Need extra cash and want to clean out your home at the same time? Kids consignment sales help you do both. These events let you sell old baby gear, clothes, and toys you no longer use. They’re also a smart way to buy what you need at deep discounts.
Whether you’re looking to earn money, shop affordably, or both—these sales can help you stretch your budget.
Why Kids Consignment Sales Are Worth It
Kid stuff adds up fast. New clothes, strollers, playpens, books—they’re expensive and often only used for a short time. At a kids consignment sale, you can score big savings or pocket some cash from items you already own.
These seasonal events bring together hundreds—sometimes thousands—of sellers and buyers in one location. While you could always use platforms like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, consignment sales let you offload a lot of items in one go without dealing with no-shows or lowball offers.
Who Can Sell at a Kids Consignment Sale?
Most sales are open to anyone with gently used kids’ items. You don’t need to be a business. Many parents use these events to clean up clutter and earn back some of the money they spent on baby and kids supplies.
You can sell a wide range of items, including:
- Clothing (from newborn to teens)
- Shoes
- Books
- Toys
- Games and puzzles
- Strollers and baby gear
- High chairs and car seats (check for expiration)
- Feeding and nursing supplies
- Outdoor play structures
Some events even accept maternity clothes and homeschool items.
Types of Kids Consignment Events
Consignment sales usually fall into one of two formats:
- Traditional consignment: You set prices, tag items yourself, and the organizers handle the sale. They take a cut—usually 30 to 40 percent.
- Booth rental or vendor-style: You rent a space, set up a booth, and sell directly to buyers. You keep all profits, but you must staff it for the entire sale.
Each has pros and cons. Traditional consigning takes less time but you earn less per item. Renting a booth lets you keep more profit but requires a bigger time commitment.
How to Find a Sale Near You
Sales typically happen twice a year—once in spring and once in fall. To find local events, check:
- Just Between Friends (jbf.com)
- Rhea Lana’s (rhealana.com)
- Wee-Cycle It (regional)
- Local parenting Facebook groups
- Google searches like “consignment sale + [your city]”
Some areas have multiple events in the same season. You can participate in more than one—but you’ll need to prepare separate tag systems for each if they use different platforms.
Prepare Your Items to Sell
A little prep makes a big difference in how much you sell. Follow these steps to get items sale-ready:
- Sort items by size and category: Group clothes together by size. Separate toys, nursery gear, and shoes.
- Check for damage or stains: Only submit clean, gently used gear. Remove anything broken or worn out.
- Wash clothes and remove pet hair: Buyers notice smells and fur. Keep clothing fresh and neat.
- Assemble items that require setup: Don’t drop off a stroller in pieces. It needs to look ready to use.
- Replace batteries: Items that light up or make noise need working batteries or they won’t sell.
Use the Correct Tagging System
Most sales use their own tagging software. It’s usually online and will walk you through listing your items. You’ll describe the product, set a price, and decide if you want it to be discounted during the final sales day.
You print out barcoded tags and attach them to each item. Use safety pins, zip ties, or a tagging gun—whatever the sale allows. Make sure tags are secure. If one falls off, your item might not sell.
Tagging takes time. Block out several hours—or even a few days—to get everything done, depending on how many items you’re selling.
Set the Right Price
Pricing is key. If you go too high, your items may sit on the rack. Too low, and you leave money on the table.
A good baseline is 25% to 40% of the original retail price. Consider going lower for worn items. New-with-tags or barely-used gear can fetch closer to 40% or even 50% if it’s a popular brand.
Look up current retail prices and resell values online. Stick to even numbers—$3 instead of $2.75—and avoid cluttering tags with lots of decimals. Simplicity helps buyers say yes faster.
Choose to Discount (or Not)
Most sales have a half-price or discount day at the end. You’ll be asked during the tagging process whether or not to opt-in.
If your goal is to make space, choose to discount. You’re likely to sell more. If your goal is profit, hold firm on pricing—but know this could mean unsold items you’ll need to pick up later.
Plan for Drop Off and Pick Up
Each event has strict times for consignor drop off and pickup. You’ll bring in everything before the sale starts and return to collect unsold items after it ends.
Some events allow unsold items to be donated automatically. Others require you to pick everything up. Mark your calendar. Items left behind often get discarded.
Follow the sale’s instructions. That includes hanging clothes in the correct direction, placing toys in bins, and separating shoes as requested. Volunteers may reject anything not tagged or prepped correctly.
Volunteer for More Perks
Many consignment sales let you volunteer to get extra benefits:
- Higher percentage of your item sales (e.g., keep 70% instead of 60%)
- Early access to shop before the sale opens to the public
- Priority drop-off or pick-up slots
You might work a checkout line, direct traffic, or organize racks. It’s not always glamorous, but you learn how the sale works—and get first pick of the best gear.
Buy Smart, Too
Consignment sales aren’t just for sellers. These events are one of the best ways to get affordable kids’ items in like-new condition.
If you’re shopping:
- Set a budget before you go
- Bring a rolling bag or laundry basket to carry items
- Shop early for big-ticket items like strollers and play yards
- Come back on half-off day for low-priced clothes and books
- Use cash or check to avoid credit card fees (if allowed)
Don’t wait until you need something. Consignment events are seasonal. Buy ahead for the next size up or for the next school year while prices are low.
Why Some Items Don’t Sell
Not every item will get picked up. Common reasons include:
- The price is too high
- It had visible wear or damage
- It’s out of season (e.g., coats in spring)
- It was missing parts or instructions
- The tag fell off
If you’re repeatedly getting items back, reassess the quality or pricing strategy. Keep notes and improve each season. Consignment selling gets easier over time.
Can You Make a Lot of Money?
It depends on what you’re selling and how much you have. Some sellers walk away with hundreds; others make a few extra bucks.
Selling name-brand clothes in perfect condition can add up fast. So can higher-priced baby gear. One seller made $650 in five days just off clothes and toys her kids no longer used.
If you treat it like a small side business—tracking inventory, improving photos, pricing thoughtfully—you can improve your results with every sale.
Success Tips from Experienced Sellers
Want better sales? Here’s what experienced consignors swear by:
- Use colored zip ties or ribbons to mark items as yours for easy pickup
- Bundle items like pajamas in sets to boost the price
- Use a tagging gun for faster and more secure labeling
- Include instruction manuals with gear to add value
- Tag early so you’re not rushed at the deadline
Turn the process into a system. The more sales you do, the better you’ll get—and the more space and money you’ll gain.
Final Thought: Is It Worth It?
Yes—if you’re organized and willing to put in the time. Kids consignment sales offer a way to make money from things you already own. You help other families save money, and you keep usable stuff out of landfills.
You won’t get rich. But if you’re looking to stretch a tight budget, selling at one of these events can give your wallet—and your home—some breathing room.
