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

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 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 

Mark your calendars for these important dates:
Drop Off Dates:  Tuesday, August 11 5PM-8PM  Wednesday, August 12  8:30AM-8PM  Consignor Presale:  Thursday, August 13 Doors Open at 6PM  Consignor Pick-up:  Monday, August 17  4PM-6PM
Moms may drop off both on Tuesday and Wednesday if they have large loads or may have large big ticket items that require (2) trips!  Not a problem!  See you soon!
Hey Mom - I hope that your tagging is going well…haven’t started tagging yet? Don’t stress! I am telling you that online tagging is GOLDEN!
 
Here is my top “12” list for this week as we start the count down to kick off the Fall/Winter consignment sale season….
1) Your account must be complete to participate in this season’s sale. You may pay by going online or by check (log onto your account for more information about payment)
2) 100 + appointments – we still have lots of appointments to choose from; however as moms start tagging these will go fast, please schedule now!
3) Want to earn more this season? Register to volunteer as a Super Mom Volunteer and earn 70% of your sale! Please see the volunteer page for more information! In advance, thanks to all of our volunteers for your time and energy!
4) Please prepare your items according to the description found on the website on the consignor page. All appropriate items (including onesies) must be hung on hangers and tagged prior to drop off. Tot Trade Charlotte cannot return your hangers.
5) Please download a copy of the consignor agreement, sign and bring to drop off. This step will help save time!
6) Remember this is the FALL/WINTER sale – Halloween Costumes, Coats, Hats, Holiday Wear, Fall/Winter clothing. Please keep light-weight and color cotton shirts, shorts and outfits at home and sell them next season at the Spring/Summer Sale!
7) Toys, Toys, Toys! Toys are so easy to tag and shoppers run to these tables first! Toys will really add to your bottom line! Remember Video Games, Players and older child toys such as legos, power rangers, remote controlled toys, games, puzzles! (You will kick yourself if you don’t start here with your tagging – you are sure to get to all of your clothes!)
New this season – home school curriculum! We will have a section with our books for our homeschooling moms! Stock up and save for this school year!
9) Please ALWAYS log onto you account from the Tot Trade Charlotte Homepage. You will NEVER be asked for a print code using this log in!
10) Remember to check out RECALL information on our site. We will double check big ticket items such as cribs, bassinets, etc. If your item has been recalled we will pull from the floor and have ready for you at pick-up. Due to time, we are unable to notify you if your item has been pulled due to recall.
11) If you are a returning consignor you may transfer items from other sales (if they use myconsignmentmanager.com) or from last season. Simply log onto your account – click manage inventory – go to the season that you want to transfer items FROM and select items by clicking on the box / item number. (look for the item number on the bottom of your tag it will be the middle number) Once you have selected all of your items simply click “Transfer Items” Select the Sale and you are done!  
12) Last one I promise….if you are selling a crib, please bring the necessary tools to assemble the crib on site. We have found over the years that shoppers want to see the crib or toddler bed assembled. Thanks for your help!
Ok, my Top 12 list – just want to keep you in the loop this season. I will be sending out another quick reminder list next week with an added surprise. Please be sure to become a Tot Trade Charlotte Friend on Facebook. We try to post updates and will upload pics after drop off. (Your own little preview party!) Thanks again for choosing Tot Trade Charlotte! We are working hard to make this the most successful season yet! Can’t wait to see you soon! If you have any questions, we are here to help! Email tottrade@hotmail.com
 
Your tagging cheerleaders,
Rhonda & Jodi
www.tottradecharlotte.com

While you are running around room to room and trying to get as much out of your child’s playroom without them being suspect, here are a few ideas of HOT items we see each season!

Got Wheels?  Jeeps, Powerwheels, Bikes, Strollers (single, double, jog, umbrella to name a few), big wheels, scooters and trikes…if it has wheels these are hot ticket items!

New parents, grandparents and parents expecting their second, third, fourth child love to stock up on exersaucers, bouncy seats, cribs, toddler beds, changing tables, pack-n-plays all those big ticket items are scooped up!

Toddler toys, toys with music, toys with lights, trains, cars and trucks!  Don’t forget dollhouses, barbies and babies too!  We love to add tables because we have so many toys!  Remember holidays are coming and everyone likes to stock up!  Don’t forget your older child as well….legos, puzzles, games, crafts, matchbox cars and tracks and  remote control cars! (Please be sure to include all pieces of the puzzle and batteries if needed - the dollar store is a great resource to get you going!)

Last season we started Game Trade with a great reception….we are hoping many will dig into their games stations and pull games not used, older gaming systems and accessories!  These are all great finds at the sale!

Halloween costumes are not just for holidays!  I know I purchased several costumes one year and created a box for dress up!  The kids love running around the house as a pirate, superman, space shuttle and more!  Let’s have the best selection ever this season!

Finally books!  We finally saw the light and started to organize our books last season with crates! (thanks to Barry)  This season we will feature infant books, toddler books, chapter books, parenting books and home school curriculum!  We hope this continued organization will bring big sales for you!  DVDs and Videos will be included as well.  Please be sure the movie fits the sleeve and is not scratched.

Guess that is it for now - I love to see our toys and big ticket sections grow each season.  We have added more tables to handle the number of items you are tagging.  I like to be sure that shoppers can see your goodies and not pile them to sky !  I am so excited about the new floor plan this season I think shoppers will find it easy and scoop up all your goodies.  Make sure to check out your resources on the Consignor page of the website.  Here you will see tagging examples, videos, pricing tips and non accepted items.  We are so excited to have you consign with Tot Trade Charlotte and are working hard to make this the best season yet!  Tell your friends too….Tot Trade Charlotte is coming to town!

*The website is currently down for online tagging.  We are working with myconsignmentmanager to get updates and will let you know as soon as we are back online.  Sorry for the delay to your tagging.  Please read below 

Hello Tot Trade Consignor!  First and foremost, Jodi and I want to thank you for choosing Tot Trade Charlotte to kick off your Spring/Summer Children’s Consignment Sale Season!  There is no better time to start consigning your children’s clothing, toys, accessories, furniture and maternity than now!  Tot Trade Charlotte has always been a win-win situation; however in these economic times it is more important than ever.   We know the goal is to recycle and reinvest.  I think of each season as renting my children’s wardrobe, toys and more!  I can’t seem to get enough….

Jodi and I have put together a check list to help you make sure that you are ready for this season’s sale.   For our new consignors, Tot Tarde Charlotte features a Drive-Thru Drop off to make your drop off experience easy!

• Remember, your account is not complete until you have paid this season’s consignor’s fee.
• Once you have prepared your items and are ready to go to drop off, make sure that you have downloaded the consignor agreement found online, sign and bring to drop off.  This will expedite your drop off experience. 
• Please stay in your car.  You will come to your first station where you will turn in your consignor agreement, confirm your address and receive your armbands. 
• You will move to the next station where volunteers will assist you in removing your items from your car. 
• Please park your car and return to put out your non-clothing items while staff inspects your clothing. 
• Please be sure to check for rejects on the way out!  We will see you at the hottest presale in town!  Friday, February 27, doors open at 5PM.

Remember to tag your toys and accessories first!  Every season we hear moms say, “I had more stuff…”  You will always get to tagging your clothes….we sometimes forget the toys in boxes nad accessories! 

Here are a few changes this season:

• Please be sure to review all changes this season found on the CONSIGNOR page of the website.  “What’s New this Season”
• 100 item appointments:  In order to keep lines moving we have scheduled (4) appointments every 10 minutes.  Once these appointments are taken, we will be unable to add additional appointments.  As moms start tagging over the next 2 weeks, appointments will start to go fast.  Please note we will be able to check you in without an appointment at one of our non-scheduled tables; however, your wait time may be longer.
• In an effort to be compliant with safety standards and recalls, Tot Tarde Charlotte will have a recall book at check-in.  In addition, a staff member will specifically look at all cribs, pack-n-plays and toddler beds for recalled items.  We have also added links on the website if you have any questions before the sale.
• Game Trade:  have you recently upgraded your gaming system?  Do you have unplayed games collecting dust?  Tot Trade Charlotte is a great way to really cash in this season - we are looking for PlayStation 2, 3, Wii, XBox 360 and games.  We will have a TV on hand for shoppers to test your system.  Thanks for helping build this section!
• Homeschoolers:  last season we had a request for these items - we would love to offer our shoppers curriculum materials and supplies.
• Tagging video and more tagging picture examples:  Ok, not Academy Award quality, but it makes the point and we hope offers the tips that you need to tag your items.
• This season all onesies need to be displayed on a hanger.  If you have new oneises still in the package, you may tag and can be put with accessories.
• Please allow time to put out your non-clothing items.  Staff and volunteers work to inspect and put clothing items out on the floor. 

New:

This season we will use a new floor plan including breast pumps and boutique items more accessible to shoppers and organizing accessories  per size and gender in baskets, We will use double decker racks for smaller size to maximize rack space and ease of shopping.  We have improved our check-out including adding a 10 item or less register to minimize wait time.   Finally, we have increased security and we will offer a “consignor corner ” at the registers.  This is not required, but if you are shopping and find one of your items in our consignor corner, help us retag so we can get it back out on the floor.  Tot Trade staff works throughout the sale to retag and get items back out on the sale floor. 

What sells?

• Make sure all pieces and parts are included with toys, accessories and puzzles!
• Toys with batteries SELL!  (Dollar Store is a Great Source)
• Outdoor Equipment goes FAST!
• Tot Trade Charlotte does not accept car seats, car seat bases or booster seats.  We can sell your stroller portion of a “travel” system.”
• No stuffed animals please.  We can sell stuffed animals with batteries that walk or talk.

Remember, consignors can earn more this season by volunteering a Super Mom Shift.  A Super Mom shift is a 12 hour shift over the period of the sale.  You will receive 1) reimbursement of consignor fee 2) 70% of Sale 3) Shop first at both presales.  Check out our available shifts and your calendar, thanks for your time!

Please be sure to check out our Blog to get the latest information about this season’s sale.  There are a lot of resources found on the Consignor Page on our website.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email or call tottrade@hotmail.com or phone 704-644-3972.

I am right there with you tagging and collecting, tagging and collecting more items!   We will see you soon!  Tell your friends, Tot Trade Charlotte is coming to town!

Rhonda & Jodison

Just wanted you to be informed regarding the status of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.  It seems there has been a “stay” regarding the implementation of the Act to February, 2010.  We need to keep the heat on for this new legislation to clarify the intent of the law.  Please contact your Congressman / Representative about how you feel about Seasonal Consignment Sales as well as Home Crafters.  Thank you for your efforts, together WE CAN DO ANYTHING!

NEWS from CPSC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirements for Certain Products

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger. These requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which added certification and testing requirements for all products subject to CPSC standards or bans.

Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements.

The decision by the Commission gives the staff more time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve certain materials and products from lead testing and to issue more guidance on when testing is required and how it is to be conducted.

The stay will remain in effect until February 10, 2010, at which time a Commission vote will be taken to terminate the stay.

The stay does not apply to:

• Four requirements for third-party testing and certification of certain children’s products subject to:
  • The ban on lead in paint and other surface coatings effective for products made after December 21, 2008;
  • The standards for full-size and non full-size cribs and pacifiers effective for products made after January 20, 2009;
  • The ban on small parts effective for products made after February 15, 2009; and
  • The limits on lead content of metal components of children’s jewelry effective for products made after March 23, 2009.
• Certification requirements applicable to ATV’s manufactured after April 13, 2009.
• Pre-CPSIA testing and certification requirements, including for: automatic residential garage door openers, bike helmets, candles with metal core wicks, lawnmowers, lighters, mattresses, and swimming pool slides; and
• Pool drain cover requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.

The stay of enforcement provides some temporary, limited relief to the crafters, children’s garment manufacturers and toy makers who had been subject to the testing and certification required under the CPSIA. These businesses will not need to issue certificates based on testing of their products until additional decisions are issued by the Commission. However, all businesses, including, but not limited to, handmade toy and apparel makers, crafters and home-based small businesses, must still be sure that their products conform to all safety standards and similar requirements, including the lead and phthalates provisions of the CPSIA.

Handmade garment makers are cautioned to know whether the zippers, buttons and other fasteners they are using contain lead. Likewise, handmade toy manufacturers need to know whether their products, if using plastic or soft flexible vinyl, contain phthalates.

The stay of enforcement on testing and certification does not address thrift and second hand stores and small retailers because they are not required to test and certify products under the CPSIA. The products they sell, including those in inventory on February 10, 2009, must not contain more than 600 ppm lead in any accessible part. The Commission is aware that it is difficult to know whether a product meets the lead standard without testing and has issued guidance for these companies that can be found on our web site.

The Commission trusts that State Attorneys General will respect the Commission’s judgment that it is necessary to stay certain testing and certification requirements and will focus their own enforcement efforts on other provisions of the law, e.g. the sale of recalled products.

Please visit the CPSC Web site at www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html for more information on all of the efforts being made to successfully implement the CPSIA.

Statements on this vote by Acting Chairman Nancy Nord and Commissioner Thomas H. Moore are in portable document format (PDF).