Seren
Amazing is the best word to describe the event. So many table of paper, envelopes, stickers, folded cards...I did not know what to expect so here are my notes:
Huge crush of people buying stuff -- which means lots of pushing and shoving. Don't bring a stroller or rolling cart. They ran out of rubbermaid tubs quickly so always bring your own bag or something to carry your stuff in. Preferably something that closes so people can't get into it. I got a box from a Paper Source employee...which was fine, but every time I turned away from the box someone would start picking through it. I lost some great stuff that way.
Only take cash..no credit cards. I had about $150 and figured I would charge it if I wanted to buy more. That wasn't happening and there was no easy place to run and get cash. It was for the best too...I think I may have gotten a bit out of control if they'd taken my credit card!
Get there early. The sale started at 9 am...I arrived at 9:15 and there was a line to get in the door, no tubs were left to carry products and I couldn't get near any of the tables of products. Also, I would suggest you take a friend or two. One person stands in line with the boxes/bags and the others go off and shop, using the "in line person" as home base. I stood in line for 90 minutes. They are constantly replenishing the tables so I couldn't go and do any more shopping without loosing my place.
If you think you might want it, pick it up and put into your box. Don't think for a second that you can come back.
Haggle on stuff that you are borderline on...I picked up some way cool jumbo envelopes for next to nothing merely because I made an offer...and the wonderfully sexy guy behind the table said yes! (Yes, there was a wonderfully sexy man working there...ripping open boxes and bringing fabulous new products to the table he was in charge of. Now, I don't know if I would have been so compelled by him if he weren't bring me tons of gorgeous cardmaking product, but it was a damn good start.)
Parking was easy because I got a ride from my Dad...yes, my Dad. He sat in the car and graded papers while I went crazy in the warehouse. Parking on the street was metered, but I don't think he put any money in since it was Saturday. There are a few parking lots within that block as well.
Were comfortable, non-open toed shoes and shorts. Even though it was 49 degrees outside, it got ridiculously hot in that room. So much so that people were giving up and leaving after standing in line for 20 minutes. Just bite the bullet and know that comfort is key, not fashion. It's a sale, damn it!
Take inventory of your box from time to time. Now, you've been walking around picking up wonderful things...you have to stop and make sure you have envelopes for those cute cards...or not too much pink. (I always grab pink, which means I have to take a step back from time to time and ask myself, what am I going to do with all this darn pink paper! Better to do that before I'm standing in line -- or worse yet, while the hot paper-dude is totalling my purchases -- one needs to be able to focus on said hot dude...not the total of the cotton-pickin' purchase.
Got to the potty before you start shopping, preferably before you leave your house. This IS a warehouse. I know that I have bathroom issues, but this really is an important point. You can't take the paper in with you...and you don't want to leave it sitting anywhere...so you will have no choice but to wait...and that can be ugly. Potty before you start AND definitely before you leave the house.
Overall, it was a great experience and I will definitely be at the next sale, whenever that may be. When that rolls around I will be sure to let you all know -- maybe we can meet for coffee after the sale and swap some paper! The sale was held at 328 South Jefferson, Chicago, IL 888 727 3711. (They are basically at the corner of Jefferson and Jackson.) It started at 9 and ended at 2pm, although I would guess that they still have a ton of stuff leftover.
If you want to see what I bought...you can check on the pictures here on the Blog or you can go to eBay and buy some too...I bought plenty of extras to share. I didn't get all of the stuff I love, but since I got these items at such a nice price, I don't feel bad paying full price on the items I need to round out my stash!
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