Don’t forget to bring (lots of) cash!!
This Saturday is our annual Sling and Nappy Extravaganza! If you’re sling or nappy curious or a hardened addict this is your chance! Bargains galore, and an epic raffle. As well as second hand slings and nappies we have a few stall holders including gorgeous goodies (wax wraps, wool dryer balls and more) from Olive and Ivy, and beautiful locally made clothes from Blackbird, and lovely smellies from The Body Shop. Info follows for buyers and sellers (and both!!) below.
Buyers Beware!!
There is always a risk when buying second hand goods. Jen and Gill and other volunteers will be on hand, so do ask advice, but here is some general guidance.
Second Hand Slings
Is the sling clean? Is it faded? Is there visible wear and tear? If it is a buckled carrier are the straps slippery? Are all the buckles working and with no cracks or damage? If it is a wrap are there any holes, stretched out parts or pulled threads? If it is an Ergo has the seller provided evidence that it is genuine (not fake. If it feels “cheap” or if there are any typos on the safety label be very cautious).
These things are not necessarily reasons not to buy (except the fakes, don’t buy those) but they might impact how long the sling will last (a faded buckles carrier with slippery straps is not going to last another three kids, even if it has life for another one!) and the amount of money you are willing to spend!
Second Hand Nappies
Why are they selling? Is it because they are useless – or is it because they are awesome but their child has moved on? Check the elastic – is it stretched out and perished? Check the waterproof layer (hold it up to the light) – is it still good or starting to fail? Check especially around gussets and edging. Check velcro – is it still good and grippy? Stains? (Don’t forget that apart from this last weekend the weather hasn’t been great – a good sunning will reduce most staining – better a good nappy with a stain than a really tired old knackered one without!). Are they getting thin and ragged? Think about price. If its dirt cheap it may be worth a punt – but it may be a waste of money! Remember that soft and fluffy isn’t necessarily absorbent – bamboo and terry can feel stiff and dry but be super thirsty.
How to Price:
If you are selling it can be really hard knowing how to price. For sling pricing I would have a look at FB selling groups – given that people will be buying with cash and paying no postage or paypal fees I would expect to pay a bit less than online prices – as a guide under £20 for stretchy wraps, £40-60 for most buckle carriers (depending on brand, age, etc, maybe more for popular brands and toddler carriers, maybe less for other brands) and for woven wraps and ring slings it would depend significantly on brand (could be £20, could be £200!)
For nappy pricing it will depend on condition. Some years bundles will sell well, others they won’t! Often people price to sell, they want all their nappies gone, so if you price high you may not make sales because of other bargains. On the other hand if someone wants that nappy they might buy it whatever the price!
For both slings and nappies please look at the buying guides above and price honestly – if your slings or nappies are tired (even though they still have life left for one or two more children) then please price accordingly. Any faults please declare them.
How to Sell
Bring your items to The Baby Room either during Friday 26 April from 12 till 5pm or from 9am to 10am on the day of the sale. Label them as follows (ideally with a sticky label or something that can easily be removed if the item sells, but won’t fall off too easily during a rummage!)
NAME
DESCRIPTION
PRICE
eg: Gill Travis
Ergo classic standard buckles carrier. Some cosmetic fading.
£40
Jen Harris
Lenny Lamb fitted bamboo nappy size 2 (10-20lb)
£3
After the sale. You can collect unsold items and money from 2-3pm after the sale. If you cannot collect on the day then please arrange a date and time with Jen and Gill within the following week. We do not want to store your stuff! If you wish to donate unsold items to us that is fine – we will either sell it to raise funds for The Baby Room, donate it to other good causes (Baby Bank, collections for Africa et al) or recycle it if necessary. We will assume uncollected items are donations unless you have made specific arrangements with us.
We will take 10% from your sales for the Baby Room.
Menu