Why Shop at The Mother Load Sale?
Compared to Other Buying Options:
- We stress QUALITY! The items sold at our sale are truly only GENTLY USED making our sale THE PREMIUM sale in town. TMLS is the BIGGEST and the BEST consignment sale in Albuquerque - hands down!
- Kids clothes and toys are so darned expensive and they grow out of them so fast. Why not save some money on some great gear?
- AMAZING deals on gently used merchandise. Fractions off retail.
- No trying to schedule a meeting with an unknown seller for an unseen item.
- Forget the hit-or-miss selection and driving time of yard sales.
- No more waiting to see if you win an online auction & no shipping costs.
- See items in person before you buy. Only top quality here!
- Get better prices than you can find at most resale shops or baby consignment stores since The Mother Load Sale does not have the overhead expenses of a permanent retail location.
* Daddy's Man Cave at TMLS * (more info below!)
Want to shop at the EXCLUSIVE Friday Night PreSale or Sunday 50% Off Presale?
Sign up TODAY to be a Non-Selling Volunteer!
TMLS Shopping Tips that will Prepare you for TMLS:
- BRING CASH - credit cards and checks WILL be accepted, but there will be a FAST, CASH ONLY check-out line! No bills larger thon $20 bill.
- COME READY TO MOVE - Don't bring any unnecessary items that will slow you down! We recommend only a small purse /wallet with a long strap that can be slung around your neck/shoulders, leaving your hands free to shop - or simply placing cash/cards/photo ID in a safe pocket. If you MUST bring them in (and we don't recommend it unless you have NO CHOICE) all strollers, diaper bags, etc. will be checked/tagged at the door. Shoppers may not bring any personally owned toys into the sale - NO EXCEPTIONS! Your hand will be stamped when you pay admission, so you may enter/exit the sale and go back to your car as many times as needed. No need to bring everything in with you.
- SHOPPING BAGS - TMLS will be selling the IKEA BIG BLUE BAG (see pic) for $2 at the door. They are HUGE, have very strong comfortable straps, are extra durable but lightweight, and fold up nice and small in your car between uses. They are PERFECT for shopping the sales as well as 100s of other uses (going to the beach or the park?) - only $2.
- SHOP FOR BIG ITEMS FIRST (furniture, outside toys, car seats, strollers) before the best deals get snatched up. Purchase them quickly at one of our 6 NEW scanning computerized cashier stations and remove them from the sales floor and take them out to your car. After the big stuff is purchased you can then cruise back and peruse the racks, tables and boxes at your leisure.
- FURNITURE - Measure the empty space at home that you are trying to fill and also bring that measuring tape to the sale with you.
- SIZES - Children are definitely welcome at TMLS, but as Moms ourselves, we know that taking them shopping ANYWHERE can be hectic . So to avoid the hassles of having to bring your kids to the sale BUT still get the sizes correct, TMLS recommends that you check each child's weight, height and inseam measurement before leaving home - WRITE IT DOWN - and bring that list to the sale. It is also helpful when buying pants to cut a string/ribbon the length of your child's inseam and hold that up to pants you like at the sale to get the correct length. Also, to get the right shoe size, trace your child's foot onto sturdy paper, cut it out and then you can just bring the paper, not the foot!
- DRESSING ROOM - TMLS will have a very private dressing room with an attendant ready for you during the sale.
- PAYMENT - We will accept CASH, Debit Cards and all Major Credit Cards (with valid photo I.D.) There is an ATM at the corner of Montgomery and Louisiana.
* Daddy's Man Cave *
It's time that we give our men the chance to clean up their act AND our sellers the chance to clean up on PROFITS! Men DO NOT have to sign up as separate sellers! Current TMLS sellers simply add/enter the Man Cave items into MyCM along with the child items and print/attach as if it were kid gear. If someone ONLY has Man Cave items, no child items, they can still sell them at TMLS, but will need to register as a seller themselves. If so, write MAN CAVE ONLY on registration forms. All sellers will be subject to the same commission % and volunteer opportunities.
With this new section, we will need as many men as possible to sign up as Non-Selling Volunteers (even if they ARE selling) so we can fill that section with manly volunteers who know about man stuff. Please consider asking your man to sign up as a volunteer.
* Daddy's MAN CAVE can also house items mentioned below for WOMEN's gear, too! *
TMLS Shoppers will find the following types of items in Daddy's Man Cave:
* TOOLS - large and small! 
* Adult Sports Equipment of all shapes/sizes
* Bikes - Road and Mountain, Bike wear (Men’s and Women’s)
* Snow Gear - Snow Poles, Snow skis, Snowboards, Apparel
* Fishing Equipment - Gear, Apparel, Life Vests
* Camping Gear – Tents, Sleeping Bags, Camping Backpacks, , shoes/boots/apparel/CAMO
* Climbing Gear – includes shoes, boots, etc.
* Hunting Equipment (no guns, knives, or other weapons, NO AMMUNITION!)
* GPS units, Night Vision Equipment, Binoculars, Monoculars
* Eyewear - Goggles, Sunglasses (of athletic / sporting nature, not fashion eyewear)
* Home Improvement - Lawn care (no chemicals, only fume-free equipment)
* Outside Entertaining (can include electronics, Smokers, Grills, outdoors cooking equipment
* Safety Items for any outdoor sport or activity.
10 Tips for Successful Consignment Sale Shopping:
The best advice for consigning and shopping comes from the savvy mommies who have been consigning for years and years! If you are looking for ideas for shopping this weekend, here you go! Here's a great list of shopping tips:
1. Check into early shopping opportunities!
Many sales have preview sales before they open the doors to the public. Traditionally, volunteers and consignors have the first opportunity to shop. Extending invitations to new parents, military families, and/or teachers is a growing trend. You may even find sales offering the chance to shop early in exchange for a donation to a non-profit organization. Check with the sales in your area about their preview sales. Preview sales give savvy shoppers a chance to find the largest selection of big item tickets and bargains without a huge crowd.
2. Make alternate arrangements for your children during the sale.
Your sale may have a restriction on when/if children can attend. Even if your sale allows children, you may find the experience less stressful if your kids are at home. The lines and crowds can test the patience of even the best child. You’ll also save money by resisting impulse items that your kids just have to bring home.
3. Check with the sale ahead of time to see what types of payment they accept.
Many accept cash or checks only. Don’t forget to bring your driver’s license for checks or credit card purchases.
4. Be prepared to wait. Consignment sales often have a line for check-out.
Use your wait time to be productive. Go through your items and make sure you want everything you’ve picked up. Waiting until you’re at the check-out point to weed through your piles can slow things down for everyone. If you don’t want to wait, find out when your sale’s slower days/times and mark them on your calendar.
5. Keep an eye out for great deals and the items that aren’t such a good value.
If your child likes a certain brand, know the retail values of their products. This knowledge will help you know if you're getting a good deal. Old Navy frequently runs a special on jeans, $10 a pair or two/$15. Paying $8 - $10 a pair at a consignment sale is not a bargain! On the other hand, a mom may be thrilled to find a pair of $12 - $15 Abercrombie & Fitch jeans for her son. Moms with daughters, are you looking specifically for smocked Bishops? Scan the tops of the hangers, because these dresses sit higher on the hangers than most items. It’s the best way to spot them when there is a large volume of clothing in the girls’ section.
6. String and poster board come in handy.
Before you leave, pull out a pair of your child’s pants that still fit well. Measure them from waist to hem with a piece of string, and then cut the string to match the length. If the pants at the sale are shorter than the string, you know they’ll be too short for your child to wear. For shoes, use a piece of poster board and a marker to trace and cut an outline of your child’s shoe. When you’re shopping, you can compare that shape to the sole of a shoe at the sale to see if it’s smaller, too narrow across the toes, etc. If it looks good and you’re still not sure about the fit, then let your child try on the shoes. You’ll save valuable shopping time and everyone will be much happier. This little step is much easier than struggling to unbundle many pairs of shoes for your little one to try on for size.
7. Bring a large laundry basket with you.
Using a basket with a belt or rope attached to one end will keep your hands free for shopping. If you live near an IKEA store, their large shopping bags are very durable. (TMLS sells IKEA bags at the door!) They can hold a lot of stuff and take up almost no storage room. Bonus: They’re great to hand to your kids when they need to do a quick clean-up in their play room when company’s coming.
8. Keep in mind that these sales are not garage sales, so prices are not negotiable.
Your sale organizer can’t lower a consignor’s price, even if she thinks it’s overpriced too.
9. Come back at the end of the sale.
If your sale discounts items on the last day, plan to go back and shop one more time. By then, the racks have cleared out and you’ll come across merchandise you missed the first or second time you looked, along with discounted items that may have been out of your price range originally.
10. Smile, be considerate of others, and have fun!
Everyone’s looking for bargains at a consignment sale. Your positive attitude can rub off on someone else who is stressed over the whole experience. Consignment shopping can be a fun and rewarding for everyone. Don’t forget – smiles are contagious!
21 Things You Should Never Buy New - Consignment Mommies edition:
(It's your luck day! ALL of these things are sold at The Mother Load Sale!!)
1. DVDs and CDs: Let's face it, one can only watch the Wiggle's Christmas special but soooo many times. Recycle your kids DVD's and refresh your collection each sale season.
2. Books: These are one of my favorite consignment sale items - especially for the classics!
3. Video Games: US News says "Kids get tired of video games rather quickly." We say... so do their daddy's! Pass them along to the next "kid" to enjoy!
4. Special Occasion & "Dressy" Clothing: Boutique clothing is huge at consignment sales - higher quality items last and last, plus they usually don't see the sandbox or mud puddles too often.
5. Halloween Costumes - These truly do only get one wear per year! Or, you can just pick up a few to add to the dress up box.
6. Children's Furniture: I love character beds & custom furniture, but could never afford it as retail. Enter consignment sales. Be cautious when purchasing cribs, though, especially drop-side models which are at the top of recall lists.
7. Games and Toys: Of course! Just make sure you keep all those pieces together so you can resell without guilt!
8. Maternity Clothes: These short-lived items are PLENTIFUL at sales. One consigning mom encourages, "Save your money to buy a new wardrobe for yourself after the baby comes."
9. Baby Clothes: Even if you want the "best for baby" and have concerns over recycled clothing, there are always tons of NWT (new with tags) items in the baby section!
10. Musical Instruments: Who knows whether Billy REALLY wants to play the guitar or if he thinks it'll be as easy as mastering Rock Band. Make a small investment early to see if the interest sticks
11. Shoes: My child has worn 3 different sizes in the last 6 months, talk about moving through something quickly!
12. Nursery Bedding: Consignment sales have some beautiful (and complete) bedding sets at much less than retail. My mom once got a Pottery Barn Quilt, sham and sheet set for $25 at a half price sale. We've been searching for a match and can't find it for less than $150 anywhere! (even ebay!)
13. Cars: Well, maybe not the big kind... but consignment sales are the perfect place to pick up Cozy Coupes or Power Wheels Toys. These big ticket items go fast, so volunteer at your favorite sale and shop early to get first dibs.
14. Breast Pumps: The pump is the expensive part and the "other parts" are what you really don't want to share. Save yourself the $200-300 cost in a pump and buy it used. Then, pick up new hoses, shields and bottles to avoid the "ewww" factor.
15. Strollers: High end strollers last and last. Instead of settling on a cheaper / poorly made model, buy a high-quality, name-brand stroller for a fraction of the cost and you'll love the bells & whistles.
16. Baby Swings, Bouncers and Bumbos - Babies use these items for an average of 6-9 months so these are usually in great condition.
17. Fall & Spring Coats - The seasons are so short that soon enough they will need a heavier coat or none at all, so they get very little use!
18. A Selection of Sippy Cups or Bottles - One consigning mommy bought a few brands of super cheap sippy cups to figure out which one her picky baby would like. No need to pay full price just to "try it out!"
19. Swing Sets & Outdoor Play Equipment - The good stuff is made to last and can be repurposed in any yard. Consult a handyman service to help beef up swing sets or playhouses that need some TLC and they'll be good as new!
20. Bikes, Scooters, Outdoor Ride-on Toys - One mom says "I've bought brand new and they are chipped, dented, and beat up looking after a week or two. Buy a used one in good condition and save at least half the price."
21. Collectors Items & Name Brand Toys - If you are a savvy shopper and know the brands, you can get some incredible deals on name-brands toys like American Girl Dolls or Melissa & Doug.
10 Things Trendy Moms Should Know about Consignment Sales:
Repeat after me: Consignment Sales are not Garage Sales, Consignment Sales are not Garage Sales...There's a lot of "misunderstanding" about consignment sales. Until you've been to a really good one, its hard to appreciate the full value in these sales. If you are one of those trendy moms who is skeptical of the whole consignment thing, here are a few things you should know:
1. You Won’t Be Wearing What EVERYONE Else is Wearing!
When my little one was “little” he wore the same ol’ Carter’s & Target outfits as every other child. I can recall several instances where we showed up to play groups or the library with Jack wearing the EXACT same outfit as another child. While not as stressful as say, showing up to prom in the same dress, I was quickly OVER the whole look like everyone else thing. At consignment sales, you can see TONS of brands across several seasons and definitely won’t be wearing the same ol’ same ol’!
2. Boutique Items at Prices You CAN Afford
Boutique items can get very expensive and most of the time, they get worn very little. At consignment sales, you can pick up incredible boutique clothes at 30-90% off retail pricing.
3. New with Tags
Most folks don’t realize this, but there are always tons of brand new items with tags at consignment sales!
4. Volunteer to Get the Good Stuff
This is definitely the number one secret of the pros! The good stuff gets gone early in the sale. If you volunteer, you can shop the volunteer pre-sale at most sales and can get your hands on the best items first! If you go on the final days AND you are a picky mom, you'll be totally disappointed in the selection. Go early to get the good stuff!
5. Seasonal clothing that’s barely worn
Easter outfits, Christmas sweaters, Halloween costumes… all at incredible prices! Seasonal clothing is a steal at consignment sales and it’s usually in great condition because it gets barely any wear!
6. Vendors!
Most sales have incredible vendors – from smocked clothing and monogrammed items to fabulous accessories.
7. Bigger Wardrobe for a Fraction of the Cost
If you are like me, I LOVE to have options in the closet (ok, and I don’t keep up with the laundry so well either). Shopping at consignment sales has meant a much bigger wardrobe at a fraction of the cost. And… I do laundry less often. HaHa!
8. Get Your Shopping Fix without Driving All Over Town
I love shopping… LOVE IT! But now that I’m a mommy, I have much less time for it. Consignment sales help me get my fix without driving all over town. Where else can you find clothes & toys from hundreds of sellers all in one place?
9. Or, Better Yet, Some Sales are Worth the Drive
If you love boutique items, there are tons of new “boutique” only and high-end consignment sales that are popping up. Search your zip code and add the word “boutique” in the keyword search to find sales in your area.
10. It’s Cool (and Green) to Shop Consignment
More and more savvy moms are jumping on the consignment bandwagon because it’s such a practical and green approach. Americans throw away 68 pounds of clothing each year (Earth911.com). Doesn't that seem like a waste?
