07 March 2013

Shop, Sell, Save . . . Smart!

As a mom, it is easy to feel as though we cannot make a difference.  We can get so wrapped up in diapers, baths, kissing boo boos and just keeping our kids looking presentable (and smelling acceptable) that when we finally collapse on the couch after a long day, those thoughts of insecurity can creep into our heads.  In our honest moments, we can probably admit those thoughts can cause us to be dissatisfied with our otherwise happy lives.  For me, the breaking point is usually the grocery store.  I can’t even get a sitter long enough to make a food-dye free trip to the grocery store, let alone worry about the packaging on the product I’m buying being recyclable.  This guilt/grocery combo takes place, mind you, while my 4 year old hides under an apple bin and my 2 year old is eating . . . something . .  .  I think . . . that was stuck to the cart.

Our grandmothers will tell us to “cherish these moments.”  We hear the ole standby, “They will be grown and gone before you know it.”  I want more that that though!  I want to feel like I didn’t abandon my values or my belief in my obligation to my community simply because I gave birth.  Days with these little babies are long, but the years are short and I want to make them count for myself, my family and my community.  I also want to show my values to my children in a memorable way. 



For me, one of the most important ways I can show my children the interconnectedness of people is by recycling.  Even as small as they are, they are beginning to understand things do not just evaporate when we are done with them and there is only so much space on this beautiful earth.  While the connection may sound odd, this ideology is what attracted me to consignment shopping.  The thought of one item being used, by family after family, to meet a need and then be passed on, is simply a delight to my heart.   

This pleasing process is one of the reasons I became involved with Just Between Friends, a children’s and maternity consignment event.  JBF is a children’s and maternity consignment event happening once in the spring and once in the fall.  There are 140 sales all around the country run by moms just like us who have a desire to get great bargains, bring money back into their homes, recycle their children’s items and help their community.    

Here’s how it works:

  1. You tag your items using our easy, online tagging system.  You even set your own prices and write your own descriptions.  JBF gives a listing of recommended price points, but you can price your items and describe them however you like. 
  2. You drop your items at the event and we take it from there.  We inspect for recalls, stains, missing parts and anything else that would keep items from being a great find for our shoppers. 
  3. You shop!  Really, this is the fun part!  You will save 50-90% on clothing, shoes, toys, educational games, bikes, outdoor toys, books and more!    
  4. At the end of the sale, you can pick-up your unsold items or we can donate them for you and give you a tax deduction slip. 
  5. You get paid! 

Yes, it is just that easy!  We are run by volunteers, mostly moms, just like you.  Our volunteers earn a higher percentage on their items and they get to shop first!  Whooo Hooo!  We partner with a charity who will receive any donated items after the sale.  New this sale, we have several different fund raising opportunities for your child’s sports team, club, organization, youth group, etc.  

We invite you to join us April 5-7 at Events Center West in West Des Moines.  Now accepting consignors for this event and online signup is simple and fast.  For all the details on how to sign up, what we accept and more, check us out at jbfsale.com/desmoines and see how consigning can help you shop, sell and save!  

19 comments:

  1. I have been to three of their sales and I got everything I needed for my grandchildren for all year. I even buy the bigger sizes for them to grow into. It is just so hard to pass up Matilda Jane, Strasburg Children, and PLACE clothing at a fraction of the cost. Of course they were mixed in with Walmart clothes, but that's half the fun . . Plus all the toys and electronics. As you can see,I am a fan!

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  2. This looks worth trying ,thank you

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  3. I have shopped and sold at JBF and it is amazing!

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  4. "Days with these little babies are long, but the years are short and I want to make them count for myself, my family and my community. I also want to show my values to my children in a memorable way."

    I think somewhere/time the way of spending time with our children has changed. I think it used to be a lot more of children going along with their parents and grandparents to things the grown-ups were doing (shopping, errands, gardening etc) and now it seems more that grown-ups set their stuff apart from the kids stuff. Parents get sitters while they shop and then come home with a new toy for their kid or ....

    Ok, I'm having a hard time writing my thoughts on this but hopefully what this is saying points to: "Good job. I like that you are doing this with your kids :)

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  5. There is actually 6 locations here in Wisconsin. It definitely sounds worth the trip to the nearest event. Thank you for the info.

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  6. I love those kinds of events - I hope yours goes well! If I were closer (I'm in Ohio) I would come check it out!

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  7. Thank you so much for sharing those valuable idea ...

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  8. We had a group of women who collected clothes all year and would have a sale twice a year. They worked it quite the same way. The donator would price their own clothes(also gave them the cheapest price you would take for the article. If you helped out with the sale you got first pick of the merchandise.

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  9. I agree with you that it is important that we save the earth's resources and that we recycle and reuse as much as we can. I admire that you are teaching your children this valuable lesson.

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  10. Sounds good to me. Recycling is so important.

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  11. I am going to my first event this month! I am so excited!

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  12. I always find something for my daughter at these sales. We save so much money buying at these sales and we get quality items too!

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  13. this is definitely a wonderful idea and i think its great if friends and neighbors can do this and share and donate, its important to remember that you can't wear everything and you must'nt hold onto anything, .. thanks for share

    need twitter followers if anyone can help please @tisonlyme143 thanks

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  14. this is definitely a wonderful idea and i think its great if friends and neighbors can do this and share and donate, its important to remember that you can't wear everything and you must'nt hold onto anything, .. thanks for share

    need twitter followers if anyone can help please @tisonlyme143 thanks

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  15. This is an excellent means to share and to profit at the same time. A lot of my friends and myself shop tag sales and buy items for next years' school and holiday clothing needs. We save a lot and can, therefore shop more. We're not organized but hopefully some day we will be.

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