Spring 2011: Day 2 Drop Off: Brea's Favorite Things

Today was the first day of general drop off. We had 211 people drop off in 6 hours. It started out very hectic and yet, even in the craziness, everything stayed very organized and the longest it took everyone from start to finish was 45 minutes. Not too shabby.

It's hard to explain to you how much stuff is already there and we've only had 400 people drop off! It's going to be amazing to see how much is there when everyone has finished dropping off. We are expecting around 200 to drop off tomorrow, which means we will probably have 300 drop off on Tuesday, so if you are wondering which day to come...come tomorrow! Everyone that is running behind on tagging always waits to come around 5pm on Tuesday night and it's a zoo, so I would definitely recommend tomorrow or early Tuesday morning for general drop off.

If you are dropping off tomorrow (Monday, 3/7 general drop off from 10am-6pm), here's some things to keep in mind:


1. Park and come in to register first. You can't be in the fire lane.

2. Bring a self addressed stamped envelope. If you don't have one, you can buy one for $.50 at the sale. After you register, we have tons of racks to take to your cars to get your clothing and plenty of people to help you get everything to the right stations.

3. Be patient while your clothes get checked. Trust me, you want us to check EVERY piece of clothing that comes in. If we don't, you end up going through tons of stained and worn out items when you shop and who wants to shop through that mess?

4. After your clothes are checked (if you used the tagging system), you get to take the rack and put your clothing items out. We'll do everything else for you (toys, shoes, books, equipment), we just need you to put your clothing out so we can focus on staying organized.

5. If you didn't use the tagging system, you will need to wait while we print the barcodes. You will then put those barcodes on your clothing items and THEN put your items out. This could add up to 30 minutes to your drop off time so please be patient if you didn't use the tagging system.

6. YOU'RE DONE! You get to look forward to shopping :)

Ok, and now it's time to share what I know you are REALLY here to read. Brea's Favorite Things from Day 2 of drop off. I usually only pick 5 things, but tonight I might share a few more if you don't mind.

1. This awesome toddler trampoline. It's super cute and has a handle so your little one can hang on while they jump. $25 (I'm seriously debating this one, so don't be surprised if Brea buys it...I'm just wondering if it's worth $275 since I'm sure it will somehow earn us a trip to the ER and our copay is $250)
2. 3 original Cabbage Patch Kids dolls from the 1980's. They are in AMAZING condition and come complete with their original adoption papers. A doll collector would die to get these, but they brought so many fond memories back to me as I remembered my Granny standing in line for that doll for me in the 80's. I even sang the Cabbage Patch song when I saw them and all the workers cracked up at me. They are $8 each.
3. The large Baby Alive doll complete with loads of accessories $10
4. Three awesome purses: Coach and Dooney. They are authentic and should still be there for presale as long as my 12 year old doesn't spot them. They are in amazing condition (definitely giftable) and the most expensive one is $40! Perfect for your tweens :)
5. Radio Flyer Wagon $25
6. So many awesome boys clothes...Gymboree, Gap, Polo, Mini Boden, Children's Place, Abercrombie,  boutique and it's all priced so great! Mini Boden shorts for $6...what a deal!
7. So many awesome girl clothes....Gymboree, Gap, Mini Boden, Children's Place, Matilda Jane, Abercrombie, Justice, and more boutique than you could ever want.

As for other stuff, well, we've got it. We've only got 2 cribs in so far, so if you have a crib, BRING IT!! Just remember we aren't accepting drop side cribs unless than have been updated to be a fixed side crib (replacement parts from manufacturer). We've got ELEVEN toddler beds already, 10 toy boxes, kitchens galore, tool benches, swings, pack and plays, bumbos (I think we are already at 15), diaper bags (CUTE ONES!), slides, outdoor play structures, etc. etc. etc.

The only other thing I can think of to tell you guys is don't forget to make sure you have working batteries in ALL your toys AND equipment. We had lots of large equipment that needed batteries today so make sure you don't have to run out and get batteries after you drop off...check them before you bring them.

I can't say it enough...Encores North has the best group of workers and consignors. Drop off has gone so smoothly so far and it looks amazing inside, so organized already! THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, we couldn't do this without the people that help make this sale a success...our workers, our consignors and our shoppers. We are very thankful!