New consignment event helps moms buy kids clothes for cheap | Children

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - There's a new
way for parents to find some affordable clothing for their kids in the Port
City. Pass It On Cape Fear hosted its first consignment sale this weekend.

Organizer Mary Ann Balbo said more
than a thousand people came out since the sale started Friday. Items ranging
from clothes for kids, toys, maternity clothes and strollers were available for
sale.

"By the time a child turn two,
they have changed sizes seven times," she said. "So before anything can be worn
out, they've actually outgrown them."

The sale linked up parents who had gently
or never used clothing and other items with those looking to buy some things.

Rachel Metz will give birth to her
first child in October. Before her baby is born she said she would like to get
some shopping done.

"I'm trying to figure out
what I need and what I don't need," she said. "I brought along a friend who's
had some experience with that so she's kind of pointing some stuff out."

"It's really
bringing together two groups. Those who want to earn additional dollars by
selling those items that they have sitting in their closets and put some cash
in their pockets as well as bringing together the buyers who are looking for
these type of items and don't want to pay full price," Balbo said.

Balbo and a friend with
college came up with the idea.

"As new moms we
figured out wow, this is really expensive to have a child," she said.

She said technology plays
a big role in the event. People who want to sell items use their site to create
the tags and choose the prices. At the end of the day, sellers can log on and
see what items sold and how much money they will get. Sellers get to get
two-thirds of what was made. The other third goes to put on the event.

Balbo said Pass It On
Cape fear plans to have several similar events at the Schwartz Center downtown
each year. She said people who want to know more can visit their website or
Facebook page.

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