April 2011

Greetings!

What's The Diff?

As a resale store, we often get the question about what we take for consignment.   The answer, for Kidstock, is, "Nothing!"  We don't do consignment, we only do resale.  We've also had customers come in and tell us how much they love our store and how thrift store shopping is their life.  That ain't us, either!  Hopefully this short primer will illustrate the differences between thrift, consignment, and resale. 

Thrift - A thrift store is most often a non-profit operation that builds its inventory with donated goods.  The provider of the goods usually receives a receipt that allows the donor to write off a portion of the value of the goods on his or her tax return.   This is the easiest way to get rid of your "stuff" and not have to see it again, plus it's a nice way to support an organization that you believe in. 

Consignment - Generally with consignment no money or store credit changes hands until the consigned item is sold.  Some resale stores also have consignment programs on large items such as rocking chairs or changing tables,  With consignment, after the store accepts the item and it sells, the original owner and the store share a pre-agreed upon split of the proceeds.  If the item never sells within the agreed-upon time, the original owner may have to take the item back.  Another version of this is pop-up consignment stores that operate three or four times a year.  There are minimal upfront costs to participate (i.e., registration fee) and it's a bit more work to get your items ready for sale. 

Resale - There are a few different models of resale stores.  Some stores offer cash only, some offer store credit only, and some may offer a choice.  A few stores offer sellers a set amount per item (i.e., .50 a shirt.)  Some resale stores, such as Kidstock, price items and then give sellers a set percentage of store credit for each item.  Kidstock sellers do no work beyond dropping off their clothing and toys at our store.

Disposing of your "stuff" other than in a landfill takes some thought and energy.  Kidstock customers have learned how to make their outgrown items work for them in a pretty simple and fun way.  Drop your stuff off, get store credit, shop for new (to you!) stuff.   Items that we don't want or can't sell NEVER end up as trash.  They are either returned to the customer or passed along to agencies or children's organizations.  We are dedicated to making sure that Kidstock does not contribute to our overburdened landfills.  We truly believe that children's clothing is a perfect avenue to model recycling and reuse. 

Coupon:  Midmorning, Midweek Madness (It's Back!)

We're open regular days and hours in April, so no matter what your holiday days are from work/school, you should be able to make it in for this promotion.  Just shop Monday through Friday, 10am to 12pm, and get 10% off your entire purchase!   

Use verbal code "MMM"

Coupon:  Stuffies, Lovies, and Dollies

Choose any stuffed animal, lovie/blankie, or doll and get the second one for just a penny!  If you need to fill baskets for Easter or Earth Day, or as rewards for good afikomen searching, here's a coupon for you!  The least expensive item will be priced at one cent.

Use verbal code "Stuffie" 

Coupon:  Pants Me! 

Use verbal code "Pants" 

Melna, Leslie, and Tony