{ outgrow outplay kids consignment sale }

It's the time of year to weed out the unused and stock up on what the kids need for the coming seasons, and one local mom has made it her mission to help you save money in the process.

According to Saskatoon East OutGROW OutPLAY franchise owner Melissa Zimmer, her sixth kids consignment sale coming up April 12-13 at Prairieland Park is lining up to be the biggest one yet.

OutGROW OutPLAY accepts high-quality maternity and children's items on consignment to sell at its semi-annual two-day events. You can buy and sell children's clothing, furniture, strollers, high chairs, cribs, books, sports accessories, craft supplies and toys...loads of toys!

Melissa said the most popular items that sell are toys. "Everyone knows how expensive -- and sometimes how little use our children get out of -- new toys," she said. During the spring sale, she said she will be adding to the Melissa and Doug product line of brand new toys.

Melissa said she often hears concerns about the perceived difficulty of consigning from people who have never tried it before. "I hear time and time again from consignors how incredibly easy -- and actually addicting -- entering and tagging products can be," she said. "Many consignors say that once they are done they actually start looking for more items to tag!"

Melissa said that consigning with OutGROW OutPLAY is a great way for a family to get spring cleaning underway and earn the most for gently used items. Sale consignors price and tag their own items and can earn 65 to 80 percent of what their items sell for.

Melissa has owned an OGOP franchise since March 2011, when she was on maternity leave with her first daughter. She came across the business in an Internet search for ways to buy and sell used items for her family, and the rest is history.

"The most rewarding part of being an OutGROW OutPLAY franchise owner is the absolute look of surprise from a customer when they come up with bags of items to buy and cannot believe how little the amount owing is," Melissa said. "I absolutely love saving people money.

"I have heard so many positive things about my sale, so I can honestly say that is the one thing that really keeps me motivated," she said. "I always strive to do more and bring more in for the shoppers as I find it very rewarding, and I know that I am just truly getting started."