Bargain surfing: Online consignment store offers convenience in search for gently-used children's gear.

Byline: Kari C. Barlow

Apr. 22--NICEVILLE -- What's better than finding a good bargain? Finding a good bargain online.

That was Lacey Colletti's theory when she launched www.kidztreasurez.com -- an online children's consignment store -- last September.

"I can't imagine any parent not wanting to shop from the comfort of home," says the mother of four who works from her Niceville home. "It's the convenience."

With three boys and one girl all under 12 years old, Colletti says she's tapped into the appeal of families saving both money and time.

"It's not only convenience, it's the cost of gas, too," she adds. "You're saving yourself money in the long run."

Instead of scraping together rent money and setting up shop in an out-of-the-way strip mall, Colletti grabbed a digital camera and mastered the basics on Web design.

"I am totally self-taught," says Colletti, whose site is one of the only children's consignment stores on the Emerald Coast. "I just went on the Internet and started reading. I researched different Web hosts and weighed all the options."

Seven months later, her site's traffic is on the rise and Kidz Treasurez is in the black.

"I'm doing OK. Overall, I'm very happy," she says. "I have consigners all over the country. I've sold things to Israel."

Consigners can take their clothes and other items to Colletti's residence in Niceville or arrange for her to pick them up.

"I only take clothes on hangars, laundered and pressed," she says. "Ninety percent of the clothes I get have literally been worn once or twice."

Colletti has consigners sign a contract, and she inventories the collection. Consigners receive midmonth payments for the clothes that sell.

"I like the idea of having money and recycling that to buy more clothes," she says.

After shooting photos of each items, Colletti uploads the images to her Web site where shoppers can browse among children's apparel as well as gear, toys, books, games and maternity clothes.

"It's a great way to shop. Her Web site is very easy to navigate," says Melissa Tyler, a Niceville mom who shops Kidz Treasurez for her 2-yearold and 6-year-old. "Her clothes are quality."

Like many moms, Tyler knows the challenge of shopping with a toddler in tow.

"You have naptime right in the middle of the day," she says. "And you really can't focus on finding good deals when you're trying to keep your 2-year-old from running around the store."

For more information about www.kidztreasurez.com, call Colletti at 678-4257.

Copyright (c) 2007, Northwest Florida Daily News, Fort Walton Beach

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