Frugal Friday (Ways to Save Money!)

Okay, are you ready for some more ways to save some major money?

This week I wanted to share one of my favorite ways to save money because it involves the thrill of the hunt for a bargain.

Consignment Sales

Just yesterday I hit one of the biggest in our area and found almost everything I need for Rhett's spring and summer wardrobe. I am not into name brands, but I thought I would add them below to let you know that you can really get some high quality and high priced clothes for a fraction of the original cost.

For only $86.25 here's what I was able to get:

-7 collared dress shirts (most were either Polo or Gap)
-4 pair of shorts (Children's Place or Gap)
-5 t-shirts (Gap, Gymboree, Children's Place)
-2 pair of dress pants (Polo, Gap)
-4 pair of pajamas (Gap, Carter's)
-2 pair of shoes (Stride Rite)
- 1 pair of swimming trunks (Body Glove)
-1 swimming shirt (Body Glove)
-1 sun hat (Gap)


I also was able to pick up a brand new Body Glove life vest for the pool this summer for only $8.50 (they usually run about $25-$30) and 12 Thomas the Train brand trains for only $5 (anyone who knows about these trains knows they are about $18-$22 for each wooden train).

Here's the price comparison:

All the goods I got above for $86.25 vs. $96.00 at the Gap for:

-1 pair of shorts
-1 t-shirt
-1 pair of shoes
-1 collared shirt
-1 pair of pajamas


Tip for shopping consignment sales:

-Get there early!! This is serious business to us bargain shoppers and the early bird really does get the worm at these sales.

-If you have the opportunity to volunteer or consign your own goods, you can most likely shop earlier than the general public.

-Try to find sales that are well established and have a policy in place to make sure the items are in great condition.

-Get a map of the room layout before entering the sale. This way you are not overwhelmed by the vast amount of items and if you are shopping for something in particular you won't waste time in areas that don't interest you.

-Most sales don't allow strollers, so come prepared with a large bag (I use a pool bag or Ikea bag), laundry basket with a belt or strap attached for pulling, suitcase with wheels any anything else you can come up with to make shopping easier.

-Don't bring your purse. Just bring in your bag and check (or other form of payment).

-Make sure you know ahead of time what types of payment they accept. It really varies depending on the sale. And, it's not fun to wait in line for 30 minutes to find out they only accept cash when you didn't bring any!

-Find someone to watch the kiddos if possible! I was blessed yesterday when my friend watched Rhett so I could do some serious shopping.

-If you need to bring the kids be prepared. For really little ones, a baby carrier or backpack is great. For the not so little ones it will be really tough to keep them away from the toys, so try a portable DVD player with their favorite DVD.

-Make sure you know what size your child will be wearing in the next 3-6 months. Remember these sales are seasonal and you will be buying for the season ahead.

-Have Fun!! For some these sales are overwhelming, but if you try it and like it there are some opportunities to save some major money.

Happy Shopping!