Sales by Mothers of Multiples Groups

Summary: Find your local mothers of multiples group and see when they have their sales.

This was a little known fact to me before I had twins. There are "Mothers of Multiples" groups all around the country. Around Seattle, I know of at least three. All of them have big sales where members sell their baby and kid clothes and gear. The group takes a small share of the profit to fund their activities throughout the year.

Now, what better place to get amazing deals on second-hand merchandise? Parents of multiples have tons of stuff. Most baby gear is only used for a short period of time, so most is in good shape. Things are generally priced to move because parents don't want to take the stuff back home. We're talking garage sale prices without having to go to 200 garages.

And the best part, these sales are open to the public. You don't have to be a mother of multiples to shop, although some groups do give their members an earlier time to start shopping. The local club I belong to works this way: members get in one hour before the general public.

Just to give you an example of how it works and what I've saved:
I belong to a local multiples club, where over 200 families sell their stuff at their twice a year sale. They rent out the gym to a local community college and the space is equivalent to two basketball courts. It is packed with clothes and gear. At 9 am, the club members are allowed in. at 10 am, the rest of the general public is allowed in. There's always a line at least an hour before the sale begins. I don't know when it first forms because I've only been there an hour early. There's a holding area for all the big stuff, so you don't have to carry it around. Otherwise, you pick what you want, go through the checkout and you've just saved a bundle of money.

What kind of deals are we talking? These are some of my best purchases from the last two sales: maternity pants for $2-$6, pack 'n plays for $40, Baby Bjorn carriers with lumbar support for $40, cribs for $100, exersaucer for $5, books for a buck a piece, 3 onesies for a $1, baby outfits for $2. I've bought clothes that are new with the tags still on and toys that are new in the box. Since members price their own things, there are a variety of prices and deals, so you have to look for the very best deals. You also can't be too picky about getting an exact brand or style, but if you're flexible, you'll find a lot of stuff that is great. All in all, you'll save a bunch. I know I've already saved well over a thousand dollars purchasing baby gear this way.

This is win-win-win : the group is funded, the parents can sell their stuff and the buyer gets amazing deals.