Seeking Advice for Once upon a Child Consignment Stores

The store in Roseville will begin taking cold-weather clothes in August. They tend to take sets (top and bottoms), instead of just a shirt or a pair of pants. But, if something's in really great condition, give it a shot. They don't tend to take anything that has a stain or is fairly worn. If you have toys, they take those, too. But, no plush toys.

One suggestion I have is, if it is convenient for you, to try the Shakopee one first. I live closest to the Burnsville one, but I like the Shakopee location a lot more. Even with gas prices what they are, I will go first to Shakopee, then take the left-overs to Burnsville. Also, Shakopee has a frequent buyer/seller card, I believe.

They buy what they think they can sell, so you have to work with seasons. Call ahead and see if they are still taking summer clothes or if they are starting to take fall and winter items and what hours they are buying the things you are selling. Also, brands from discount stores (i.e. Circo from Target) are less likely to be taken than name brands. Almost anything with stains (even small ones) or pilling will be rejected.

Finally, if you are looking to sell big ticket items like strollers, check their inventory first. If they have one virtually identical to yours selling for $20, chances are the previous owner got $10 for it. It's a good way to decide if it's worth your trouble to bring in the big things.

Hope this helps.

I was at OUAC in BSV on Saturday - they were SWAMPED and all I heard out of the workers mouths were "don't bring stuff in on the weekend", so maby try during the week! I also overheard them saying "this isn't designer, so we shouldn't take it". I haven't brought anything over there yet due to baby boy #2 on its way, but I shop there often to finish off an outfit for my son! GREAT PLACE!

I have been very disappointed with the payments I have been offered at OUAC. I brought items in twice and once I decided against selling them there because they were offering me so little, I opted for donating the clothes. I would make sure they are clean and folded neatly. Beyond that, there's not much you can do. You may want to post on Craigslist instead -- it is easier than eBay and you'll get much more for the items.
I do shop at OUAC and find their prices good for buying kids' clothes!

Once Upon a Child gives you next to nothing for anything you bring in but garage sales are too much effort. So I donate everything and take a tax deduction each year. Worth way more than I would get by selling it except for maybe a pricey Hanna Anderson dress that you can sell on ebay. Turbotax lists what you can claim for each item you donate so we keep track of precisely everything we give. Plus someone in need is getting the clothes!

There is another option and that's consignment sales. I don't know what area you are in in the Twin Cities but check out www.FromYoursToMine.com. They hold one in the south metro. There are also links to sales in other corners of the cities.
You make way more that at AOAC, and it's easy. It's basically someone running a garage sale for you.
I participated in the last 3 sales and had great results, and the people there are super nice.

I believe each store is individually owned. I've had better luck with St.Louis Park location. Shakopee location is ok too. My daughter is a only child and wears really nice clothing Gap,Gymboree,OldNavy,Polo you get it and most of the time they aren't interested in 1/2 of what I bring in. I have no idea why it's not stained or anything. Like last year my daughter had a winter coat she wore 3x and in perfect condition and they weren't interested, or we had pink soccer cleats in perfect condition and again not interested.

I had a $500 dollar Bassett crib and it took me going to 3 OUAC stores before I finally got rid of it.

I say if your stuff is real nice bunch it together and sell it on craigslist as one bunch. I've had way better luck selling stuff on craigslist.

Another great option is to try a consignment event company like Just Between Friends. They have 3 different sales each Fall & Spring and you get way more $$$ for your goods at a sale like that. (They pay you 70% of what your stuff sells for!) Check out their website at www.jbfsale.com. Good luck!

I was at the one is Woodbury about 9months ago with my son's 0-3 month clothes and they wouldn't take any onsies or sleep-n-plays - what else does an newborn wear?! They picked out about 5 of my best outfits after 45 minutes and gave me $12 total - I was very annoyed. And they weren't busy - it was a Saturday morning and there were three people in the store while I was there.