Helpful
Consignor Tips:
1.
Where to find FREE hangers
These stores throw away tons of hangers every day because all new
clothes come in on hangers. (I've gotten huge bags at each of these
places just for asking!) Such a waste! It doesn't hurt to
ask at any store though! Tons of retailers just throw them
away. Get a big bag full and share with friends.
•
Old Navy (depends on the manager, apparently!)
• Osh Kosh (at Seaside, Woodburn, Troutdale, or other
outlets)
• Carter's (same as above)
• Dry Cleaners will give away
used wire hangers
• Take your chances asking at Kohl's,
Target, Kmart, Walmart, Ross, TJ Maxx, or similar stores,
sometimes they have hangers to give away.
Search
Craigslist or Freecycle for free
hangers! Oregon is all about recycling, people would rather pass it
on than throw away something useful!
2.
Where to find CHEAP hangers
Dollar
Stores usually carry children's hangers in 10 or 12 packs
and adult hangers in 8 packs. (Yes, for $1.)
BiMart
carries children's and adult hangers, when on sale they have 10 for
$.79, but regular price is just $.99.
Target
sometimes has 25 hangers for $2. Just keep checking for sales.
3.
Where
to buy cheap paper
You
can buy card stock or index paper at most office supply stores (Office
Max, Office Depot, Staples) but the best (cheapest!) place to get
paper is Paper Plus on Greenburg Rd in Tigard. They sell wholesale
paper products to the trade and to the public. I don't recall the
brand, but you can get a package of 250 sheets of 90lb index paper
for $7-8. The office supply chain stores charge $12 for the same thing.
Make a mental note to stop by the next time you're near Washington
Square Mall. There is another location on East Burnside. Also downtown
is Arvey Paper on Grand, an awesome place to buy anything paper related!
I've also heard Big Lots carries small packs of paper, like 75 sheets
for $2. I also have paper on hand at our Consignor Workshops, selling
by the sheet for $.05 each.
4.
Other
supply tips
Some
Dollar Stores sell safety pins in packs of 200. Please
only use 1 inch pins on clothes. Larger ones leave holes in clothes
and smaller ones pop open and are harder to use.
Dollar
Tree carries cheap batteries. Better than having your non-working
item refused!
Harbor
Freight
also carries cheap batteries; watch for their frequent sales. Sometimes
they also have packing tape cheap.
Target
carries a generic Magic Eraser in their laundry section. Tide stain
sticks are also great to have in your sale supply kit.
Dollar
Tree has large Ziploc-style bags (that are clear and do not
say Ziploc on them) that are great for containing larger sets of toys
that could be separated. You can get 3 large size bags or 2 extra
large bags for $1. This is a cheap way to make sure your stuff stays
together.
Don't
forget to save those wonderful clear zippered bags you get when you
buy new sheet sets or comforters! These are perfect for containing
toys with lots of parts. We can help you secure the zipper shut at
drop off after we've inspected the contents.
5.
Tagging Guns
Using
a tagging gun is the best way to tag clothing and other items with
fabric because the tags don't fall off and can't be switched. We have
an inexpensive supplier for tagging guns if you are interested. This
is totally optional. You do not have to use this type of tagging gun.
Safety pins work nicely too.
These
typically sell for $25-35 retail, or there is a store near OMSI that
sells them for $15. Through this source below, you can get a tagging
gun as seen here with 1 needle and 1000 2" or 3" barbs for
$8, and this does include shipping. You can check out right on that
site by using PayPal.
www.bargainprice4u.com
Be
aware it takes about 10 days to come from China, so make sure you
allow plenty of time to receive your order. We usually have some on
hand, so please contact Kim
(in Hillsboro), Jenna
(in Aloha/Beaverton), or Jen
(in Eugene/Springfield) if you would like one. It's $10, but you'll
have it today.
Please
use caution when using a tagging gun, especially if you do not have
retail clothing experience. Always place the needle in a seam, either
in the armpit, end of sleeve, side of pants, or somewhere unnoticeable,
so you don't damage the garment. The tag at the back of the neck works
nicely too. Practice before ruining your clothes.
Watch
the basic instructional video here
(2nd one down) before using a gun. There is also an advanced video
for troubleshooting.
6.
Loop Pins
The
source listed above also sells a product called Loop Pins which you
might want to add to your order. They are similar to zip ties as they
fasten in a loop, but they snap into place end to end and cannot be
tightened.
You
can get 500 5" loop pins for $5 including shipping. You do not
need a tagging gun to use these. These are perfect for attaching tags
to shoes, toys, and some baby gear. You might want to laminate the
top of your tag with a layer of tape first. They also work on clothes
(like through the tag loop at neck, a button hole, or the belt loop
of pants), but a tagging gun is cheaper in the long run. Kim also
has some of these on hand.
