The volunteers are AMAZING!

Wow! TotSwap was CRAZY yesterday!

As soon as the doors opened in the morning the consignors were coming in with vans and SUVs full of stuff and the Volunteers were putting things away almost as fast as they were getting unpacked. It was AMAZING! Denise has really got a great group of hard working folks for volunteers.

I haven't any idea how many shoppers there were last night but it certainly seemed like it was a lot! After some initial technical glitches, Robyn had 5 registers up and running for 6 hours straight!

A lot of items sold last night but there are certainly more good finds to be had today and through the weekend. I'm sure I'll see things on Sunday that I hadn't seen before just because there is SO much to look at that I can't see everything, even on multiple days.

I'm already thinking ahead to the next sale Columbus Day weekend. I have some books that I made tags for but didn't get time to put them on the books so I'll take care of that this weekend (in the evening when I'm not at TotSwap) and then I'll look around and see what else I can find to sell and find space in my house.

Gaitherburg is Just Around the Corner!

Wow! Time has flown and the Gaithersburg sale is this week! I still have a few bins of things to get entered and tagged but I'm on course to get most of my things dropped off on Wednesday and do the "clean up" Wednesday night to take up with me on Thursday when I volunteer. I'll probably be up late tonight entering things so I can tag them all tomorrow night after work but a few nights of shortened sleep are well worth it in the end.

Did you see that Robyn increased the consignor split from the spring sales for folks who volunteer for 2 or more shifts? 60% is a pretty nice deal...and more than the local consignment stores offer!

I'm sure I'll come across more things to sell at the other sales to (I'm planning on selling and volunteering at all 4). Once I get everything up to Gaithersburg I'm going to start looking around for housewares to sell at the other sales.

See you all in a few days!

The Unique Boutique

While we all know about the great finds Totswap is known for in the larger rooms with all the toys and clothes, many shoppers have not realized how amazing the Unique Boutique is. For those that are too busy to attend (or host) home parties, it gives you a great opportunity to try, touch and feel products before you buy them. Plus, you get the added bonus of knowing you are shopping with local small-business owners (many of whom are also moms), who pride themselves on great customer service!

For anyone who has been thinking of hosting a home party as an excuse to get your friends together, it the Unique Boutique gives you a chance to compare some of the great home party companies to see what would be the best fit for you and your friends (and which company YOU want FREE products from).

Lastly, many of the vendors offer discounts and/or raffles during the event so if you like free or discounted stuff, it is definitely worth spending a little time in the Unique Boutique.

Another GREAT way to make some cash!

I wanted to make sure you all know that there is another GREAT way to make some instant CASH at the Totswap this season! While you are busy going through all of your kid's toys and clothes, make sure you take a break and go through your jewelry boxes, coin jars, and cabinets to find any gold, silver or platinum you may have that you no longer wear, no longer want, is broken, orphaned, ugly...you name it. Also keep your eyes peeled for any US silver coins dated pre-1969, sterling flatware, or even dental gold. If you are not sure if an item is real, BRING IT anyway! We will test it on the spot for you!

You may walk away with $100s of dollars that you never expected just by taking some time to go through your home and finding items to bring. The Gold Ladies will ONLY be purchasing items during consignment drop-off, NOT during the actual Totswap, so be sure to come see us in Gaithersburg this Wednesday from 12pm-8pm and Thursday from 9am-12pm.

(We will be at all four locations during consignor drop-off times only) For more info on what we buy, or to book your own Gold Party or Fundraiser check out our website: www.thegoldladies.com

Gearing up for Gaithersburg (and beyond)!

Wow! I can't believe that the Gaithersburg sale is just a few weeks away! My summer just FLEW by and I didn't get to everything I had intended to so now I have to step up my game.

I have managed to clean out excess toys and videos from the living room but I haven't even begun in the basement! Yikes. Well, I guess it's good that this is a long weekend and the pool is still open so hubby can take the kids off to the pool for the day :-)

So, as I get into full swing, I thought I would share some "tips" with you to make this process as easy as possible.

1) Get a friend to consign too! Sitting around and chatting with someone while you are tagging makes the time go by quickly.

2) Volunteer! You get more of a return AND you get to shop early (seriously, this is the biggest benefit). Oh, and if your friend has consigned too, you have a buddy to shop with.

3) Sort before you enter! Other than the description, everything that will appear on your tags is in drop down menus so it is easier if you don't have to keep changing your choice (for example, enter all you 18-24 months clothes at the same time)

4) Be realistic when you price things and use the suggested pricing guide on the TotSwap site -- it is really helpful and generally spot on. If you wouldn't buy it for $4, then don't price it at $4 because someone else won't buy it for that either!

5) Package things to sell, include all the parts (must have working batteries), and make sure it is clean!

Well, I must run but more to come... Good luck all!