background info faq

Why I like The Children’s Closet
Better than a garage sale…
Buyers have an extensive selection of quality goods to shop from.
Sellers receive a fair price for their items

Unlike a rummage sale…
Buyers can shop for everything under one roof.
Sellers have many more shoppers for their item.

“Safer” than a garage sale…
Buyers can take advantage of supervised child care while they shop.
Sellers don’t have myriads of people wandering around their property, have co-workers to share the “work”, and also have child care provided during the sale.

A great sale for the community because…
Buyers like the idea that 20% of what they spend goes to help other women and children in the community.
Sellers know that not only are they getting a fair price for their out-grown, gently-used items, but they are also helping other women and children in the community.

The Children's Closet is quality passed on.
Some FAQ's...
What is the Children’s Closet? It’s a consignment sale, not a rummage. It is set up to look like a children’s store, with items displayed by size and gender, rather than by seller.  All items are marked with tags provided by the church.
Who can be a seller? Participation in the Closet as a seller is open to the community. Sellers organize and mark their own items, according to specific directions, and are also required to work a scheduled 4hr shift and an additional 2hr flexible job for the sale.
How do I get started?
--Contact the church and get a seller number which is yours every time you sell.
--Read through the instructions posted on this section of the webpage in order to prepare all items according to prescribed directions and standards.
--Prepare your items. Even before you sign up, you can begin by sorting your children’s items by season. Many sellers find it helpful to do this as a season ends and they are washing and packing away.
--Pay a registration fee in January (for the spring sale) or July (for the fall sale) which covers tags, pins, and advertising.
How do I set my prices?
We have a set of guidelines we suggest you follow. A general rule of thumb is 20-25% of what you paid. You set the price for your items and no one changes them. We do not reduce prices or discount the marked price.
How much do sellers make, really?
Historically, most sellers receive $100 - $300 each sale; it depends on how much and the quality of what you bring. Some have earned $500+. It only takes $30 of sales to cover your registration.
What happens to the church’s 20%?
That amount, plus any donations sellers have made, is divided among designated local agencies for work with women and children, to use at their discretion. The mission committee of the church selects the agencies.

What happens the week of the sale?
Sunday and Monday – checkin.  Each seller is responsible to place each item on the appropriate rack or table. Check in takes approximately 1 hour.
Monday evening and Tuesday – ShopFirst, a private presale for families who are in shelters and transitional programs. They are allowed first choices, and are often vouchered through the church’s mission committee. Sellers still receive their 80% unless they opt to donate it to the agencies. By invitation only.
Thursday evening – active sellers and a guest are able to shop prior to the public sale. Tickets are required.
Friday and Saturday – These are the “dates” we publicize. Sale open to the pubic 9am – 7pm on Fri, and 9am – noon on Sat.
Late Saturday afternoon – pick up unsold merchandise.  Approximately 2 weeks after the sale, sellers will receive a check for 80% of their total sales.

Other bits of information…
--Items must be near-new, in style and in immaculate condition. Absolutely no stains, spots or tears. We will not sell items that do not meet these standards.
--The fall sale is for fall and winter items; spring sale is for spring and summer items.
--Items must meet all current safety standards.
--Clothing must be prepared according to directions. We use ONLY wire hangers, for example, and they all face the same direction.
--In the past, we have had between 35 and 40 sellers who have sold a total of 4000 – 6500 items each sale. We do not have the physical capability to allow more than 50 sellers.

Other necessary info…check out more on this website
Advice to 1st time sellers…
Almost every new seller tells us, “I didn’t realize how long it takes to get things ready!” We have lots of tricks and hints to help you, but call the church NOW if you think you’d like to sell.

I think I’d like to be a seller. Who do I contact? Alaire Willits, Program coordinator