Electronic Tagging Instructions
Overview
We use a web-based electronic tagging system that can be accessed through any computer. Developed by My Consignment Manager, it is a very intuitive system that is easy to navigate. Once you get used to the new system, it will speed up the tagging process. For instance, if you are selling ten boys size 4/5 t-shirts, you can create ten tags at once. Another benefit of the system is that it will allow you to know exactly how many items you are selling and their total value. During the sale you will be able to monitor your sales each night and by pick-up, you will know how many items you are getting back and/or donating.
New Consignor Registration
If you are new to the electronic system, or have been inactive for more than seven sales, you first need to create a user account. To do this, go to our website www.faithfulfriendssale.com, and click on the “Sign up to Consign” link on the left side of the page. You will be directed to a page that says “Welcome to our Registration and Tagging System.” Click on “Create User Account” under the “New Sellers/Volunteers” section and follow the prompts. You will receive a four-digit consignor number assigned to you by the computer.
After you register, you will receive an email with your consignor number and important handouts. Please take the time to review this material as it will make your consignment experience go smoother. Once you register, you will be considered a returning consignor and will keep your consignor number for all future sales providing you do not go inactive for more than seven sales. To start tagging, you can still enter the system through our website on the "Sign up to Consign" link or you can go directly to www.myconsignmentmanager.com/faithfulfriendssale. But when you are on the “Welcome to our Registration and Tagging System” page, you need to click the “Login” link under the “Returning Sellers/Volunteers” section. New this year: My Consignment Manager has instituted an extra registration step to verify email addresses that you must complete before being registered.
Returning Consignor Registration
If you registered in one of the last eight sales, even if you did not actually consign, you have already created a user account and received a new consignor number. You will keep that number for all future sales providing you do not go completely inactive for more than four years (eight sales). If you are inactive for more than four years, you will be deleted from our system and the number will be reassigned. To consign again, inactive consignors just need to register as a new consignor to get a new number. Returning, active consignors, still need to register for each specific sale. To register for all future sales, you can either access the system through our website via the "Sign up to Consign" link or you can go directly to www.myconsignmentmanager.com/faithfulfriendssale. When you are on the “Welcome to our Registration and Tagging System” page, you need to click the “Register Here” link under the “Returning Sellers/Volunteers” section. After you register, you will receive an email with important handouts. Even if you are a longtime consignor, please take the time to review this material. After you have registered, you can access the system to tag by using the same links listed above, but click on the “Login” button under the “Returning Sellers/Volunteers” section.
Volunteering
Volunteer sign-ups are also managed through the new electronic system. Volunteers who do not want to consign (for instance, grandparents or expecting parents), still go through the initial registration process (see above) but can choose just to volunteer at the point where consignor numbers are assigned. If you make this choice, you can always register to consign and receive a consignor number at a later point.
Volunteer shifts are 4 hours in length. All available shifts are listed on our electronic system. You can add, delete, or change shifts up until the Monday before the sale. After that you will need to email us to make changes. Once you select a shift(s), the system will send out an automated email confirming that shift. An email with more detailed information will be sent out closer to the sale.
My Consignment Manager uses an extra registration step to verify email addresses that you must complete before being registered.
Tagging—Returning Consignors Only
Once you register for this sale, we recommend that you deal with old inventory prior to tagging new items by following these steps in order:
1) Delete all sold items from any previous sales if not already done:
-Once you’ve logged in, click on “Manage Inventory” at the top center of the page. When the next page loads, you will be on the “Item Actions” tab. Right below this tab is the “Select an event” line. Select the applicable closed sale.
-Once you do this, all your items from the sale you selected should be listed though initially it will only show 25 items at a time. Change the “showing 1 of 25” tab to the maximum it will allow, which is up to 216 items. One of the column headers on the far right is “status.” Change the status to “sold” and click “refresh” (on the far left). At this point only your sold items should be listed.
-Next check the “all” box on the far left (right above the “refresh” button). All of the items on the page should now be checked. Click the “remove items” tab. You will get a warning box verifying that you want to delete these items. Click “delete selected items.” Once you do this, all of these items will be permanently deleted. If for any reason you accidentally delete an unsold item, the tag for that item will no longer be valid. It will need to be reentered and retagged to be sold.
-If you had more than 216 sold items, repeat this step until all sold items are deleted.
-Change the “status” column from “sold” to “not sold” and click refresh. Only unsold items should be showing.
-Repeat this procedure for previous sales if necessary.
2) Delete all unsold, donated items from previous sales if not already done:
-Under the “Select an event” line, select the applicable closed sale.
-Change the “don.” (donate) column to “yes” and click refresh.
-Change the “showing 1 of 25” tab to the maximum it will allow, which is up to 216 items. At this point, all of the items listed should show “not sold” in the status column and “yes” in the donate column. NOTE: if you want a list of your donated items for tax purposes, print it now.
-Check the “all” box. All items should now be checked. Click the “remove items” tab. You will get a warning box verifying that you want to delete these items. Click “delete selected items.” Once you do this, all of these items will be permanently deleted. If for any reason you accidentally delete an unsold, not donated item, the tag for that item will no longer be valid. It will need to be reentered and retagged to be sold.
-If you had more than 216 donated items, repeat this step until all donated items are deleted.
-Change the “don.” column from “yes” to “all” and click refresh. Only unsold, not donated items should be showing.
-If you donated all of your items from the selected sale, you should not be showing any inventory.
-Repeat this procedure for previous sales if necessary.
3) Carry-over any unsold, non-donated items that you want to sell at the next sale:
NOTE: do not automatically carry over all remaining items. Only items that qualify for the Spring sale should be moved. Fall/Winter clothing items cannot be sold at the Spring/Summer sale and so should not be included in your active inventory. The tags for unsold items in your past inventory will remain valid and can be carried-over prior to the next sale.
-If you still have unsold, non-donated items from the previous sales that qualify to sell at the next sale, you will need to move the items you will be selling from that sale’s inventory to your new season's inventory. If the items you want to sell are not moved to the current sale, the tags will not work when scanned and the item cannot be sold.
-Prior to starting this step, have all unsold previously-tagged items available. Putting the tags in numerical order will simplify this process.
-Start with items from your Fall or Spring inventory. Click on the “Item Transfers” tab (next to the “Item Actions” tab). Set the “Transferring from” line to “FaithfulFriends/Fall2023 (closed)” and the “Transferring to” line to “FaithfulFriends/Spring 2024 (active).”
-Change the “showing 1 of 25” tab to the maximum it will allow, which is up to 216 items.
-All printed tags have an item number. Items listed in your inventory will be in reverse numerical order based on this item number. Of the items showing on the screen (up to 216), individually check the boxes of all items you want to move into your Fall inventory. Again, do not automatically carry-over all items. Only carry-over items after looking at the item and verifying the item number. This ensures that 1) the item is appropriate for the sale; 2) your inventory list is correct; and 3) the item is entered. It will also ensure there was not an issue with the tag or item at the last sale. If there was, we would have pulled the item and written the issue on the tag (example: “not in inventory;” “stained;” etc). If you have more than 216 items to carry-over do not go to the next page yet. The system will only move checked items showing on the current screen. After you check the boxes for the items you want to carry-over, click “transfer items now.” All checked items will move from your Fall 2023 to your Spring 2024 inventory.
-If you have more than 216 items to carry-over, you will need to repeat this step until all qualifying items are moved to your Spring 2024 inventory. Once moved, the tags on these items will be valid even if the paper tag still shows a previous sale date. You do not need to re-print the tags.
-Next, move any items from your Spring 2023 inventory. Click on the “Item Transfers” tab (next to the “Item Actions” tab). Set the “Transferring from” line to “FaithfulFriends/Spring 2023 (closed)” and the “Transferring to” line to “FaithfulFriends/Spring 2024 (active).”
-Follow the same steps as above to move qualifying items from the Spring 2023 to the Spring 2024 sale.
-When you start to tag new items (see below), the item numbers will start wherever they ended at the last sale. So if your last tag number for the Spring 2023 sale was #421, new items for this sale will start at #422. There is a “Reset the Items Number Count” tab but you DO NOT want to do this if you have any items from a previous sale you want to carry-over to a future sale. Resetting the numbers will make all old tags invalid.
Once you have completed this process, you can start entering new items following the instructions below.
Tagging—All Consignors
Once you register, you can start tagging immediately or return at a later point. You are able to enter as many tags as you want at a given time which enables you to work on tagging as your time allows. All information will be saved in the system and you can access it from any computer by logging in. One of the benefits of this system is that it allows you to create multiple tags at once and also carries over information. For that reason, you will find the tagging process goes much quicker if you take the time to divide clothes first by gender, then by size, then by type (shirts, jeans, pants, dresses, etc.). Though the instructions below may seem very complicated, we assure you the system is easy to navigate and the process will go quickly once you get used to it. Each consignor can tag up to 400 items per sale plus ten redeemable items. This limit will be evaluated closer to the sale.
When you sign in to start tagging, the page will list your user name and consignor number. You can then choose from multiple options. To tag, click “Enter Items.” The system will automatically fill in the sale information and your consignor number. You need to complete the following categories:
1) PRICE: Select a price from the drop-down menu. Options start at $.50 and are in $.50 increments. Though the system will allow you to price an item up to $999.50, a consignment sale is not the best forum to sell expensive, very fragile or highly sentimental items.
2) DISCOUNT: “Y” means you want to include the item in the half-price sale on Saturday; “N” means you only want the item sold at full price. Items marked “N” will still be available for purchase on Saturday, but will only be sold at full price.
3) DONATE: “Y” means you want the item donated if unsold at the end of the sale; “N” means you do not want the item donated. NOTE: this category is more important for your personal records and for tag printing purposes. Faithful Friends requires that consignors use pastel-colored cardstock to print tags for unsold items being donated and white cardstock to print tags for unsold items being picked-up. During breakdown we will be pulling items for pick-up or donation solely based on the color of the tag. We do not have the time or manpower to double check what is printed on the tag so please make sure to use the appropriate colored cardstock and follow the printing instructions below.
4) SIZE: Select the size of the clothing or shoe item from the drop-down list. There are size options for shoes, baby clothes, toddlers, children, teens, maternity, and one size fits all. If it is a unique size, you do not see the size you want, or it is not a clothing/shoe item you can choose “see description,” but please only use this option in those limited instances. Having the specific size on the item will help us know how much space we need for each size, assist us in matching loose tags to the correct item, and allow you to better track what was sold. Some stores mark clothes as both a size and a number (example: small 6/7). In that case use the number (6 or 6/7) not the size (small) as it makes it easier to place on the racks. If it marked as just a size, mark it as whatever size you think is closest as a "small" is different in Under Armour than in Old Navy.
5) DESCRIPTION/BRAND NAME: If applicable, list the maker or brand of the item (examples: Carters, Old Navy, Safety 1st, Nike, Disney, My Little Pony, etc.). If you are tagging the item as a redeemable item list “REDEEMABLE” here (see below for more information on tagging Redeemables). In some instances, you may choose to leave this field blank. There are limits on the amount of text that can be entered in each “description” field so using both fields will allow for more detail.
6) DESCRIPTION: Provide a more detailed description of the item in this category (examples: blue striped polo shirt; 2-piece pink dot bathing suit; set of 3 princess dolls; white light-up sneakers; DVD: Dora’s Fairytale Adventure, etc.). You can put as much or as little information as you want here, but the more information you provide helps inform the shopper, makes it easier it is for us to match up tags that get separated from items, gives you a better sense of what sold, and provides a more detailed list of donations for tax purposes.
7) CATEGORY: Select the category of item from the drop-down menu. The category choices are intentionally very broad—pick whichever category you feel is most appropriate for your item (examples: socks = accessories; pants, shirts, sweaters = clothing; pack & plays and highchairs = baby equipment). For previous consignors or shoppers, think about the layout of our sale in deciding the category. The main purpose of this field is to help us determine space needs. So if it is an item that will be hung on the downstairs racks, it is most likely “clothing.” If it is in a baggie and/or is going to go into a bin downstairs, it is probably an “accessory.” If it is going in the baby room, it fits within one of the baby, feeding, or maternity categories. There is a “miscellaneous” option but please only use this if you cannot find a better fit, or if it is a Redeemable item.
Once you have filled out the above fields, click “add item.” Once you do that, you will see the item listed at the bottom of the page.
So long as you do not exit out of this page, after you add an item, all the information you entered except the price will still be showing in the boxes at the top of this page. You can change any of the fields for your next item, but the system carries over the information to allow you to quickly create multiple tags if you are working on similar items (for instance, all of your size 4/5 boys clothes). This is why it will speed up the process to sort prior to tagging. Or, prior to clicking “add item” you change the number by “power tagging” to create any number of tags with all of the same information (including price). This is helpful if you are tagging multiples of the same or very similar thing (for instance, if you have 4 baggies of girls size 6-9 month onesies or 5 boys Old Navy size 3T t-shirts). You can then edit individual tags.
The list of tags you create will stay on the bottom of your add/remove/edit item page until you print them (“generate”) or sign off. After that, you can still access the tags by clicking on “manage inventory.” You can edit or delete tags at any point, but if you make any changes in the system after printing the tag you must reprint the tag because the barcode will no longer work. We are unable to sell items where the barcode does not work. We will also not accept any tags with any handwriting on them. All changes must be made in the computer and once changes are made, a new tag must be printed.
Redeemables
Items that qualify as “Redeemable” (minor damage) can be tagged essentially the same way as normal items. The only requirements are that it must be marked as “redeemable” in the first description area, be priced at $1.00 or $.50, and be marked “Y” for discount and “Y” for donate.
At check-in, if we decline an item tagged for the regular sale which would qualify to be included in the Redeemable section, you have three options:
1) take it home for a future sale;
2) donate it; or
3) bring extra Redeemable tags and retag it during check-in.
If you choose option #3, this is the process you will need to follow. It sounds complicated, but once you get the hang of the system it will take you 2 minutes. After you have created all your regular tags, make a page of extra Redeemable tags (there are 8 tags per page). Set the price at $1.00 (or $.50). Mark “Y” for discount and donate. Choose “see description” for the size. Write “Redeemable” in the first description field. Leave the second description field blank. Choose “miscellaneous” for the category. Prior to clicking “add item,” enter “8” in the “power tagging” field. Print on pastel colored cardstock. At check-in, you can replace the old tag with the new tag. When you return home, delete the old tags and any unused extra Redeemable tags from your inventory. Please note that if you choose this option and the tag gets separated from the item, we will not be able to match it because there is no description. However, unsold redeemable items are automatically donated anyway as are unclaimed items without tags.
Printing
With this system, you can print all your tags at once or as you go along. The system will remember which tags have been printed and mark them as “generated.” Each printed page contains 8 tags.
Faithful Friends uses a color-based system at the end of the sale for separating unsold items being returned from those being donated. All items with tags printed on white cardstock are pulled to be returned to the consignor, all items with tags printed on pastel-colored paper are pulled for donation. Even though each tag states “Y” or “N” for donation, we do not check each tag individually. The consignor is responsible for printing tags on the correct colored cardstock. However, marking the tags with the “Y” or “N” is important because it allows the consignor to sort the tags prior to printing, and just print all the “Y” tags or all the “N” tags as a group on the correct color paper. It also creates confusion at breakdown if we do notice the tag color and the "Y" or "N" do not match. For items being donated, please use light pastel paper, not dark colors. The scanners have trouble reading the barcode on dark colored paper.
Prior to printing, verify that you entered the site through the link on our webpage or through www.myconsignmentmanager.com/faithfulfriendssale. To print your tags, click on “print tags.” At the top of the page, under the heading “Generate Tags for Sale” there is a link “click here to view instructions on how to generate your tags printout.” If you click this link, it will take you to instructions and will also take you to a link for a video demonstration. The video is helpful to give you an overview though the printing process is fairly intuitive.
If you are donating all your items or having all your items returned, you can just click the “All” box at the top of your list of items (right above the “Refresh List” button), and then click “Generate Tags.” A pdf will automatically download to your computer. Just open and print it on the appropriate color cardstock.
If you have a mix of items, go to the column that says “Don” (donate) towards the middle right of the page. The drop down box will read “All.” Click on it and change it to “Yes” and then hit the “Refresh List” button to the left of the page. Just the items that were marked “Y” for donation will be showing. Click the “All” box at the top of the list of items, then click “Generate Tags.” Open and print the pdf that downloads onto pastel colored cardstock. Now, go back and repeat the same process, only change the drop down box under “Don” to “No.” Print these tags on white cardstock.
If you receive a message that asks for a printer code, that means you have entered the system directly through the myconsignmentmanager.com webpage. You need to sign off and reenter it through our website or through www.myconsignmentmanager.com/faithfulfriendssale.com.
If you do not have access to a printer, or your printer does not work with cardstock, we can print your tags for a nominal fee. Email us at wlumcfaithfulfriends@gmail.com
Final Notes
This is only a basic overview of how the tagging process works on the electronic system. Though it may seem complicated in writing, it is very easy once you have tried it. The system has the ability to do other things, some of which are not applicable to our sale. But we encourage you to spend some time going through the different tabs. In particular, the “Manage Inventory” tab allows you to manage your inventory, print reports, and also has a “Help” section.
After reviewing this material, we understand you may have questions. But before contacting us, please re-read this information sheet and then go online and try using the system. Then review the printing video, check out some of the other tabs, and if necessary refer to the “Help” section. If you still have questions, email us and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
We use a web-based electronic tagging system that can be accessed through any computer. Developed by My Consignment Manager, it is a very intuitive system that is easy to navigate. Once you get used to the new system, it will speed up the tagging process. For instance, if you are selling ten boys size 4/5 t-shirts, you can create ten tags at once. Another benefit of the system is that it will allow you to know exactly how many items you are selling and their total value. During the sale you will be able to monitor your sales each night and by pick-up, you will know how many items you are getting back and/or donating.
New Consignor Registration
If you are new to the electronic system, or have been inactive for more than seven sales, you first need to create a user account. To do this, go to our website www.faithfulfriendssale.com, and click on the “Sign up to Consign” link on the left side of the page. You will be directed to a page that says “Welcome to our Registration and Tagging System.” Click on “Create User Account” under the “New Sellers/Volunteers” section and follow the prompts. You will receive a four-digit consignor number assigned to you by the computer.
After you register, you will receive an email with your consignor number and important handouts. Please take the time to review this material as it will make your consignment experience go smoother. Once you register, you will be considered a returning consignor and will keep your consignor number for all future sales providing you do not go inactive for more than seven sales. To start tagging, you can still enter the system through our website on the "Sign up to Consign" link or you can go directly to www.myconsignmentmanager.com/faithfulfriendssale. But when you are on the “Welcome to our Registration and Tagging System” page, you need to click the “Login” link under the “Returning Sellers/Volunteers” section. New this year: My Consignment Manager has instituted an extra registration step to verify email addresses that you must complete before being registered.
Returning Consignor Registration
If you registered in one of the last eight sales, even if you did not actually consign, you have already created a user account and received a new consignor number. You will keep that number for all future sales providing you do not go completely inactive for more than four years (eight sales). If you are inactive for more than four years, you will be deleted from our system and the number will be reassigned. To consign again, inactive consignors just need to register as a new consignor to get a new number. Returning, active consignors, still need to register for each specific sale. To register for all future sales, you can either access the system through our website via the "Sign up to Consign" link or you can go directly to www.myconsignmentmanager.com/faithfulfriendssale. When you are on the “Welcome to our Registration and Tagging System” page, you need to click the “Register Here” link under the “Returning Sellers/Volunteers” section. After you register, you will receive an email with important handouts. Even if you are a longtime consignor, please take the time to review this material. After you have registered, you can access the system to tag by using the same links listed above, but click on the “Login” button under the “Returning Sellers/Volunteers” section.
Volunteering
Volunteer sign-ups are also managed through the new electronic system. Volunteers who do not want to consign (for instance, grandparents or expecting parents), still go through the initial registration process (see above) but can choose just to volunteer at the point where consignor numbers are assigned. If you make this choice, you can always register to consign and receive a consignor number at a later point.
Volunteer shifts are 4 hours in length. All available shifts are listed on our electronic system. You can add, delete, or change shifts up until the Monday before the sale. After that you will need to email us to make changes. Once you select a shift(s), the system will send out an automated email confirming that shift. An email with more detailed information will be sent out closer to the sale.
My Consignment Manager uses an extra registration step to verify email addresses that you must complete before being registered.
Tagging—Returning Consignors Only
Once you register for this sale, we recommend that you deal with old inventory prior to tagging new items by following these steps in order:
1) Delete all sold items from any previous sales if not already done:
-Once you’ve logged in, click on “Manage Inventory” at the top center of the page. When the next page loads, you will be on the “Item Actions” tab. Right below this tab is the “Select an event” line. Select the applicable closed sale.
-Once you do this, all your items from the sale you selected should be listed though initially it will only show 25 items at a time. Change the “showing 1 of 25” tab to the maximum it will allow, which is up to 216 items. One of the column headers on the far right is “status.” Change the status to “sold” and click “refresh” (on the far left). At this point only your sold items should be listed.
-Next check the “all” box on the far left (right above the “refresh” button). All of the items on the page should now be checked. Click the “remove items” tab. You will get a warning box verifying that you want to delete these items. Click “delete selected items.” Once you do this, all of these items will be permanently deleted. If for any reason you accidentally delete an unsold item, the tag for that item will no longer be valid. It will need to be reentered and retagged to be sold.
-If you had more than 216 sold items, repeat this step until all sold items are deleted.
-Change the “status” column from “sold” to “not sold” and click refresh. Only unsold items should be showing.
-Repeat this procedure for previous sales if necessary.
2) Delete all unsold, donated items from previous sales if not already done:
-Under the “Select an event” line, select the applicable closed sale.
-Change the “don.” (donate) column to “yes” and click refresh.
-Change the “showing 1 of 25” tab to the maximum it will allow, which is up to 216 items. At this point, all of the items listed should show “not sold” in the status column and “yes” in the donate column. NOTE: if you want a list of your donated items for tax purposes, print it now.
-Check the “all” box. All items should now be checked. Click the “remove items” tab. You will get a warning box verifying that you want to delete these items. Click “delete selected items.” Once you do this, all of these items will be permanently deleted. If for any reason you accidentally delete an unsold, not donated item, the tag for that item will no longer be valid. It will need to be reentered and retagged to be sold.
-If you had more than 216 donated items, repeat this step until all donated items are deleted.
-Change the “don.” column from “yes” to “all” and click refresh. Only unsold, not donated items should be showing.
-If you donated all of your items from the selected sale, you should not be showing any inventory.
-Repeat this procedure for previous sales if necessary.
3) Carry-over any unsold, non-donated items that you want to sell at the next sale:
NOTE: do not automatically carry over all remaining items. Only items that qualify for the Spring sale should be moved. Fall/Winter clothing items cannot be sold at the Spring/Summer sale and so should not be included in your active inventory. The tags for unsold items in your past inventory will remain valid and can be carried-over prior to the next sale.
-If you still have unsold, non-donated items from the previous sales that qualify to sell at the next sale, you will need to move the items you will be selling from that sale’s inventory to your new season's inventory. If the items you want to sell are not moved to the current sale, the tags will not work when scanned and the item cannot be sold.
-Prior to starting this step, have all unsold previously-tagged items available. Putting the tags in numerical order will simplify this process.
-Start with items from your Fall or Spring inventory. Click on the “Item Transfers” tab (next to the “Item Actions” tab). Set the “Transferring from” line to “FaithfulFriends/Fall2023 (closed)” and the “Transferring to” line to “FaithfulFriends/Spring 2024 (active).”
-Change the “showing 1 of 25” tab to the maximum it will allow, which is up to 216 items.
-All printed tags have an item number. Items listed in your inventory will be in reverse numerical order based on this item number. Of the items showing on the screen (up to 216), individually check the boxes of all items you want to move into your Fall inventory. Again, do not automatically carry-over all items. Only carry-over items after looking at the item and verifying the item number. This ensures that 1) the item is appropriate for the sale; 2) your inventory list is correct; and 3) the item is entered. It will also ensure there was not an issue with the tag or item at the last sale. If there was, we would have pulled the item and written the issue on the tag (example: “not in inventory;” “stained;” etc). If you have more than 216 items to carry-over do not go to the next page yet. The system will only move checked items showing on the current screen. After you check the boxes for the items you want to carry-over, click “transfer items now.” All checked items will move from your Fall 2023 to your Spring 2024 inventory.
-If you have more than 216 items to carry-over, you will need to repeat this step until all qualifying items are moved to your Spring 2024 inventory. Once moved, the tags on these items will be valid even if the paper tag still shows a previous sale date. You do not need to re-print the tags.
-Next, move any items from your Spring 2023 inventory. Click on the “Item Transfers” tab (next to the “Item Actions” tab). Set the “Transferring from” line to “FaithfulFriends/Spring 2023 (closed)” and the “Transferring to” line to “FaithfulFriends/Spring 2024 (active).”
-Follow the same steps as above to move qualifying items from the Spring 2023 to the Spring 2024 sale.
-When you start to tag new items (see below), the item numbers will start wherever they ended at the last sale. So if your last tag number for the Spring 2023 sale was #421, new items for this sale will start at #422. There is a “Reset the Items Number Count” tab but you DO NOT want to do this if you have any items from a previous sale you want to carry-over to a future sale. Resetting the numbers will make all old tags invalid.
Once you have completed this process, you can start entering new items following the instructions below.
Tagging—All Consignors
Once you register, you can start tagging immediately or return at a later point. You are able to enter as many tags as you want at a given time which enables you to work on tagging as your time allows. All information will be saved in the system and you can access it from any computer by logging in. One of the benefits of this system is that it allows you to create multiple tags at once and also carries over information. For that reason, you will find the tagging process goes much quicker if you take the time to divide clothes first by gender, then by size, then by type (shirts, jeans, pants, dresses, etc.). Though the instructions below may seem very complicated, we assure you the system is easy to navigate and the process will go quickly once you get used to it. Each consignor can tag up to 400 items per sale plus ten redeemable items. This limit will be evaluated closer to the sale.
When you sign in to start tagging, the page will list your user name and consignor number. You can then choose from multiple options. To tag, click “Enter Items.” The system will automatically fill in the sale information and your consignor number. You need to complete the following categories:
1) PRICE: Select a price from the drop-down menu. Options start at $.50 and are in $.50 increments. Though the system will allow you to price an item up to $999.50, a consignment sale is not the best forum to sell expensive, very fragile or highly sentimental items.
2) DISCOUNT: “Y” means you want to include the item in the half-price sale on Saturday; “N” means you only want the item sold at full price. Items marked “N” will still be available for purchase on Saturday, but will only be sold at full price.
3) DONATE: “Y” means you want the item donated if unsold at the end of the sale; “N” means you do not want the item donated. NOTE: this category is more important for your personal records and for tag printing purposes. Faithful Friends requires that consignors use pastel-colored cardstock to print tags for unsold items being donated and white cardstock to print tags for unsold items being picked-up. During breakdown we will be pulling items for pick-up or donation solely based on the color of the tag. We do not have the time or manpower to double check what is printed on the tag so please make sure to use the appropriate colored cardstock and follow the printing instructions below.
4) SIZE: Select the size of the clothing or shoe item from the drop-down list. There are size options for shoes, baby clothes, toddlers, children, teens, maternity, and one size fits all. If it is a unique size, you do not see the size you want, or it is not a clothing/shoe item you can choose “see description,” but please only use this option in those limited instances. Having the specific size on the item will help us know how much space we need for each size, assist us in matching loose tags to the correct item, and allow you to better track what was sold. Some stores mark clothes as both a size and a number (example: small 6/7). In that case use the number (6 or 6/7) not the size (small) as it makes it easier to place on the racks. If it marked as just a size, mark it as whatever size you think is closest as a "small" is different in Under Armour than in Old Navy.
5) DESCRIPTION/BRAND NAME: If applicable, list the maker or brand of the item (examples: Carters, Old Navy, Safety 1st, Nike, Disney, My Little Pony, etc.). If you are tagging the item as a redeemable item list “REDEEMABLE” here (see below for more information on tagging Redeemables). In some instances, you may choose to leave this field blank. There are limits on the amount of text that can be entered in each “description” field so using both fields will allow for more detail.
6) DESCRIPTION: Provide a more detailed description of the item in this category (examples: blue striped polo shirt; 2-piece pink dot bathing suit; set of 3 princess dolls; white light-up sneakers; DVD: Dora’s Fairytale Adventure, etc.). You can put as much or as little information as you want here, but the more information you provide helps inform the shopper, makes it easier it is for us to match up tags that get separated from items, gives you a better sense of what sold, and provides a more detailed list of donations for tax purposes.
7) CATEGORY: Select the category of item from the drop-down menu. The category choices are intentionally very broad—pick whichever category you feel is most appropriate for your item (examples: socks = accessories; pants, shirts, sweaters = clothing; pack & plays and highchairs = baby equipment). For previous consignors or shoppers, think about the layout of our sale in deciding the category. The main purpose of this field is to help us determine space needs. So if it is an item that will be hung on the downstairs racks, it is most likely “clothing.” If it is in a baggie and/or is going to go into a bin downstairs, it is probably an “accessory.” If it is going in the baby room, it fits within one of the baby, feeding, or maternity categories. There is a “miscellaneous” option but please only use this if you cannot find a better fit, or if it is a Redeemable item.
Once you have filled out the above fields, click “add item.” Once you do that, you will see the item listed at the bottom of the page.
So long as you do not exit out of this page, after you add an item, all the information you entered except the price will still be showing in the boxes at the top of this page. You can change any of the fields for your next item, but the system carries over the information to allow you to quickly create multiple tags if you are working on similar items (for instance, all of your size 4/5 boys clothes). This is why it will speed up the process to sort prior to tagging. Or, prior to clicking “add item” you change the number by “power tagging” to create any number of tags with all of the same information (including price). This is helpful if you are tagging multiples of the same or very similar thing (for instance, if you have 4 baggies of girls size 6-9 month onesies or 5 boys Old Navy size 3T t-shirts). You can then edit individual tags.
The list of tags you create will stay on the bottom of your add/remove/edit item page until you print them (“generate”) or sign off. After that, you can still access the tags by clicking on “manage inventory.” You can edit or delete tags at any point, but if you make any changes in the system after printing the tag you must reprint the tag because the barcode will no longer work. We are unable to sell items where the barcode does not work. We will also not accept any tags with any handwriting on them. All changes must be made in the computer and once changes are made, a new tag must be printed.
Redeemables
Items that qualify as “Redeemable” (minor damage) can be tagged essentially the same way as normal items. The only requirements are that it must be marked as “redeemable” in the first description area, be priced at $1.00 or $.50, and be marked “Y” for discount and “Y” for donate.
At check-in, if we decline an item tagged for the regular sale which would qualify to be included in the Redeemable section, you have three options:
1) take it home for a future sale;
2) donate it; or
3) bring extra Redeemable tags and retag it during check-in.
If you choose option #3, this is the process you will need to follow. It sounds complicated, but once you get the hang of the system it will take you 2 minutes. After you have created all your regular tags, make a page of extra Redeemable tags (there are 8 tags per page). Set the price at $1.00 (or $.50). Mark “Y” for discount and donate. Choose “see description” for the size. Write “Redeemable” in the first description field. Leave the second description field blank. Choose “miscellaneous” for the category. Prior to clicking “add item,” enter “8” in the “power tagging” field. Print on pastel colored cardstock. At check-in, you can replace the old tag with the new tag. When you return home, delete the old tags and any unused extra Redeemable tags from your inventory. Please note that if you choose this option and the tag gets separated from the item, we will not be able to match it because there is no description. However, unsold redeemable items are automatically donated anyway as are unclaimed items without tags.
Printing
With this system, you can print all your tags at once or as you go along. The system will remember which tags have been printed and mark them as “generated.” Each printed page contains 8 tags.
Faithful Friends uses a color-based system at the end of the sale for separating unsold items being returned from those being donated. All items with tags printed on white cardstock are pulled to be returned to the consignor, all items with tags printed on pastel-colored paper are pulled for donation. Even though each tag states “Y” or “N” for donation, we do not check each tag individually. The consignor is responsible for printing tags on the correct colored cardstock. However, marking the tags with the “Y” or “N” is important because it allows the consignor to sort the tags prior to printing, and just print all the “Y” tags or all the “N” tags as a group on the correct color paper. It also creates confusion at breakdown if we do notice the tag color and the "Y" or "N" do not match. For items being donated, please use light pastel paper, not dark colors. The scanners have trouble reading the barcode on dark colored paper.
Prior to printing, verify that you entered the site through the link on our webpage or through www.myconsignmentmanager.com/faithfulfriendssale. To print your tags, click on “print tags.” At the top of the page, under the heading “Generate Tags for Sale” there is a link “click here to view instructions on how to generate your tags printout.” If you click this link, it will take you to instructions and will also take you to a link for a video demonstration. The video is helpful to give you an overview though the printing process is fairly intuitive.
If you are donating all your items or having all your items returned, you can just click the “All” box at the top of your list of items (right above the “Refresh List” button), and then click “Generate Tags.” A pdf will automatically download to your computer. Just open and print it on the appropriate color cardstock.
If you have a mix of items, go to the column that says “Don” (donate) towards the middle right of the page. The drop down box will read “All.” Click on it and change it to “Yes” and then hit the “Refresh List” button to the left of the page. Just the items that were marked “Y” for donation will be showing. Click the “All” box at the top of the list of items, then click “Generate Tags.” Open and print the pdf that downloads onto pastel colored cardstock. Now, go back and repeat the same process, only change the drop down box under “Don” to “No.” Print these tags on white cardstock.
If you receive a message that asks for a printer code, that means you have entered the system directly through the myconsignmentmanager.com webpage. You need to sign off and reenter it through our website or through www.myconsignmentmanager.com/faithfulfriendssale.com.
If you do not have access to a printer, or your printer does not work with cardstock, we can print your tags for a nominal fee. Email us at wlumcfaithfulfriends@gmail.com
Final Notes
This is only a basic overview of how the tagging process works on the electronic system. Though it may seem complicated in writing, it is very easy once you have tried it. The system has the ability to do other things, some of which are not applicable to our sale. But we encourage you to spend some time going through the different tabs. In particular, the “Manage Inventory” tab allows you to manage your inventory, print reports, and also has a “Help” section.
After reviewing this material, we understand you may have questions. But before contacting us, please re-read this information sheet and then go online and try using the system. Then review the printing video, check out some of the other tabs, and if necessary refer to the “Help” section. If you still have questions, email us and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.