START SELLING
Planning Tips
Make a Plan for Consigning
"It seems overwhelming. I look in a closet and there are pairs of shorts and swimsuits they barely wore and then didn't fit in the next year. My garage has a collection of lax sticks, bats, bike helmets, and that ninja course they no longer use. I don't want to just donate it when I know I can sell it. But who has the time??? " - Sarah C., mom of 4 active kids 12 and under
So relatable!!! That's why we put together some tips for managing your time and stress level while taking action to reclaim your space and earn some money. Too busy to deal with it? Click on Tagging Help for options!
Day 1
Stock up on supplies. You will need a pack of CARDSTOCK paper (white is preferred, but other colors are accepted; do not use a dark color - the barcode will not scan, copy paper or other types of paper are not accepted), a large box or bag of safety pins (200 +), child or adult size hangers, clear packing tape, zip ties (for shoes), gallon size Ziplock bags. If you are planning to sell items that require batteries you may want to pick up fresh batteries too.
Day 2
Clear out those drawers, closets, under the beds, back of the garage, outdoor shed, totes in the basement, etc. Separate items that are not resellable: broken gear, items with broken zippers or holes, missing pieces, faded or badly stained. These will not be accepted and should be given away, donated or trashed. Start washing sellable clothing. Large items such as basketball hoops, goals, fitness machines, weight benches, etc. are accepted. Make sure large items are clean and have all their parts.
Day 3
Find a space for all your merchandise and begin cleaning items. This area should be closed off from pets and smokers. You will not need it for long, just a week or so before the sale. Put together fitness machines, check for missing screws, bolts, etc. Try baking soda to get rid of the funk smell in pads, gloves, and shoes. Use a stain stick or Oxyclean to get stains out. Iron wrinkled items. Make sure your items are pinned securely to the hanger and THE HANGER IS FACING THE CORRECT WAY. The hook part of the hanger should look like a question mark.
Day 4
Organize your items by category. Log into Active Inventory to create your tags. Enter descriptions manually or use the voice entry system. Remember to indicate if the item is to be donated or returned to you if unsold. You can print out tags one category at a time. They do not have to be printed all at once. All items will be discounted 50% after 11:00 am on the last day of the sale unless previously approved by sale owner.
Day 5
With your neatly printed tags, packing tape, safety pins, and zip-ties begin going through the rack or pile and tagging the item. The description on the tag helps if they get out of order. Shoes should be zip-tied together (you may want to use a hole punch to thread the zip tie through tag Ribbon can also be used.) Tags for larger items can be attached with clear packing tape. Some items can be grouped in Ziplock bags and tape the top so it does not open. Use the tape for tags.
Remember - PRESENTATION IS EVERYTHING!!!
If items are not tagged correctly, they will NOT be accepted. Making sure your items are prepared well increases the chances they will sell quickly!