Stork Lady Email 082814

FAQ’s:

Why are you moving to a new location?

The buildings we have leased in the past are no longer available. (Crestwood Mall = CLOSED; Kenrick Plaza = torn down to make way for a new Walmart; Kennedy Rec Center = an Ice Rink most of the year!)

Why the Gateway Center?

After months of trying to secure a lease in an area similar to where we have been in the past (and after having to SKIP our SUMMER event due to a lack of location!), we contacted the Gateway Center in Collinsville. Their 20,000sq ft Great Hall was available in mid-October and we grabbed it!

The fact that it was AVAILABLE was the biggest selling point, but the beautiful building, large free parking lots, amazing amount of clean, indoor (!!!) restrooms, icy cold a/c (and or toasty warm heat!) and a very kind & helpful staff, didn’t hurt!

I live closer to where you’ve been located in the past. Will this be a longer drive for me?

Possibly. The distance may be farther in mileage, the actual drive time may not vary as much, as most of it is highway driving. To find out, use Mapquest for driving directions and get an accurate picture of your potential drive time. Interstates 55, 64, 70, 270 and 255 *all* intersect in the Collinsville area. The Gateway Center is right off the highway.

To reduce drive time, consider brainstorming ways you can reduce or consolidate your number of trips:

• Schedule Volunteer shifts for before or after your drop-off appointment, near the time for pickup at the end of the sale, or before or after the times that you come shop.
• Carpool with friends – one brings the items to drop-off, one does the pick-up
• Consider donating your unsold items, rather than making a trip to pick them up. We work with several local charities who are so grateful for these items, and eager to get them into the hands of kids & families in need.
• Have your ‘significant other – or mom! – work a Volunteer shift at the same time as you. Knock out 2 Volunteer shifts at once!
• Coordinate volunteer shifts and shopping with friends, and ride together. Make a day of it and enjoy a lunch or dinner out afterwards! (Collinsville restaurant listing)
• Make the most of your visit to Collinsville and see some of the nearby sites. (You *know* your kids want to see the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle – and they wouldn’t complain about exploring the hills of Cahokia Mounds either. Or considerending Dad & the kids across the street to Gateway Fun Park!)*** There is lots to see & do in Collinsville this fall! http://discovercollinsville.com/attractions.html

When will I be able to register as a Seller so that I can start getting my items entered into the online tagging system?

SOON! We are working on updating our website with all the new info. Once all the info is current, we can open consignor registration. Stay tuned!

So we will be able to sell both KIDS *and* ADULT items at the same event? Will I use the same consignment number for both kids & adults? Or how will that work?

Yes! We will have room for both kids/babies and adult items in the same room. You will register once (using your current kids’ consignor number if you already have one), and will enter both kids and adult items under that one consignor number. You will pay just one $12 consignor fee to participate. NOTE: As in the past, there will be a limit to how many Adult items you can bring. There will also be the typical limits on certain Kids’ items.

I love to volunteer! It’s great to get to shop early *and* earn a higher % of the items I sell. When will the list of volunteer shifts be available?

We love you too! The Gateway Center is BIG. We are going to need a lot of help! Volunteer registration will open SEPT 4th at 8pm. You will be able to VIEW the available shifts by SEPT 3rd.

I’m anxious to get started on tagging my items! I have sooo much to sell, my living room is full of boxes. What can I do while I’m waiting for the online tagging system to open?

Lots of things!

1. Go thru each area of the house looking for items to sell. Toy box, closets, basement, garage, bookshelves, in the TV cabinet, the party supply drawer – and even the kitchen!

2. Sort your items by category – it’s easier to enter your items into the tagging system if you enter all of one category at the same time. (It’s easier on our volunteers if you also box or bag categories together as well.)

3. Run clothing through the laundry, then hang clothing and sort by gender & size. Find hair bows or accessories to attach to make outfits.

4. Track down all the integral parts & pieces of toys, puzzles & baby gear. Get out your Mr Clean Eraser to take scuff marks off plastic toys. Use ziplock bags to package toy pieces and tape onto the main toy. Search online for item’s instructions and attach to toys, baby gear, etc. Shoppers love this!

5. Sort books to sell individually or as sets. Use ‘blue’ painters’ tape to bundle books or tie securely together.

6. Take the time to clean shoes, so they look their best. Attach shoes to each other so the pair does not become separated.

By the time you’ve finished all that – the tagging system should be open!

Any questions, let us know! [email protected]

www.StorkLadySale.com

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