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How do I become a consignor? Click here. Then, click the link that says "Become a Consignor Now," follow the prompts. This is also where you can get more information on being a consignor. If you have any questions, please call (828) 230-8909 or email Misty@MunchkinMarket.com.
How much do I make from the sale of my items? Consignors earn 60% of the sell price of the item, and there is NEVER a fee to be a consignor.
What is the best way to price my items? A good rule is to ask about a 1/3 of what you paid for it, if it is new with tags and a high-end name brand, price it a little more. Most of all, think about what you would pay for the item at Munchkin Market. Also, try not to fall into "emotional pricing."
Do I have a limit on how much I can bring? No. We do not limit the number of items, but we are VERY strict on the quality of your items. We will not accept any stains, holes, tears or over-worn garments. Shoes should be clean and not over-worn. Toys should have all working parts and be in good shape. We do not accept broken toys! Also, we will be screening toys using the new Consumer Product Safety Commission's list of recalled toys. Please, help with this by looking for yourself at cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/toy.html.
Why do you only accept metal hangers? Plastic hangers will break from being shifted around on the racks (then garments end up in the floor), and plastic coated stick to the racks causing problems as we organize and sort. Squeeze and then bend the "arms" of the hanger for tiny infant clothes. Also, it is always a good idea to put the hanger through the bottom of all garments. Your local dry cleaner is a good place to find free metal hangers. We also happily recycle hangers back to our consignors at the end of each sale, so that you can be perpared for next time. Hanging/Tagging diagram.
Why can I only use safety pins? They are the safest and most secure way to attach items to hangers. They are usually easy to find at a "dollar store" very inexpensively. We also recycle these back to our consignors at the end of each sale. Hanging/Tagging diagram.
How do I prepare my shoes? Put shoes in a ziplock type bag with your barcode tag taped to the inside of the bag (facing out). I find these are the least expensive at a "dollar store." Remember to put your consignor number on each shoe - either with masking tape or a sticker of some kind.
What is a priority shopping number? It is the number that all consignors are given when they drop off their items at Munchkin Market. The numbers are assigned based on the order in which consignors arrive. These numbers then determine what time the consignor gets to begin shopping on our Consignor Shopping Night. The earlier you drop off your items, the earlier you can shop! We stagger the start times in order to reduce the chaos and create a better shopping experience for you. It also helps us abide by fire code.
When is the best time to drop off my items? The earlier on the first day of receiving that you bring your items, the better your priority shopping number will be. This will allow you to shop earlier during the Consignor's Sale. If you wait until after the first day of receiving, the crowd will be less, but your shopping time will not be as good.
Why are children not allowed to attend the Volunteer & Consignor Sale nights? First, safety - there are lots of people around, and everyone is very busy with the excitement of the sale. Also, inventory is very high on these dates and space is limited. Finally, it will make your shopping experience easier and more enjoyable. If you have a baby under 1 year old, we will have a nursing mom's room for you, and these children are more than welcome to be with you while you shop. Beginning in 2011, our stoller policy has been ammended - you may now bring a stroller for your infant to the Volunteer and Consignor Shopping Events.
What is the best way to shop if I have a nursing infant, or an infant I do not want to leave for several hours? If you have a baby under 1 year old (not walking), we will have a nursing mom's room for you and this child is welcome to be with you (no strollers, please) while you shop. "Wearing" your baby is safest and best during this time. However, beginning in 2011, our stoller policy has been ammended - you may now bring a stroller for your infant to the Volunteer and Consignor Shopping Events. Walking children that need to nurse can be brought to you by another adult. You can nurse in the nursing moms room, or wherever you are comfortable, and then return your baby to the sitter.
Will baby-sitting be available during the sale? NO. Baby-sitting is not available and we ask that you keep a close watch on your children - for their safety. We will have a nursing mom's room, but no children are allowed to stay there unsupervised! The mall seems to be a fun, comfortable, and safe place for your sitter and child to wander and explore.
Can I bring a stroller to haul my "stuff" as I shop? Strollers are not allowed on the first day of the public sale, we cannot control how many people show up and reserve the right to ask shoppers to park strollers. Strollers take up a lot of room in the aisle, so we would prefer not to have them. On these dates, inventory is very high and space is limited.
How do I carry all the items I plan to buy if I don't have a stroller or cart? We encourage you to bring a laundry basket or large plastic bucket with a belt or strap attached to the handle. This will allow you to pull your "cargo" instead of carry it. This method also helps us keep the maximum amount of foot space for everyone in the store.
Why can't I a bring diaper bags or large purse? This is a rule we need to have as a precaution for the merchandise in our shop. Our consignors have trusted us with their valuables and we work our hardest to ensure it is safe - for their sake.
How can I become a volunteer for the sale? You must be registered as a Consignor and consign at least 15 items. Once you have registered as a consignor, email Misty@MunchkinMarket.com. For more information about Volunteer requirements, Visit our Volunteer's Page.
Why no stuffed animals? They just don't sell and they take up a lot of our very limited space.
Why do I need to put my Consignor ID number inside my garment on tape or a sticker? This protects you and the garment in case of a lost tag or in case pieces an outfit gets separated. We can easily identify to whom the item belongs. We cannot sell items that do not have a barcode tag, but you will have the opportunity to sell the item in a future sale. This is highly recommended, but not required.
How do I hang pants / shorts on a hanger? Safety pin the waistband of the pants or shorts to the top of the hanger, do this so that the pants will not slide around on the hanger. This allows shoppers to see the whole garment without taking it off the hanger. Look at the diagram on the Tagging Instructions page.
How do I hang sets? Hang the shirt on the hanger (as normal), then pin the bottoms on the back. Be sure that the weight of the pinned garment is on the hanger - not just the fabric of the shirt. Also, be sure the bottoms are NOT under the shirt - it helps if shoppers can see the garment without taking the shirt off. Look at the diagram on the Tagging Instructions page.
How do I prepare bedding? If you have the clear, plastic, zipper bag it came in (or one similar), use that. Any clear bag is best because shoppers can see the pattern without removing it from the protective bag. If you have more than one piece of bedding, DO NOT make a tag for each piece. Just make ONE (1) tag that describes what is in the bag. Be very descriptive. Try to put all pieces together inside one bag. You should tape the barcode tag to the inside of the bag (only if clear) facing out, and in a very visible place. If the bag is not clear, very securely tape the barcode tag to the outside of the bag. All bedding must be appropriate for children.
How do I package toys with many parts? THINK ZIPLOCK BAGS!!! The more secure you package the parts, the better chance the items won't get lost. Put all small parts in ziplock type bags (and tape the bag closed with clear packing tape), then tape the bag to the main part of they toy (with clear packing tape so the smaller parts can be seen). Be sure not to put tape anywhere that will damage the look of the toy.
How do I package puzzles? Wrap plastic kitchen wrap around the puzzle very snuggly, and then secure it with clear packing tape. Place your tag on the outside with clear packing tape - all other tapes will not hold well enough.
NOTE: We only sell games and puzzles that have all their pieces! Also, be sure to tape the boxes closed so that little hands don't loose pieces during the sale.
Should I include batteries with toys? YES! We try very hard to ensure that we only sell working toys, accessories, etc. We will only accept battery operated items if they have charged batteries and work properly.
How do I package books? You can put groups of books together in large ziplock type bags, or even wrap groups of books in plastic kitchen wrap. If you put books in a ziplock type bag, be sure to tape the barcode tag to the inside of the bag, facing out. Then tape the bag closed. If you use plastic wrap, secure the plastic wrap with clear packing tape and tape the barcode tag to the outside very securely.
Please, do not tape barcode tags anywhere on a book that the tape might damage when removed.
Books should be grouped by age and / or skill level.
Please, DO NOT put single books in bags.
Please, do not bring books from kid's meals!!!
What items will you be accepting for this Sale? We only accept items that are seasonally appropriate. Go to this link, then click on "What we Accept", for a full list of what we accept for each sale.
How should I bundle my clothes for receiving?
Children - 0-3 months, 3months, 3-6 months, 6 months, 6-9 months, 9 months, 12 months, 12-18 months, 18 months, 18-24 months, 24 months, 2t, 3t, 4t and 4, 5, 6, 6x, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
Maternity - This is the only group of clothing that we accept a S, M, L, type of sizing. Bundle these in correct sizes keeping the letter sizes separate from the number sizes.
Why can't I use S,M,L instead of number sizes? We have our organizational system set up for number sizes. This helps us be more precise and it will help your garments sell better - there is just less guessing. If your garment is hung in the incorrect size, it just won't sell. Maternity clothes are the exception to this rule But, if the garment has a number size in the tag, use it!
What happens to the items left at the end of the sale? Mission Children's Hospital is our primary recipient of donated items. We prefer to help local organizations and families, but will make exceptions if the need is great. We only donate to individuals and organizations that we know will not resale the items for a profit. If you know of any worthy organization or family, please let us know before or during the sale. We have helped many local families!
What if I miss Pick-up & Pay Day? You can arrange for someone else to pick up your clothes with a signed note from you with your consignor ID on the note. We will be asking for identification from all people picking up items. See the Pick-up & Pay Day form on the website for details on how. No one else can pick up your check - it will be mailed! If no one picks up your items, they will be donated!
Why do you use barcodes? To make Munchkin Market very efficient. It is a better way to keep up with all items sold, and makes checkout quicker and easier for buyers. This also allows us to get your checks to you in a timely fashion.
Can I alter my barcode tags? NO! Our tags have a barcode that is encoded with both the price and your consignor profile. When we scan them at check out, the price of you item is automatically logged into your profile in out computer systems. This type of automated syatem keeps check-out moving more quickly and ensures your check will be timely and accurate. Any item with an altered tag will be removed from the floor!
Can I bring items to receiving more than once? Yes. You can drop off items anytime during the designated receiving dates and times. You only need to sign your agreement once and you will receive only 1 priority shopping number. Also, you can enter your clothes in more than one sale. If it doesn't sell this time, you can enter it again at the next appropriate sale.
What is the Agreement I'm asked to sign as a contributor? It is a statement that you understand all the pertinent operational guidelines that Munchkin Market uses. Examples are: Discount Days, Pick-up and Pay Day, Carseat Standards, and Recalled Toys. You will need to sign one at each Munchkin Market sale, so please read through it before signing.
What does Munchkin Market do to be environmentally responsible? First and foremost, our consignors and shoppers are recycling clothing and goods that are taking the place of a newly made item. This is reducing our demand for these items and reducing the amount of chemicals released during production, plastic in circulation, and fuel for transport (and that is just the beginning!). We have an onsite recycling program for paper, plastic, and cardboard (even though the mall does not have this program on the grounds). We also recycle hangers, plastic bags, and safety pins back to out consignors at the end of each sale. All of our display tables and desks were salvaged from a company that was sending them to the landfill! Munchkin Market takes it's role in our local, national, and international community seriously. We do our part and we make a difference! We encourage you to do the same.
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