Once Upon A Child: Buying and Selling Used Kids' Clothes in South Carolina

What Once Upon A Child is and where to find locations

Once Upon A Child is a national chain that buys and sells gently used children's clothing, shoes, toys, and gear. The stores work on a consignment model: you bring items your kids have outgrown, the store pays you cash or store credit if they accept them, and then resells those items at a fraction of the original retail price. South Carolina has multiple locations across the state, primarily in the Upstate and Midlands regions, with stores in cities like Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston area communities.

Each location operates independently, so hours, inventory, and buying policies can differ. The easiest way to find your nearest store and confirm current hours is to search "Once Upon A Child near me" online or call ahead before making a trip. Stores are typically located in shopping centers rather than downtown areas, and most have parking lots.

Key Takeaways

• Once Upon A Child pays cash or store credit for gently used children's clothing and gear that meets their condition standards, usually on the spot or within a few days.
• Items must be clean, in good condition with no stains or damage, and from recognizable brands or retailers to have a chance of being purchased.
• You can also shop at Once Upon A Child to buy secondhand kids' clothes at roughly 40 to 60 percent below retail prices.
• Seasonal items sell better at certain times of year—winter coats in fall, swimwear in spring—so timing your sales can affect how much you receive.
• Store credit typically pays more than cash, so if you plan to shop there anyway, choosing credit can stretch your budget further.

How to sell your children's clothes and items

Bring clean, gently used items to your local Once Upon A Child store during business hours. The staff will look through what you've brought and decide which pieces meet their standards. Items that are stained, torn, pilled, or faded usually won't be accepted. Brands matter too—designer labels and well-known retailers like Gap, Old Navy, and Target tend to sell better than no-name brands, so stores are more likely to buy from those lines.

You'll receive an offer on the spot or be told to come back in a few days once they've had time to evaluate everything. Payment comes as cash or store credit, and you can choose which one you prefer. Store credit typically gives you more value per item than cash, so if you plan to shop there, that's usually the better deal. The amount you receive depends on the brand, condition, and current demand for that size and style.

What items Once Upon A Child will and won't buy

Once Upon A Child buys clothing in all sizes from newborn through teen, plus shoes, coats, snow gear, and some toys and baby equipment like strollers or high chairs. They focus on items that are seasonally relevant and in demand. Winter coats sell better in fall and early winter; summer clothes and swimwear move faster in spring. Items that are out of season may be declined or offered at a lower price.

Items they typically won't buy include anything with stains, holes, broken zippers, or missing buttons; clothing that's faded or pilled; items from unknown brands; anything that looks worn out; and gear with safety concerns like car seats or cribs (due to liability). Underwear, socks, and tights are usually not purchased. If you're unsure whether something will sell, ask the staff when you arrive—they can give you a quick assessment before you unload everything.

Shopping for secondhand children's clothes at Once Upon A Child

As a buyer, Once Upon A Child offers a way to stretch a clothing budget significantly. Prices typically run 40 to 60 percent below what you'd pay retail for the same items new. You'll find current-season styles alongside basics, and inventory changes frequently as new consignments arrive. Sizes range from newborn through teen, and the selection includes everyday wear, special occasion outfits, and seasonal gear.

Quality varies by item, so inspect pieces carefully for any damage the store may have missed. Most items are returnable within a set timeframe if you find a problem after purchase—check the store's return policy when you buy. Shopping secondhand also means you're less worried about stains or wear from everyday use, which can make parenting less stressful when kids are in the messy years.

Timing your sales for better payouts

Once Upon A Child pays more for items that are in season and in demand. Bring winter coats, boots, and heavy layers in August through October, before the cold weather hits and parents are actively shopping for those items. Summer clothes, shorts, and sandals sell best in March through May. Back-to-school clothing moves quickly in July and August. Off-season items may be declined entirely or offered at a much lower price.

Size also affects demand. Newborn and infant sizes typically sell quickly year-round because babies grow so fast and parents are always looking for affordable options. Toddler and preschool sizes (2T through 5T) also move steadily. Teen sizes can be slower to sell depending on trends and current inventory levels. If you have a large bag of mixed sizes and seasons, the store may accept only part of it or offer less for the out-of-season pieces.

Store credit versus cash payments

Once Upon A Child gives you the choice between cash and store credit when they purchase your items. Store credit is almost always worth more—sometimes 20 to 30 percent more—because the store benefits from keeping money circulating within their business. If you plan to shop there regularly or have upcoming clothing needs for your children, store credit makes financial sense and stretches further.

Cash is the better choice if you need money immediately or don't plan to shop there again soon. The amount you receive in either form depends on what you're selling, the current demand, and the store's inventory levels. Don't expect to walk away with a large sum unless you're bringing in a significant quantity of high-demand items in excellent condition.

What to expect on your first visit

Bring your items in a bag or box, clean and ready to show. The staff will sort through everything, checking condition, brand, and size. This process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on how much you've brought. They'll make you an offer, and you can accept or decline. If you accept, you'll get paid right away if it's cash, or receive a receipt if it's store credit that you can use immediately in the store.

Bring your ID—most stores require it for payment. If you're selling a large quantity, call ahead to let them know you're coming; some locations prefer advance notice so they can have staff available to process your items. Expect the store to be busier on weekends and after school hours on weekdays. Going on a weekday morning or early afternoon typically means shorter wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to sell clothes to Once Upon A Child?

Most locations accept walk-ins during business hours, but calling ahead is a good idea if you're bringing a large quantity. Some stores prefer to know you're coming so they can have enough staff to process your items without a long wait. Check your local store's policy when you call for hours.

What brands does Once Upon A Child prefer to buy?

They buy from most mainstream brands like Gap, Old Navy, Target, Carter's, Gymboree, and name-brand athletic wear. Designer labels and higher-end brands also sell well. No-name or off-brand items are less likely to be purchased. When in doubt, bring them anyway—the staff can tell you on the spot whether they'll take them.

Can I return items if the store won't buy them?

Yes, you can take home anything the store declines. There's no obligation to leave items behind. If you have pieces rejected, ask the staff why—it helps you understand what to look for next time and what condition standards they're using.

How much money can I expect to make selling used kids' clothes?

This varies widely based on brand, condition, quantity, and current demand. A bag of 10 to 15 items might bring $20 to $50 in cash, or more in store credit. Designer items and current-season pieces in excellent condition bring more. Worn basics and out-of-season items bring less or may be declined entirely.

Is Once Upon A Child the same as Plato's Closet?

No, they're separate chains under the same parent company. Once Upon A Child focuses on children's clothing and gear, while Plato's Closet buys and sells teen and young adult clothing. The buying standards and inventory are different, though the consignment model is similar.