Meet Kristin Nelson of LA Kids Consignment

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristin Nelson.

Kristin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
14 years ago I started LA Kids Consignment in my driveway. I had quit my job after having my first child and I was trying to save money on all the baby “gadgets” that they “need” these days. Garage sales were time consuming and fruitless. Online shopping hadn’t taken off yet. I knew there were mommies out there who had items to get rid of and other mommies who were in need of the same things I was. I had a marketing background and figured that I could put something together to bring a mommy marketplace together.

Since then, I’ve grown the business to 6-7 events per year and typically rent out 35,000 +/- sq. ft. retail or industrial locations to hold my events.

LA Kids Consignment offers families an avenue to recycle their children’s outgrown items. We have consignors drop off items to our location over 2 days, merchandise everything to look like an organized retail store, and sell out the merchandise over a 5-day sale. To date, we’ve recycled over 1 million children’s items and helped families earn money in the process. Shoppers are thrilled to find high-quality products for a fraction of the original cost. It’s been a great resource for Los Angeles families throughout the years. Additionally, we donate thousands of items to local Los Angeles charities after each event.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have been plenty of struggles along the way. Consignment was a new concept to people in Los Angeles, so it was an educational process to teach people the value of consignment.

Additionally, acquiring locations has been extremely difficult throughout the years. Landlords don’t want a 10-day lease, they want 10 years.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about LA Kids Consignment – what should we know?
I am most proud of building a business that has become a life-blood for some families.

Throughout the years many consignors and shoppers have told me that earning this extra money has helped them make their mortgage payment, or pay their car payments. That they can now afford their children’s wardrobe and feel good because they’re getting high quality products for a fraction of the retail cost. I’m proud that we’ve recycled probably a million items that otherwise might wind up in landfills or stagnant in people’s garages or closets.

I focus on the details – making the process easy for consignors and communicating all along the way. I am most proud when first time consignors tell me that it was a simple process and that they found it easy. They’re excited to see their sales and receive their check.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Planning, and planning some more. Working out every detail before the event. Then being able to think on your feet when it doesn’t go the way you planned.

Customer service.

Not borrowing money for anything. Therefore, not taking extreme risks.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lakidsconsignment.com
• Phone: 818-693-3183
• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/lakidsconsignment

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