Once upon a Child...

Updated on July 24, 2009
A.S. asks from Oak Lawn, IL
14 answers

Has anyone ever sold clothes to Once Upon a Child? I'm thinking of bringing all of my son's clothes (birth-2 yr) to sell. I'm wondering how fair of a price they give and if they take everything. I'm not sure if I'm better off selling them at a garage sale or bringing them there????

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So What Happened?

So I thought I'd give it a shot! I guess it depends which location you go to, I went to the orland Park location yesterday and they were great. I dropped of 3 large totes and came back a 1/2 hr later. They definitely did not take everything, but I got about $30 for about 30 items... which is about what I would have made at a garage sale. I then went to the Downers Grove location today and was somewhat surprised they would only let me drop off one bin at a time and said hopefully they'd get to it by the time they closed???? Guess I'll stick with Orland!

I'm not very good at the EBAY thing! Ive tried a few times but it seems everytime I sell something I pay more to ship it than I actually make! Anyone have any suggestions on that one?

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S.E.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A., I sold some to OUAC last year. The other moms are correct; they are really picky and if they already have a lot of similar items, they won't buy the clothes, even if they're top designers. Also, they only take 2 plastic containers from each person. I had a friend take 2 and I took 2 - I made $63 total. I also sold some at a garage sale, but I did the best on eBay. In fact, I opened up my own eBay store for kids' clothes this year. You may want to try it as well!

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K.H.

answers from Chicago on

It really depends on what works for you. I had a garage sale some years back and sold my kids' baby clothes. If you are having a sale soon, by all means try and sell them at the sale. If you are not planning a sale soon then sell to Once upon a child. It has helped me when I have been running low on cash. They do not take all things and are pretty fussy. I did not make a lot off the items but at least I got some money and the stuff is out of my house.

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M.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.,

Yes I've sold to Once Upon a Child a few times. They are truly going to give you pennies on the dollar for what your items are worth.
Generally speaking, you can definitely do better at a yard sale/ garage sale setting.
Last time I was there, they bought a large box of clothes - lots of which were designer labels - for $20. The quantity was about 10 or 12 outfits.

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M.S.

answers from Chicago on

Hi, I swear by E-Bay!!! I have gotten the most for my money on there. (Garage sales aren't the best - I have tried that when I just had a few pieces)!!! What you can do (to avoid paying more to ship then you think), is to put everything in the box, as if you were sending out, and then go to the post office and have it weighed. Then add a pound (just in case!) in the shipping information on e-bay - and then whoever pays for it from whatever location, will pay actual shipping charges, so whatever you sell it for is what you will get! *Most money is also taking pics of everything and putting in your description* use photobucket, or one of those.
Big lots of clothes get the most money (of one size or 24 mos/2t is fine too). Rompers get the most money!
Best of luck!

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J.B.

answers from Chicago on

I have taken clothes to Once Upon A Child in the past. Make sure the clothes are in good condition otherwise they will not take them. They also look for certain designers, brands, etc. In most cases you have to leave your items in a marked bag or bin and they will call you either the next day or in a couple of days to come back for your check and items they are not willing to take. It's an OK place to take the items if you are looking to make a couple of bucks and then donate the rest.

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T.K.

answers from Chicago on

A. I have sold to OUAC several times. How much you receive for you items really depends on the condition, age, and brand. They have become very picky about what they except. The store is a wonderful resource for buying children's clothing however,in my opinion, they don't offer fair pricing for some things. It will be at your discretion if you take your items there. I suggest that you take your things there to see how much they'll give you. It's definitely worth a try. Good Luck!

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E.B.

answers from Chicago on

I have used Once Upon a Child a couple of times and wasn't real happy. Drop off is only during the week and you have to wait for them to call you. They also only take certain seasons of clothes at certain times and can be VERY picky. You might be better off with a garage sale or trying sites like craigslist or ebay.

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J.T.

answers from Chicago on

They only take stuff at certain times, so call ahead. Now is when they would be taking winter clothes.

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J.J.

answers from Chicago on

I have taken clothes to Once Upon A Child in the past. I was not totally pleased with what I received in return and only did it once. I was also surprised to find some of the items on their racks and what they were selling them for. They were name-brand, well cared for items that were a good deal for Once Upon A Child shoppers but compared to what I was paid for bringing them in, it just was not worth it to me.

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D.S.

answers from Chicago on

Your best option is to probably bundle items and list them on craigslist or ebay. Resale shops/garage sales have little resale value. Or, donate and tax the tax deduction.

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A.

answers from Chicago on

My experience was that it was not worth the trip (2 actually, drop off and pick up). I had very nice clothes from Baby Gap and Gymboree that seemed seasonally appropriate to me. I even had clothes that still had tags on (well intentioned gifts that didn't fit my son in season). I was offered about $10 for 18 pieces. I just give my son's old clothes to new parents and Goodwill or Salvation Army now.

Oh, and when I did the drop off as described in another post they never called me for pick up. When I stopped by a week later that had my 3 large bags they passed on set aside for charity give away!

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M.

answers from Chicago on

They give a decent price, but are very very picky.

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C.M.

answers from Chicago on

Hi mom they don't pay much but you have to remember they resell your items at a great low price to needed people. I think its worth it. Good Luck

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M.A.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.. I have sold to Once upon a child in the past and they really do not give you much for your clothes. It has been along time since I have brought anything there but the last time I did I brought them a 3 piece boys black suit that was only wore once and they wanted to give me $5.00.I end up selling it to a friend's friend.
However you will not make anything at a garage sale either. I garage sale all the time and most clothes go for $1.00. Sorry I do not have better news but this has been my experience. Good Luck.

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