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JBF Pittsburgh North Spring Sale! April 25th – 27th

TEN Shopping Tips for the Sale!

April 23, 2014

JBF Children’s Consignment Sale has something for everyone whether you are pregnant, first time parents, mom, dad, grandparent, teacher, homeschool mom, daycare provider and more.  I like to call this sale the Super Bowl of consignment sales because it is the largest sale in the Pittsburgh area.  There is not a better way to shop for quality items marked 50-90% off the retail price.

Items are not just limited to toys and clothes, but you can also find baby gear, nursery décor, children’s bedroom furniture, outdoor play equipment/toys, puzzles, books, games, sports gear, maternity clothing, and so much more.

I have been attending these sales for the past 3 years and I have tons of shopping tips and advice, below are my favorites.

My Top 10 Favorite JBF Shopping Tips

1. Go Early. The earlier you go, the bigger the selection.  You will also be able to pick and choose what you want to spend.  There are several duplicate items at these sales, all of them typically have varying price points, why spend $10 of a Bubble Mower when there is one right next to it for $5?!  Another advantage to going early is to beat the crowds and longer lines.  JBF provides several opportunities to get in early to the sale.  There are presale shopping opportunities for new parents, grandparents, Military families, foster parents, and teachers.  JBF has also partnered with local mommy bloggers who provide JBF sale info and offer giveaways for presale passes. If you unable to shop the presale, join the JBF mailing list and receive a free shopping pass for Friday, April 25th, click HERE for more details.

 2. Be Comfortable. Whether you are shopping at the spring or fall sales, wear comfortable clothing.  You might find yourself sitting on the flooring digging through a bin of sleepers in order to find the best deal!  I have found that jackets are not required, they usually just get in the way.  Also bring a bottle of water, shopping for deals can be a workout.

3. Bring Something to Carry your Items. I have seen all types of ways to carry your JBF treasures, but my favorites include: the big blue IKEA bags, and/or laundry basket with a belt attached so that you can easily drag it along with you.

4. Allow Time.  I have never been able to make it out of sale in under two hours.  There is just so much to look at, especially if you have multiple children.  The clothing racks go on for miles, and when you are done looking at clothes there are always table & tables of shoes!  I highly recommend shopping with a friend & leaving the children at home.  You can take your time and it is great to have another set of eyes helping you shop for a deal.

5. Make a List. It is always helpful to make a list before heading to the sale.  Write down the clothing/shoe sizes you are looking for, games you have had your eye on in the stores, book titles that are must haves, be sure to include items that would be necessary for grammy’s house, or to keep at a cottage or summer camp.  Prioritize your list, putting the bigger items at the top because they go fast!

6. Big Items Go Fast. Looking for a comfy recliner/rocker for the nursery or a train table for the playroom, maybe a bike with training wheels or a water table to keep at grammy’s house?  Go there first!  There are a lot less duplicates of bigger items, which means as soon as you walk in, go to the big items first.  JBF makes shopping for bigger items convenient too.  You do not have to carry a jumperoo through the sale, they have volunteers on the sales floor that will help you carry your larger items to the holding area and when it comes time to check out, you just hand over the sale ticket from the item to the cashier, you do not need to carry that large item again until you are ready to load it into your car!

7. Empty your Vehicle. I learned this the hard way last fall after making several trips to my car, I had some difficulty getting it to all fit.  If only an exercise trampoline would fold up?! I recommend taking out all car seats, even if you don’t plan to buy anything large, you just never know.  I had all clothing on my list for the spring Monroeville sale, but came home with a kids table and 4 chairs, which would have never fit in my car if I didn’t take out the car seats.  If you find yourself buying more than you can take home in one load, have no fear, as long as you have paid for your items, you can come back to pick them up on your second trip within 24 hours. JBF, they think of everything!

8. Find it. Love it. Grab it. I have learned this the hard way.  If you find something that you love, but not so sure you need (it will happen a lot because the prices are so awesome), put it in your bag.  You can always decide later (while you are waiting in line to checkout) if it is something you absolutely need.  There have been several times I have gone back to get something and it had already been scooped up. 

9. Half Price Day.  April 27th is half price for all marked items.  Come on back to the sale to save even more the second time around!!

10. Be Patient.  The volunteers at the sale are very helpful.  They can help you carry your items, or guide you in a certain direction, just ask.  If the volunteers are busy, don’t be afraid to ask a seasoned shopper.  JBF accepts cash, Visa, Discover and MasterCard as forms of payment at the sale!

Stay informed about all upcoming sales by liking Just Between Friends of Pittsburgh North & East on facebook and following them on Twitter at @JBFPittsburgh.

I hope to see YOU at the JBF Pittsburgh sale April 25-27th!

Shop. Sell. Save. Smart!

Amy

Amy is the JBF Pittsburgh North & East Social Media Team Leader and she also blogs about joys and challenges of parenting over at Our Journey as Rookie Parents.








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