Bloomington, MN - BlogBloomington, MN - Bloghttps://bloomington.jbfsale.com/blogSun, 01 Mar 2026 08:01:30 -0800http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Tagging Tips: Packing up for Drop Off]]>https://bloomington.jbfsale.com/blog/post/tagging_tips_packing_upIf you're gearing up for the next JBF Bloomington sale and want to make your drop off experience a breeze, you're in the right place. Packing up your ]]>

Tagging Tips: Packing up for Drop Off

If you're gearing up for the next JBF Bloomington sale and want to make your drop off experience a breeze, you're in the right place. Packing up your items thoughtfully can save you time and make the drop off process super smooth. Let's dive into some tips and tricks to help you master the art of preparing your items for an easy drop-off.

Plan:

Make sure to give yourself enough time for drop off, especially if it is your first sale. Although it may seem intimidating at first, drop off can be done quickly and efficiently when sellers are prepared. JBF Bloomington/Burnsville has rolling rack carts that you can use to transport your items from your car to the venue, and there will be plenty of staff available to answer any questions!

 

Organize:

The sales floor at JBF is divided into various categories, whether it's shoes, toys, infant items, or sporting goods. Each area has a designated drop zone where you will leave all of your items for that category on a table. In order to prepare for this, it’s helpful to organize your items before dropping off by type. Group all shoes together, all sporting goods, all infant items, etc. 

 

You will place all clothing on the sales rack by gender, size, and type (tops, bottoms, sleepwear, swim, dresses, outfits). Sizes go in order from smallest (newborn) to largest (teen). Organize your clothing beforehand by gender first, then by size, then by type to make drop off faster and easier. This ensures your items are in the correct place for shoppers to buy! 

 

Pro Tip: Utilize free storage bins found on platforms like Facebook Marketplace to organize and sort your items before the sale. These bins also come in handy for storing items between sales, ensuring they stay clean and well-maintained.

Waivers:

While you can complete them on-site, it is preferred that you fill out the Consignor Car Seat Waiver or Crib Checklist beforehand if you're selling such items. These signed waivers are a requirement and must be submitted before leaving drop-off. Find them in the Safety Matters Guide on the JBF Bloomington Selling Information page or on the JBF Bloomington Consignor group on Facebook.

 

Think About the Next Sale:

Anticipate your needs for the next sale when you pick up your unsold items. This proactive approach ensures a smoother transition for your items between sales. By organizing in advance, each JBF Bloomington/Burnsville sale that you sell at will get easier and easier.

 

With a bit of planning and organization, you can turn your JBF drop-off into a seamless experience. By following these tips, you'll not only make the process easier for yourself but also contribute to a successful and enjoyable sale for both buyers and sellers. We can’t wait to see you at drop off! Have questions? Join the JBF Bloomington Consignor Facebook page to ask questions and get support from your local JBF community!

Access Tagging Site

By Audrey Norton

]]>Tue, 26 Mar 2024 02:40:17 -0500<![CDATA[Tagging Tips: Putting Tags On!]]>https://bloomington.jbfsale.com/blog/post/tagging-tips-tags-onHey JBF Sellers! So, you've conquered the virtual realm of the JBF tagging site, and now it's time for the tangible part – attaching those tags to you ]]>

Tagging Tips: Tags On!

Hey JBF Sellers! So, you've conquered the virtual realm of the JBF tagging site, and now it's time for the tangible part – attaching those tags to your items. But, let's face it, different items require different tagging strategies. Let's break it down and make sure your items shine at the sale!

 
Clothing:                     

When it comes to clothes, you've got options with attaching the tags, either with safety pins or a tagging gun. Whichever you opt for, be aware of how you are attaching the tags and careful that the safety pins or tagging barbs don't damage the clothing, since JBF will not accept any damaged items. Since you've already placed items on hangers open to the left like a question mark, tags should be placed on the upper right corner of the item as much as possible or through the item's tag if using safety pins. This is the area of the garment that shoppers can easily read the tag as they are perusing the clothing racks. You don't want to make the shopper have to search for the tag. Make sure the safety pin is horizontal because it reduces the chances for the tag to fall off. If you are using a tagging gun, you must go through a seam or the item's tag. Placing the tagging barb through the fabric of the garment will create holes in the garment. The sweet spot for tagging clothing with a tagging gun is through a seam, like in the armpit. 

 

Footwear: 

Shoes, oh glorious shoes! And, boots, sandals, slippers, cleats, etc! You may have to get creative with attaching tags on footwear but here are some best practices. In most cases, it is easiest to use a hole punch on the top of the tag for footwear. You can use string, ribbon, or zip ties -- whatever you have on hand-- to help secure the two shoes together. If the shoes have laces, run one of the laces through the hole punch on the tag so the tag is facing out and then tie the laces together securely. A lot of times shoes may have a loop at the heel that you can use a zip tie or string to secure them together along with the tag. The most important thing to keep in mind is that the shoes need to be secured well together with the tag.  

Books, Puzzles, and Games: 

Attach tags to the back of books, puzzles, and games with painters tape. DO NOT use any other types of tape, even Scotch tape, as they may damage the item when the shopper removes the tag. It is also helpful to place the JBF tag over the item's barcode on the back so that the register scanners don't try to read the wrong barcode. One more time for those that missed it the first time, ONLY use painters tape to affix the tag for these types of items.

Toys:

Toys come in all shapes and sizes, requiring a bit of creativity in the tagging department. Utilize string, ribbon, or zip ties to attach hole-punched tags securely to oddly shaped toys. Use packing tape to secure the tag on the item if you are confident it won't damage the item, like on a plastic item. Ensure your tag is on a secure, non-removable piece. If you've grouped smaller items together in a Ziplock bag, attach the tag to the outside of the bag with packing tape, making sure not to interfere with the visibility of your item in the process. If there are smaller items that go with a larger item, like a barn with animals, place the animals in a Ziploc bag and tape shut, then zip tie the bag to the larger item to ensure everything stays together. Tape the bag closed to avoid pieces getting lost if the bag accidentally opens. This is a reminder to make sure you have described the toy and any related pieces well in the tag description. 


 Large Items:

If your item is bigger than an Ikea blue shopping bag, it's considered a "large item". For these items, we have a slightly different process. After you create the tag, bring it along with your item to the sale drop-off, but do not attach it to you item yet. At drop-off, you will see a Yellow Claim Ticket table with all the supplies and instructions on how to place the tag you printed at home onto a yellow claim ticket and securing it to your large item. Shoppers can tear off the bottom of the yellow tag to "claim" the item and not have to lug it around while they continue to shop. 

 

We've tried to cover the main categories of items but inevitably you'll have items that you just can't figure out how to attach the tag. Remember, the key with securing tags on items is to think about what makes your tags easy to find and read. Whether it's a pair of pristine shoes, a jigsaw puzzle secured closed, or infant socks organized in a Ziplock bag, a well-attached tags ensure your items catch the eye of eager buyers. There are a few additional resources available with information on putting tags on your items. 

Access Tagging Site!

By Audrey Norton

]]>Mon, 25 Mar 2024 21:53:35 -0500<![CDATA[Tagging Tips: Preparing your Items]]>https://bloomington.jbfsale.com/blog/post/Prepping_ItemsNow that your tags are ready to roll, let's make sure your items are prepped and ready for their spotlight at the JBF Bloomington/Burnsville sale. Pre ]]>

Tagging Tips: Prepping your Items

Now that your tags are ready to roll, let's make sure your items are prepped and ready for their spotlight at the JBF Bloomington/Burnsville sale. Presentation is so important when it comes to second-hand shopping; clean and coordinated items have a better chance of finding new homes. Organization is key to prepping your items, so start by separating them into categories such as clothes, toys, shoes, baby items, and so on!

Clothing

After checking your clean clothes for stains, holes, wrinkles, and such, make sure all the buttons/zips/snaps are fastened. JBF Bloomington only accepts clean and stain free clothes, but ensuring that they are not wrinkled, among other things, makes them more likely to sell. Once you have checked the clothes, sort them by size before you can begin putting outfits together. Everything you put together on one hanger needs to be the same size.

Make sure that the hanger is in the direction of a question mark. " ? " 

Clothing sizes 6/6X or larger needs an adult sized hanger. Once the first piece of clothing is on the hanger, attach additional items to the back of the first, using safety pins. Make sure the pin goes around the hanger, to prevent them from sliding off. When using safety pins, make sure to put them in a place that will not tear the clothing, such as along the neckline or in seams. Be careful not to harm the first hanging piece by putting too much weight on it which could stretch or rip it. 

Shoes and Boots

Footwear should have tread on the bottom, no holes or tears (especially near the toes), no discoloration, no smell, etc. One of the easiest ways to clean shoes is with disinfectant wipes or magic erasers. The newer they look the better they sell! To prep shoes for tagging, clean them and attach the pairs together. This can be done with string, ribbon, zip ties, or anything you have in hand. Use a hole punch on the tag and run the tag through the string or zip ties. 

Toys

Once your toys are clean, make sure that there are no missing pieces. For toys that play music or make sounds, these toys must still make all the sounds to be sold. Make sure to check that your toys work and replace any batteries if necessary. Use Ziplock bags to secure small items. You can also use tape, zip-ties, or string to keep larger pieces together. If you can, try to bundle things together; for example, if you’re selling a Little People farm, attach the bag of matching people or animals in a Ziplock bag to the barn. For items like puzzles, games, and DVDs, tape boxes closed with painter's tape, preventing damage to packaging. 

Utilize Ziplock bags to neatly bundle various items, such as sets of socks, hair accessories, Legos, or other small items. Taping the bag closed ensures items stay together and prevents any unfortunate separations during the sale. Also, Saran Wrap secured with tape works well to wrap up items like wooden puzzles so all of the pieces stay in place and the shopper can still see the item. 

Large Items

Baby equipment that is too big to comfortably carry is considered a large item. Equipment like high chairs, bouncers and swings usually have a removable cover that can go right in the washing machine. Clean off any dirt, food, smudges, etc. Once the items are clean, make sure that all of the parts are attached. If there are any loose pieces, like power cords, you can either put them in a Ziplock bag and attach the bag to the item or use painters’ tape to tape the loose piece to the larger item. Including a manual enhances the appeal of larger items. 

Important: Cribs and Car Seats

All Car Seats must be checked for recalls before selling at JBF. A completed Car Seat Waiver is required for all car seats, booster seats, and bases. For safety, you must fill out a waiver and include it with your item.


Cribs will be set up on the sales floor at the sale to ensure all pieces are included. For cribs that convert to toddler beds, the bed must be set up as a crib at the sale. All Cribs made before June 28, 2011 are no longer considered safe for infants. For cribs manufactured on or after this date, a completed Crib Waiver is required.


***Car Seat Waivers and Crib Waivers, along with safety information on all products sold 

at JBF can be found in the Safety Matters Guide.***

Not only does JBF Bloomington help you declutter your space, but it also allows others to enjoy the items you no longer need. So, clean, tag, and organize your way to the sale! Good luck, happy selling, and may your clutter turn into cash!

Blog by Audrey Norton
SIGN UP TO SELL NOW
]]>Fri, 15 Mar 2024 13:31:46 -0500<![CDATA[Tagging Tips: Easily Make Tags]]>https://bloomington.jbfsale.com/blog/post/tagging-tips-easily-make-tagsIf you've got a closet full of treasures ready to find new homes at the next JBF  Bloomington sale, but are not sure where to start with tagging, ]]>

Tagging Tips: Easily Make Tags

If you've got a closet full of treasures ready to find new homes at the next JBF Bloomington sale, but are not sure where to start with tagging, you're in the right place. First, read the Tagging Tips: Getting Started blog to make sure you have all the materials on hand for tagging. Got everything? Good! Let's go through how to use the JBF tagging site to help you turn your kids' clutter into cash.

Login & Explore:
Start by heading over to the tagging site and logging into your account. Then, click on the “tagging” icon near the top right of the page; this will redirect you to a new browser. Take a few moments to explore the site and familiarize yourself with the different sections like My Tags and Reports.

Create Tags:
Next, click on the ‘Create Tags’ tab, and select either “Basic Entry” or “Rapid Entry.” Basic Entry means that you will manually fill in each field, while Rapid Entry means that the ‘category’ and ‘size’ fields will fill in automatically through all 9 tags. Follow along for an explanation and tips for each category:
  • Category: The category will help you with drop off and the sale organizers with setting up the sale. This section has a lot of possible options, but it is easier than it seems. Make sure not to overthink this step!
  • Size: Choose the appropriate size from the drop-down box.
  • Description: In this field, it’s helpful to include details such as color, brand, and describing any images. When an item has writing on it, add it to the description with quotation marks. Items with lost tags are not able to be sold; so, if a tag falls off during the sale, a detailed description will help match the tag back to the item. Make sure to list all pieces of clothing in the description in case they get separated.
    • Examples: "Grey Long Sleeve "Love My Dad" Onesie + Black Leggings" or "White Old Navy Quarter Zip Sweater w/ Rainbows"
  • Price: The best part about selling with JBF is picking your own prices. Keep in mind that JBF requires items be sold at 50-90% off retail price. The JBF Bloomington Consignor Facebook group is a great resource for asking questions. So, if you have items that you’re nervous about pricing, feel free to ask for advice. Several people in the group have been selling with JBF for years, so you can be confident with their advice!
  • Reduce: Click the the box to allow your item to sell for 50% on Half Price Day. Most shoppers are looking for this deal so if you are looking to sell as much as possible, consider letting your items be reduced.
  • Donate: Click the box to allow your item to be donated if it does not sell. JBF Bloomington partners with a local charity to donate these items to at the end of every sale.
  • Quantity: The ‘Quantity’ box defaults at ‘1’, so if for some reason you have several of the exact same items that you want to sell for the same price, you can adjust this number to print multiple tags.

Pro Tip: You can create tags on either a computer or a phone! Some consignors prefer to create tags on their phones because they can use talk-to-text to write the description for them. Just make sure to double check your text, since text to speech often makes errors.

Important! Make sure to save your tags often! 

Printing Tags:
1. Check the boxes to the left of each item you want to print or check the box near the top left to ‘Select All on Page’.
2. Next, click on ‘Print Tags’ and select either the PDF or HTML format; both print 9 tags per page.
3. A list of instructions will appear, click the ‘print’ button near the bottom.
4. Your tags are ready! Preview your tags for accuracy. A bold ‘D’ means the item will be donated and a star means the item will stay full price on Half Price Day.
5. If you are using a computer, at the top of the page click ‘File’ and ‘Print.’ Before you print, make sure that your printer is loaded with white cardstock paper and turn double sided printing off.
6. Double check that the tags are legible and clear. If they’re not printed correctly, it can prevent your items from being sold.
7. Cut the tags along the dotted lines without removing any information 
Pro Tip: use a paper cutter to make this step faster! 
8. Attach the tags to your items. There are great video tutorials on the Selling Information page of this website

And, there you have it – a crash course on using the JBF tagging site to create tags for your items. With these steps, you'll be well on your way to a successful selling experience at Just Between Friends Bloomington. So, log in, enter your items, print those tags, and get ready for a successful sale.

 Happy tagging!

Blog by Audrey Norton


LOGIN TO START TAGGING
]]>Tue, 05 Mar 2024 10:51:14 -0600<![CDATA[Tagging Tips: Getting Started]]>https://bloomington.jbfsale.com/blog/post/How-to-Get-Started-with-Simple-Tagging-TipsSo, you've taken the first step and signed up for an account on the Just Between Friends tagging site. Now, you're gearing up to consign at the upcomi ]]>

Tagging Tips: Getting Started

So, you've taken the first step and signed up for an account on the Just Between Friends tagging site. Now, you're gearing up to consign at the upcoming JBF Bloomington/Burnsville sale. Ready to jump in and get started?


Let's talk about the JBF tagging site. The tagging site is a platform that empowers consignors like you to manage your items from pricing to donation. You have the flexibility to set prices, opt for discounts during the sale, and choose what to do with unsold items afterward—whether it's retrieving them or donating them to local charities. With JBF, you're in control of your items every step of the way.


Tagging your items for JBF is a breeze. While some folks may feel overwhelmed about where to begin with JBF Bloomington, the process is straightforward once you dive in. Start by decluttering your child’s items that are no longer needed. Trust me, once you start, it's hard to stop. And the best part? You don't need to spend a fortune on supplies.


Let's delve deeper into the supplies and essential tools you'll need for tagging your items with JBF Bloomington, along with additional insights and tips:


Needed:

White Cardstock:A yellow package with white letters on it Description automatically generated

  • Essential for printing your tags and keeping them securely attached to your items.

Safety Pins:A container of safety pins Description automatically generated

  • Use size #3 safety pins (approximately 1.5 inches long) to secure clothing on hangers and attach tags.
  • Conduct a 'shake test' to ensure your items stay presentable on the hanger. If needed, use safety pins to secure them.

Children's Plastic Hangers:A white plastic swingers in a box Description automatically generated

  • Opt for plastic hangers; wire hangers are not allowed due to the risk of bending and tangling on clothing racks.
  • Use child-sized hangers for clothing sizes Newborn - 6/6X and adult-sized hangers for size 7 and up.

Scissors:

  • Regular scissors will do the trick for cutting tags and other materials.


Optional:

Tagging Gun:A blue and grey corded object with needles and a white background Description automatically generated

  • While optional, a tagging gun is highly recommended for efficient tagging. It's a cost-effective tool that simplifies tagging clothes and soft toys.
  • Ensure proper placement when using the tagging gun to avoid tearing fabric.

Paper Cutter:A black and orange paper cutter Description automatically generated

  • Some find it handy for cutting tags more efficiently.

Zip Ties:A group of black cables Description automatically generated

  • Great for keeping items together and increasing their chances of selling, especially for toys or sets with multiple pieces.
  • They are versatile and commonly used for attaching shoes together or securing tags to items.

Gift Wrapping Ribbon:

  • An alternative to zip ties, ribbon can be used to secure items if done properly. However, zip ties are often stronger and quicker to secure.

Ziplock Bags:A close-up of a container Description automatically generated

  • Useful for grouping small pieces together, like toys or accessories.

Painter’s Tape:A roll of blue tape Description automatically generated

  • Necessary for tagging books to protect them from damage when the tag is removed

 Plastic wrap/Saran Wrap

  • Wrap around items like puzzles to contain all small parts together

Packaging Tape

  • Packaging tape can also be used for attaching tags to items like Ziplock bags or plastic toys.

Hole Punch:

  • Beneficial for tagging shoes; punch a hole in the tag to run a zip tie or ribbon through.

Printer:

  • If you don't have one at home, you can always print your tags at a local print shop or library.


Efficient tagging is pivotal for a successful JBF Bloomington experience. While the initial steps might seem overwhelming, the comprehensive guide and community support make the process seamless. Have more questions about consigning or tagging? The JBF Bloomington Consignor Facebook page is your go-to resource, where a supportive community is ready to answer any queries you may have. Happy tagging!


Blog by Audrey Norton, Event Manager

START TAGGING!
]]>Wed, 28 Feb 2024 02:46:56 -0600<![CDATA['Twas the Week Before Christmas (Part One)]]>https://bloomington.jbfsale.com/blog/post/Twas-A-Week-Before-Christmas 'Twas a week before Christmas and all through the house A mama saw all the piles and sighed to her spouse. ]]>

'Twas the Week Before Christmas (Part One)

'Twas a week before Christmas and all through the house

A mama saw all the piles and sighed to her spouse.

The too-small clothes were flung on the treadmill without a care

So long ago that mama forgot they were still there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds

Surrounded by 27 Squishmallows almost covering their heads.

Mama in her tshirt and leggings, unwashed hair in a cap

Had just sat down on the couch to scroll Insta and nap

When out from the storage closet arose such a clatter

She sprang from the couch to see what was the matter

The shelves of outgrown kids’ things had finally crashed

She kept on scrolling wishing it would magically turn into cash

Craving simplicity, the overloaded shelves were the final blow

Mama new in her heart the excess stuff had to go

And what to her wondering eyes should appear

But a post for the JBF Bloomington Spring Sale Event drawing near!

With a few clicks of her mouse, she figured out the schtick

She signed up to consign, it was easy and quick!

More rapid than eagles, her Amazon order of tagging supplies came

And she gathered up all the old kids’ things and tagged them by name

“On Carters, on Kohls, Cat & Jack, and Gymboree

On Little Tikes, Fisher Price, on Lego, and Old Navy!

From the basement corners to the rooms in the upstairs hall

Now, tag ‘em, tag ‘em, get tags on them all!”


As complicated as rhyming a classic is with new JBF words

Alli’s plate is full, her brain has turned into turds

So she’s ending the poem here to focus on the Xmas “To Do’s”

With a fresh outlook, after New Years shall come Part Two


GET TICKET REMINDER FOR SPRING!
]]>Tue, 19 Dec 2023 16:30:00 -0600