Whale of a Sale. What did you get?

blondbomber23

I have to say that I wasn't as impressed as I thought I'd be. I went looking for toys and fleece sleepers and didn't seem to find much. It reminded me of a OUAC in terms of the selection and prices. At least it wasn't as crowded as I thought it would be.

I ended up with a Baby Einstein 9 DVD collection, a pair of Ralph Lauren shoes for A, and a FP stroller walker (don't recall the name of it but it was rec'd here).

Also, I liked the venders at the end but didn't really feel like I had time to look at everything. They had so many headbands and bows and i'd like to go back and get some.

IU_baby

I wasn't that impressed either. 

Their website stresses that they only accept clothing that has no stains or rips and is from higher-end retailers.  That's definitely not what I saw in the 18-24m boys section.  I did find a few things (a pair of jeans from ON, jean overalls from ON and a pair of BabyGap sweatpants).  Most of what I saw was faded, pilled, and I did see several stains, all of which are my complaints with secondhand clothing.

I did like that it seemed to be organized better than the other consignment sale I had been to (IKC).  Much bigger space and a larger selection of items all around.  They still failed at moving people quickly through the line.  Luckily I had cash and they had a cash only line, but there has to be a better system.

lnross

I was really impressed with WOAS, but the only thing I have to compare it to was the JBF sale a couple weeks ago that I was totally NOT impressed with.  I'm in a bit of a different boat though and wasn't looking for anything specific.  

I ended up with a couple maternity sweaters, a brand new vera bradley black microfiber diaper bag, a boppy pillow with the removable cover, a bouncer seat that looked barely used and about 8 or 9 cute gender neutral outfits for baby.  I even managed a couple brand new (still had tags on) Gymboree outfits for pretty cheap.  I got this sweater and matching pants. And this onesie with reversible pants and matching socks.  All in all I got everything for less than what the Vera Bradley bag would have cost at the store.

 

blondbomber23

IU_baby:

I wasn't that impressed either. 

Their website stresses that they only accept clothing that has no stains or rips and is from higher-end retailers.  That's definitely not what I saw in the 18-24m boys section.  I did find a few things (a pair of jeans from ON, jean overalls from ON and a pair of BabyGap sweatpants).  Most of what I saw was faded, pilled, and I did see several stains, all of which are my complaints with secondhand clothing.

I did like that it seemed to be organized better than the other consignment sale I had been to (IKC).  Much bigger space and a larger selection of items all around.  They still failed at moving people quickly through the line.  Luckily I had cash and they had a cash only line, but there has to be a better system.

That was how the girls 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12month sections were also. I don't generally buy second hand because I don't like to search for clothes that aren't faded, pilled, stained, etc. Also, I was amazed at how much people want you to pay for some of the used gymboree or Janie and Jack outfits. I can buy them brand new on clearance for the same price!
I stood in line forever it seemed like. I didn't bring cash and wish I would have!

SusieDMB

Maybe I'm glad I skipped it!  It's a hike from where I live now--not so bad from Westfield.  Laura did you go to the IKC this year?  It was so much better organized.  They had tags on the big items that you could take if you wanted to buy it and not have to lug it around.

IndyPRGirl

I, too, wasn't impressed.  I was hunting in the 2T and 3T and there really wasn't much there that was in good condition.  And I even got there early, like 6:00!  I bought a couple of toys, three articles of clothing and a mini used Kate Spade purse for my niece.

IU_baby

SusieDMB:

Maybe I'm glad I skipped it!  It's a hike from where I live now--not so bad from Westfield.  Laura did you go to the IKC this year?  It was so much better organized.  They had tags on the big items that you could take if you wanted to buy it and not have to lug it around.

I didn't go because I disliked it so much last year.

MommaMcG

The clothes were overpriced for what they were, but I feel that way at OUAC too.  I did get the Playskool Ball Popper (she's scared of it though, lol), a Disney princess floor mat, a couple books, and some hair bows at the end.  I'm glad I went, but I wasn't looking for anything in particular. 

mrs.melluvslogan

SusieDMB:

Maybe I'm glad I skipped it!  It's a hike from where I live now--not so bad from Westfield.  Laura did you go to the IKC this year?  It was so much better organized.  They had tags on the big items that you could take if you wanted to buy it and not have to lug it around.

I think I'm glad I skipped it too then!

fleur-de-lys

Ditto on the not being impressed.  I've never had good luck with clothes there - last spring I got some pedipeds and wee squeak shoes but now that B is really walking I'll probably buy new.  I got a little people car thing and a little people garage for my mom's house.  I bought a pop up tunnel but it didn't work that well with B this morning - it was only $3 so oh well.  I was hopeing for more, sigh

lckytabby3

I got a fall gymbo outfit for $6 in good condition and 2 new pairs of tights that I needed in pink and brown and a black pair of shoes.  So pretty good for me.  I wasn't going for much.  I really just go to look for stuff that is in really good condition at a good price and if I get something great.  If not I like the hunt.  I did go with cash and liked that they had a cash only line. 

*Emma Jean*

You ladies are making me feel better. I just got back and I wasn't at all in impressed. I was worried I was being a snob but glad I am not alone in thinking the quality of the clothes wasn't that great and pricey. I ended up with a pair of old navy cords and a Baby Einstein DVD. I am glad I experienced but I am not sure I'd go back next year. I could be talked into selling some stuff though.

slacy

I'm a little late chiming in on this post, but I think it really depends on when you are able to attend the sale as to what selection you might find.

This was my first year attending WOAS - and I also consigned and volunteered.  To be a consignor, you have to sell at least 25 pieces.  This automatically gets you in on the first evening of the sale at 5pm to shop.  If you volunteer for at least 1  4 hour shift, you get in at 4pm.  "Super Volunteers" or ladies that were volunteering the ENTIRE sale - got to shop at 3pm.  As a volunteer working with the inventory before the sale actually started, I got to see firsthand the quality of some of the items.  It does vary.  There are some that are new with tags, new without tags, excellent condition, and things that I personally would have donated to Goodwill and wouldn't have tried to sell AT ALL.  Each consignor sets her own prices - so some are priced MUCH higher than I would ever pay.  You have to get there early to get most of the good stuff - good quality, priced right, etc.

I was able to find snow sets (coats and pants) for both my boys that were practically brand new for $10 each (L.L. Bean), as well as some Gymboree LS tees (for Elliott) and some Gymboree rompers (for Oliver) that I felt were very reasonably priced.  I'm not opposed to paying $10 for a Gymboree romper that is used but hardly looks it. Sometimes you'll pay more on eBay.

I guess what I'm saying is don't give up on it - I felt that there were some TREMENDOUS deals to be had there.  If you have the patience and time and are willing to search past some of the "less desirable" items, then I think it is well worth your time.  In order to get the best selection, you HAVE to get there Thursday night - if you can  (by volunteering or consigning).  I volunteered during my lunch hour on Friday and by that time the selection was VERY picked over.

If anyone is interested in consigning for the spring sale in March, please PM me and I can give you the details.  (You have to have at least 25 items).  It's very simple (you enter in your items on a website and print out all your tags), and it gives you options to reduce (1/2 price last day) or donate.  Plus, it gives you an itemized receipt for your taxes (if donations are made).  I'd even be willing to enter your items in for you since I've done it before.

Sara