HOUSTON – Some area moms are cashing in on what they call an addictive treasure hunt.
"There are all kinds of treasures. You never know what you are going to find," said Lanette Sappenfield.
The mother of two is making money through consignment at Houston-area "Just Between Friends" sales.
The super consignor said she was tired of her online business when she started selling things she collected from friends, garage sales and thrift shops at the sales.
Sappenfield is one of 200 consignors who will be selling items for newborns and children up to 16 years old at the weekend sale at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds.
"You have racks and racks and racks of clothing. You have toys. You've got bedding. You've got cribs, strollers and anything you can image," said Sappenfield. "It is a great, great way to make a little bit of extra money if you are a stay-at-home mom or such as myself, this is a full-time business for me."
She put 3,800 items up for sale at the upcoming event and hopes to turn as much as a $15,000 profit before the fall Just Between Friends season is over.
As a consignor Sappenfield said she gets 65-percent of what she sells and the Just Between Friends franchise owner who rents the air conditioned sale site gets 35 percent.
"At my last sale, I had over 600 shoppers come through the door," said Libra Thompson, franchise owner in Kingwood.
Thompson said the items sold at the sales are screened and nothing with stains, tears or has been recalled is sold.
Most of the items are 75 to 90 percent off retail. Most are used, but some are brand new.
Those who turn a profit from the sales say the trick for shoppers to find the best treasures is to get there early.
This week's sale is at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds in Rosenberg with doors open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
On Saturday, the sale is from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. with the remaining items half price unless marked with a red star.
For more information, visit www.jbfsale.com/default.cfm.