Once Upon A Child

Great selection and prices! I wish they offered more back for selling, but I think their prices and selection are pretty good. There location is a bit obscure, but they always have ample parking. I also like there app and special promos. I’ve been to quite a few consignment stores and I think they are pretty good!

So so. Do not expect much selling or buying, especially if you have higher end kids clothing. I don’t shop bit do sell here. I shopped previously a couple of uears ago and found about 3 items including a toddler redskins sweatsuit that was decent. I do not understand what they are looking dor at all, the standards. I took 4 – 6 boxes and bins with items such as a north face jacket (18 – 24 mos), Andy & Evan boys suit (size 2T), a pair of black Nordstrom boys size 10 dress shoes. They returned them, and this was after the first time my sister went they told her to wipe the bottom of the ahoes off and bring them back. They also returned toys that were boutique, unique higher end (non made in China plastic stuff). They either don’t know what they are doing or the types of higher end kids clothes I have won’t sell to their customer base. It’s very subjective and I guess lower end, based on my experience. I have no clue honestly.
One nice thing though is that the folks in there are plesant enough; professional and very expedient.
I would augges folks check out the bi-​annual Wee-​Sale instead or Greenberries in Columbia, MD. Greenberries has consigned and new items in store they sell, with brands such as Tea and Peek.
I would not have gone back here if not for the siggestion of someone. I won’t return.
UPDATED:
I contacted the store about my concerns regarding the items and they did explain that they like to keep items at a certain price point and they focus on more everyday brands of clothes.

This location has displays in the parking lot such as many racks of clothes. It’s raining and they’re not taking them in. Enjoy buying wet rained on uncared for clothes

My wife and I visited this location for the first time since they moved to their new location. We had a gift card and saw there was a BOGO free promotion on books and toys. We purchased several books and two toys last Friday. When checking out, I even asked once more if the promotion was still on-​going and was told that it would end on ⁵⁄₁₅. I was in a hurry and didn’t notice that no discounts were applied to our purchases. When I looked at the receipt later that day, I called the store and was told to bring my receipt and it would be corrected. I brought my receipt back the following day and discounts were applied for the books but I was told that the Tonka truck and Little People dollhouse I had purchased the other day as well as the Fisher Price grill and toddler ride-​on toy I planned to purchase that day were considered «equipment» despite the price tag sticker on each of them labelling them as a toy and being found in the toy area. Personally, I consider equipment to be pack-​n-​plays, toy boxes, exersaucers, etc. and not the toys we had purchased. If larger items were excluded from the promotion, customers should be informed. I’m not sure if this is a store specific rule but I will not be back to this location and won’t be recommending it. My wife has brought clothing a few times to the store before they moved and has had similar experiences as others. There doesn’t seem to be a guideline on how to price items or what to label them as. I also don’t like that outfits are broken up to sell individually. It’s not a problem for a seller but buyers have to sort through racks to find the matching pair of pants or shorts. I’m also surprised at the condition of some of the things they do sell. They are notoriously picky about no staining, etc on clothing but have no issue accepting dirty toys. With so many people in the front, you’d think someone could wipe the toys down before selling them.

This place is fine, and better than some of the reviews would have you believe. I was buying and selling. The customer service was very good. No one was rude or unprofessional, no one insisted that everything had to be in a bin or laundry basket. I had a lot of stuff to sell and the whole process took like 25 minutes, not bad at all. I recommend to just set your expectations really low for what they’ll give you. One thing I hadn’t counted on was that they make you put together any large items you are trying to sell to ensure that you have all the pieces (makes sense). I was pretty disappointed though in the clothes selection. I was looking for girls size 6 pants and there were only a few pairs, and not any jeans. Probably a better selection in smaller sizes, but it’s definitely hit or miss.

I’m so impressed with this place. Clothes are organized by age and color. Everything looks and smells clean.
Prices are really good.

The staff is extremely unprofessional. I took a box of clothes in, and the six or so employees behind the counter all looked at each other and rolled their eyes, then proceeded to put a finger on their nose. One girl, who was busy and hadn’t noticed, saw she was the only one who didn’t as everyone else pointed at her. So she let out a frustrated grunt and came to the counter to help me. It was so rude. This is my 4^th trip to the store and I’ve never been impressed, but this experience will keep me from going back.

I think this place is great. I especially like to buy big things like strollers, big toys– kitchen, castles etc. I bought a $ 400 barbie car for under $ 100. Its nice to get nice things for my girls without breqking the bank. Sometimes I find new opened items or unworn clothes.
If you read the negative reviews people are complaining because they think their stuff is worth more… then take it elsewhere or sell it yourself!

Ok. So even though the store associates don’t greet you when you come in, the deals they have in the store are still worth going into. I was there today (12÷5÷15) and the deal was 70% off all green and yellow tag items. I had to stand in line for about 30 minutes. I was greeted, however, when I reached the register. The cashier was very nice despite how busy the place was. No associates in the store asked if I needed help but the place was pretty self explanatory. This was my third time there and I will continue to come back.

I just left this store and customer service is horrible! As soon as I walked in there was no hello, how may I help you. Being my first time there I didn’t know what to except so then finally a worker said flatly «start by filling this out» and handed me a clip board. Once I was done I waited again until another worker said have you been helped and I said no. She took my clipboard and told me they would call once they were done pricing my items. The workers (all young girls) are flat out rude and need a serious training in customer service. I would never sell to them again, I will find some other place or just donate to goodwill.

I really like OUAC, especially since they are now in a bigger location. The people who work there are very nice and one young woman even helped me find some books I was looking for. I like going there and looking at toys and they are normally a good price. I also appreciate that they give a military discount. I’ve found a lot of books there as well.

Love the store! It’s amazing the stuff they have and the prices are good. Specially for the shoes. Clothes run roughly about 5.00 a piece. I wish they had more parking. Parking is a little tight since they share it with other stores.

A great place for your growing child. The have coupons so the more you buy the more you save. I have purchase clothes a couple of times with the tags still on it for 25% of the listed price. the staff is nice and helpful. The clothing I get there if it’s always clean and neat. They even have toys, games, beds and strollers.

Not worth it at all. Too much of a hassle for the little bit of money that they are giving out .
Dont waste your time … its easier to just donate

I love this place! I’m so happy I discovered this place I’ve been here multiple times and I’ve gotten clothes that still has the tag on it, shoes that look rarely worn and they take pride in the products that they except. Everyone there is very friendly

I LOVE this place!!!
Lightly used clothes for the babies. Some garments still have tags on them. You can also bring in your bucket of clean, lightly used clothes (children size) and get paid for it.
Store is always clean and put together. The staff seem to always want to assist.

I had my first experience in doing business with Once Upon A Child today and it was neither fantastic nor horrific just average (hence the three star review.)
The store itself is rather small and packed with items and as such, I felt crowded as soon as I walked in. There was a lot of traffic inside which only added to the congestion. Another Unilocaler mentioned that the store smelled like pee. I didn’t smell pee, but there was a «used clothing» kind of smell similar to what you would experience if you walked into Goodwill, not a big deal as they sell used clothes.
The customer service wasn’t terrible, but they are young girls and they’re somewhat aloof in their interactions.
As other helpers mentioned, make sure to call ahead if you plan on bringing clothes in because there are a number of stipulations. Your best bet is to wash and iron the clothes and bring them in a plastic container, cardboard box, or laundry basket (as I did.) I’ve included a couple of pictures of the clothing items I brought in just so you can get an idea of what you might experience. I brought in a laundry basket full of clothes which mostly consisted of Carter’s, Circo, and some specialty pieces like Amy Coe and OshKosh B’Gosh. They accepted 15 of the items and in return I received $ 21. The way it works is they will give you a third of what they would sell your accepted items for. You can have the items they don’t accept back but if you don’t get there on the same day to pick them up before the close of business they will donate them.
In summary I’m glad I tried it out but the return is not worth the investment for me personally so next time I’ll drop the items off at Goodwill.

Hmmm I was heading over there today, but with this freezing weather, I think not. Basically everyone is spot on. Your experience will vary based on whether you are a buyer or seller. As a buyer from newborn up to about age 4, you have tons of good to new with tags mainly brand name clothing. The quantity and quality decline starts after that, simply because kids are not growing as fast + fewer clothes= more wear and tear on clothing. Got it. My biggest pet peeve is that they often will have 2 for 5 walmart/​target/​kohls brand staples like leggings or plain shirts for the same price you can go to walmart/​target/​kohls and buy new. Kind of defeats the purpose of getting a deal…
Now as a seller, you get tipped off royally. Clothing and shoes are a joke. I give you a «covered basket» of freshly washed, good condition clothing, that I spent all morning checking for stains rips or tears, and you give me back all of them or none of them and $ 20!!! Do my gap coats, ugg boots, Gymboree outfits and Nordstrom tops mean nothing to you??? That being said, As stated before, they accept and don’t accept on a whim. I’ve seen clothes I know dang gone well look a lil more worn than they should be selling or buying, for a price way above they should be asking.
It may be that the manager needs serious help on how to run a business. There continues to be a lack of professionalism here. NOT ALL THE employees but most. I love the red haired twins that come home from school in the winter. Now in the time I’ve been coming here, 2014 is the year I have heard more customers yelling and cursing out their employees. And unfortunately, I’ve seen and heard the employees and manager yelling back, gossiping, talking smack about customers, etc. TACKY. Usually it’s because of some false info the teeny bopper girls 16 – 25 told them over the phone, the small amount of money being offered for their clothing, etc. I hear it enough, same old stuff different day. it’s just background noise when I’m in the trenches digging though clothes. (Gotta get up early AND use both hands if you wants the deals and steals. Put your back into it!)
That being said, please come here if you want nice used clothes for your under 5 girls and boys. You will save some bucks. Don’t make any waves, keep your head in the racks, and whatever you do, don’t drop your clothes off here. Bring them to the goodwill across the street next to kmart and the grocery store. They actually appreciate it.
Try out 2^nd ave in columbia and laurel for some REAL deals. Mannnnnnnn name brands, well organized and nice place. Careful though it gets packed everyday. Parking lot is full. Half off tickets thurs, Sunday and Mondays!!!

I drop of items and pick up items… they have a really good selection. I especially love their hair accessories for my daughter!

First let me say that I love Once Upon a Child stores and was excited to find this one. I live 45 mins away so the Unilocal reviews made me call before leaving the house. Thank goodness I did! There are so many stipulations on selling back clothes it didn’t even make it worth my time to make the trip! They currently are only accepting sets of clothes, no single items like jeans, pants, tops, onesies, etc. All items must be in a plastic container and no bags. They also have select hours for accepting clothes, so check ahead of time. There are additional rules so call and ask-​I just can’t remember all of them.
We had a OUC back in NC and they took everything (except Gerber items) and made no requirements on how it was brought in! I think I’ll just save my items for the next time I’m back in NC!
Very disappointing to say the least.