JBF Livonia/Novi, MI - BLOG #community building

What Is Consigning, Anyway? (And No, It’s Not “Cosigning”)

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 16:00:00 +0000

If you've ever heard someone say they’re “cosigning” their kid’s clothes and found yourself tilting your head, you’re not alone. Let’s clear up the confusion!

**First Things First: What Does It Mean to Consign?**

Consigning (with an n) is when you sell your gently-loved items (like clothes, toys, gear, and more) through a third party—like Just Between Friends Livonia/Novi. You tag your items, drop them off, and we do the selling for you. Then, you get a paycheck!

Think of it as a partnership:

🛍️ You bring the great stuff

🧾 We handle the setup, marketing, and transactions

💸 You earn money and clear out clutter!

And Cosigning? That’s Totally Different.

"Cosigning" (with an o) means signing a loan with someone—like a friend or family member—to guarantee repayment. Totally unrelated. Unless you’re trying to help your toddler qualify for a mortgage (in which case... please message us, we have questions 😂).

Why Consign With JBF?

Earn 60–70% on your sales
Shop early for the best deals
Clear out your closets (and your mind)
Help local families find amazing bargains
Keep items out of landfills—yay sustainability!

The Bottom Line?

Consignment is the smarter, simpler way to sell your kids’ outgrown things without the garage sale hassle or flaky porch pickups. And no loan paperwork required 😉

Get Started CONSIGNING!

A word from Megan, JBF Livonia's Owner

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 04:18:24 +0000

Hi JBF Livonia Fam

We’re in the home stretch—those final days before the sale when adrenaline is high, the to-do lists feel endless, and it’s easy to feel a little…prickly

So before we dive headfirst into drop-offs, presales, and all the excitement, I just want to pause and remind us what JBF is really about.

Our mission? To help families say YES!

Yes to extra income. Yes to incredible deals. Yes to community, connection, and confidence. That YES starts with us—in how we show up for one another.

Here’s what I personally hold onto, and hope you will too:

We treat people like friends

This is huge to me - it's literally in the name! If someone’s new or overwhelmed, if the line’s long, or if a tag is missing—let’s lead with grace. Let’s assume good intent and offer kindness freely, even when we’re tired. That’s what makes this space different.

We value progress over perfection

Let me be real for a sec: planning a JBF sale sometimes feels like planning a wedding—twice a year, every year—and each time the expectation is that it’s even bigger, better, and more flawless than the last. That’s a grind, y’all!

But we are still a young sale. We’re learning, growing, and finding our footing. You might see hiccups here and there—but I promise you, behind the scenes, we’re working incredibly hard to get better each time. And that kind of growth? It takes community.

We figure things out

Tags get lost. Hangers break. Floor plan measurements are a smidge off. People forget their ticket (even after 3 emails ). And when they do, we pivot. We troubleshoot. We stay calm and just… figure it out. That’s what JBF people do.

We are better together

You’ve probably heard me say this before, but it’s worth repeating: this sale does not happen without you. Truly. Every tag you print, every shift you work, every reminder you send to a friend to come shop—it all matters. So much.

Let’s finish this with a spirit of patience, grace, and good humor. Let’s help each other out. Let’s keep it joyful. We’ve got this!

With love and immense appreciation,

Megan

Get Started Now

How JBF Helps Local Families Save Big | As Seen on WXYZ Detroit Channel 7

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 16:30:28 +0000

We were thrilled to join our neighboring Just Between Friends franchisees to be featured in this local news segment! It highlights how JBF helps families save money, declutter, and shop sustainably—all while supporting local moms and caregivers.

🎥 Watch the segment below and see why thousands of families choose JBF every season!

"Mom-to-mom sales boom as potential tariffs on China could spike children's clothing prices"

Click to open video and article in seperate tab

Helping Families Say YES! The Mission & Values of JBF Livonia/Novi

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 23:30:00 +0000

More Than Just a Sale—It’s a Movement

At Just Between Friends Livonia/Novi, we know that parenting comes with a lot of tough choices. Do we splurge on those brand-new sneakers? Can we afford all the must-haves for a growing family?

That’s why our mission is simple: Help Families Say YES!

✅ Yes to high-quality items at affordable prices
✅ Yes to clearing out the clutter and making extra cash
✅ Yes to sustainable shopping that gives kids’ items a second life
✅ Yes to a supportive community that makes parenting a little easier

Our Core Values: What We Stand For

Everything we do at JBF Livonia/Novi is guided by these values:

💜 We Treat People Like Friends
From shoppers to consignors, staff to sponsors—everyone is welcome. We believe in kindness, fairness, and making every interaction feel like a warm hug.

💜 We Value Progress Over Perfection
Tagging items? Setting up a sale? Parenting in general? Perfection is overrated. We embrace learning, growing, and improving—one step at a time.

💜 We Are Better Together
This isn’t just a sale; it’s a community. Families helping families. Moms lifting up other moms. And teamwork making the dream work.

💜 We Figure Things Out
Whether it’s finding a better way to organize check-in, helping a new consignor navigate tagging, or tackling the big teardown at the end of the sale, we roll up our sleeves and make things happen.

Be Part of Something Bigger

When you shop, sell, or volunteer at JBF, you’re not just making a transaction—you’re making an impact. You’re helping families afford what they need, extending the life of quality items, and being part of a community that truly cares.

💡 Ready to say YES with us? Join the movement!

Sell with us!

Shop with us!

Why Selling with JBF Livonia/Novi is Better Than a Traditional Mom-to-Mom Sale

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 21:00:00 +0000

If you’ve ever tried hosting a table at a mom-to-mom sale, you know the drill—early morning set-up, haggling over prices, and packing up unsold items at the end of the day. But what if there was a better way to turn your kids’ outgrown items into cash—without the stress?

That’s where Just Between Friends (JBF) Livonia/Novi comes in. If you’re tired of the usual mom-to-mom sale hustle, here’s why consigning with JBF is the smarter, easier, and more profitable choice:

1. No Need to Sit and Sell

At a traditional mom-to-mom sale, you have to be there in person the entire time, hoping for the right buyers to stop by your table. With JBF, you drop off your items and let us handle the selling for you! You don’t have to sit behind a table all day or negotiate prices—just tag your items, drop them off, and we do the rest.

2. Reach Thousands of Shoppers, Not Just Dozens

Mom-to-mom sales usually bring in a few hundred shoppers at most, but JBF Livonia/Novi attracts thousands of local families looking for quality kids’ items. The more people who see your stuff, the more you sell!

3. Sell More, Make More

Instead of hoping someone will stop by your table, JBF consignors typically sell 60% or more of their items. Our event layout and marketing ensure your items get seen—and sold—by eager shoppers.

4. No Haggling or Lowball Offers

We get it—at mom-to-mom sales, people love to bargain. But that often means you walk away with way less than your items are worth. With JBF, you set your own prices (and even discount them on the last day if you want) while keeping control of your earnings.

5. Earn Up to 70% Back

JBF consignors earn 60-70% of their sales—a much higher percentage than most online marketplaces after fees. Plus, you get a free consignor ticket to shop early and score deals before the public!

6. Unsold Items? No Problem!

Packing up and hauling home what doesn’t sell is the worst part of a mom-to-mom sale. With JBF, you can choose to donate your unsold items to local families in need, making a meaningful impact in our community.

7. It’s Organized, Easy, and FUN

Forget cluttered gymnasiums and cramped tables. JBF’s event is professionally organized like a retail store, making it easier for shoppers to find (and buy!) your items. Plus, our team and volunteers make the entire experience fun, stress-free, and rewarding.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Selling with Just Between Friends Livonia/Novi means less work, more sales, and a better experience overall. Say goodbye to the old mom-to-mom sale grind and hello to easy, profitable consigning!

Get Started Selling Now

How Non-Profits Can Raise Funds with JBF Livonia/Novi

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Nonprofits are always looking for creative, low-cost ways to fundraise while also engaging with the community. What if you could do both—without selling anything door-to-door or organizing a time-consuming event?

At Just Between Friends (JBF) Livonia/Novi, we make fundraising simple for nonprofits, schools, and community groups by providing an easy, effective way to raise money while helping local families save big on kids' items.

What is JBF Livonia/Novi?

JBF Livonia/Novi is Metro Detroit’s largest pop-up consignment sale for baby and kids’ items. Families come from all over to buy and sell quality, gently used clothing, toys, books, gear, and more. We help local parents save money, declutter, and shop sustainably—and now, we want to help your nonprofit raise funds at the same time!

Ways Your Nonprofit Can Partner with JBF

✅ Turn Donated Items into Cash
Ask your supporters to donate gently used kids' items (clothing, toys, gear, books, etc.) and consign them under your nonprofit's name. JBF Livonia/Novi does the selling, and your organization earns 60-70% of the sales!

✅ Volunteer and Earn
Nonprofits can also volunteer at our sale and earn a donation based on hours worked. Many of our consignors elect to donate their unsold items to our charity partners. It takes A LOT of man power to sort out and pack-up these donations! JBF Livonia/Novi will gladly make a donation to your organization if you and your crew volunteer to help support our give-back efforts. The more your team helps, the more your organization receives!

✅ Promote & Earn
Get a unique tracking link to share with your families, partners, members and beyond. Each ticket purchased using your link earns your organization money!

✅ Shop & Save for Your Organization
If your nonprofit works with families, you can shop our event to stock up on kids' essentials at a fraction of retail prices—helping you stretch your budget further. Ask about our

Why Partner with JBF?

💰 Hassle-Free Fundraising – No selling, no upfront costs, no event planning
👨‍👩‍👧 Engage Your Supporters – Families love donating and shopping for a cause
♻️ Eco-Friendly & Community-Focused – Help local families while reducing waste
📢 Increase Awareness – Your organization gets exposure at a well-attended event

Join Us & Start Fundraising Today!

Raising funds for your nonprofit has never been easier! We’d love to partner with you and help your mission succeed.

Learn More & Start Fundraising Today

Exclusive Passes for Nonprofits and Foster Parents

How Just Between Friends Empowers Women—This Women’s History Month and Beyond

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:30:18 +0000

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women throughout history. While we often reflect on trailblazing figures in politics, science, and activism, it’s just as important to celebrate the women making an impact in their own communities today—women like the consignors, franchise owners, and shoppers who make Just Between Friends (JBF) what it is.

JBF Livonia/Novi isn’t just a pop-up consignment sale—it’s a business built by women, for women, to support women.

Women Founded. Women Owned. Women Empowered.

💡 JBF was founded by a mom.

In 1997, Shannon Wilburn, a mom in Tulsa, Oklahoma, started JBF with a simple idea: helping families buy and sell kids’ items affordably. That small idea has grown into a nationwide movement, with JBF franchise locations all over the U.S.

💪 98% of JBF franchise owners are women.

JBF gives women the opportunity to own their own business, often while balancing motherhood and family life. Many owners start as shoppers or consignors and later take the leap into entrepreneurship—proving that women-led businesses are thriving.

👩‍👧‍👦 Thousands of moms use JBF to support their families.

Most JBF consignors are moms looking to earn extra income by selling their kids’ outgrown items. For many, this isn’t just a decluttering opportunity—it’s a financial lifeline that helps pay for new clothes, activities, and even household bills.

JBF Livonia/Novi's Impact: Supporting Women at Every Stage of Motherhood

✔ New & Expecting Moms – JBF Livonia/Novi makes having a baby more affordable by offering huge savings on newborn essentials.

✔ Growing Families – Moms use JBF Livonia/Novi to sell what their kids have outgrown and make room for what’s next.

✔ Women Entrepreneurs – From consignors, our employees, and business owners, JBF Livonia/Novi helps women build financial independence.

Why Women Supporting Women Matters

When women support each other, everyone wins. By shopping, selling, or working at JBF Livonia/Novi, you’re part of a network of moms and women entrepreneurs who believe in lifting each other up.

👉 This Women’s History Month, we celebrate YOU—the moms, the small business owners, the budget-conscious shoppers, and the women making a difference in our Livonia area community.

Join Us & Be Part of This Movement!

✔ Shop & support other moms

✔ Sell & earn extra income for your family

✔ Encourage a friend to consign or shop—because every purchase makes an impact!

Join our JBF Community Today!

An Easy, Profitable Fundraiser for Your School or PTA

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 16:44:41 +0000

An Easy, Profitable Fundraiser for Your School or PTA

Raising funds for schools, PTAs, and student programs can feel like an endless cycle of bake sales, catalog fundraisers, and donation drives—but what if there was an easier way to earn money for your school without asking parents to spend more?

Just Between Friends (JBF) Livonia/Novi offers an effortless, profitable fundraising opportunity for schools, PTAs, and student organizations. With zero upfront costs and no selling required, it’s the easiest way to fund your programs while helping local families save money.

How Does a JBF School Fundraiser Work?

🛒 Option 1: Shop & Save for Your School

Similar to the popular "dine to donate" events, when your families mention their school at the register we donate a portion of their receipt back to the school they are supporting.

🙌 Option 2: Promote & Earn

Get a unique tracking link to share with your teachers and families, and their networks. Each ticket purchased using your link earns your organization money!

💰 Option 3: Collect & Consign

Ask your school community to donate gently used kids' items (clothing, toys, books, baby gear, etc.). Your PTA or school consigns these items at our sale, and you earn up to 70% of the sales!

💖BONUS!: Looking to stock up on classroom supplies, books, or student essentials? When you partner with JBF Livonia/Novi staff and teachers can shop at deeply discounted prices to stretch their budgets further!

Why Choose JBF for Your School Fundraiser?

✅ No Selling or Buying Required – Unlike traditional fundraisers, JBF doesn’t ask parents to spend more money on things they don’t need. Instead, they can declutter and donate while supporting the school!

✅ Raise Hundreds (or Even Thousands) with Minimal Effort – The more items your school collects or the more volunteers participate, the more your fundraiser earns.

✅ Community-Focused & Eco-Friendly – By reselling gently used items, JBF helps local families save money while keeping items out of landfills. It’s a win-win-win for schools, families, our community and the environment!

✅ Hassle-Free & Fun – No need to plan events, track orders, or distribute products. JBF handles the selling—your school just earns the cash!

Let’s Raise Money for Your School Together!

Make fundraising simple and rewarding this year. Join other local schools in earning money the easy way!

Learn More & Sign-up Today

Why Your Business Should Sponsor JBF Livonia/Novi's Kids' Consignment Sale Event

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

If your business serves families, parents, or children, finding the right marketing opportunities can be a challenge. You need a way to get in front of your ideal customers—without spending a fortune. That’s where Just Between Friends (JBF) Livonia/Novi comes in.

JBF Livonia/Novi is Metro Detroit’s premier pop-up consignment sale for families looking to buy and sell gently used baby and kids' items. Thousands of local moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers attend our event to shop and save. By becoming a JBF Livonia Sponsor, your business can connect directly with these engaged shoppers in a way that traditional advertising just can’t match.

Top Reasons to Sponsor JBF Livonia/Novi

1. Reach Thousands of Local Families

JBF Livonia/Novi attracts thousands of budget-savvy parents who are actively looking for products and services that help their families. Whether you're a local daycare, a family photographer, a pediatric dentist, or a kids' activity center, these are the exact people you want to connect with.

2. Stand Out in a Targeted, Family-Focused Environment

Unlike online ads that can get lost in the scroll, JBF sponsors get prime in-person exposure at our event. You can showcase your business with:

✅ A vendor booth to engage with shoppers

✅ Inclusion in our marketing materials

✅ Digital ads in our emails and social media posts

✅ Swag bag inserts that go home with every shopper

3. Build Trust with Face-to-Face Connections

Families trust local businesses they can meet and interact with. A presence at JBF allows you to engage directly with parents, answer questions, and build lasting relationships—something no digital ad can do.

4. Gain Exposure Before, During & After the Sale

Your sponsorship isn’t just for event weekend! We actively promote our sponsors before, during, and after the sale via email, social media, and our website—giving you extended brand visibility.

5. Affordable & High-Impact Marketing

Traditional advertising can be expensive and unpredictable. JBF sponsorships offer a cost-effective way to reach local families with direct engagement and lasting brand recognition—all for a fraction of what other marketing methods cost.

Ready to Grow Your Business?

Partnering with JBF Livonia/Novi is a smart, affordable, and effective way to get your business in front of local families. Sponsor spots are limited, so don’t wait!

➡️ Learn more & secure your sponsorship today: livonianovi.jbfsale.com/business-partnership

Get Started Now!

Host Your Mom-to-Mom Sale Inside JBF – No need to rent a venue, set up tables, or handle logistics.

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:33:19 +0000

We know how much work goes into organizing a successful mom-to-mom sale. What if you could make it easier, reach more shoppers, and increase your consignors' checks or fundraising without all the heavy lifting?

Just Between Friends (JBF) Livonia/Novi invites you to host your sale inside our pop-up consignment event! By partnering with us, you’ll gain access to our large venue, professional setup, extensive marketing, and thousands of eager shoppers—all while raising funds for your organization or earning more money for your mom group.

How It Works

✅ Host Your Sale Inside JBF – No need to rent space or set up tables—we handle it all.

✅ More Shoppers = More Sales – Our event attracts thousands of local families looking for great deals.

✅ Earn Funds with Less Effort – You can earn a percentage of sales while we handle transactions and logistics. Including cash registers, an integrated POS, and credit card processing!

✅ Simple & Seamless – Sellers tag items (using our sophisticated website), drop them off, and let the sales happen!

Why Partner with JBF Livonia/Novi?

✨ Bigger Audience – Gain exposure to a massive network of bargain-savvy shoppers.

✨ No Overhead Costs – We provide the venue, marketing, and checkout system.

✨ More Sales, Less Work – Focus on fundraising while we take care of the rest.

We’d love to discuss how this partnership could benefit your organization! Let’s schedule a quick chat to explore the possibilities.

Email Megan Now to Get Started!