Drop-Off Dates and Procedures

Drop Off Dates and Times for Tot Trade                    

• September 15th,  2008  (2:00pm - 9:00pm)

• September 16th,  2008  (8:00am - 6:00pm)

Tot Trade Merchandise Prep Check List

• If using the online tagging system, did you use 60-67lb weight cardstock paper in white or pastel colors only? 

• If you handwrote your tags - Is your consignor number on EACH and EVERY item? Is it the correct number? Is each item priced and in $1.00 increments? Is "D" and "ND" in the RIGHT spot? Is your tag 3x5 size index card? Yes, you can use any color.

• Did you follow the $3 rule for clothing items?

• Is your tag hung in the right location on your item (at the shoulder)

• Is your safety pin placed vertically (going up and down on your card)

• Is your item hung correctly? Hanger (if facing it) looks like a question mark.

• Do you have your items grouped by "like items" and clothes in size and gender?

• Did you put masking tape, with your consignor number only, on all of your items?

• Did you make your Drop off appointment? If you have 100 or more clothing items you must make an appointment for drop off.  Click here to access Tot Trade's Online Registration System. Click on the Register for Tot Trade Fall/Winter 2008 link. Enter User Id and Password. Click on the Drop-Off Schedule link at the top of the page. Schedule your appointment from the available times.

• Did you read and review the Tot Trade Consignor Agreement? Every consignor must sign the agreement at drop off.

Okay, you've got all your items tagged and ready to go. Let's go to Drop Off!

What to expect at Tot Trade Drop Off

• Before unloading any of your items. Please come inside to the Check In Desk to confirm participation, sign the Tot Trade Consignor Agreement and receive your Tot Trade Goody Bag and Presale Passes.

• Unload your merchandise. We suggest bringing your clothing items in first before bringing anything else inside. Tot Trade has designated inspection stations for everything you bring to us. Your willingness to group these items together for us, by section, will make the inspection process go faster and smoother. Less time for you at Drop Off. The stations are as follows:                  

Clothing
Shoes
Big/Outside Toys
Inside Toys
Strollers
Cribs/Pack-n-Plays
Nursery Room Decor/Bedding
Infant Accessories
 

• Once your clothing items are accepted be sure to retrieve any items that did not pass our inspection process from the "DECLINED" rack. Any items not picked up will automatically be donated. Please don't forget!

• If you use the online tagging system, any items we declined, we will be taking the
  bar-coded tag for our records. You will need to take that item off your inventory list, once you get home in order for your records to stay accurate.

• Clothing items will be placed on the floor for you.

• If you have a scheduled appointment with us for clothing,(100 or more clothing items)
  proceed to the "Appointment Only" inspection table. All other clothing inspection tables will be first come, first served.  

• Proceed to bring in your other items, going to each station for inspection by a Tot Trade Team Leader. You will be assisted in getting your items in the right place on the floor.

• If you have larger items such as outside toys, furniture, baby equipment you can deposit those items in the back of the building by driving down to the last entrance 

• Remember: If you used the online tagging system once you get home please be sure to delete any items that were declined at drop off from your inventory list. You will not be given credit for those items.

• That's it! You're done! We do the rest!

What to expect from the Tot Trade Inspectors

Inspection of a fellow mommy's precious child's items can be a very difficult job. Our inspectors find it very hard to decline items that are perhaps not current and not well-kept, and even hard to point out "burp" spots as that little spot belongs to that mommy's little precious one. However, Tot Trade has a standard that is important we uphold and we do our best to be true to that standard.

Tot Trade will be implementing a very specific inspection policy that will be followed by each inspector. In other words, they will all be on the same sheet of music.

It is VERY important that all consignors first follow all guidelines of tagging, preparation of merchandise and what is and isn't accepted. Your "attention to details" will tremendously reduce any confusion and possible rejection of your items.

Clothing Inspection -  Clothes will be inspected for cleanliness, condition, and current style of each item. They will also be looking to ensure that you have brought the correct amount of items that have specific limits. Your tag must be correctly done, safety pin must be in correct place and that you have labeled your items with a piece of masking tape for easy identification if lost.

Shoe Inspection - Shoes will be inspected for scuff marks, excessive wear and current style. They will be looking to ensure you are bringing the correct amount of items that have specific limits.

Big/Outside Toys, Inside Toys, Strollers, Cribs, Pack-N-Plays, Baby Equipment, Nursery Decor, Infant Accessories - Each of these items will have their own area of placement with a Tot Trade Team Leader conducting the inspections. They will be looking for current merchandise, condition, cleanliness, and overall appearance. 

Riding/Battery Operated Toys - These toys must have the battery included and will be checked to ensure that they work.     

Consignors Responsibility

It is the consignors responsibility to ensure they have placed their consignor number on each card (if it is a handwritten tag) and that all information is placed in the correct place. (We constantly see people who put their ND and D in the wrong places. If these elements are in the wrong place, you run the risk of your item being donated or discounted when you might not have meant for it to be)

Follow all guidelines in accordance with Tot Trade's tagging, merchandise prep, merchandise acceptance and item limits.

Consignors should do a "home inspection" of all their items before tagging them and bringing them to the sale.

• Do you have all pieces required for games, puzzles etc.?

• Did you place batteries in all items that require batteries and does the item work?

• Have you ensured all videos work?

• Inspected clothes, shoes and other wearable items for stains, missing buttons etc.

• Have you included all hardware that is required to assemble items that need assembling? Cribs, beds, etc.

Remember, Tot Trade is YOUR SALE. Tot Trade is a twice yearly event that is giving you the perfect opportunity to sell those items you no longer need and bring in money for those items that you would not be able to get from your own yard sale. In addition your percentage of return on your consigned items is much greater than standard consignment stores.

Make sure you are presenting us your very best! If you wouldn't purchase that item yourself, don't bring it. As you go through you items and realize some just aren't quite the quality of items to sell but are still good, usable items, bag them and bring them to Tot Trade, we will ensure those items go to charities and causes that can put them to good use.