Why We Can’t Always Offer Cash Buy-Outs And How Consignment Helps Us All Thrive

We’ve had a few phone calls about cash buy-outs for kids clothing as your local consignment shop. And, yes sometimes we do offer it as an option to parents and families in the community but it’s not something we can do consistently and regularly at this time. 

We love that families are thinking of Nest & Sprout first when their kids outgrow things; truly, that means everything to us. But we also want to be transparent about how our consignment model works. 

We’re Growing — But We’re Still a Small Business

Nest & Sprout is proudly locally owned and independently operated.

That means no corporate backing, no investors, and no deep pockets behind the scenes. Everything we do, from inventory purchases to payroll to rent,  is funded directly by what the store earns.

It’s a true hustle. We’ve had a few bad years, we’re recovering from a few other things, and in general, we’re a lot more cautious than others when it comes to making risks. All of that is scary. 

While our business has grown significantly over the past year (thank you for supporting us!), growth doesn’t always mean excess cash on hand to fund the drop offs. January (and February) is one of those months were we often get more drop offs than we do sales. It’s just the reality of the season of clearing out. 

Because of that, we are not always able to pay cash on the spot for unsold items. And we request during our slower months of January & February that it’s completely unavailable. 

When Do We Offer Cash Buy-Outs?

Cash buy-outs are offered periodically, during times when our cash reserves allow for it. And when your items have sold at consignment. 

When business is strong and inventory movement is high, we may open limited cash buy opportunities. When those opportunities are available, we’ll let you know in your buy email. This is general a touchy item that changes so regularly it’s hard to say. 

I am likely to offer cash buys for smaller drop offs under $50 for bigger kid clothing knowing that you don’t need to shop with us anymore. 

What We Can Always Offer: Store Credit

While cash buy-outs aren’t always possible, store credit is always available. Store credit can be used toward:

• New arrivals
• Consignment items
• Shoes, outerwear, toys, and accessories
• Online or in-store purchases
  

And when you choose store credit, we round up and offer a bonus, because keeping value circulating locally truly matters to us. Store credit can be used to size up, buy a birthday present, add some new books to your collection - or just held onto until you need it. 

“If We Thrive, You Thrive”

We often say that Nest & Sprout is a boot-straps kind of business.

We’re not backed by big money - and we still have loans to pay off from the year we fell 40% in sales (seriously, that was such a bad year) --- we’re backed by families who believe in shopping local, reusing well, and supporting one another.

When the shop thrives, we can:

• Offer more cash buy-out opportunities
• Expand inventory categories by improving storage and organization
• Bring in more trusted brands
• Continue growing sustainably
  

Thank You for Being Part of This Community

Thank you for trusting Nest & Sprout with your items and for supporting a small business doing its very best to balance all the things. We might not have the size, reputation or cash flows of Once Upon A Child, but we do have the heart and compassion. 

We work to clean, repair and make the most of everything you drop off. Bailey
Nest & Sprout
Prince George, BC