Complete Guide to the Just Between Friends Sale in Dane County
The Just Between Friends (JBF) event in Dane County is a seasonal consignment sale, offering families a convenient way to buy and sell gently used items for kids at unbeatable prices.
At JBF, you can save 50-90% off retail on everything from children’s clothing (infant through teen sizes) and maternity wear to toys, strollers, books, and more. Held a couple of times a year, the event brings together thousands of items, all in one convenient location.
With well-organized sections for infant gear, kids’ toys, and clothing for all ages, it’s easy to shop by size, age, or category. As a parent, you’ll appreciate finding high-quality strollers, toys, and seasonal clothes at a fraction of retail prices.
How to Shop at Just Between Friends
Shopping at a JBF event is straightforward and fun, but it helps to have a plan to make the most of the experience! Here’s what to expect:
- Arrive Early: The best deals and selection are typically found on the first day of the sale, so plan to arrive as early as possible. If you’re a seller or sign up for early access, you’ll get first dibs on the hottest items!
- Bring a Bag or Tote: JBF provides large bags for shoppers, but if you prefer your own, feel free to bring a tote or rolling cart to carry your finds while browsing.
- Know Your Sizes and Needs: To avoid being overwhelmed by the selection, make a list of what you’re looking for, including sizes for clothing or specific items like strollers, books, or toys. With everything organized by size and category, it’s easy to zero in on exactly what you need.
- Take Your Time: With thousands of items to browse, take your time to sift through the racks. My initial reaction to the price of clothes was that it was priced high but, if you dig a little deeper, you can often find amazing deals.
- Payment Options: JBF accepts a variety of payment methods, including cash, credit cards, Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, and Venmo, making checkout easy and flexible.
- Look for Discount Days: Many JBF events offer discount days toward the end of the sale, where remaining items are further reduced in price. It’s a great opportunity to snag last-minute deals!
How Can I Sell My Children’s Clothes and Gear at JBF?
If you’re looking to sell, JBF is a great way to turn your gently used items into cash. Sellers earn an average of $450 per sale, keeping 60% of their earnings, with a low admin fee per event. At the Dane County Fall 2024 sale, for example, the fee was $8.
There are a few rules to keep in mind, such as a 750-item limit per seller and a cap of 100 books, but it’s still a very efficient way to declutter without the hassle of managing your own yard sale or posting on social media.
All you have to do is tag your items, drop them off, and JBF takes care of the rest—plus, you get to shop early, which means first dibs on the best deals.
They also offer a private Facebook group where sellers can exchange tips and gather more information, as well as YouTube tutorials on how to succeed in your sale.
After the event, you can choose to pick up any unsold items or donate them to local charities.
If you have interest in selling, or would like to receive notifications about future events, visit this page for more info.
My Experience at the Just Between Friends Sale
We visited the Just Between Friends sale on Thursday around 11 AM, so it was still fairly early in the public sale days (right after the presale day for sellers, new parents, and early entry pass holders).
I was impressed by the amount of clothing available, most of which was in great condition. Since sellers price their own items, there was some variation—while a few things were a bit higher, I found plenty of really great pieces at excellent prices with a bit of searching.
I thought the shoe section was pretty limited however, there were rows and rows of toys. Prices on. toys followed the clothes in that some very priced more than I expected for resale, but there were some very. affordable options. We got a couple of books in fantastic shape.
Everything was clearly labeled, and the sale is held in a big, open space so, when we went, nothing felt crowded. Shopping was easy and comfortable, which made the experience enjoyable.
The sale process was smooth—they give you a large bag to carry your items while shopping, and at checkout, they bag your purchases in a garbage bag for easy transport. You can pay with cash, cards, or even digital payment options like Google Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, and Venmo, which made the whole experience convenient!
Overall, I’m glad we went! I’ll likely attend again, but I’ll make sure to go early on Thursday for the best selection. JBF has nearly everything your growing family could need, including baby gear, room décor, sports equipment, and craft supplies—all while helping you stretch your budget!