Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I expect my response (regarding volunteering and/or vendor number)?
The ABC staff checks the email twice a day.  You should generally receive your response within a day or two.

When is the sale?
The regular sale is from 7:00am to 10:30am.  We close the doors at 10:30am and reopen at 12:00pm.

Can I put items on hold while I continue to shop?
Yes!  Large items can be put on hold.  We will put a hold time on an item for up to one hour.  If you are still shopping, you must come to the hold area and let us know you are still intending to purchase the item.  We will have an express lane if you prefer to purchase it and take it to your car, then come back and finish your shopping.

May I bring a friend to the pre-sale?
No!  Due to fairness, spouses and children are not allowed at the presale unless the spouse works a shift as well.

Can someone work a shift for me to shop?
Yes.  As long as someone works the shift, a representative may shop in the volunteers place.  Both may not shop the presale.

Is there daycare provided while I volunteer and/or shop?
No.

Can I work/trade shifts for somebody else? 
Yes, but we need to be notified of any changes you wish to make.

What happens if a tag comes off an item?
We make every effort to match lost tags with their items.  If we cannot match an item with its tag, an ABC coordinator will assess a price for the item.  Any item without a tag will be priced based on Salvation Army's donation deduction catalog.

Will there be an express lane?
Yes, shoppers with 8 items or less are encouraged to use our express lane.

Are all items sold at 1/2 price at 12:00?
No.  Only those items NOT marked "No Discount" will be sold at half price, although all items will continue to be for sale. 

What happens to items after the sale?
All items marked "Return" on the vendor tag are sorted.  These items need to be picked up between 3:00-5:00pm on Saturday, August 13th after the sale).  Any items not picked up by 5:00pm along with all items not marked "Return" are donated to The Door and H.A.A.M.

How do I know if I have items that did not sell and need to be picked up?
If you mark items "Return," the only way to determine whether or not you have items to pick up is by coming by the church between 3:00-5:00pm Saturday, August 13th after the sale.

How  do I secure tags to my items?
Use medium size safety pins.  Straight pins will not be accepted.  Items and cards may also be secured in seal able bags.

Do you take maternity clothes?
No, we do not.  However the Kingwood United Methodist Church accepts  maternity clothes in the their Spring Baby Daze Sale.

How do I know what to price my items?
Craig’s List has a pricing guide. That is a good guide to help you price your items for sale.