Small Business Spotlight: Bella Kids - WNY

If you are a parent with little ones, you probably have a closet or drawer full of clothes that no longer fit, or toys that no longer get played with. Bella Kids offers a great option to sell gently used items and help you make a sizable profit! 

"In today's economy, nearly all families could use a little more money in their pockets." Owner, Kristi Mora told me. "Our twice-yearly sale allows WNY's growing families the opportunity to sell their outgrown, unwanted items for extra money earning up to 75% sales profits on their brand name toys, clothing, strollers, baby gear, etc.  This adds up to a nice sales profit check back at the end of our four day sale."

If you have ever tried to sell something on Craigslist, or had a garage sale on your front lawn, Bella Kids offers an extremely easy way to literally hand over your items, with your price tag on them, and get a check sent to you after the event is over. 

Kristi was introduced to the idea while living in Orange County, CA. After 13 years of living in California, Kristi moved back to Buffalo to raise her family and brought the concept back with her. After a little tweaking to the idea, she created "Bella Kids WNY", named after her daughter Isabella. 

If you are looking to sell items, the sign up process is as easy as 1-2-3! First, register to be a consignor on their website ($9 fee), then enter your items into their inventory system (you choose the price), and finally print and attach the price tags to your items. You drop off the items to them right before their event and then receive a check about 7-10 days after the event. 

Start cleaning out your closets now because the next big event will be held March 21 - 24, 2013 in the Premier Plaza in Williamsville at 7980 Transit Road. Registration for consignors will be open soon. The best way to stay in the loop on all the happenings is to join their mailing list, which is located right on the front page of their website. You can also stay connected through Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. 

Bella Kids is also great for new parents, and parents on a budget! "Our consignors understand our guidelines and abide by our standard, "Gently used, excellent quality". It's all done in a retail store setting so our shoppers don't feel like they are at a rummage sale. It's clean, organized and everything is in fantastic condition!" Kristi said. 

In addition to the consigned items for sale, Bella Kids offers a few other options for shoppers! At each event they have a Bella Kids boutique, which allows local artisans the chance to sell their hand made clothes and accessories. For soon to be moms, they have a great maternity section with prices 50 - 80% off. They also have a "closeout" section with NEW brand name merchandise that is discounted 40 - 80% off. Items in the past have included Melissa and Doug toys, strollers, high chairs, car seats and more!

Each event also brings an opportunity to help out local charities. "We want to give back to the community and help those who need it most. We choose local not-for-profit organizations that have a connection to growing families."

Kristi is a huge Buffalo supporter and is so happy to be back in the area to raise her family. After 13 years in California, she really grew to appreciate everything about WNY." Our true sense of community, the beauty and history in our architecture and city streets, our diverse cultures & foods, and commitment to family values were all things calling me back home.  And once I had my children, I knew where we needed to be. I believe in WNY and our economy.  I believe in small business and knew the community would support and embrace something new! It is truly unbelievable!" 

With new reports out every few months about how much it costs to raise a child, Bella Kids is the place to go to! For more information, contact Kristi at info@bellakids.com, or give her a call today at 716-565-KIDS! 

Happy selling (and shopping)!