The Kids Exchange consignment is coming up! (January 1st - 8th 2007) They are held twice annually, one in the summer, and one in the winter. I had my first experience at the KE consignment this past summer. What a zoo!
The consignment is like a huge garage sale - all 100,000 square feet, under cover, garage sale :-D They sell EVERYTHING BABY at a fraction of the cost for brand new items. In fact, only "gently used" items are accepted for sale, that you almost likely find BRAND NEW items still in their original packaging.
I was totally overwhelmed with my first experience at KE. The event runs over one week because certain days are alotted for certain people. The first day, and hence "first dibs" at everything, goes to the "super volunteers" who donated X number of hours of service to put the consignment in order. The second day goes to "volunteers" and the third to "consignors" - folks who are donating items for sale. Then the consignment opens to the public the remaining days, with the very last day offering half price on all the items.
I was totally overwhelmed the first time because I had no idea just how big this event was and how you go purchasing things. All you hear is this mad scramble for the sleigh bed/cribs, the toddler furniture, and all the "big ticket items". Prices are so cheap, and the items completely "like new", they bring out the worst behavoiur in the adults/parents. And a newbie to the KE consignment as I was, I found myself observing the protocol for a good half hour first, before I even made an attempt to call an item I wanted. All the really good items were by then sold, but there's just so much STUFF that everyone finds a few items in their basket that they were looking for, and everyone gets a good deal.
Oh yea, and the baskets? You have to provide your own - laundry baskets, trolleys from work, and even huge wagons were commonplace at the event.
I will be selling and buying a few items this time round. And going with my neighbour who is a veteran at this event. Chris is his name. He has a three and a half year old. We'll be one of only a handful of men in a predominantly mothers event. But don't be fooled by the demure characters of the mothers and their multiple babies on tow. It is first come first served. Manners are but second. :-D
