Tot Trade Charlotte

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

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