Hey everyone! I wanted to take a few minutes and give you my perspective on My Consignment Manager and all the questions everyone has been asking. Please keep in mind, this is my opinion and thoughts, not anything I've cleared with the new owners.
Jonathan and I had first considered using MCM or one of their competitors years ago. When we started 6 years ago (almost 7!), we literally had an old school system that was based solely on an excel spreadsheet and old school barcodes. For 6 years, at the end of each sale, all the info we could give consignors at the end of each sale was the number of items sold and at what price (and whether or not they were discounted). We hated we couldn't give more info, but based on the old system, we couldn't have all the info (including an item number) on that specific bar coding machine.
That's where my sweet hubby came in and by the grace of God and 5 years of college, he was able to write the program which allowed us to have people create tags at home. Again, although this worked SO much better, it still didn't allow people to see specifics on their sheet that came with their checks. The other downfall to that system was that if people accidentally transposed their numbers, the system had no way of knowing that and someone could end up tagging their items under the wrong number. And yes, it happened a lot.
When I sold the sale, I strongly urged the new owners to go with a system like MCM. It was something Jonathan and I were planning on doing to prevent the transposing of numbers, plus I knew with a program like this, MCM would get the phone calls at 2am about lost tags versus my husband. It seemed like a great thing! Natalie and I were gung ho about the changes until we went and shadowed another sale that had recently implemented a program like this into their sale. Here's what we found:
*In order for the inventory to be 100% accurate, you either have to check off an itemized list OR scan each item in at check in. The reason is that SO MANY PEOPLE at that sale accidentally left stuff at home, gave things to a friend or just plain forgot to pin the tag on after they printed. I would say we easily saw 50% of consignors who arrived and had to x items off their inventory sheets. THANK GOD we kept those sheets when you read the points below.
*Consignors showed up constantly with complaints about their uploads. They didn't see an item on the floor and yet, it wasn't listed in their sold items from the night before's upload. The other sale literally had one worker who all they did was walk the floor and reassure consignors that their items were on the floor, etc.
*You wouldn't believe the number of people that showed up both at pick up and called later claiming they had brought an item and it apparently sold, but they didn't get paid. Back to those inventory sheets above. Yep, sure enough when we looked it up, they had indeed not brought the item. Now, I know many of you would say that's the reason we sign a waiver, but let's be honest, no sale wants to have a reputation of theft or untruthfullness.
So, why does it work well for other sales:
*they limit items or consignors. If you think about, how many sales let you bring an unlimited amount of items. We calculated that in order to check inventory on every single consignor (1100 of you), it would take between 1/1.5 hours for check in. Was it worse to have people mad about not seeing specifics on what they sold or having people mad that check-in took so long? Also, we had 72 hours to have 1100 people drop off. Most sales have a max of 300 people and the same amount of time.
*they don't do restock. Again, in order for the system to go live, we have to shut the sale down, which means people would not be able to restock like they do at Encores North. I personally believe that restock is one of the main reasons the sale stays so busy throughout the week.
So back to why the new owners did it the way they did? Well, quite simply, it's a learning process. They are still trying to figure the whole thing out and MCM has come right out and told us that we are one of the largest chain of sales they have ever worked with. It's not that they want your sales to be some big secret, but figuring out how to balance all of the points above and keeping everyone happy is tricky. Should you have been notified before? Yes. And I think I can tell you that they are sorry you weren't. No one likes change and change is handled best when everyone is in the know. I can promise you it wasn't intentional.
So why should you trust the new owners? Well, I'll tell you that I do. They have ran a successful sale in the Nashville area for 18 years and are bigger and stronger than ever before. They've given complete control to Natalie who proved to me for 2 years that she is very capable to manage this sale. I personally put over $25K in inventory in the sale and I can promise you I would have never done that if I was worried about not getting paid. No way. I can also tell you that although I love the owners of other sales in this area and have participated in many of them, I have yet to find another sale where I can sell the items for the prices I put and sell the majority of my items like I do at Encores North. I sell things there close to retail sometimes and boy, am I glad I do! That money goes towards clothing my kids and buying more inventory for future sales.
So all that to say, I'm glad you guys are expressing concerns and I know the new owners are always considering new ways to make the sale better and better. I just wanted to take a few minutes and explain why things were done this time. Don't forget, half price is Friday and Saturday and I can promise you there is still TONS of great bargains (AND all the NEW GYMBOREE AND BOUTIQUE is going HALF OFF!). Have a great week and thanks for reading this far :) Brea
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Brea's Favorite Things: Day 1 Drop Off
So as many of you know, this is my first official sale where I am no longer the owner. Although I sold the sale in January, I was still acting as the owner for the Spring sale while I transitioned Natalie into the full time manager role. I honestly wondered how I would feel for the Fall sale...would I regret my decision to sale, would I miss it, would I be emotional?
Well, it turns out I worried for nothing. As I watched my sweet Natalie effortlessly fill my shoes in her new role, I realized that was God's way of giving me peace that I had made the right decision. The fact that she let me work all 3 days of drop off so that I could see all of you, hug your necks and get to work during the madness made all those sad feelings drift away. Getting to see all of you today and your excitement about the new location and the amount of stuff there made me giddy and I loved the fact that I walked out tonight just as stress free as I felt when I walked in this morning.
It truly meant the world to me that so many of you hugged me, loved on me, brought me coffee, asked about the kids and Jonathan. I truly think what sets Encores North apart from other sales is that we truly are like family and I am so blessed that you stuck with Encores North even though our family tree has changed a bit. Connie and Russie are so excited that you guys have embraced them so openly and man, the changes they have made are AH-MAZ-ING.
So, all that to say, I may not be the owner, but the sale will always be my baby so by golly, I'm doing my top 5 favorite things of the day each night. I hope my posts will inspire you to tell EVERYONE about this amazing sale :)
A couple of housecleaning things to note first:
1. When you arrive to drop off, come in and check in first before you haul anything out of your car.
2. After your items have been inspected, PLEASE put all your clothing items out in the appropriate size and do it as quickly as possible. People with appointments after you are waiting on the racks to load their items in. If you wish to browse, bring your rack up front and then go back to look at items.
3. On that note, PLEASE keep your kiddos with you at all times while you browse. We are working out tails off and we really don't need kiddos playing on toys. Also, DON'T hide any goodies you might want. If security finds you hiding items, you will be approached and besides, it's just not cool. Everyone should have equal opportunity to shop and it's not fair to give yourself an advantage. If we find workers hiding anything, they will not be allowed to work again.
4. On that note, if you want to be the first to shop for all those must haves, come work some shifts. It takes all of our amazing volunteers to pull off a sale of this size and we are really a cool group of hot mommas (yeah, I've had a lot of coffee today) so come hang with us! It's great "adult" time where you get to get some exercise and meet new friends instead of wiping booties and talking baby talk at home. PLUS, you get to shop before the consignors!
So, now the part you are waiting for...Brea's TOP 5 for Monday, September 19th:
1. Replica antique metal car $50-this will fit a toddler and is PERFECT for portraits-so COOL!
2. Double (yes, I said DOUBLE) jogging stroller $24 (I know, right!)
3. Awesome Little Tikes play mountain for hot wheels $4 (see pic above)
4. Matilda Jane outfits that are brand new with tags in size 2. Ruffle pants were $12, three piece sets $15. Um, yes, I LOVE this since I am now selling MJC :)
5. Awesome Little Tikes slide $12
and because I can, I'm adding 5 more :)
6. Little Einsteins Pat the Rocket with all the figures $7 (sorry ladies, my Mary Elizabeth has already claimed this...she's convinced her little brother is Quincy)
7. Mini Boden boys heavy coat in size 3/4 $20
8. multiple cozy coupes from $10 each
9. multiple awesome toy boxes from $15 each
10. AMAZING cream colored wooden crib. Would be a perfect crib to pass down from generation to generation and it converts to a full bed. $285 and BEAUTIFUL, your little princess will love it :)
Ok, I promise I will shut it, but just to give you an idea...we had about 325 drop off today, we have 1700 registered and we already have 16 racks of boys 4T. Yep, it's going to be a good sale :)
Well, it turns out I worried for nothing. As I watched my sweet Natalie effortlessly fill my shoes in her new role, I realized that was God's way of giving me peace that I had made the right decision. The fact that she let me work all 3 days of drop off so that I could see all of you, hug your necks and get to work during the madness made all those sad feelings drift away. Getting to see all of you today and your excitement about the new location and the amount of stuff there made me giddy and I loved the fact that I walked out tonight just as stress free as I felt when I walked in this morning.
It truly meant the world to me that so many of you hugged me, loved on me, brought me coffee, asked about the kids and Jonathan. I truly think what sets Encores North apart from other sales is that we truly are like family and I am so blessed that you stuck with Encores North even though our family tree has changed a bit. Connie and Russie are so excited that you guys have embraced them so openly and man, the changes they have made are AH-MAZ-ING.
So, all that to say, I may not be the owner, but the sale will always be my baby so by golly, I'm doing my top 5 favorite things of the day each night. I hope my posts will inspire you to tell EVERYONE about this amazing sale :)
A couple of housecleaning things to note first:
1. When you arrive to drop off, come in and check in first before you haul anything out of your car.
2. After your items have been inspected, PLEASE put all your clothing items out in the appropriate size and do it as quickly as possible. People with appointments after you are waiting on the racks to load their items in. If you wish to browse, bring your rack up front and then go back to look at items.
3. On that note, PLEASE keep your kiddos with you at all times while you browse. We are working out tails off and we really don't need kiddos playing on toys. Also, DON'T hide any goodies you might want. If security finds you hiding items, you will be approached and besides, it's just not cool. Everyone should have equal opportunity to shop and it's not fair to give yourself an advantage. If we find workers hiding anything, they will not be allowed to work again.
4. On that note, if you want to be the first to shop for all those must haves, come work some shifts. It takes all of our amazing volunteers to pull off a sale of this size and we are really a cool group of hot mommas (yeah, I've had a lot of coffee today) so come hang with us! It's great "adult" time where you get to get some exercise and meet new friends instead of wiping booties and talking baby talk at home. PLUS, you get to shop before the consignors!
So, now the part you are waiting for...Brea's TOP 5 for Monday, September 19th:
1. Replica antique metal car $50-this will fit a toddler and is PERFECT for portraits-so COOL!
2. Double (yes, I said DOUBLE) jogging stroller $24 (I know, right!)
4. Matilda Jane outfits that are brand new with tags in size 2. Ruffle pants were $12, three piece sets $15. Um, yes, I LOVE this since I am now selling MJC :)
5. Awesome Little Tikes slide $12
and because I can, I'm adding 5 more :)
6. Little Einsteins Pat the Rocket with all the figures $7 (sorry ladies, my Mary Elizabeth has already claimed this...she's convinced her little brother is Quincy)
7. Mini Boden boys heavy coat in size 3/4 $20
8. multiple cozy coupes from $10 each
9. multiple awesome toy boxes from $15 each
10. AMAZING cream colored wooden crib. Would be a perfect crib to pass down from generation to generation and it converts to a full bed. $285 and BEAUTIFUL, your little princess will love it :)
Ok, I promise I will shut it, but just to give you an idea...we had about 325 drop off today, we have 1700 registered and we already have 16 racks of boys 4T. Yep, it's going to be a good sale :)
DROP OFF DETAILS
Well, today's the day! Today we start drop-off for Encores North in Hendersonville. To make your experience as easy as possible, I thought I would take a few minutes to give you some helpful hints about drop-off.
STEP 1: When you arrive at the Expo Center, park your car and come inside. Don't bring anything with you as you will be going through the check in process first. This is also a good time to pop a movie in your van and give your kids some Benedryl if you brought them with you (KIDDING!)
STEP 2: When you come inside, you will be greeted by two lovelies otherwise known as Lovely #1 (Rachel-the front desk diva) and Lovely #2 (Leslie-the newbie-but equally as amazing). These girls will walk you through the process of fully registering. You will check one form to make sure you contact info is correct, you will read the waiver and sign whether you are picking up or donating, and you will BRING YOUR SELF ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE. After you do all this, they will give you passes to shop and info on working if you want to shop early.
STEP 3: Use the kids while they are still awake (KIDDING!) This is the time to unload your car and bring items inside. There will be an area where all DVDS, books, and shoes will be checked in. There will be another area where you take all other large items (toys, bedding, equipment). It is best if you pack your items in bags or boxes you don't mind not getting back, but if they are already packed in tubs, we will be happy to unload these for you and give them right back. Another tip: DON'T leave without your bins, once they get left then tend to get mixed into the wasteland of tubs left at Encores North. We allow people to shop with them during the sale and then send them with the donate people. Always check back at these stations before you leave as anything deemed not acceptable, yet not picked up will be automatically sent to donate.
STEP 4: If you can, it's easiest to have your clothing organized by sex and size. This is for you, not us. Once you get everything in, you will be on a list in the order in which you checked in. We will call your number and then go through your clothing items, checking for stains, damage, out of date, etc. Once we have finished, we will give you back the items that aren't accepted and then you can take the rolling rack and put your items out in size. PLEASE try to do this as quickly as possible as others are waiting on your rack to start their process.
Wanting to browse while you are there? This isn't an issue but please do this after you are completely done with the steps above. Also, keep in mind that if you have kids with you, they MUST be with you at all times and if they aren't, you won't be able to look around. Also, we have not got the sale ready yet, so PLEASE be careful as we aren't responsible for any accidents that occur while on property. Last but not least, we have armed unmarked security on premises at all times so you can always feel secure AND know that we are doing everything possible to prevent theft.
A few last helpful tips:
*Not using presale passes? Give them away, sell them on craigslist, etc. but make sure whoever you give it to knows ONE PERSON per pass and ABSOLUTELY NO CHILDREN at presale.
*We still need tables! Bartering 4 tables allows you to shop at 2pm on Friday, September 23 and 2 tables at 4pm on Friday, September 23. Email natalie.dohanos@comcast.net if you have tables we could use.
*Still need a drop off appt and they are full: email natalie.dohanos@comcast.net and we will get you hooked up. If you aren't consigning after all and can go in and remove your appt, that would be awesome as it will free it up for someone else.
GUESS WHAT'S BACK STARTING TONIGHT!!! Brea's Favorite THINGS!
STEP 1: When you arrive at the Expo Center, park your car and come inside. Don't bring anything with you as you will be going through the check in process first. This is also a good time to pop a movie in your van and give your kids some Benedryl if you brought them with you (KIDDING!)
STEP 2: When you come inside, you will be greeted by two lovelies otherwise known as Lovely #1 (Rachel-the front desk diva) and Lovely #2 (Leslie-the newbie-but equally as amazing). These girls will walk you through the process of fully registering. You will check one form to make sure you contact info is correct, you will read the waiver and sign whether you are picking up or donating, and you will BRING YOUR SELF ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE. After you do all this, they will give you passes to shop and info on working if you want to shop early.
STEP 3: Use the kids while they are still awake (KIDDING!) This is the time to unload your car and bring items inside. There will be an area where all DVDS, books, and shoes will be checked in. There will be another area where you take all other large items (toys, bedding, equipment). It is best if you pack your items in bags or boxes you don't mind not getting back, but if they are already packed in tubs, we will be happy to unload these for you and give them right back. Another tip: DON'T leave without your bins, once they get left then tend to get mixed into the wasteland of tubs left at Encores North. We allow people to shop with them during the sale and then send them with the donate people. Always check back at these stations before you leave as anything deemed not acceptable, yet not picked up will be automatically sent to donate.
STEP 4: If you can, it's easiest to have your clothing organized by sex and size. This is for you, not us. Once you get everything in, you will be on a list in the order in which you checked in. We will call your number and then go through your clothing items, checking for stains, damage, out of date, etc. Once we have finished, we will give you back the items that aren't accepted and then you can take the rolling rack and put your items out in size. PLEASE try to do this as quickly as possible as others are waiting on your rack to start their process.
Wanting to browse while you are there? This isn't an issue but please do this after you are completely done with the steps above. Also, keep in mind that if you have kids with you, they MUST be with you at all times and if they aren't, you won't be able to look around. Also, we have not got the sale ready yet, so PLEASE be careful as we aren't responsible for any accidents that occur while on property. Last but not least, we have armed unmarked security on premises at all times so you can always feel secure AND know that we are doing everything possible to prevent theft.
A few last helpful tips:
*Not using presale passes? Give them away, sell them on craigslist, etc. but make sure whoever you give it to knows ONE PERSON per pass and ABSOLUTELY NO CHILDREN at presale.
*We still need tables! Bartering 4 tables allows you to shop at 2pm on Friday, September 23 and 2 tables at 4pm on Friday, September 23. Email natalie.dohanos@comcast.net if you have tables we could use.
*Still need a drop off appt and they are full: email natalie.dohanos@comcast.net and we will get you hooked up. If you aren't consigning after all and can go in and remove your appt, that would be awesome as it will free it up for someone else.
GUESS WHAT'S BACK STARTING TONIGHT!!! Brea's Favorite THINGS!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
ATTN: New Moms
When we started Encores North years ago, we quickly realized that we needed to do something to cater to the new moms. We hated watching those pregnant women stand in line with everyone else and started brainstorming on what we could do. Natalie D. had the great idea to move it to Saturday morning before we opened to the public which would give all the new moms the chance to shop by themselves (without the insane crowd or line) AND allow us to give them more one on one attention. She even created a list of what every new mom should have to give people an idea of what we considered must haves!
Boy, did that idea work! In the Spring of 2011, we had record attendance! We got tons of great feedback and are so excited to offer it in this format again. So what is the new mom's sale? Well, here's the scoop:
WHO CAN SHOP?
Anyone who is pregnant with their first child or who is a new mom. No one that has children over 18M is allowed to come. The reason we do this is because this is a time where we can spend a lot of time helping people with equipment, etc. We also allow the new mom to bring one guest. We prefer that this be spouse or grandma. Adopting? Fostering? Come on down!
WHAT CAN YOU SHOP FOR? Anything in the whole store. If you want to shop for your nieces and nephews, feel free. We just wanted to give you the opportunity to come and shop in a stress free environment.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Basically everything and anything you could possibly ever need. We will have cribs, pack and plays, changing tables, stroller combos, bumbos, bath tubs, newborn clothing, etc. Everything will be neatly organized and we will have lots of workers to help you if you have questions. We will also have a huge selection of maternity clothing so you can buy a full wardrobe and with the addition of the adult sale this year, you can even buy some new clothes for yourself after you have the baby!
HOW DO YOU GET IN? We just need you to put your contact information on a piece of paper that we will collect at the door. By giving us that info, you are making a verbal agreement that you qualify to shop during the new mom's sale.
WHEN IS IT? Saturday, September 24 at 8am. Yes, people will line up. Yes, it will be fun. Yes, you will be glad you came and might even meet some new friends while you are shopping.
HOW DO YOU SHOP EVEN EARLIER? Well, there are several ways. First, you can consign. If you consign at either the children's or adult's sale, you will receive a pass to shop the Friday night before. If you want to volunteer your time, you can shop up to a full day BEFORE the consignors. Trust me, there are still plenty of options to do either but don't hesitate. If you want all the info, go to www.encoresconsignmentnorth.com and you can get all the info on being a consignor or worker by clicking on the MCM link.
We can't wait to meet all the new mom's!
Boy, did that idea work! In the Spring of 2011, we had record attendance! We got tons of great feedback and are so excited to offer it in this format again. So what is the new mom's sale? Well, here's the scoop:
WHO CAN SHOP?
Anyone who is pregnant with their first child or who is a new mom. No one that has children over 18M is allowed to come. The reason we do this is because this is a time where we can spend a lot of time helping people with equipment, etc. We also allow the new mom to bring one guest. We prefer that this be spouse or grandma. Adopting? Fostering? Come on down!
WHAT CAN YOU SHOP FOR? Anything in the whole store. If you want to shop for your nieces and nephews, feel free. We just wanted to give you the opportunity to come and shop in a stress free environment.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT? Basically everything and anything you could possibly ever need. We will have cribs, pack and plays, changing tables, stroller combos, bumbos, bath tubs, newborn clothing, etc. Everything will be neatly organized and we will have lots of workers to help you if you have questions. We will also have a huge selection of maternity clothing so you can buy a full wardrobe and with the addition of the adult sale this year, you can even buy some new clothes for yourself after you have the baby!
HOW DO YOU GET IN? We just need you to put your contact information on a piece of paper that we will collect at the door. By giving us that info, you are making a verbal agreement that you qualify to shop during the new mom's sale.
WHEN IS IT? Saturday, September 24 at 8am. Yes, people will line up. Yes, it will be fun. Yes, you will be glad you came and might even meet some new friends while you are shopping.
HOW DO YOU SHOP EVEN EARLIER? Well, there are several ways. First, you can consign. If you consign at either the children's or adult's sale, you will receive a pass to shop the Friday night before. If you want to volunteer your time, you can shop up to a full day BEFORE the consignors. Trust me, there are still plenty of options to do either but don't hesitate. If you want all the info, go to www.encoresconsignmentnorth.com and you can get all the info on being a consignor or worker by clicking on the MCM link.
We can't wait to meet all the new mom's!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Consignment Questions? We have ANSWERS!
Well, it's officially time to start your last minute, tag like a mad woman (man) for Encores North. Drop off is SEVEN days away and if you are like me, you aren't even close to ready. I'll warn you, this post might be long, but if you plan to consign at North without any bumps in the road, you NEED to read this! :)
Step 1: Getting registered.
*When you have unloaded tubs and tubs of stuff to sell and you want to cry, never fear....pour yourself a drink (water, of course!) AND go ahead and get yourself registered. Only selling kids clothing, you need to go here:
Encores North Children's Sale-My Consignment Manager
Here you will register by creating a user name and password (WRITE THIS DOWN!) and it will give you a consignor number. I would also go ahead and register for a drop off time while you are at it and write this down as well. It will automatically give you a number and you can go ahead and start tagging if you are ready.
What constitutes as a children's item? Well, anything related to children including maternity clothing.
IF YOU HAVE ADULT ITEMS (adult furniture, home decor, clothing) YOU MUST register on this system:
Encores North Adult Sale-My Consignment Manager
Here you will register using the same user name and password that you created above and it will allow you to choose your number. Just choose the same number, except if you were 002304 above, you will now be A02304 for the adult sale.
Why is it different for each sale? Well, the adult sale and the children's sale are two completely different sales. Although they are held at the same location and same time, the splits are different (70/30 on the kids, 60/40 on the adults), there are two seperate fees AND we will have some people that only sell adults and some that only sell childrens.
On that note, before you start tagging for the adult sale, MAKE SURE you read the list of acceptable brands for the adult sale: http://www.encoresconsignmentnorthadultsale.com/#/general-information/4553075807
You should think of the adult sale like this: UPSCALE not garage sale! If you bring clothing items older than 3 years and brands not on the list above, they will be rejected at drop-off. Adult clothing does not sell near as well as children's, so please make sure you are only bringing the cream of the crop, not just some old clothing you dug out. What would you want to buy? High end, boutique brands, Uggs, awesome furniture, etc.
Step 2: Tagging
As you enter your items in the system, feel free to do a little at a time! The system will store your items for you until you print. KEEP IN MIND: While you can see all the inventory you have entered, the only way we could show you what you are selling throughout the sale would be to physically scan each item as you bring it in. Unfortunately, we just aren't able to do that. At the end of the sale, you WILL be able to see your totals right before we mail checks, but we will not be uploading what you sold on an item by item basis. If you have questions, please feel free to email breagirl@aol.com about this.
Step 3: Printing
MAKE SURE you are printing on cardstock which you can buy very cheaply at Walmart, Target, etc. It will say CARDSTOCK on the packaging so if it doesn't, you aren't buying the right thing. Also, as you print, make sure your barcodes look good. Here's some examples:
http://www.encoresconsignmentnorthadultsale.com/#/barcodes/4554207874
If your barcodes are bad and don't scan, you will have to go home and reprint.
Step 4: Dropping Off
First, make an appointment NOW. They are filling up quickly because we don't have any general drop off days this time. As you are loading your car, try to keep your clothing items in size/sex order simply because you will be putting out your own clothing items so this will save you loads of time. If at all possible, try not to bring your kiddos to drop off. Yes, we LOVE your kids and we know you do too....with that being said, you are going to be checking in, signing forms, putting out items, etc. so you will be so much less stressed IF you don't have the littles hanging on your leg :)
Step 5: Shopping! THE BEST STEP
Consignors get to shop at 6pm on Friday, September 22 at 6pm. One person per pass, NO KIDDOS! You will also receive a guest pass for the same night at 8pm for a friend/relative to join you. Again, one person, no kids.
Want to shop before the consignors? Just sign up to work some shifts with us! We still have lots of great shifts open and you will love all the women and men you meet working. I always get so excited to go to an event later in the season and see so many new friends that met while working. It's a great group of people.
WE REALLY NEED WOMEN AND MEN that can help with security and loading. If you are able to help carry heavy items to the car, chat it up with customers and watch for thieves, WE NEED YOU! Shoot an email to natalie.dohanos@comcast.net and put in the subject line: SECURITY SHIFTS and she will get right back to you.
That's all for now...I'll be doing a post later today on all the people shopping at new moms so be watching for that!
Step 1: Getting registered.
*When you have unloaded tubs and tubs of stuff to sell and you want to cry, never fear....pour yourself a drink (water, of course!) AND go ahead and get yourself registered. Only selling kids clothing, you need to go here:
Encores North Children's Sale-My Consignment Manager
Here you will register by creating a user name and password (WRITE THIS DOWN!) and it will give you a consignor number. I would also go ahead and register for a drop off time while you are at it and write this down as well. It will automatically give you a number and you can go ahead and start tagging if you are ready.
What constitutes as a children's item? Well, anything related to children including maternity clothing.
IF YOU HAVE ADULT ITEMS (adult furniture, home decor, clothing) YOU MUST register on this system:
Encores North Adult Sale-My Consignment Manager
Here you will register using the same user name and password that you created above and it will allow you to choose your number. Just choose the same number, except if you were 002304 above, you will now be A02304 for the adult sale.
Why is it different for each sale? Well, the adult sale and the children's sale are two completely different sales. Although they are held at the same location and same time, the splits are different (70/30 on the kids, 60/40 on the adults), there are two seperate fees AND we will have some people that only sell adults and some that only sell childrens.
On that note, before you start tagging for the adult sale, MAKE SURE you read the list of acceptable brands for the adult sale: http://www.encoresconsignmentnorthadultsale.com/#/general-information/4553075807
You should think of the adult sale like this: UPSCALE not garage sale! If you bring clothing items older than 3 years and brands not on the list above, they will be rejected at drop-off. Adult clothing does not sell near as well as children's, so please make sure you are only bringing the cream of the crop, not just some old clothing you dug out. What would you want to buy? High end, boutique brands, Uggs, awesome furniture, etc.
Step 2: Tagging
As you enter your items in the system, feel free to do a little at a time! The system will store your items for you until you print. KEEP IN MIND: While you can see all the inventory you have entered, the only way we could show you what you are selling throughout the sale would be to physically scan each item as you bring it in. Unfortunately, we just aren't able to do that. At the end of the sale, you WILL be able to see your totals right before we mail checks, but we will not be uploading what you sold on an item by item basis. If you have questions, please feel free to email breagirl@aol.com about this.
Step 3: Printing
MAKE SURE you are printing on cardstock which you can buy very cheaply at Walmart, Target, etc. It will say CARDSTOCK on the packaging so if it doesn't, you aren't buying the right thing. Also, as you print, make sure your barcodes look good. Here's some examples:
http://www.encoresconsignmentnorthadultsale.com/#/barcodes/4554207874
If your barcodes are bad and don't scan, you will have to go home and reprint.
Step 4: Dropping Off
First, make an appointment NOW. They are filling up quickly because we don't have any general drop off days this time. As you are loading your car, try to keep your clothing items in size/sex order simply because you will be putting out your own clothing items so this will save you loads of time. If at all possible, try not to bring your kiddos to drop off. Yes, we LOVE your kids and we know you do too....with that being said, you are going to be checking in, signing forms, putting out items, etc. so you will be so much less stressed IF you don't have the littles hanging on your leg :)
Step 5: Shopping! THE BEST STEP
Consignors get to shop at 6pm on Friday, September 22 at 6pm. One person per pass, NO KIDDOS! You will also receive a guest pass for the same night at 8pm for a friend/relative to join you. Again, one person, no kids.
Want to shop before the consignors? Just sign up to work some shifts with us! We still have lots of great shifts open and you will love all the women and men you meet working. I always get so excited to go to an event later in the season and see so many new friends that met while working. It's a great group of people.
WE REALLY NEED WOMEN AND MEN that can help with security and loading. If you are able to help carry heavy items to the car, chat it up with customers and watch for thieves, WE NEED YOU! Shoot an email to natalie.dohanos@comcast.net and put in the subject line: SECURITY SHIFTS and she will get right back to you.
That's all for now...I'll be doing a post later today on all the people shopping at new moms so be watching for that!
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