Pricing Tips
Each season, there are questions about pricing items and we get feedback from customers. I used to be hesitant to offer suggested prices due to the sensitive nature of a consignor’s items but I’m in the business of helping you to clear the clutter and make the most $$ for it that you can . .so NOT ANYMORE.
Here’s the scoop. Price it to sell well at full price, then mark it to discount! It’s out of your house. Let’s sell it and bless some other people with it. Just take the emotion and sentimentality out of it and try not to be offended by our recommendations!
Here’s my favorite piece of advice about pricing: Don’t overthink it and don’t “think” about every piece! Gather your clothing items into a “stack”. Pick up the one on top and decide on a price for it based on the suggestions below. Now pick up the next item—and ask yourself is it about the same price, a little less, or a little more? Place it accordingly. You’ll wind up with 3 stacks of items at 3 good price points! Done! (you probably have a few items that are a lot more and maybe a few that are a lot less and you can “think” about those but this is a great shortcut that takes most of the mental work out of pricing!
Now here are some tips about how to price that very first piece:
The guide from Consignment Mommies has been around forever but it’s still great!
As a general rule, Consignors will want to price their items from 1/4 to 1/3 of their original price. If your item is a name brand or boutique, you can price closer to 1/3 of its original price. Please note this is “OF” ’with only one F. 30% of a $10 item is $3. NOT 30% off (that has 2 “f”s and would incorrectly overprice the item at $7)
Take all the rules and suggestions our of it and there is still an easy way. Ask yourself this question while pricing: “What would I be willing to pay for this used?”
A quick note for consignors who have boutique items to sell: Tar Heel Kids Consignment has both consignors and customers who bring and seek out these items. Typically boutique items such as smocked outfits and other specialty boutique brands are priced 1/3-1/2 of its original price. Please keep in mind the brand and condition of the item. Boutique brands generally start at $10 and go up from there. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out on our consignor Facebook group or contact us at hello@tarheelkidsconsignment.com
The consignors who earn the most money have items priced in the ranges of $5.00 - $15.00 and generally bring a lot of items to sell. A few high quality items will really add up quickly! Remember, Tar Heel Kids Consignment sells toys, baby equipment, nursery items such as cribs, gliders, changing tables and strollers! Always keep in mind that your GOAL is to SELL your items, otherwise, you or our donations partners will be taking them home with you at the end of this sale, so be careful to not overprice.
Exceptions to the rule are outdoor play equipment, strollers, furniture, pack-n-plays, etc. For these items, depending upon condition consignors can price around ½ of original retail.
Here are some guidelines as a starting point. This is not a complete list, but you should get an idea of price ranges. If you have any questions, please reach out in the Facebook consignor group.
One last great tip: BUNDLE your items together. Shoppers perceive there is more value there.
Clothing:
Pricing is per individual piece. Lower priced items should be bundled to meet the $4 minimum. Again, while we may recommend something be priced individually at as little as $2.50-$3 as a reference point but we require that that item be bundled with another to meet our $4 minimum.
Shirts: $2-$5 each
Pants: $3-$5
Shorts: $2.50-$5
Dresses: $3-$15
Swimsuits: $3-$7
Pajamas: $3-$7
Coats: $3-$10
Overalls: $3-$6
Holiday: $5-$15
Boutique Brand: $10 and higher (depending on brand and condition)
****Expect the “per piece price” for infant clothing to be substantially lower than that of larger sizes unless it’s new with tags. There is TONS of this clothing in excellent condition and not enough buyers to buy it all! Price competitively!
Equipment:
Stroller/Umbrella: $5-$10
Stroller/Lightweight $15-$45
Stroller/Single: $10-$65 (depending upon brand)
Stroller/Double: $50-$90
Stroller/Jog: $35-150 (depending on brand / single or double)
Stroller/High End Brand (Peg Perego, BoB) 1/3 to ½ of original price / condition
Exersaucers: $15-$45 (depending upon activities / condition)
Pack-n-Play $25-$60 (depending upon attachments)
Changing Table: $25-$75
Swings: $15-$45
Bouncy Seats: $15-$35 (depending upon “bells & whistles”)
Outdoor equipment is ALWAYS in high demand
Power Wheel Toys, please check powerwheels.com
The system’s default is to mark you items to discount. If you choose to donate your items, the system will default and discount your item. I hope this helps you find a pricing rhythm, clean out the closets and take it straight to the bank!