For those of you just beginning on eBay without inventory to resale, consignment shops can be a great resource.  They are a great place to find clothing for your own children you can resale later!  

As owner of a children's boutique that offers both new and consigned items I can attest to the great items you can find in your local shop.  While well-worn and "discount" brand clothing are sold at yard sales or donated to charity, many of our consignors will hold their better and boutique brands for consignment because they know they can get a better return on their investment.  Brands like Tommy, Polo, The Children's Place, Gymboree and Gap can be found in almost every shape and size.  We price our new arrivals at approximately 1/2 - 1/3 the item's original purchase price new in the store, depending on wear and desirability.  After a month, most consignment shops will discount items based on interest beginning at 20%, 30%, 40% or even 50% off!  Great deals, especially if you have room to store some out of season items.  In our shop, out-of-season items are typically marked down anywhere from 50% off our original price to simply $1.00.  Get a barely worn Gap or Tommy tee for $1.00 -think about the resale possibilities!

Successful keys for shopping at a consignment store, number one is get to know the owner and sales people!  Ask them to show you the more "exclusive" boutique brands.  Don't ever be afraid to ask what's on sale!  And if you are shopping for your own children always ask to have your name added to a call list.  We keep a card file just for that purpose and are happy to call or email our customers as items come in their size range. 

Some additional tips for making sure you get the most for your money:

• Go to your local mall or boutique and check out new arrivals.  Take note of colors, fabrics and styles but avoid fads and "trendy" items especially if your children will wear first.  What is "hot" this year may have cooled by next and you may not be able to resale.
• View your purchases as an investment!  Don't buy to just be buying and if your children are going to wear first think about how well the item will hold up to their wear and tear.   
• Look for "better" brands that tend to offer classic styles year after year.  Gap and Old Navy are great examples while brands like Gymboree and Baby Lulu have distinct, new prints and patterns from year to year.  Try to stay within one to two years on pieces that are easily dated and popular prints.       
•  Take time to look over your item well.  
• Hold item up to bright light (window is best) to see any hidden stains, both front and back.
• Look at all hems to make sure there are no loose threads or unsewn spots.  Knit and serged items can be difficult to fix if loose.
• Check underarm to make sure stitching is not loose.  As sleeves get too short kids tend to pull and stitches can be broken.
• Test all buttons and zippers and make sure all are intact and working.
• Bring a small tape measure to check measurements if you prefer to shop without the kids.  Hang your piece in a spot free of other clutter to get most accurate measurement.  Dressing rooms are great for this!
• If you find a perfect item that has a tiny stain don't assume it has been pre-treated.  Ask the store if they will mark down or attempt to remove.  Oxy-Baby is a wonderful stain soaker that we use in our store with great luck, even on hard to remove baby formula stains. 
• If buttons are missing be sure to check inside, there may be some extras included.  Broken zippers can be fixed by your local dry cleaner if you find a wonderful item at a cheap enough price.  Be sure to call them for a price estimate before you buy the item.
• Invest in a defuzzer or clothing shaver.  A quick search of eBay, Amazon.com or your local fabric shop can offer an amazing selection and these are wonderful fabric savers.  In a pinch a piece of fine grain sandpaper can work or a disposable shaver - just be extra careful because you can quickly ruin a piece - we know from experience!

Make a list of your favorite shops - check yellow pages or the Internet and be sure to ask the other shops for "hidden" stores in the same area.  Smaller stores may not have an large advertising budget but you can discover great "finds" that no one else may know about!  Now go find those comfortable shoes and have fun bargain hunting!