brand names accepted if they are in brand new condition and/or brand new with the tags. These items normally sell for an affordable price at full retail therefore we would like to leave them out of our sale.
Spring/Summer sale also accepts Easter outfits. And we always accept ballet, cheer, gymnastics, karate, scout and school and sport uniforms.
Is there a minimum or maximum to what I can sell?
We ask that each consignor bring 25 or more items that total at least $50 in sales. This will earn you a pass to shop our pre-sale. We do not have a maximum on the number of items to sell but ask that if you are going to sell more than 200 items please be aware that the check in process will take a little longer and allow 30 minutes or more.
What if the item I want to sell isn’t worth the minimum $2 selling price?
No problem, find similar items and group them together to get to the minimum $2 tag price. Visit our website, “How to tag” page for more details and help.
Do I get my hanger back when clothes sell?
No-clothes sell with the hanger. You can find inexpensive hangers at the dollar & discount stores. Some stores will give them away if you ask (Ex: Dry Cleaners, OshKosh, Carters etc). We suggest recycling those hangers you get when you buy new kids clothing to save money and the environment! Please use appropriate size hangers.
How do I tag my items…what are the requirements?
Gather all items you wish to sell and sort them by type and size to make the tagging and check in process go faster. Log onto your account, click on “enter items” to enter info, print your tags and attach to the items according to the suggested methods outlined on the tagging page of our website. Reminder—you will be timed out of your account after about 15 minutes of inactivity so it helps to have everything organized before you log on to tag. If an item disappears from the list at the bottom do not be alarmed or enter it again…just run an inventory report to see what’s listed then continue to enter items.
One tag per item. Tags will print 6 per page and must be printed on 60 – 67# cardstock paper to hold up at the sale. After printing, just cut the tags and attach to item.
Can I handwrite tags?
No, handwritten tags will not be accepted. We use a computerized tagging system which saves sellers tons of time and money! Our consignors love the computerized system.
Shoppers:
Is there an entry fee?
Free admission!
What if I buy something, get it home and find it damaged or it doesn’t fit my child?
All sales are final, no refunds, returns or exchanges. The only exception is electronics such as gaming systems as we are unable to test at check in. Electronic items must be returned with a receipt no later than 12pm on Saturday (last day of sale). Please carefully inspect all items before purchasing. If the item is the wrong size, you are welcome to sell it at our next sale.
Do I need to bring anything with me to shop?
We suggest a list of your kids’ sizes and needs, a tape measure for larger items, a cardboard cutout of your child’s foot for shoe sizes (what fun for them to make!). Full size strollers, bags (diaper, shopping etc) are not permitted and will be checked at the door...please do not bring them to the event. This year we will allow umbrella strollers with NO pockets or baskets. All bags and strollers will be checked at the exit. Remember to bring a friend!
May I bring my kids?
Absolutley! Please keep in mind that the sale will be very busy & crowded and for their safety, children must be accompanied by an adult and stay with them at all times. Due to space limitations and previous problems with shoplifting, full size strollers are not permitted to be brought into the sale, no exceptions. We only allow small umbrella strollers with NO baskets or pockets. All bags and umbrella strollers will be checked upon exit. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
Do you take credit cards or checks?
Cash and Visa/MC only. No personal or business checks accepted. No exceptions regardless of sale amount.
What is the “Mommy Boutique”?
Approximately 8 - 10 local businesses that offer family or child related product or services. Also, visit our Sponsors listed on the “home” page of our website. They offer some great products and services.
