consignment shop http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for consignment shop Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 02:44:08 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/consignment+shop Shop In Consignment Stores And Save Money http://www.artwoo.com/article/shop-in-consignment-stores-and-save-money http://www.artwoo.com/article/shop-in-consignment-stores-and-save-money#comments Wed, 31 May 2006 09:32:10 +0000 consignment shopsconsignment shopconsignment storescouchbuy furnituresaving moneyquality http://www.artwoo.com/article/shop-in-consignment-stores-and-save-money Saving money while getting good is hard. It gets worse when the time comes to or other relatively expensive items.

Of course, you could always just head to the thrift stores. Run by various charities, thrift stores offer used furniture of varying quality. I've seen es as low as $30, although most people probably wouldn't welcome that particular couch in their living room.

If you want to go a little higher quality, can be the answer. They are more picky about what they accept, and many have discontinued merchandise from stores, not just used items.

My husband and I recently bought a couch from a . We knew we couldn't afford much, and it was quickly apparent that even the low end new couches were out of the question. The very few we could consider price-wise we couldn't stand either in terms of appearance or comfort.

The couch we bought at the consignment shop is amazing. It was about $350 -- not cheap, certainly, but much less than just about any new couch. It is in beautiful condition, filled with down, and was more than $2000 brand new. We love how it looks in our home.

When you go to the consignment shop, be ready to ask if the price can go any lower. Our couch had been marked at about $470, but when we hedged, that being more than we wanted to spend, the salesperson went to the computer and discovered that the couch was due for another markdown. Saving $120 on a couch is certainly worth a few minutes. That's about 25% off the price.

Even if you're looking to decorate with higher end items, can have amazing deals. We had more fun looking at furniture that would fit beautifully in our dream house, whenever we may buy it.

You can find consignment shops for clothing as well. I particularly enjoy buying baby clothes from consignment shops. My daughter's holiday dresses always come from consignment shops. Why pay $30-100 for a dress she'll only wear once, and probably has to be dry cleaned if she's ever to wear it again, when there are beautiful dresses available for $5-15, and many of them have been worn once or never? Everyday clothes for babies are available as well, and are typically in much better condition than you find at the thrift stores.

You may hear grumbles from family members who aren't struggling with money. My inlaws had a terrible time understanding why I would buy used clothing for my daughter when she was first born, until they took a good look at the quality I was finding and the relative prices. My mother-in-law has gone shopping with me now, and she was one of the most vocal opponents to her first grandchild having just about anything that had been used by another child. I enjoy telling people about my better finds, the new items with tags from the store still attached, the jeans in perfect condition -- even those who have plenty of money will be amazed at what you can find. Stephanie Foster is a work at home mom who tries to save money and have fun with her family. Visit http://www.homewiththekids.com/moneymatters.htm for more tips on saving money. ]]> Shop In Consignment Stores And Save Money http://www.artwoo.com/article/shop-in-consignment-stores-and-save-money http://www.artwoo.com/article/shop-in-consignment-stores-and-save-money#comments Wed, 31 May 2006 12:32:03 +0000 consignment shopsconsignment shopconsignment storescouchbuy furnituresaving moneyquality http://www.artwoo.com/article/shop-in-consignment-stores-and-save-money Saving money while getting good is hard. It gets worse when the time comes to or other relatively expensive items.

Of course, you could always just head to the thrift stores. Run by various charities, thrift stores offer used furniture of varying quality. I've seen es as low as $30, although most people probably wouldn't welcome that particular couch in their living room.

If you want to go a little higher quality, can be the answer. They are more picky about what they accept, and many have discontinued merchandise from stores, not just used items.

My husband and I recently bought a couch from a . We knew we couldn't afford much, and it was quickly apparent that even the low end new couches were out of the question. The very few we could consider price-wise we couldn't stand either in terms of appearance or comfort.

The couch we bought at the consignment shop is amazing. It was about $350 -- not cheap, certainly, but much less than just about any new couch. It is in beautiful condition, filled with down, and was more than $2000 brand new. We love how it looks in our home.

When you go to the consignment shop, be ready to ask if the price can go any lower. Our couch had been marked at about $470, but when we hedged, that being more than we wanted to spend, the salesperson went to the computer and discovered that the couch was due for another markdown. Saving $120 on a couch is certainly worth a few minutes. That's about 25% off the price.

Even if you're looking to decorate with higher end items, can have amazing deals. We had more fun looking at furniture that would fit beautifully in our dream house, whenever we may buy it.

You can find consignment shops for clothing as well. I particularly enjoy buying baby clothes from consignment shops. My daughter's holiday dresses always come from consignment shops. Why pay $30-100 for a dress she'll only wear once, and probably has to be dry cleaned if she's ever to wear it again, when there are beautiful dresses available for $5-15, and many of them have been worn once or never? Everyday clothes for babies are available as well, and are typically in much better condition than you find at the thrift stores.

You may hear grumbles from family members who aren't struggling with money. My inlaws had a terrible time understanding why I would buy used clothing for my daughter when she was first born, until they took a good look at the quality I was finding and the relative prices. My mother-in-law has gone shopping with me now, and she was one of the most vocal opponents to her first grandchild having just about anything that had been used by another child. I enjoy telling people about my better finds, the new items with tags from the store still attached, the jeans in perfect condition -- even those who have plenty of money will be amazed at what you can find. Stephanie Foster is a work at home mom who tries to save money and have fun with her family. Visit http://www.homewiththekids.com/moneymatters.htm for more tips on saving money. ]]> Popular Consignment Shops In The United States http://www.artwoo.com/article/popular-consignment-shops-in-the-united-states http://www.artwoo.com/article/popular-consignment-shops-in-the-united-states#comments Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:15:32 +0000 home decoration accessoriessecond hand bagsdiscerning womencharity shopsvienna virginiabridal gownswedding gowns http://www.artwoo.com/article/popular-consignment-shops-in-the-united-states
A consignment is an act of consigning or transferring ones store to the buyer. This can be done for transfer of prisoners, shipping, or for sales in the stores. The consignment shop is an American English word for second-hand supplies or stores that present used goods at a lower cost.

Merchandise is often sold through a consignment shop such as antiques, equipments, athletic paraphernalia, books, automobiles, firearms, furniture, clothing, tools, musical instruments, music, and toys.

Consignment shops vary from thrift shops or which the original owner gives up the physical ownership as well as the legal name or title to the thing in charitable donations. All the income ends up going back into the frugality shops or given to charity. Most of the time, the income is split either 60/40 or 50/50 with the upper percentage going to the consignment shop. Prom dresses, tuxedos and and entourage should all be seen at consignment stores.

Various Consignment Shops in the United States

• Michael's Consignment Shop for Women -- This consignment shop specializes in releasing the most perfect clothes and accessories. It offers gently used clothes and accessories for . Michael's shop also offers selections of carefully worn . In this shop, you can look at beautiful , clothes, shoes and much more. It is located at #1041 Madison Avenue, New York. It is open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9:30 am to 6 pm.

• Consignment Boutique - This family owned boutique has been accommodating customers for the past 10 years. It offers accessories and clothing needs in the area of Vienna. They also carry fashion accessories, women's apparel, shoes, jewelry, handbags, and much more. This consignment boutique is located at the heart of . You can come and visit this shop every day from 9 am to 6 pm.

• Nine Lives Consignment Store -- This beautiful clothing store brings only the highest quality of pre-owned men's and women's accessories and clothing. The nine Lives consignment store provides the way for you to shop through internet and keep you updated on their new items. It is situated in the wonderful place of Los Gatos, in front of the town plaza.

• Kaleidoscope Consignment Shop -- This clothing, shoe, accessories, and books store has a beautiful facility. It also sells hard-to-find books and other collector's items. They carry high quality men pants, t-shirt and shorts. It is located at the #56 Roland Street Suite 300, Boston. For more information about this consignment shop, call (866) 245-0783.

• Small Change Consignment Store -- This small store provides shoes, videos, clothes, toys for babies, stroller, high chair for babies, cribs and joggers. The small change consignment store is created for mothers who look for everything you need for the babies. It has a large section of new gift items for kids and handcrafted appliances. They also have a morning program for children every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 am to 11 am. This consignment store is located in the historic place of Lake Anne Village Virginia.

• Homer Consignment Shop -- This brightly colored shop provides stuff such as hanger, racks and much more. It is open everyday from 10 am to 6 pm. It is located at the #564 Pioneer Avenue, United States. For more information call 1-907-235-4999.

• Consignment Furniture Store -- They stock articles such as plates, cups, mugs, knifes and much more. This furniture store also has paintings, home decorations, accessories and antiques home appliances. The consignment furniture store is located at the heart of United States. It also offers free delivery and for more information calls (343) 678-0954.

• Open Eye Consignment Store -- This store has imported labels of t-shirts, pants, shoes and accessories. It also sells collectibles and antique stuff. It is situated at #230 East Main Street Palouse, Washington DC. This store opens every Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This store clearly has a lot to offer. Its product line extends from kids to adults.For more information on Consignment Shop please visit our website.]]> Top Furniture Consignment Stores in the US http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-furniture-consignment-stores-in-the-us http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-furniture-consignment-stores-in-the-us#comments Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:01:31 +0000 furniture consignment storessq ft shopnewport beach californiaunique furnituredaily basiscontemporary furniturenew furniture http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-furniture-consignment-stores-in-the-us furniture consignment stores in the US that deal in quality, used furniture and home accessories.

The top furniture consignment stores offering quality, previously used furniture and furnishing are given below:

•Upscale Consignment

This 10,000 sq. ft shop is located in Gladstone. They sell quality, gently used furniture and furnishings. Furniture and home décor are available at 40% to 80% off trade. They also accept rugs, lamps, pottery, wall art and other distinctive home items. Items can be viewed in their online inventory for easier transactions.

They claim to provide great customer service and value to consignors and customers. arrives on a .

•Lido Consignment Gallery

This 5,000 foot showroom is located at . This shop has been serving the public for more than 10 years. It is owned by designer Susan Landon. The shop specializes in and home accessories. High quality furnishings come from design centers, importers, and name-brand manufacturers.

Most of its furniture is used in the finest homes in Newport.

•Brittany and Sondra's Furniture Consignment

This shop offers high quality new and used furniture. It offers eclectic, classic, and with top quality. They carry furniture for bedroom, dining room, kitchen, living room and others. They claim that furniture is gently used.

•Simonida

This shop has been in the business for 30 years. They also offer interior designing and home upstaging for their customers. All types of furniture like brass, pewter, and decorative metal objects are accepted. A full scale evaluation is given to help the customers.

•Traditions

This is a huge store of household items and furnishings in all conditions. Customers who love antiques will definitely like this place. Showroom is classified according to the styles of the furniture. A dedicated area is given to the bargain items.

•The Dancing Bear Quality Consignment Furniture and Home Accessories

This shop is located in Littleton, Colorado. They offer fine quality and gently used furniture. They also deal in used jewelry.

•Capital Consignment

This shop is set up as a series of actual rooms with wide areas of open space to encourage browsing. It is located in Washington D.C. and has existed for more than 2 years. It stages silver and china accessories reflecting a creative and inspirational feel.

•Southern Housepitality

This shop is owned by Erica Walajtys. It is a 7,500 square foot showroom to showcase upscale, gently used home furnishings. They offer antique and modern designs of furniture. They are located at Greenville, SC.

•Finer Consigner

This shop is located in Cottonwood Heights, UT. It is a 6,600 sq. ft. consignment store specializing in previously owned furniture and home accessories.

•Encore Décor

This shop is the largest upscale consignment store in Jacksonville Florida. They have an 18,000 ft showroom of wonderful furniture and home décor. They have friendly staff and computerized system. It is founded by Missi and Kelley Langford.

Basically furniture consignment business is recycling old but good items Profit is divided between the consignor and consignee. It benefits people who want to remodel or renovate the interiors of their homes. It also upstages and designs new homes.

It helps homemakers to save money with good buys. It allows interior designers to be more creative. It is ideal business for startup entrepreneurs because it doesn't need a large startup cost. Furniture consignment and resale shops can be found in store or online.

To have a good furniture consignment shop, one must consider on the following factors

o clean and stylish atmosphere for the showroom
o good eye for quality and fashion
o knowledge of antiques and collectibles
o experienced staffFor more information on Consignment furniture please visit our website.]]> One Man's Trash... Could Be Your Treasure - 3 Rules Of 'Thrifty' Product Sourcing http://www.artwoo.com/article/one-mans-trash-could-be-your-treasure-3-rules-of-thrifty-product-sourcing http://www.artwoo.com/article/one-mans-trash-could-be-your-treasure-3-rules-of-thrifty-product-sourcing#comments Mon, 31 Jul 2006 22:27:11 +0000 ebaylimited spaceconsignment storesconsignment shopskate holmesresale storeshttp http://www.artwoo.com/article/one-mans-trash-could-be-your-treasure-3-rules-of-thrifty-product-sourcing Consignment stores can be an excellent source for your product inventory--they always have fresh items to pick thru and you can find some great deals!

• Consignment Stores, are commission-based. People bring in products for the store to sell on commission--what doesn't sell is returned to the owner.

• Thrift Stores are often 'not for profit' and get most of their goods via donations.

In comparing the two, Thrift Stores are typically more willing (and able) to bargain with you simply because they have more room to do so.

Online retailers sometimes feel that these types of are not a good place to find inventory because there's not enough of a profit margin. But , Founder of "Too Good to be Threw" (http://www.tgtbt.com) and author of Too Good to be Threw, The Complete Operations Manual, disagrees. Holmes asserts that these stores "have a very limited market. If there is nobody in their town that happens to want to buy a pair of Jodhpurs that week, those Jodhpurs will be sitting there waiting for an seller...to snap them up." The end result can be amazing deals on quality items there is a demand for online!

In addition to a limited market, Holmes also cites as a factor in resale stores' bargain pricing. She points out that "they only have so much space so they can only carry so many things. So if they can move it on and bring something else in they're pleased with that."

3 Rules of Sourcing Products in Thrift and :

1. Shop the Edges--Even resale stores tend to carry certain types of products. What doesn't fit a shop's profile, they usually want to move out quickly. They tend to put these products around the store's edges, so start there.

2. Shop Often--They are constantly turning over product and bringing in new items, so don't let a dry trip or two discourage you. Your persistence can pay off in a big way.

3. Cultivate Relationships with the Shopkeepers--If they like you, they'll be much more willing to give you deals. They may also be more willing to set things aside for you if they know what you're looking for and guide you to items you might have otherwise missed.

If you're just starting out, a good place to find resale stores is in the Yellow Pages, under either "consignment" or "thrift." Don't be afraid to ask the shopkeepers if they know of other stores in the area--if they don't have what you're looking for, they'll usually be happy to refer you to someone they think might. Chris Malta and Robin Cowie of WorldwideBrands.com are the Writers and Hosts of The Entrepreneur Magazine EBiz and Product Sourcing Radio Shows. Click Here http://www.worldwidebrands.com/EMRinfo for more FREE eBiz info from Entrepreneur Magazine Radio! ]]> Have A Used Car To Sell: Why You Should Examine Auto Auction Consignment Programs http://www.artwoo.com/article/have-a-used-car-to-sell-why-you-should-examine-auto-auction-consignment-programs http://www.artwoo.com/article/have-a-used-car-to-sell-why-you-should-examine-auto-auction-consignment-programs#comments Sat, 23 Jun 2007 07:20:01 +0000 auto auctionused carcompany that wantsauction housesauction companyauction housetime that it takes http://www.artwoo.com/article/have-a-used-car-to-sell-why-you-should-examine-auto-auction-consignment-programs
One of the most important questions that you should ask yourself, when you are looking to sell a used vehicle, is if you are interested in buying a new one. If you are interested in buying a new vehicle, you may want to think about using your used vehicle as a trade-in. The only downside to doing so is that many cars do not receive credit for their full value or full worth. If you are trying to profit from the sale of your as much as possible, you may want to think about outright selling your used car on your own.

While outright selling your used car, on your own, is nice, as you have more control over the money that you receive for it, there are also a number of downsides to selling your own used car. A few of those downsides include the to market the fact that you have a car for sale, the time that it takes to deal with potential customers and so forth. You may be surprised just how much time is spent wasted trying to sell a used vehicle.

If you don't want to spend hours speaking with customers who likely couldn't even afford your used car or take less money that your car is worth from a car dealership, you might automatically assume that you have run out of options, but you haven't. You may want to look to an . Auto auctions are rapidly increasing in popularity, as they are often an easy way for car buyers to find relatively affordable, yet reliable vehicles.

When it comes to relying on an auto auction to get your used car sold, you need to remember that different auto s or companies work different ways. For instance, you may find an auto auction house or to buy your used car outright from you. While this is more than possible to do, you may want to think about doing business with an auto or house that has a consignment program. A consignment program is a program that helps you sell an item, like your used car, for a reasonable fee. Consignment programs are nice as they enable you to sell your vehicle, but they significantly limit the amount of work at you have to do.

As previously mentioned, not all auto auction houses or companies work the same way. That why it is important that you thoroughly examine an auto auction consignment program, especially before agreeing to participate. Perhaps, the first step in making sure that that you are not only able to sell your used car at an auto auction, but get a decent amount of money for it is by making sure that you choose a popular auto auction. The more bidders there are at an auto auction, the more likely your used car will sell and for a higher price. It is advised that you do business with an auto auction house or company that properly advertises their auctions, whenever they may be scheduled.

The fee that you will be charged for participating in a consignment program should also be taken into consideration. You will want to try to refrain from doing business with an individual or company who charges everyone one a flat rate fee. Instead, you will want to be charged a varying fee. That fee should vary depending on how much your vehicle sells for. In most cases, you will find that the more money your vehicle sells for, the more your consignment fee will be.

If are a car owner who is looking to sell your used car in a quick and easy matter, you may want to take the time to examine Chicago's North Shore Auto Auction and their auto auction consignment program. With the ability to set a reserve price for your used car, as well as reasonably priced fees, you may find yourself looking no farther than North Shore Auto Auction. It's hard to find second hand online car sales, ask anyone. But visit our website today and look at our online http://www.publicautoauctionnst.com used car auction where cars, trucks, and vans are all available! ]]> Good Deals On Supplies For Babies http://www.artwoo.com/article/good-deals-on-supplies-for-babies http://www.artwoo.com/article/good-deals-on-supplies-for-babies#comments Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:35:01 +0000 brick and mortar storesbrick and mortarbouncy seatstraditional brickonline auctionsconsignment storesbaby shops http://www.artwoo.com/article/good-deals-on-supplies-for-babies
It is true that you will be a lot of stuff to care for your new baby but it doesn't have to cost as much money as you think. You can find all of the stuff that you need at prices significantly below typical retail.

Consignment

A great place to go shopping for stuff for babies is local . There are a variety of popular chains as well as other locally owned shops. These stores carry used products at prices sometimes well below retail. You can find baby clothes, cribs, strollers, diaper bags, , and much more at consignment shops for babies. Be careful though as sometimes these items will be priced as high as they would be brand new. Comparison shop and keep an eye out for good deals.

Discount Internet Stores

You can often find good deals on baby stuff through Internet stores which can sell for much lower prices than traditional stores because they have less overhead. Many people are afraid to buy products online because of security issues. This is really not concern anymore if a few precautions are taken. Review the site where you like to do business carefully. Take a look at their customer service and return policies. Make sure that you're comfortable with doing business there. Always use a major credit card for all Internet purchases. By using a credit card you are protected if your card should become compromised anyway. Most credit card companies will not hold you liable for any charges that result from fraud.



Did you know that you can also buy products for babies at a variety of online auctions? Online auctions are quickly becoming one of the most popular avenues for shopping online. You can buy everything from diaper bags to bouncy seats at online auctions.

This is another area where you want to protect yourself by taking a few precautions. Make sure that the seller you buy from has good ratings from prior customers and an established track record.

It doesn't have to cost a lot to find great deals on products for babies. Robert Michael is a writer for Hb Babies which is an excellent place to find babies links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.hbbabies.com ]]> Good Deals On Supplies For Babies http://www.artwoo.com/article/good-deals-on-supplies-for-babies http://www.artwoo.com/article/good-deals-on-supplies-for-babies#comments Sat, 08 Jul 2006 04:27:07 +0000 online auctionsbabiesstuffconsignment storesconsignment shopscredit cardinternet stores http://www.artwoo.com/article/good-deals-on-supplies-for-babies babies. There is so much out there that they recommend babies have that it seems one could go broke in the process.

It is true that you will be a lot of stuff to care for your new baby but it doesn't have to cost as much money as you think. You can find all of the stuff that you need at prices significantly below typical retail.

Consignment Baby Shops

A great place to go shopping for stuff for babies is local . There are a variety of popular chains as well as other locally owned shops. These stores carry used products at prices sometimes well below retail. You can find baby clothes, cribs, strollers, diaper bags, bouncy seats, and much more at for babies. Be careful though as sometimes these items will be priced as high as they would be brand new. Comparison shop and keep an eye out for good deals.

Discount

You can often find good deals on baby stuff through Internet stores which can sell for much lower prices than traditional brick and mortar stores because they have less overhead. Many people are afraid to buy products online because of security issues. This is really not concern anymore if a few precautions are taken. Review the site where you like to do business carefully. Take a look at their customer service and return policies. Make sure that you're comfortable with doing business there. Always use a major for all Internet purchases. By using a credit card you are protected if your card should become compromised anyway. Most credit card companies will not hold you liable for any charges that result from fraud.



Did you know that you can also buy products for babies at a variety of online auctions? Online auctions are quickly becoming one of the most popular avenues for shopping online. You can buy everything from diaper bags to bouncy seats at online auctions.

This is another area where you want to protect yourself by taking a few precautions. Make sure that the seller you buy from has good ratings from prior customers and an established track record.

It doesn't have to cost a lot to find great deals on products for babies. Robert Michael is a writer for Hb Babies which is an excellent place to find babies links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.hbbabies.com ]]> How To Build Your Online Consignment Business http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-build-your-online-consignment-business http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-build-your-online-consignment-business#comments Mon, 31 Jul 2006 22:27:14 +0000 ebay powersellerclassified adsmailmcgrathchamber of commerceconsignmentcreating a website http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-build-your-online-consignment-business
is a simple concept--taking other people's products and selling them for a percentage of the sale. According to Skip , of http://skipmcgrath.com, a successful , "[Consignment selling] is the fastest growing phenomenon on eBay." The key to successful online consignment is marketing your services. You really have to promote your business, and McGrath shares some techniques for doing just that. There are four areas you'll use: advertising, public relations, networking, and .

1.Advertising: the market you're in will determine your course of action here. The Retail Market--selling products for ordinary people:

• Door hangers • in small to medium-sized market newspapers • Flyers • Posters • Radio spots • Attorneys--estate executors and bankruptcy processors The Business to Business Market--selling excess inventory for retailers and manufacturers: • Classified ads in business journals • Direct • Attorneys--bankruptcy processors • Local charities and not-for-profits--rather than always asking their supporters for money, they can ask them to donate products you know will sell. So you can build a relationship that's profitable for both of you.

2.Public Relations.

• Write a press release, print out a copy and mail it to all your local newspapers--they'll promote your new business in hopes you'll advertise with them.

• Community groups--the Lions, the Jaycees, your local . These are especially useful for business marketing. Your chamber of commerce should have a newsletter that you can advertise in and every chamber member in town will get. If you sign up for a community group, volunteer for something. You'll make more contacts and be taken more seriously than if you just show up to the meetings to gain more contacts.

3.Networking •The McGrath 3-foot Rule. Explains McGrath, "I always have business cards on me...and anyone that gets within 3 feet of me [is] going to learn what I do." •Cold call on potential customers. Walk around the business section of town (or your neighborhood for retail) and let them know that you can help them liquidate their surplus merchandise. If businesses seem reticent, offer to let them give you one or two pieces as a trial and then make sure you do a good job selling those. •Build a database of your customers. Collect business cards and stay in contact periodically. Send an email, send a Christmas card. Retaining customers is easier than finding new ones.

4.Create a website

• Try to include your city and the word "consignment" in the title--these are very popular search terms right now.

• Have a link from your site to your consignors so they can check the status of their own auctions.

• Send out emails or newsletters through your website to your customer database.

You may find some methods work for you better than others, but the main thing is just to let the world know you're there--get the word out! Chris Malta and Robin Cowie of WorldwideBrands.com are the Writers and Hosts of The Entrepreneur Magazine EBiz and Product Sourcing Radio Shows. Click Here http://www.worldwidebrands.com/EMRinfo for more FREE eBiz info from Entrepreneur Magazine Radio! ]]> Buying Baby Furniture Tips And Tricks http://www.artwoo.com/article/buying-baby-furniture-tips-and-tricks http://www.artwoo.com/article/buying-baby-furniture-tips-and-tricks#comments Sat, 05 Jan 2008 23:25:00 +0000 baby nursery furniturewholesale outletsbaby playpenspennies on the dollarbaby furniturelead paintfurniture stores http://www.artwoo.com/article/buying-baby-furniture-tips-and-tricks Baby Furniture for the Baby Nursery. However, there are many ways to save money by purchasing your and other Baby Items used, or new at discounted prices.

In most cases Baby Items of all types and descriptions can be purchased for if you know where to look. Babies cost a fortune and it is wise to think used especially for the items that your baby will out grow fast.

Yes, Baby Nursery Furniture can be very expensive when bought new, however I will be giving you ideas and tips on where to shop that will help you save a bundle, and still outfit your Baby Nursery in style.

Before I get into telling you where find great bargains on Baby Nursery Furniture and other Baby Items, I want to caution you about a few things first. If you are looking at used Baby Nursery Furniture you need to check for scratches, dents, peeling paint, missing parts, and always keep your baby's safety in mind. Older Baby Furniture may have so you need to check it out closely.

:

If you want to buy new Baby Nursery Furniture you may want to check out the local Wholesale Outlets and see what inventory they have in stock. Sometimes they will offer Name Brand overruns or discontinued models at very good prices as compared to normal Baby Furniture retail stores.

Consignment Stores:

I have found several great buys at the local consignment store including Changing Tables, as well as . You just never know what you will find in this type of store. Many times I have bought nice hardly used Name Brand Baby Items at stores like these, and saved a bundle.

Used :

Used furniture stores are much like the consignment stores, but at times you may find Baby Furniture items that you may not find at other stores. I just thought it worth mentioning so you would know to check it out.

Yard Sales and Flea markets:

I have found quite a few good buys at both the Yard Sales and Flea Markets. The biggest inconvenience is you MUST get up early in the morning if you want to find the real bargains. There are so many people that shop this way, and you will simply have to beat the crowd if you want the best deals.

Newspaper Classified Ads:

If you get the newspaper early you can catch quite a few bargains on Baby Furniture, but again you need to be fast and call the sellers and ask questions about the item you are shopping for.

Online Classified Ads:

I like the online classifieds because it is easy to find Baby Furniture for sale close by. The online classified ads are usually organized by State and City, so it is easy to find items close to where you live. It is also easy to email sellers and ask questions about the item.

Online Auctions:

I will tell you now, this is my all time favorite place to buy Baby Furniture because the selection is great and for the most part the selection is almost endless. I can buy new and used Baby Furniture as well as other Baby Items all at the same place online. The largest of these Auctions is Ebay. You will need to read the information given by each Ebay Seller carefully so you don't miss any important details. Ebay Sellers are usually very honest and will let you know if there are any problems, missing pieces, scratches, or dents and such. If you have any questions about an item you will want to email the seller before bidding.

With this information you should be able to find many great deals on Baby Furniture as well as other Baby items for your Baby Nursery. This Article was written by Sally Jean Myers, Mother of Six Children, Work at Home Mom, and the Owner of Baby Store Bargains Online. If you would like more information on Shopping for Baby Furniture Online as well as other Informative Baby related Articles please visit the Author's Website http://www.BabyStoreBargains.info ]]> How Savvy Shoppers Can Make Big Bucks Reselling Their Finds http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-savvy-shoppers-can-make-big-bucks-reselling-their-finds http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-savvy-shoppers-can-make-big-bucks-reselling-their-finds#comments Sat, 10 Feb 2007 22:27:03 +0000 riding bootstall bootsmake money at homehaving a garage saleebaymoney at homeeasy money http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-savvy-shoppers-can-make-big-bucks-reselling-their-finds easy money with high profits, for those who are savvy shoppers and are good at finding "deals" while shopping.

Are you looking for ways to ? You've probably heard about the money you can make by cleaning out your garage and , or by selling your items on , but I learned about a little trick recently that has made me some extra cash with very high profit margins. I have always prided myself on finding a deal. I love finding something on sale. Especially when someone says to me, "Oh, I love that blouse" and I get to tell them what a great deal I got on it.

Are you one of these people? If so, your talent could earn you some extra income.



I ride horses, which is a very expensive hobby. The horses are expense, the board is expensive, the clothes are expensive and the tack is expensive. Tack is all of the gear you use when riding, like saddles and bridles and such. Every three months a tack shop in my area has a big sale. I'm on their mailing list, so I always hear about it in advance. I get there early along with several other people and wait for the doors to open.

They have their usual markdowns of 20% - 40% off certain items, but then they have special items that are on close out that are marked so low they are practically free. I always scour the shop to find all of these items as quickly as I can, because they are usually in short supply. For example, one time I found two pairs of leather . These were not high quality , but they still retailed for over $100 dollars a pair. They were an odd size. The foot size was normal, but the calf size was really wide. The boots were marked down to $10 each. Most people didn't even look at them, because of the size. But I snatched them right up and sold both pairs for over $65 each on eBay a couple of days later.

The auction buyers paid the shipping charges and I made $110 profit. The people who bought them were thrilled with their purchase, because if you remember these boots sell for over $100 a pair!



Sometimes I don't feel like dealing with eBay auctions and shipping merchandise, so I just drop the items off at my local tack exchange, where items are sold on consignment. I don't get as much profit this way, but it saves me the trouble of selling and shipping the items. If the items are an odd size, like the boots, I usually have better luck selling them on eBay, where there are a lot more buyers looking at them.



On another occasion, I found an expensive down designer riding vest for $20. These vests sell for $200. I sold it at my local consignment shop and made $60 profit.



Now I realize most people don't ride horses, but this way of making extra money can be used on any kind of merchandise. You just need to be a savvy shopper and know what things are worth. If you are really good at it, you could make quite a bit of money. Eileen Childs is a mother of two living in Virginia. She had twenty years experience working in a corporate environment when she decided to start a work at home business. http://www.best-work-at-home-directory.com ]]> Personalized Kids Clothing http://www.artwoo.com/article/personalized-kids-clothing http://www.artwoo.com/article/personalized-kids-clothing#comments Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:08:22 +0000 traditional retail outletspastel colorsexact heightkids clothingprimary colorsclothing salesknit sweater http://www.artwoo.com/article/personalized-kids-clothing kids clothing is no easy task. Kids sizing is somewhat ambiguous. All manufacturers seem to make customized kids clothing. That means no two sizes are alike. In fact kids clothing is a lot like women's clothing. A 2T in one branded kids clothing wear may be the same as a 3T in another's.

So if you buy your 2-year old toddler a 2T t-shirt in one brand it may or may not fit. You just can't count on sizing unless you try it on or you know your baby's and weight and can compare.

As kids get a little bigger it's a lot easier to shop -- and to take advantage of promotional kids clothing. Sales items are the latest and greatest thing when kids get older and the sizing starts to make more sense.

Kids Clothing -- The Elementary Years

Kids start to take an active interest in what they wear around the time they start elementary school. Don't worry; you don't have to rush out and buy branded kids clothing yet. You can still get away with discounted wear. However, you can also still enjoy a few pieces of personalized kids clothing too. Do you sew? Your child will still enjoy a home , at least during the early elementary years.

As your child enters middle school he or she will start expressing their likes and dislikes even more. Long gone are the days when or bold were all you had to worry about when shopping.

NOW is the time when your child may start shunning promotional kids clothing in favor of a few major brand names. What do you do if you find buying kids clothing is breaking the bank?

Making Kids Clothing Affordable

Kids grow out of their clothing just as fast as they grow into their clothing. To help you pay for the cost of clothes, it often helps to buy second-hand. Many consignment shops sell promotional kids clothing for half the cost of new clothes at brand name department stores.

The best part? Many consignment shops or second-hand shops sell practically new kids clothing for a fraction of the cost of . You can even find a few gems -- never before worn pieces of designer kids wear -- if you search through the racks of clothing carefully.

If you don't want to spend hours doing this, have your child help you. Tell them if they really want to look cool then they have to do what it takes to find affordable kids wear. Most kids are more than willing to shop for kids clothing with you as they grow older, because they will want to veto certain items you select while eagerly accepting others.

You can also put your child on an allowance so they learn how to "earn" certain specialty items like that expensive pair of sneakers or customized jeans they want to wear. Never buy expensive kids clothing for just a season unless you have good reason because most kids will grow out of it before you blink an eye, unless you have a child that will grow into it the following season.Matt Franks is director of Fluid Branding, the UK's largest supplier of Promotional Kids Clothing and other Promotional Products at www.fluidbranding.com. For Eco Friendly promotional products, including Recycled, Organic and Sustainable items visit www.ecoincentives.com]]> Another Life For Baby And Child Clothing http://www.artwoo.com/article/another-life-for-baby-and-child-clothing http://www.artwoo.com/article/another-life-for-baby-and-child-clothing#comments Sat, 03 Feb 2007 18:27:18 +0000 child clothingcharitable donationsused clothestiny babyhome babyenormous differenceways to go http://www.artwoo.com/article/another-life-for-baby-and-child-clothing home baby, it's hard to imagine that life will ever be any different than it is right at that very moment; sleepless nights, endless diapers, constant feedings, exhaustion, and, ultimately, unparalleled joy. You can't imagine this being any bigger; a person who's able to walk, talk, and get dressed on his own. But grow he does; and before you know it, you're knee deep in baby and that seemed to fit just that very week and now is hopelessly inadequate.

Keeping up with baby and child clothing is like everything else that has to do with raising kids; it feels like you're always one step behind. Getting new clothes - however expensive - is the easy part. Knowing what to do with the baby and child clothing left behind can be what is tricky. Hand-me-downs are great and if you're able to put away some of the more gently for your smaller children then it will certainly save you quite a bit of money. But when you're dealing with a youngest or only child, the options are varied.

When in doubt about what do with baby and child clothing, think charity first. There are a great many reputable organizations that vastly appreciate any donations of baby and child clothing. Many of these noble groups deal with families who have very little and clothing - especially baby and child clothing - can make an for them. Of course, you can always stay local and identify a family close-by who may appreciate some extra clothing. Additionally, keep in mind that are tax deductible at the end of the year. If you're in need of some extra money yourself, you may consider selling your outgrown baby and child clothing. There are several about this. First, many people choose to hold periodic yard sales where they offer household items and clothing. This can be a great way to reduce clutter in your home on a frequent basis and make some cash at the same time. Some neighbors even ban together on a yearly basis to organize a large yard sale; baby and child clothing, as you would expect, is a hot commodity. Just be sure that you are offering gently used, stain-free clothing for sale.

Another option for the sale of baby and child clothing is the use of consignment shops. Consignment shops allow you to bring your outgrown baby and child clothing to them, and if they accept it based on factors such as wear-and-tear and cleanliness, then they will offer it for sale in their store. Ultimately, you make a percentage of the sale. Consignment shops even exist online; there are now local stores that will accept and photograph your clothing and then offer it for sale on the Internet. Again, the successful sale of these clothes means cash in your pocket.

In the end, your baby and child clothing can be just as special to someone else as it has been to you. Think twice before you condemn it to the trash; consider ways in which you can recycle these outgrown clothes. For easy to understand, in depth information about baby clothing visit our ezGuide 2 http://babyclothing.ezguide2.com ]]> Buying A Used Car: Why You Should Attend A Used Car Auction http://www.artwoo.com/article/buying-a-used-car-why-you-should-attend-a-used-car-auction http://www.artwoo.com/article/buying-a-used-car-why-you-should-attend-a-used-car-auction#comments Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:30:00 +0000 used car auctionused car buyersbuying a used carbuy a used carwell kept secretincrease your chancesauction attendees http://www.artwoo.com/article/buying-a-used-car-why-you-should-attend-a-used-car-auction used car auction? Although used car auctions are a great way to get affordable vehicles, it is as if they are a well-kept secret. It is time that you familiarize yourself with this well-kept secret, as it a great way for you to save money.

When it comes to used car auctions, many individuals do not even know that there is such a thing. Those who are somewhat familiar with used car auctions often associate the cars available for bidding as cheap, low-quality vehicles; like junk. Of course, you may run into a few less than perfect vehicles at a used car auction, for the most part, you may be surprised with just how many quality vehicles you can purchase. That is why you should attend a used car auction.

Speaking of attending a used car auction, there are many individuals who mistakenly believe that they must buy something at an auction that they attend. This is not how a used car auction works. While different used car auctions are operated in different ways, you and other bidders have the opportunity to bid on any used vehicles that you would be interested in owning. Should you not find a used vehicle that meets your interests, you do not have to place a bid. In fact, many are actually just there for viewing. If you are unsure as to whether or not you should from a used car auction, you may want to think about attending one just to see how the process works.

Another one of the many reasons why you should at least think about from a used car auction is because of the auctions that you have to choose from. No matter where you live, you should be able to find at least a few used car auctions to attend. While you can attend any used car auction that you would like, you may want to take the time to find the perfect one. This will of walking away with an affordable used car. Many have seen success with auctions that are open to the public, ones that are free to attend, or ones where you are able to inspect all vehicles before placing a bid.

As previously mentioned, you may actually be surprised with the type of vehicles that you are able to find for sale at a used car auction. Unfortunately, many individuals mistakenly believe that only vehicles that were unable to sell outright, by the owner or a by a dealership, are placed into used car auctions. Yes, it is true that some of these vehicles may make their way into a used car auction, but those are not the only types of used cars that can be found at a used car auction. You should know that many used car auction houses or companies have a program is known as a consignment program.

A consignment program is where a used car auction house or company assists a car owner with the selling of their vehicle, for a reasonable fee. Instead of spending time fielding calls from potential buyers and spending time on marketing, many car owners now choose just to let a used car auction house or company do the work for them. What does this mean for you? It means that you could get a like-new vehicle for half of its value at a used car auction. In all honesty, you never really know what types of vehicles you can find at a used car auction. That is why it is advised that you at least think about attending one.

If you are interested in attending a used car auction and you live in or around the Chicago area, or are willing to travel to the area, you may want to checkout North Shore Auto Auction. By visiting their online website, which is located at www.publicautoauctionnst.com, you can find updated information on upcoming auctions, as well as the vehicles that will be available for bidding in those auctions. Need some http://www.publicautoauctionnst.com damaged cars for sale? How about running your own derby? At north Shore we carry used and classic cars. We specialize in second hand car sales. So visit us online and shop today. ]]> Budget Bedroom Decorating Ideas For A Fresh New Look http://www.artwoo.com/article/budget-bedroom-decorating-ideas-for-a-fresh-new-look http://www.artwoo.com/article/budget-bedroom-decorating-ideas-for-a-fresh-new-look#comments Thu, 01 Mar 2007 04:27:02 +0000 decorative pillowsbedding setsbedroom decorating ideasflowersdecorative vaseswall to wall carpetinglittle bit http://www.artwoo.com/article/budget-bedroom-decorating-ideas-for-a-fresh-new-look bedroom decorating ideas which can add a of the zip to your room while still leaving you enough time and money to enjoy the weekend.

1. . Flowers will create any wrong and always had a fresh feeling that pick up your spirits. Try adding a couple of filled with colorful fresh flowers to bring a little bit of the outdoors inside. You can choose many different color schemes that match your decor. Some people like bouquets that are filled with many colors, but a bouquet that is filled with different flowers of the same color can make a striking statement.

2. Pillows. Try adding some at the head of your bed. Use five or seven pillows and stack them on their signs for a company and inviting look. Get pillows that match with your decor and you can add a designer touch to your bed in no time at all.

3. Bedding. Bedding can make a big difference, but you can buy that don't cost a lot and can give your room or whole different look. This works particularly well if you are redecorating teens bedroom in trying to bring it from a child's room to a more mature look at her teen would like. Try getting matching curtains to go with your bedding to pull the look together.

4. Area Rugs. You're probably used to your floor, whether it be wall-to-wall carpeting or hardwood so why not try putting down an area rug and see what a huge difference it can make? Choose a rug that goes with your overall color scheme and try to get something that is a solid color or rather plain if you have busy walls and bedding.

5. Accessories. Accessories help decorate the bedroom and you might want to take a good look at the ones you have and, perhaps, switch them out for something different. You can make a new twist on your current decorating theme simply by putting in new knickknacks, lamps, vases and even artwork. Although this bedroom decorating idea might seem like it could be expensive, you can cut your costs by shopping at consignment stores and yard sales. You might find that you get a very unique item for only a few bucks which may be valued much higher.

6. Furniture. Now we're getting into something that is a little bit more expensive, but you can get great furniture for very little money if you shop at auctions and consignment stores. Lots of times, general household auctions will have fabulous furniture that goes for pennies but you have to wait it out to get exactly what you're looking for. You may even be able to find inexpensive furniture that tickles your fancy such as an antique brass bed or cottage painted pine furniture in an antique store for less than you would pay for new furniture at a department store.

You don't have to employ all these budget decorating ideas at once, you can do just one of them or pick a couple. Why not set a goal to do one each weekend and at the end of six weeks you have a brand-new bedroom! Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.perfecthomedecor.com where you can get great interior decorating ideas for all areas of the home. ]]> Budget Bedroom Decorating Ideas For A Fresh New Look http://www.artwoo.com/article/budget-bedroom-decorating-ideas-for-a-fresh-new-look http://www.artwoo.com/article/budget-bedroom-decorating-ideas-for-a-fresh-new-look#comments Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:44:59 +0000 bedroom decorating ideaswall to wall carpetingdecorative vasesdecorative pillowsbedding setsstriking statementarea rugs http://www.artwoo.com/article/budget-bedroom-decorating-ideas-for-a-fresh-new-look bedroom decorating ideas which can add a little bit of the zip to your room while still leaving you enough time and money to enjoy the weekend.

1. Flowers. Flowers will create any wrong and always had a fresh feeling that pick up your spirits. Try adding a couple of filled with colorful fresh flowers to bring a little bit of the outdoors inside. You can choose many different color schemes that match your decor. Some people like bouquets that are filled with many colors, but a bouquet that is filled with different flowers of the same color can make a .

2. Pillows. Try adding some at the head of your bed. Use five or seven pillows and stack them on their signs for a company and inviting look. Get pillows that match with your decor and you can add a designer touch to your bed in no time at all.

3. Bedding. Bedding can make a big difference, but you can buy that don't cost a lot and can give your room or whole different look. This works particularly well if you are redecorating teens bedroom in trying to bring it from a child's room to a more mature look at her teen would like. Try getting matching curtains to go with your bedding to pull the look together.

4. . You're probably used to your floor, whether it be wall-to-wall carpeting or hardwood so why not try putting down an area rug and see what a huge difference it can make? Choose a rug that goes with your overall color scheme and try to get something that is a solid color or rather plain if you have busy walls and bedding.

5. Accessories. Accessories help decorate the bedroom and you might want to take a good look at the ones you have and, perhaps, switch them out for something different. You can make a new twist on your current decorating theme simply by putting in new knickknacks, lamps, vases and even artwork. Although this bedroom decorating idea might seem like it could be expensive, you can cut your costs by shopping at consignment stores and yard sales. You might find that you get a very unique item for only a few bucks which may be valued much higher.

6. Furniture. Now we're getting into something that is a little bit more expensive, but you can get great furniture for very little money if you shop at auctions and consignment stores. Lots of times, general household auctions will have fabulous furniture that goes for pennies but you have to wait it out to get exactly what you're looking for. You may even be able to find inexpensive furniture that tickles your fancy such as an antique brass bed or cottage painted pine furniture in an antique store for less than you would pay for new furniture at a department store.

You don't have to employ all these budget decorating ideas at once, you can do just one of them or pick a couple. Why not set a goal to do one each weekend and at the end of six weeks you have a brand-new bedroom! Lee Dobbins writes for http://www.perfecthomedecor.com where you can get great interior decorating ideas for all areas of the home. ]]> Ladies, Are You On A Tight Budget? Here's How To Shop For Your Whole Summer Wardrobe http://www.artwoo.com/article/ladies-are-you-on-a-tight-budget-heres-how-to-shop-for-your-whole-summer-wardrobe http://www.artwoo.com/article/ladies-are-you-on-a-tight-budget-heres-how-to-shop-for-your-whole-summer-wardrobe#comments Sat, 13 Sep 2008 05:50:30 +0000 department store chainsrock bottom dealssummer wardrobename brand clothingshop doorsguilty feelingsclothing vendors http://www.artwoo.com/article/ladies-are-you-on-a-tight-budget-heres-how-to-shop-for-your-whole-summer-wardrobe summer wardrobe into even the tightest budget if you follow these tips, and the best part is shopping can still be fun while sticking to your budget! No when you walk out of the , no thinking 'I shouldn't have spent that much!'.

* One way to save is to keep a close on sales. These usually appear in newspapers. Don't look for just the add in fliers that are put into the paper, look through the whole newspaper. Some specialty shops advertise only in the black and white print of the paper. Here you can find great deals!

* Department stores run weekly sales and not just on out of season clothing. These usually are the flier ads placed in the newspaper. Keep up with them. You won't believe the prices on some apparel just to get people in the door.

* Get on mailing lists for your favorite clothing shops. Most shops, especially ones that are in the mall, have a regular customer list that they send sales ads to for every sale they have. This is a good way to get great deals on the name brands you want that aren't in .

* Don't forget about consignment shops. You can get and accessories here for a song most of the time. Just go and look through. You may be surprised what you can get for just $20!Most of these shops also have regular customers that they send sales advertisements to. Get on the list.

* Keep up with yard sales and flea markets. Flea markets especially usually have regular vendors for a variety of different merchandise. Go to the flea market nearest you and find . If they don't have what you're looking for right then, leave a contact number for when they do get it. Yard sales are not only a fun way to shop, you find on used clothing that may look like it just came from the shops at the mall! What $20 can do for you at a yard sale could take up half of a summer wardrobe!

* Outlet stores are a great place to find designer fashions for a fraction of what you would pay at the mall. Outlets are another way to save money on a summer wardrobe.

* Look through the classified ads in the newspapers. You may surprised at the clothing deals you will find.

* Go on line and shop for deals. You may not have to even walk out your door to land cheap deals on summer clothing. Get on lists for notification of sales to be sent vis e-mail for your favorite on line shopping sites.

* Another tip is buy clothing you can mix and match to make more outfits than one. This will save on how much you have to buy. Just put together some matching colors!http://www.29mart.com OFFERS EUROPEAN LINGERIE,LINGERIE, G-STRING, BRAS, HOT THONGS AND PAJAMAS FOR WOMEN WITH ELEGANT TEST]]> Organize and De-Clutter the Baby Room -- Simply and Affordably http://www.artwoo.com/article/organize-and-de-clutter-the-baby-room-simply-and-affordably http://www.artwoo.com/article/organize-and-de-clutter-the-baby-room-simply-and-affordably#comments Sat, 15 Nov 2008 23:36:25 +0000 storage containersstorage boxesaccessible spaceharmonious environmentclothing rackconsignment storesplastic bins http://www.artwoo.com/article/organize-and-de-clutter-the-baby-room-simply-and-affordably harmonious environment for sleep and play.

Donation Box: Write "DONATE" on a large box and keep in the garage or other easily . Each time you come across a toy or item that your child no longer uses, place it in the box. When the box gets full, take it to your local donation center.

Recirculation of Toys: Have you ever noticed that when your child finds a toy that has been missing, it is just as fascinating as when it was first introduced? Every couple of weeks, without him knowing it, take some of the toys he doesn't seem to be interested in playing with and stow them away for a while. Re-introduce them after a few weeks, taking away a new set of toys at that same time.

Utilize Closet Space: Whether you have a small closet or a large walk-in, there is always space to be found if you know how to organize it. Purchase a dozen or so small to medium-sized . Separate and categorize the items in the closet that don't seem to have a place (socks, dress-up accessories, toy cars, balls, etc.). Label each box and stack them on the shelves and under the . You can also purchases hooks for the back of the door or open wall within the closet where robes, belts, hats, etc. can be hung and found easily.

Under the Bed/Crib : There is also plenty of storage space to be found under the bed. Purchase several long and thin clear storage containers and store out-of-season clothing or toys. Label each box accordingly.

Boxes for Future Babies: Prevent the baby room from getting overstuffed by going through the closet and dresser at least every three months and removing what no longer fits. Label 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months, 12 months, 2T, etc. and store for babies-to-be.
/Sales: Earn money and de-clutter at the same time. If you want to make some extra cash from the items your child no longer uses, consider taking them to consignment stores or seasonally consignment sales.

Labeled Baskets and Bins for Toys: Many organizational problems arise simply due to the fact that you don't know where to put things. Solve this by giving everything a place of its own. Separate and categorize all items in the room. Use baskets or plastic bins and clearly label each one (blocks, books, puppets, art supplies, etc.).

3-Toy Rule: If your child is a fan of taking everything out at one time, it might be a good idea to implement the 3-toy rule. Explain that she can select three toys to play with at one time. When she is done with them, she may put those away and select three more. She may protest at first but will adjust eventually. And you will be pleasantly surprised by how much more focused she will be while playing... and by the quick and easy clean-up time!You can find more of Stephanie's baby nursery ideas and kids' room décor at My Wonderful Walls.com.]]> Why Buy Recycled Clothes? http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-buy-recycled-clothes http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-buy-recycled-clothes#comments Mon, 04 Jun 2007 12:19:54 +0000 fashion basicsshop fashiondead silenceconsignment shopcharity shopsdesigner suitsalbeit http://www.artwoo.com/article/why-buy-recycled-clothes
I meet friends for dinner wearing a classic linen shirt, Armani trousers and a vintage suede jacket. At one point during the evening, the conversation turns to clothes. I reveal my outfit is second hand and all three pieces combined cost less than 50. Eyes widen and jaws drop. . I seize the opportunity to share more about my passion for pre-owned fashion.

, vintage boutiques and s are bulging with fashion cast-offs; pre-owned garments commonly referred to as second hand, recycled, gently-worn, used, like-new and vintage. These alternative shopping destinations offer variety and value. From basic T-shirts to , many of the items I find are barely worn, stylish and inexpensive.

I go on to boast about how every time I purchase used instead of new, I help reduce the stream of textile discards headed for the landfill. In addition, buying second hand conserves the natural resources used to manufacture new clothing.

Before I can finish, my friends bombard me with questions: Where is the best place to shop? Is there much selection? Can I bargain? What about stains and odour? Heres what I tell them:

Know Where To Shop

Success in finding second hand clothing that suits your individual style and budget largely depends on where you shop.

: If youre looking for everyday casual clothing, classic or contemporary, check out the large charity chains. You will find a vast selection of womens, mens and childrens clothing and accessories of various brands in fair to excellent condition. Prices are low to moderate. Fashion basics can easily be found at garage sales, flea markets and small second hand shops as well.

Designer Labels: A consignment shop is the place to go if you prefer moderate to high-end designer brands. Some sell exclusively women?s wear or children?s clothes, for example. While others offer clothing for the whole family. You will find a variety of upscale apparel in good to excellent condition. Even though youll pay more than charity shop prices, the savings are big when compared to buying new.

Vintage: For those of you who love the look of yesteryear, your best bet is to head straight to vintage boutiques, vintage expos, estate sales and on-line auction sites. Occasionally, I get lucky and find vintage pieces at charity shops and jumble sales. Due to the popularity of retro fashion, selection and prices will vary depending on the style, era and where you shop.

Check The Condition

Before you buy a second hand garment check for wear and stains particularly in areas that might not be noticeable right away such as inside collars and cuffs, crotch and underarms. Keep in mind: set-in food, ink or rust stains may be difficult or impossible to remove.

To check for threadbare spots or moth holes, open the garment and hold it up to the light. If you dont have what it takes to mend, leave well-worn items behind.

Most odours such as must, perfume and smoke can be removed. Always wash your second hand purchases prior to adding them to your wardrobe or drawer.

Save Time and Money

Keep an eye out for reductions and special sales. Second hand shops frequently offer daily discounts, as well as, price reductions during holidays and in-store events.

Time your shopping with the shops stocking schedule. Some resale shops put new items on the floor daily, others might stock once a week on a particular day.

Resale shops have a no return, no exchange policy. If youre looking to match a particular colour or style to something in your wardrobe, carry that item with you when shopping. If youre shopping for someone other than yourself, jot down a few basic measurements.

Be sure to bargain when you shop at flea markets, garage sales, vintage expos and antique stores. Always ask, Is this your best price? or Will you take (name your price) for it??

Donate or consign unwanted clothing and household fabric discards in useable condition to charity and consignment shops. Your recycling efforts can earn you cash.

Get Creative

If you cant find what youre looking for, make-it yourself! Theres plenty of creative potential in second hand clothing and other discarded textile items such as bedding, linens, curtains, etc. Customise used garments with recycled trims, embroidery, dye or fabric paint. Combine features from one garment with another to create an original design. Consider sheets, curtains or tablecloths as yardage for making new garments using a commercial sewing pattern or your own.

Katherine is a sewn-product designer and produces 2ndHandMade; a collection of sewing guides for turning used textile goods into new items. She shares her resourceful approach to make-your-own lifestyle products through a series of creative reuse classes that she teaches in San Francisco. I work with the Eco Clothes Directory http://www.guidemegreen.com and the Ethical Directory http://www.getethical.com to promote a greener and healthier lifestyle. I also promote eco friendly Jobs and Employers at http://www.jobs.guidemegreen.com

]]> 6 Tips On How To Save Money On Clothing http://www.artwoo.com/article/6-tips-on-how-to-save-money-on-clothing http://www.artwoo.com/article/6-tips-on-how-to-save-money-on-clothing#comments Sat, 15 Mar 2008 13:15:01 +0000 wardrobe pieceshandful of friendsunwanted clothesclothes horseclothing swapgorgeous dressoutlet shopping http://www.artwoo.com/article/6-tips-on-how-to-save-money-on-clothing clothes horse or supporting a growing family that seems to go through clothing faster than groceries, then you know how expensive the constant purchase of clothing can become. In this article, we'll cover how you can save money when you're buying clothing, how you can make your clothes last longer and how to get by with less clothes all together.

1. Organize a with friends.

Whether it is five stylish young women exchanging clothes they no longer wear or five moms trading kid's snowsuits, a clothing swap is a great way to pick up "new" items at no cost and unload your . Such an event done with a can provide a lot of options while enjoying a few hours of fun together.

2. Find a good tailor.

A good tailor is worth his or her weight in gold. Someone skilled in alterations and repairs can help you take in the that was on sale, but just didn't fit right. They can also turn out worn cuffs, let out old pants or fix stretched or ripping seams.

Remember, an alteration to a favorite item may only cost $5-$10, whereas new items will cost you ten times that amount.

3. Hit the outlets.

is a great way to save money, but remember that a lot of these clothing items landed at the outlets for a reason. They may simply be overstock, or they might be mislabeled. When outlet shopping, always try on a few different sizes and inspect all the items thoroughly. But if you don't mind a minor stitch out of place or a less popular item, you can find great deals.

4. Buy classic items off-season.

While it's important to have an item or two each season that reflects the trends, don't buy key in season. For example, if you're buying a winter coat, wait until the end of winter to pick up a classic coat for a fraction of the price. Ditto for swimsuits and shoes - just don't pick up anything that's so trendy that it is not likely to last another year.

5. Sign up on mailing lists.

Whether it's your favorite web site, department store or local designer boutique, you should always sign up for the mailing list. You'll be the first to know about upcoming sales, designer specials and events that are for "preferred" customers only. Also, don't be afraid to simply ask about upcoming sales, most clerks will be happy to tell you. Just be sure that if it is a web site offering mailings, it also has a clear privacy statement and easy means of "opting out" of future deliveries.

6. Go consignment hunting.

Consignment shops are a great place to pick up high-end, designer items that are gently used, or even sell your own clothes. Consignment clothing sales are also catching on in the children's clothing market. So, if you have a growing brood, they can be a great resource for updating those outgrown wardrobes. For info on practical money saving tips, see http://www.moneysavetips.com, a popular site with insights about saving, such as student debt help - http://www.moneysavetips.com/student-debt-help.shtml, prepaid credit cards for teenagers - http://www.moneysavetips.com/prepaid-credit-cards-for-teenagers.shtml and many more! ]]>