Consignment Fever ... It's Contagious

It’s just two days away, but I have been preparing for weeks. I have sifted through plastic containers o’ plenty. I have washed, ironed, priced, labeled, hung, transported, and delivered my items. Whew; I’m finally done. Now all that I have to do is not misplace my seller’s preview pass.

My husband doesn’t understand my enthusiasm for -- or commitment to -- the process. But I simply can’t help myself. I get so excited. I plan my day so that by 4:30 p.m., I am able to arrive, park, grab my laundry basket, People and In Touch magazines (guilty pleasures), energy bar, and bottle of water and get into position. With a couple of blank checks, my ID, and pass stuffed in my jean pocket, I’m now as ready as I will ever be.

Upon arrival, I quickly claim my spot in line. Usually, I’m 10th to 15th from the front, but I have been as close as 8th. Finally, I can relax and enjoy some “Mommy time,” with my magazines and others who share my passion for a bargain. My friend Wendy shows up with frothy coffee drinks (delish!).

FYI, you pray for good weather, but it’s not critical to the process.

So, what drives me? The reality is that with three kids, finding a mini boden T- shirt for $4 bucks (versus $28) makes a difference on the ol’ pocketbook. Then there was the time I scored a Cars set of 8 cars for $12 instead of $48. My middle child was on Cloud Nine for weeks!

It’s now 5:50 p.m,. and they are checking passes and IDs. I quickly make a run back to my car to drop off my mags and other items that are no longer needed. I’m officially “ready” for the “Mommy Consignment Craze” – not to be confused with the running of the bulls (j/k). But if you’ve experienced it, you know what I mean.

6 p.m. – Ready. Set. Doors open. We rush inside, high-fiving the security guards (yep, they have them on-site). Quickly, we race through racks of clothing. Frantically, we search for hidden treasures -- clothes first, then books, shoes and lastly toys (that is my order). After an hour of “the hunt,” I locate a quiet spot (maybe not quiet, but a spot none-the-less) to prioritize my finds. The piles are organized by child and then by “must-have,” “put back,” and “not sure.” By this point in the evening, I’m usually ready to escape, but I can’t quite yet. I have to pay, so downstairs I go to wait in a line for checkout.

Checking out is an ordeal in itself. The line is long, but I’ve found that the shoppers don’t really seem to mind. It’s a time to chat with others about the thrill of victory, commiserate and detail the agony of defeat (a person literally snatched that out of my hand?!), and revel in the strategy of it all.

With check written and purchased packed, I let out a huge sigh of relief. My head is pounding, tummy grumbling, and I’m in desperate need of some pain relief. I find my way to Tacqueria del Sol where I gather with find good friends, yummy food, and an amazing “skinny Margarita” that helps us celebrate the bi-annual Glenn School consignment sale.

For those who also share the joy of consignment shopping, mark your calendars. It is consignment season. Don’t miss out!

Glenn School Sale – Friday, March 2: 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. (no children before Noon, even in carrier); Saturday, March 3: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (half-price day)

Decatur Consignment at First Baptist Church Decatur -- Friday, March 9 from 9am-6pm, Saturday, March 10 from 9am-3pm

Kids Used Clothes n Stuff at First United Methodist Church Decatur – Friday, March 9 and 10

Oak Grove Young Children’s Consignment Sale – Friday, March 2: 9:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 6-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 3: 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (half-price day)

Happy shopping!