If you've stepped into any local parenting facebook group or chat, chances are you've at least heard of the Just Between Friends (JBF) sale. What you've heard may range. Generally I see reactions from "OMG it's the BEST" to "It's so big, it's overwhelming". As a seasoned JBF shopper, let me give you the "inside" information once and for all.
Question #1: "What even is JBF?"
It's a pop up consignment sale! Two (sometimes three) times a year the Expo Center is rented out for a massive kids sale. It's huge because it's designed to cover a season- like everything you need for your kids for six months. This makes it different than brick and mortar consignment stores because the hall is only rented for the week; it's basically a clearance sale with items all priced to sell in 1-4 days.
Question #2 "Is it all clothes?"
No. Not by a mile. Literally everything you need for your kids is there. There is a huge section dedicated to clothes and shoes absolutely. There are also sections for: sports equipment, toys, puzzles, educational learning & homeschool materials, books (picture through chapter), baby gear (strollers, car seats, cribs, etc), bikes, arts and crafts, Halloween costumes, diapers, seasonal decor, furniture for "big kid" rooms (desks, beds, chairs, etc), room decor, maternity clothes and other items, potty training, sheets/linens/curtains, DVDs, Barbies, LEGOs, and so much more.
Question #3 "Is it really big?"
Yes. This sale is MASSIVE. It's a pop up sale known for amazing deals. People travel to shop as well as consign.
Question #4 "It seems overwhelming, I don't know if I'm ready."
Honestly, it can be. You need to go in with a plan. My best tips are as follows:
- Prep at home. Do inventory, go through what you have, decide what you'll need for the next 6 months.
- Make a list- don't forget to a). write down clothing, shoe and sporting good sizes and b). bring it with you ;)
- Here's a checklist to help you out.
- Check out the map of the sale ahead of time so you know where to go when you walk in.
- Bring a wagon. You don't want to walk around with your arms full.
- Budget .plenty of time. You don't want to be stressed or rushing because you need to make preschool pick up. You're going to need a few hours.
Question #5 "How's the quality?"
JBF prides itself on only accepting high quality items. Consigners are required to bring their items to drop off for inspection before the sale begins. Any items that are stained, ripped, or don't meet the standards are rejected. That being said, there is always human error. If you find a stained item on the sale floor there are baskets at the ends of the rows, items should be placed there and a staff member will have them removed. Same goes for toys and other items. They are briefly checked to see if they are in working order with no obvious parts missing. Car seats require the seller to sign a statement that the seat was never in an accident.
Question #6 "I've heard you can buy brand new items there."
True, to a point. There are some vendors on site. You can also find a good chunk of items, including clothes and shoes, that are brand new with tags. I would however, say these items tend to go fast. So if you're looking specifically for new items, definitely think about buying a presale pass to get first crack at the sale & scoop them up.
Question #7: "Can anyone go?"
Yes! Shopping is open to the public and it's free to shop. There are select dates and times for specific groups like "First time Parents/Grandparents, Hometown Heroes, Teachers & Homeschoolers." Check out the shopping times here.
Question #8 "I heard some items are overpriced; is it even worth my time?"
It's defiantly worth your time. Prices are set by the consigners (sellers). While JBF gives guidelines to sellers, they aren't always followed. The best advice I can give is to pay attention to clothing "runs". The clothes are organized by type (ie. shirts, coats, pants) but when sellers drop off their clothes they are typically placed on the racks together. Often (not always) they'll have similar hangers. If you hit a run that doesn't fit your kid's style, isn't a brand you're looking for, or you find over priced- just hop down the aisle a few feet. There's nothing better than hitting a "run" from a motivated seller who priced t-shirts for $1! This is also another reason to consider buying a ticket to the presale; many of the best deals will scooped up first.
Question #9 "I can't make the presale, should I bother going any of the other days?"
100% yes! While it's true many of best deals will be picked the first day at presale, there are a few things going for the other shopping days:
- Additional item drops. Throughout the week more items will be added. Look for "item drops" on the schedule & plan accordingly!
- Sunday is 1/2 price day!!!!! Any items without a "star" on them will be half price Saturday night and all day Sunday. Items that may have been passed over for being "over priced" will be brought down to deal range!
- Entertainment on Saturday! Keep an eye out for an announcement of character meet and greets and entertainment for the kids while you shop.
Question #10 "Why is there such a range of pricing?"
Again, consigners set their own pricing, so some is personal choice. Motivated sellers will price low just to ensure their items are bought. But, what I've learned over the years is that brands really do matter both for price and availability. If you are looking for Under Armor, Nike, etc in big kids clothes, you'll find deals on them, but be aware the pricing will be different from the Target brand hoodie next to it. Finally, some consigners are selling for the first time and haven't gotten the groove of what the target price point should be. The big takeaway on price is that there is a range of sizes, brands, condition (tags on or like new), and personal taste, but there really is something for everyone- and it will be significantly cheaper than retail.
Question #11 "What do you get there?"
Everyone is different, but my favorite things to buy at JBF are:
- Puzzles. They can be expensive retail. At JBF they are usually under $4. Only once have I bought a puzzle that was missing pieces and it was a $1.50- so over all, I'm still way ahead.
- Dress Shoes. Dress shoes aren't worn a ton in my house and I suspect by the barely used condition of most dress shoes at the sale that's the same in your house. I refuse to pay full price for shoes that will be worn twice.
- Halloween Costumes. Full transparency, this task has gotten harder as they grow. There are less costumes in bigger sizes and their requests are more specific. But for the baby, I will easily find an adorable costume for under $5. That being said, the sale is in mid-September so I will try to find costumes for the older ones, but if I strike out, I have plenty of time before Halloween.
- Sports equipment and bikes. Bats, balls, gloves, etc. All things for the outdoors that will be dinged and muddied I get second hand.
- Snowsuits. They can be very pricey. Also, we've had such mild winters lately, the ones for sale are barely (if at all) used. Last year I scored a brand new full snowsuit size 6X for $16!
Question #12 "Do you save $$"
I really do. I will spend a good chunk (I have three kids), but when I walk out of there I will be DONE until the spring. Coats, boots, holiday outfits, toys, games, chapter books, you name it. If ever there was a doubt in my mind if it was worth it, Spring of 2020 fixed it. There was no JBF sale that March (obviously) and my oldest had a growth spurt. I spent probably the same amount of money on a small spring/summer wardrobe as I do on a full JBF haul. As a mom of three, I find JBF to be a huge money saver. Now that my kids are getting older & have more particular requests, I still buy things here and there retail, but the bulk of it I take care of at the sale- thanks, JBF!
Bottom line is, give it a try! It's big and it takes a little planning, but you'll save $$$ and maybe even score a few unexpected finds you didn't know you needed!
