Tot Trade Charlotte

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Hope your day is off to a SWEET start!  A couple of quick things that have been coming up: Tagging: 

• Online tagging and tagging template – please note you will need to use CARDSTOCK – you can pick up a small pack at Walmart for about $5.50 that can get you through a few seasons.  The dollar store is a great place for 3×5 cards!  If you use regular copy paper – tags can get ripped and fall off your items!  Please DO NOT use sticky labels for consignor tags or reduce the size of the tag.  Please use only one of the three tagging options offered by Tot Trade Charlotte.  Due to the number of consignors we cannot accept other sale’s tags because we are trying to ensure proper credit. Thanks so much for your help!
• ONE safety pin – (looking down at the garment) pinned vertically (un and down) in the center of the tag on the RIGHT shoulder (Thank you for this step – it helps so much during check out)
• Hanger:  Looking down at the item – hanger should look like a question mark.
• COMPLETE TAGGING INFORMATION:  http://tottradecharlotte.com/consignor_tag_instruct.php
• At this time I think all 100+ item appointments have been taken.  Please do not worry!  We have 2 lanes that feed our DRIVE THROUGH drop off.  We will move you through inspection as quickly as possible. Please plan accordingly - snacks and juice for little ones good for mom too
• Volunteer:  Shop Earlier – 12 & 8 hour volunteer’s consignor fee waived – 12 hour volunteers earn 70% of sale!  We still have shifts available and need your help more than ever this season!  Thanks so much for your time! 

 1)      Please note that once you have created your tag – you CANNOT HANDWRITE a change on the tag.  This is to protect you.  Once the sale starts we have no idea “who” made the changes to the tag – this includes marking through a price to change – crossing out ND (no discount under the price), etc.  If you are using ONLINE TAGGING – the original information is embedded in the barcode and that is the information that the scanner reads. **Please do not print tags on BOTH sides of the tag.  2)    A quick note about discount:  we use the symbol ND = No Discount UNDER the price to note that the item is NOT discounted.  If you are printing out online tags and DO NOT see ND under the price – this means that your items will sell at 50% off on discount day.  We only have (1) discount day – SUNDAY.3)    If you are HANDWRITING your tags – please do a quick check of ALL your tags to ensure that you have included a PRICE AND YOUR CONSIGNOR NUMBER for each item!   This extra step will ensure that you are covered and we can sell your items and give you credit!4)    We do accept cloth diapers5)    We do accept exercise equipment in our Mommy’s Mart section6)    Toys, Toys, Toys!  Don’t forget your toys!  We love to have full tables for our shoppers every time we open the doors!  We have had record number of First Time Moms register this season – don’t forget all of that LARGE baby equipment – FANTASTIC sellers!  Remember NO CRIBS this season – but we WILL accept toddler beds and mattresses. That is it – just want to cover questions that we are getting this weekend.  Please, do not hesitate to email if there is something that I have not covered.   Thanks so much…keep tagging…there is still plenty of time….I tagged about 100 items last night in record time! (about an hour) I love recycling my clothes so I can pay for this season’s wardrobe!  See you soon.  Rhonda & Jodi & Tot Trade Charlotte Staff*We are posting updates on our blog and Facebook! 

Hope that you are all doing well and tagging away! A few questions keep popping up so I wanted to update everyone.

Drop Off:

What to expect at drop off: We will have 2 lanes of cars 1) appointments 2) non-appointments. You will drive through your entrance (we will have 2 entrances instead of one line feeding into 2 lanes)  be greeted, asked a few questions and given your armband. Tax receipts available upon request. Please pull up to the farthest available check in station. Volunteers will help you unload your car. Please park your car outside. **Be sure to check back at the table where your clothes are inspected for any declined items. 

***Please note we are experiencing a tremendous increase in registrations this season. We have worked to streamline an efficient and “painless” drop off process. We have added staff and volunteers to handle the increase in our registration. The drive through drop off helps during your wait time to be checked in so you are not standing with all of your items.   Please prepare accordingly for any wait time that you may have. We promise  we will be working as quickly as possible to get you in and out and on your way! Drive through drop off is great for ANY weather conditions that we may be experiencing….NO WORRIES, you will be INSIDE! 

Tagging Information:

Please do not get overwhelmed with tagging. Tag in stages including gathering items, tag accessories, toys and furniture and finish with your clothes! If you have time, make a couple more passes through closets, rooms, attic and everywhere in between! There is plenty of time! We literally have moms who register and tag 100 items the day before the sale!

Hot selling items:

OUTDOOR TOYS!

Strollers, highchairs, bouncy seats, pack-n-play, riding toys, kitchens, bikes, Step 2 equipment, Little Tykes, Powerwheels, playsets, slides, table sets. (Please be sure items are clean and without any missing pieces) (Pack-n-plays will need to be set up by consignor.)

Bathing suits (please pin suits to the top of the hanger)

Easter clothes! (remember we offer a boutique section)

Shoes!

Books – including homeschool curriculum (please see new book tagging information found on Consignor Page)

Gaming Systems, accessories and games!

Clothing sizes infant through juniors – teen sizes too! We are advertising our older children’s sizes this season!

Remember: NO carseats, carseat bases, jewelry, cribs. *we WILL accept crib mattress and toddler beds. Please check online for recall information. 

REVIEW:

Consignors receive 65%

Consignor fee deducted at the END of the sale

Consignor pick up, Monday, February 22 (4-6PM)

Download consignor agreement, print, sign and bring to drop off

Consignor Presale: Thursday, February 18 6PM

Want to shop earlier? Please bring a new package of diapers (any size) and you can start shopping at 5:30 on Thursday!

Don’t forget 50% Off select item presale: Sunday, February 21 doors open at 10AM

Don’t forget your basket

Tot Trade Charlotte accepts MC/VISA/CASH

Strollers welcome *recommend infant carrier due to the number of shoppers

Volunteer Information: *We still have some volunteer options open, please consider volunteering your time this season! We need your smiling face and energy! Tot Trade Charlotte can ONLY be successful with YOUR participation! Thanks so much for your time!

Volunteer information can be found on the website. A brief overview: We have 12, 8, 4 hour and Let’s Make a Deal options. Depending upon your participation will determine your presale time. Super Mom Volunteers or (12 hours) MUST work ALL 12 hours at the sale and cannot be combined with Let’s Make a Deal. Super Moms receive higher % of consignment sale, consignor fee waived and shop first.  If you are a consignor and have registered to volunteer you will receive the following: (1) armband per your volunteer shift and (2) consignor armbands. Please note that ALL volunteers MUST sign in before EVERY shift. A daily list will be located at the front registers. If a volunteer fails to sign in and complete their shift, they will forfeit presale shopping options next season. 

Volunteer Shopping: Volunteers are given (1) armband. Volunteers may have a family member ie: husband, mother, sister as a guest to the presale. Children are welcome. We have changed our policy due to shoppers who were not participating with the sale shopping before those that are. Our theory is that a family will be shopping for the same household. We are trying to make it fair for all involved. Thanks for your help!

I know it is a lot of information, we just want you to be in the know when it comes to sale prep, volunteering, presale information, etc. If there is something that I have not covered, please email at tottrade@hotmail.com I am constantly checking email and responding as I can. Thanks so much and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Please ALWAYS log onto your account through the Tot Trade Charlotte homepage:  www.tottradecharlotte.com

Book tagging link:  http://tottradecharlotte.com/consignor_books.php

Consignor Resource Page:  http://tottradecharlotte.com/signup_consignor.php

Mommy’s Mart Info:  http://tottradecharlotte.com/consignor_mommy_mart.php

Pricing Tips:  http://tottradecharlotte.com/consignor_pricing_tips.php

Volunteer Link:   http://tottradecharlotte.com/signup_volunteers.php

but it will be warm inside with the bargains galore next week at Tot Trade Charlotte’s Spring/Summer Sale!  Doors open to the public on Friday, February 19 at 6:30PM-9:ooPM.  Rest up this weekend, because you will want to shop till you drop next weekend!  The forecast is clear and we are excited about this season!  Spread the word…Tot Trade Charlotte is coming to town.  Free Admission ALWAYS! 

Hello!  Jodi and I hope you are well and getting ready for the biggest Tot Trade Charlotte ever!  We want to be sure that you are prepared before you come to drop off and have a quick check list for both returning consignors as well as new ones! 

• Consignor fee will be deducted from your check at the end of the sale
• Consignors receive 65% of sale (70% if you complete super mom volunteer shift/12 hours throughout the sale)
• Please be sure to check out our consignor resource page

     http://tottradecharlotte.com/signup_consignor.php  here you will find several buttons with TONS of information – even a quick video to help you with tagging

• You will receive your hangers back for the clothes that you do not sell – we will not be able to return hangers from clothes sold
• All clothes need to be hung on hangers (including onesies unless packaged new) and all toys, accessories, etc. tagged and prepared before drop off
• Please prepare clothes by banding per size and gender (for example all girl 6-9months clothes together, etc)
• TOYS, TOYS, TOYS!  Tag your toys first – we love to have great toys every time we open the doors!  Remember toys for older children and gaming systems, games and accessories!
• Homeschool curriculum and accessories – this section really took off last season!  
• We do not accept adult clothing only maternity
• Spring/Summer Season clothing items.  We do accept jeans all year long.  Light – weight jackets (knit / cotton ) are fine.
• Please no cribs, carseats, car seat bases, jewelry.  For a complete list and recall information please see the consignor resource page.  We can accept the STROLLER portion of a travel system – please no bases or carseats.
• Please be sure that your account has the current information including phone, email and mailing address.  We use various methods to reach you during the sale and to mail your check at the end of the sale.
• Print Code:  If you are using online tagging, please always log onto your account through the Tot Trade Charlotte website – you will not be asked for a print code.

• Be sure to download, print and sign the consignor agreement (this is found on the consignor resource page
• Moms are tagging, if you have 100 items, please schedule an appointment.  Once you log onto your account, please click “check in”  you will see the available slots.  Once the appointments are full we will be unable to add additional slots.  We will be able to check you in through our non-appointment lane
• There is still time to volunteer – we have a few slots left throughout the sale.  Remember 8 hour and 12 hour (super mom volunteers) have their consignor fee waived, shop early and 12 hour volunteers receive 70% of sale.
• If you have never consigned with Tot Trade Charlotte we provide a drive through drop off.  What this means is that you can stay in your packed vehicle - visit check in – volunteers assist you with removing items from your car – please park your car OUTSIDE of the building.
• Please allow enough time to put out all NON CLOTHING items while we are inspecting your clothes.  Please drop off your shoes to our shoe inspector. 
• Be sure to check back at the shoes and the table where your clothes were inspected to see if anything was returned.  Please do not be offended, the lighting at the Arena picks up stains that you cannot see at home. 
• Pricing:  We have a button on our consignor resource page that gives helpful hints about pricing.  There is a happy medium between too high and too low – the best thing is to try and remember the original value of the item and then ask yourself based on the condition of the item “What would I pay for this item” if I was shopping at Tot Trade Charlotte?  I know we have all seen things overpriced and snagged some underpriced items along the way!  Our goal is to sell your goodies! 
• If you find that you can’t make drop off but you have tagged your fantastic stuff?  Another family member, dad, neighbor, other consignor, friend can drop off your items – not a problem!

Finally our challenge of three!  It takes about three days for anything to change in my house when we are making transitions, so…we challenge you to tell three moms, neighbors, playgroup etc. about this season’s sale.  If you blog, we appreciate the plug!  More voices mean more participation.  Thank you so much for choosing Tot Trade Charlotte.  We will work hard to ensure that you have a positive consigning and shopping experience.  We are here if you need us – tottrade@hotmail.com   See you soon!  RHONDA, JODI & Tot Trade Charlotte Staff

This season we have labeled our sale bathing suits and flip flops!  Ah, warm sun and good times is what we all need with all this icky weather that we have been having!  For the latest information please check our blog or or FACEBOOK page.  One advantage of being a friend is that you will get the first sneak peak after drop off!  Wow - it is like Christmas - we don’t know what to expect and then the dust settles and all the Tot Trade Charlotte volunteers and staff have put together this wonderful sale!  Thank you so much for choosing Tot Trade Charlotte to kick off your consignmen sale season!  Now, more than ever families are looking for ways to stretch their budgets.  Whether you are a consignor, volunteer or shopper - we look forward to seeing you all - more posts to come this weekend - we will also start give aways off our blog…see you soon!  Rhonda

This is the Fall/Winter season - I know it is 90+ outside, but baby it’s cold inside!  Don’t forget about Fall/Winter Coats!  This season we are going to have coats at the front of each size for easy shopping! 

• Halloween Costumes are a great buy at consignment sales ( I stock up and put in a chest for the kids to play with all year!)

• Books - last season we used crates to help organize the books and DVDs.  This season we are breaking the book section down into sections:  infant, toddler, chapter and parenting books!  New this season is HOMESCHOOL RESOURCES.  This will be the first season we are offering homeschool curriculum, help us spread the word so this is a sought after section!

• Boutique - our dear staff member Teresa has always been a fan of our boutique section and made sure shoppers know where it is!  We are looking for those boutique brands and sweet holiday outfits for boys & girls!  Look through your closets and see what you have!

• Toys, Toys, Toys!  I can never say it enough, start tagging your toys and accessories - you would not believe how quicly these items go and really add to your bottom line.  Don’t forget toys for older children too and our GAME TRADE!  We had a great response last season and you know how expensive video games and accessories can be!   

• Presale shopping:  Please see calendar for an armband guide and specific times each day!  Remember you are invited to the 50% off select item presale on Sunday, doors open at 10AM!  There are still some great buys and even better prices! 

QUICK REMINDERS:

100 item appointments:  Tot Trade Charlotte does not require consignors to schedule a drop off appointment; however, we would like to know that you are coming if you have 100 + items.  Tot Trade Charlotte has listed (4) 100 item appointments every 10 minutes throughout drop off.  Once these appointments are taken Tot Trade Charlotte will not be able to add additional appointments.  If you are unable to schedule an appointment, I assure you that we will be able to check-in your items; however your wait time may be longer.  Please DO NOT schedule an appointment if you DO NOT have 100+ items.

Tagging examples:  Please be sure to check out our tagging examples on the consignor page.  Tot Trade has added several examples and features to ensure a UNIFORM tagging process.

Drop Off Procedures:  Please be sure to allow enough time to put out any NON CLOTHING items out on the sale floor.  If these items are dropped off and NOT put out on the sales floor Tot Trade Charlotte cannot be responsible for putting them out. (You did a fantastic job last season, thank you for your help!)  Volunteers will be working to inspect, organize and put your clothing items out on the floor.  If consignors DO NOT assist us with putting out their NON CLOTHING items, staff is left with hours of sorting and distribution.  Tot Trade Charlotte has worked to streamline your check in process this season to limit your wait at check in to allow you time to put out your items.  Thank you for your help!  Remember, we are constructing a mini department store in 7 days, every minute counts!

Finally, Earn More This season!  With the increasing number of consignors and shoppers (YEAH)  Tot Trade needs your help!  This season, Tot Trade has added benefits to volunteering!  IF you volunteer to be a SUPER MOM (12 HOUR VOLUNTEER) here is what you get 1) consignor fee waived 2) SHOP FIRST at the PRESALE and 50% OFF PRESALE 3) EARN 70% of Sale 4) After completion of (2) seasons as a SUPER MOM consideration for a Tot Trade staff position.  Check your calendars and register today!  

T

hoosing to consign with Tot Trade Charlotte.  Whether you are a first time consignor or a seasoned consignor and this is your first season with Tot Trade Charlotte we are excited to have you join us and want you to know that we are here to help you through the sale! 

Tagging Instructions

• Tot Trade Charlotte offers (3) types of tagging options 1) handwritten on 3×5 cards 2)tagging template found under downloads and 3) online tagging 

• Looking down at the item:  hanger should look like a “?”  Tag should be pinned on the right shoulder.  If you have multiple items such as a top/pant set or 2 shirts please pin 2nd item to the top of the shoulders

• Consignor number:  masking tape or computer generated lables.  Tot Trade Charlotte asks all consignors to put their consignor number on all items in case your tag falls off.

• Onesies:  onesies must be hung unless NEW in a package.  You may pair multiple onesies.

• Little parts:  if you have toys or accessories that include many parts we suggest using a baggie and securely tapping to the item.

• Puzzles:  please be sure that you include all pieces!

• DVD:  please be sure DVD matches case and are not scratched

• Batteries:  the dollar store is a great place to start

Finally, last season we included short 1 minute videos to explain the tagging process.  Once you start you will go through your house multiple times!  (trust me)  There is still time to tag, you can do it and will be so glad you did!  Let us know if you need anything, that is what we are here for!  tottrade@hotmail.com

Consignor Resources 

*registered volunteers will receive an email Sunday, August 9. 

Hi everyone!  It is hard to believe that our 2009 Fall Winter Tot Trade Charlotte sale is in a little over a week!  I am very exicted about the sale and hope you are too.  I am really looking forward to meeting all of you who are volunteering.  It is going to be a crazy time but one that I am sure we will all enjoy.  This sale promises to be the biggest one yet and I think the important thing we have to remember when it comes to volunteering is that good communication is going to be a key factor. 

As always, we will have a notebook that our volunteers will need to use to sign in for their shifts.  This will be found at the checkout line.  It will be marked very clearly so that it is not hard to find. It is very important that you sign in for shifts!  I cannot stress this enough.   With the sale growing as quickly as it is, we will be using this notebook to determine each individual’s number of volunteer hours.  I am hoping to be close by when you check in and will be able to direct you to an area in which you are needed. If not, please see Melisa and she will call me on the radio.The number of hours volunteered determines which presale hour you can attend. We offer 4, 8 and 12 hour shifts. The more hours you volunteer, the earlier you are able to shop.  What a great incentive to volunteer!  However, please know that all volunteers are able to shop before the sale is open to the public.  We appreciate any time you are able to contribute.

Thank you again for volunteering your time.  We at Tot Trade realize how valuable your time is and we hope you will enjoy the sale as much as we do!  Lee Anne

Register to Volunteer Today!

We have added shifts this season.  Once the shifts are taken, we are unable to add additional shifts.  Please check your schedule and select from the shifts that are listed.  You can find the shifts by either creating an account or log onto your account! Thanks in advance for your enthusiasm and energy!  We are excited to have you help this season!

Ok, I will admit I am not a fan of video games - but I rocked this weekend with my 8yr old and Guitar Hero (at least that is what the game said and I think reached cool status if only for a few minutes in the eyes of my son)  How much fun we had together celebrating his 8th birthday!  I would say if this is in our Game Trade section this season - great purchase!Well we are getting ready to get on a wild ride this season!  We have our special events planned, consignors are tagging, first time mom and grandparents are registering in record numbers and we have added volunteer shifts!  I feel the Pointer Sisters song…”I’m So Excited” 

We are adding a new section this season, Homeschooling Resources!  This will be the first time we have offered this section so tell your friends so we can make this a sought after resource! 

I did the last walk through on Monday at the Arena and we hope you love the new floorplan as much as we do … I really don’t know why we didn’t do this before now?  Practice makes perfect I guess!  Make sure you check out our floorplan found under downloads …we have a new entrance this season!

I know we are busy and summer is winding down, but it’s not too late to get involved this season whether you are a consignor, volunteer or shopper!  With our uncertain economy, think of the sale as your own little stimulus package..and who wants to pay retail when there are so many great buys!

Remember Tot Trade Charlotte does not limit the number of consignors we can register or items you can bring.  (Consignor minimum 30 items) We cannot do it without you….come join us REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY OPEN THROUGH  WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2009

Register Me Now!

….let’s get it started in here…..

rhonda & jodi