Anyone have experience with once upon a child?

ShellShockedMama

What is their pricing like? (I know it could vary, but I figured I would ask anyway)

My local consignment shops charge a lot of money for some stuff--it's insane. There was a 4 year old stroller that was maybe $250 new. They had it for $175. Uh, no. I'd rather buy new at that point. 

It is over an hour away so, I don't want to waste my time if it's similar to our local shops.  

madamsmurfette

At ours, most single piece items are $4.50. Cheaper brands may be cheaper. More expensive brands or stuff with original tags still on may be more. Multiple items packaged as a set tend to run anywhere from $5.50 - $8.00. Again, more expensive brands would probably be more.

I've only bought clothes and shoes, so I can't really say how larger items are priced. Although.... I think I did look at their Bumbo's and they were around $20 - $25, depending on condition.

Kissimi21

I like Once Upon a Child.  I found a brand new Calvin Klein 3pc outfit for Ds, with the original tags ($80), for $8.50.  I got Children's Place jeans for $4.50 and brand new (original tags still on them) for $3.50.

amber31288

I am a lurker here, but i LOVE once upon a child, so i'll fill you in on my experience. Each individual store is slightly different in pricing, as well as in what they carry and how clean the place is. I here bad things from other bumpies about their local OUAC, but i love the two near me. I got a double stroller there a month ago and it was priced at $60 and with all my coupons and discounts I walked out of there spending only $15 on it! It was in great shape and its a Combi.

Both of the ones I shop at are clean and pretty organized. I find a lot of things with the tags still on them! I would say most onesies sold on their own are about $1.50 a piece. Outfits (2-3 pieces) go between $3-5, and PJ's are about $2-3. Shoes are about $2 as well. I love OUAC and always find great things there.

As far as toys & baby gear goes, most of the normal size toys go for $3-5. I got a big music table for DD for $10. They have little bikes that go for the same. Bouncers and such seem to go for about $15-20. Good luck!

ShellShockedMama

Awesome, I think we are making a trip tomorrow!!!

Wufroggy79

I don't like our OUAC at all.  I got a Groupon there last summer to get $40 worth for $20, and I had a hard time even finding $20 of clothes I wanted to buy.

CaniacMom

I've had mixed experiences - sometimes they have great stuff - others nothing but Mart brands at $4-$5 an item.  I did find a swing for my mom & dad's yard (they had a frame) for a really good price. 

They do puzzle me on what they buy - I took in a box of older DS's clothes when he was in maybe a size 7 or 8 - mostly name brands that were hardly worn - Hilfiger, Kitestrings, Polo and few Mart brand items.  They bought the cheap stuff and did not take the good stuff and it was all in excellent condition.  I checked the rack and it was all cheaper quality stuff.

tarebear9891

I like ours. I have even sold to them and thought they were very fair (they give you half of what they are going to sell it for). Ours only buys clothes that look brand new, some even have tags still on them. They don't buy outdated things either.

PeonyPumps

I like ours.  I think the key to consignment is to realize that you often have to check back if you don't find anything you like one time.  The inventory is always changing and when you go back you may find completely different things.

My #1 best piece of advice I've been given on consignment though is to make sure all the zippers zip and snaps snap.  I buy only consignment (or well 97% consignment) and this has helped me out a ton!

RayRay007

I like Once upon a Child for play clothes. I just stocked up on clearance stuff for next summer for $1 a piece. I've gotten a ton a cute t'shirts for $3-4 'regular' price. I also found DD's halloween costume there last year for around $10 and a nice light jacket (fleece lined wind breaker) for around $10 too. I have also bought new stuff there too: Robeez, Melissa & Doug, hair bows, potty, soother clips, etc., all competitively priced.

gisa886

I dislike ours. They hardly have clothes in Hazel's size and the pricing it just about the same as Carter's. I sell to them, but they don't buy much from me. They say the are excessively worn or stained, but they aren't. I am kind of meh about them.  

Venus04d

Some stuff can be a GREAT deal. I got my twins breast feeding pillow there, still in the package, for $20 versus $80 retail. Most clothes are cheap and in great condition. You do have to be careful though about a few items. There are some things that aren't any cheaper than new at Target.

Echowysp

I love ours.  I mean, it's a bit of work to go through all of the clothes to see if you find anything you like, but I love how they have the clothes in each size aisle categorized by color.  Plus, they have big sales every season where you can get things for like $1.50.  I got all of the kids' summer clothes for $1.50-$3.00 a piece, all in new or like new condition.

I love their little play area so I can shop without dealing with the kids pulling on clothes or getting lost.  

I plan on getting the majority of the kids' fall clothes from OUAC and mom-to-mom sales.  I'm tired of paying too much for stuff they play in, get dirty and then outgrow.

LovesMM

It really does vary depending on location.

The store I go to is 20 minutes away in a higher socioeconomic area so the items they have are more name brands and great condition. Typically I shop the clearance rack when they do 70% off the price and get things for $1-$2 a piece.

The shoes I think are more expensive than they should be. Especially for the larger sizes that are obviously worn. I think I saw a pair for almost $10 that was clearly worn. 

robinsokj

I'd rather shop retail sales.  I usually find better deals.  And they're all individually owned so quality really varies. 

I think some have rankings on their website if you want to check that out before you make the trip

ShellShockedMama

the one in Ocoee FL sucks in case anyone was wondering. oh well.