5 Things to Do Before Going to Just Between Friends (JBF)

I’m a HUGE FAN of Just Between Friends. If you are a JBFer, you know why moms volunteer hours of their time just to be the first ones to get their hands on this incredible merchandise at amazing prices. And if you’re a new mom or just haven’t had a chance to go to a JBF, then you are going to wonder “why didn’t I think of this super cool concept?”

Short of the long: Just Between Friends is North America’s Leading Children’s and Maternity Consignment Sales Event! Moms sell kid stuff to other moms at big convention center area in the spring and the fall. Moms who sale stuff make money, moms who buy stuff save money and JBF does the hosting of this big, money-saving event for your kids.

In DFW, we get the pleasure of having several of the best JBF consignment sales out there. Every spring and the fall, moms and dads gear up for shopping deals you can’t find anywhere else and can make your dollars really stretch. However, I don’t refer to it as budget shopping, but more smart shopping. AND take it from me, a gal who tries never to miss a JBF shopping experience, I have a few tips that will make a real difference between a great shopping experience and understanding how some women have to have their husbands come with a truck to haul it all home. (I’ve seen it many times.)

5 Things to Do Before Going to Just Between Friends Dallas (JBF)

1. Think ahead. 

While each sale is just for the current season, so of the deals are so good that you could score the best deal for a coat that you might have for your son’s 6th birthday even though he’s 4 now. And because this JBF sale is in the fall, they also include Halloween costumers and plenty of toys that would look great around your Christmas tree.

2. Make with a list. 

A list will save you time and money. Sure I’ve gone plenty of times with nothing but my credit card, but having a list of sizes, whom to buy for (if you have other family members or expecting friends), and a list of what you need (like the skiing coat for an upcoming vacation), you’ll really see how JBF can save you money and make it much easier to get exactly what you need!

3. Dress to shop till you drop. 

You might be coming to get the cutest clothes for your kids, but going to the sale isn’t a time to sport your new Jimmy Choos. Take it from me, there will be no judgement from anyone if you throw on those yoga pants that you don’t really do yoga in, a pair of crocs and a pony tail and come out to shop. We all know that we are on a mission for great clothes and great toys for great prices and nobody got time for makeup, Pinterest style and taking selfies.

4. Bring your own bags or rolly carts.

The first time you ever pull into the parking lot of a JBF sale, you will know why I say this. The women that know roll in the rolly carts, wheel in the hanging racks and have a few huge reusable bags to load up all their finds until they hit up the cash register. With plenty of clothes, books, furniture, shoes, toys and more to go through, you need something to hold your stuff and your arms need to be free to keep digging. Plus when you pay out, you can load all the loot back up and take it to the car.  I’ve forgotten this a few times and regretted it later because my body hurt from holding it. While there is a “Hold” area for you to drop off things as you buy things, you don’t want to leave your spot in the racks and come back to find someone else picked up where you left off.

5. There’s no shame in a fanny pack. 

Yes, there is actually, but I think you get the drift. Again, this is not time to bring out the big mama purse. You need to carry in only the bare essentials – mobile phone, money, chap stick and a water. The water is a big thing if your JBF sale doesn’t have a place to purchase refreshments because shopping can be an endurance sport. Hydration is key when you’ve been going at it for an hour plus and you will be thirsty, especially if you’re pregnant and you are buying everything under the moon so you don’t have to pay full price later. (Make sure you also get your free pass if you’re expecting and you get a special advance time to buy with free admission!)

Now that you’re ready, then get in the car and head over to Just Between Friends Dallas sale happening at Mesquite Rodeo Hall! If you can’t make it today starting at 10 AM then you have until SUNDAY to score your deals. I know that we’re stocked up, but that’s only until the next JBF Dallas sale happening in March 2015, so mark your calendar!