The following is a guest post from Lisa at The Spot to Save:

It’s that time of year again!

According to KidsConsignmentSales.com, “Seasonal consignment shopping is a fast growing trend, especially for baby and children’s items. Kids grow so fast, and items like clothes, strollers, car seats, cribs and toys many times seem barely used. Seasonal consignment sales offer a unique venue for both sellers and shoppers. These sales set up shop for a weekend or a few days more in the spring and fall. Some sales also offer a holiday sale around December that specializes in toys and holiday clothes.”

I have participated in a seasonal consignment sale for several years now and have found it to be instrumental in helping me tackle the clothing budget for the kids. At the sale I participate in, I receive 70% of the selling price minus a $5 registration fee and the remaining 30% goes to the charity involved. As an added bonus, sellers are granted early access to the sale prior to the public. I value that opportunity greatly because these days, if you are not there early, you miss the good stuff!

Shopping at Consignment Sales

I recommend participating as a shopper at a seasonal sale to get “your feet wet” first. See how things are run and check out the items for sale. Did you like what you saw and did you enjoy your experience? Most consignment sales accept only cash or check. Bring a laundry basket for your loot! I made the mistake of bringing a paper shopping bag – the bag could not handle the amount of items I found. It is exciting to stumble on a really nice outfit for a fraction of the cost. My kids get excited because they know Mom is coming home with loads of “new” clothes.

Selling at Consignment Sales

After you find a sale you like, become a seller! The perks are numerous. At each sale I usually make approximately $150-200 and spend $100-$125. Participating as a seller does take time but knowing I am recycling what doesn’t fit anymore into clothes that do is SO worth the extra effort to me.

Tips for sellers in a consignment sale:

• Place a storage tub in each child’s closet and toss outgrown clothing in it year round for review closer to sale time.

• Register early for your preferred sale and get all the rules/guidelines for a seller – pick one sale and learn it!

• Pick a convenient location in the house to work on your items to sell and work on it a little everyday.

• Invest in an inexpensive clothes hanging rack.

• Save safety pins and wire hangers from the drycleaner all year for your sale.

Where are the sales in your area?? Check out The Bargain Watcher to find your local seasonal consignment sales. I bet there are PLENTY around you. Good luck and happy consignment sale shopping!

Have you bought or sold children’s clothing at a consignment sale?

Lisa works full time, is married to a Marine and has two awesome kids. She is an organizational junkie who loves coffee, making lists, entertaining friends and family, teaching others how easy it can be to save, and finding the best deals to share on her blog www.thespottosave.com.