Finished cloth diapering & want to make the best profit on your used cloth diapers? These ideas on how to prepare and sell your used nappies will help you get top price.
One of the many benefits of cloth diapers is that parents can get money back from their initial investment if they choose to resell them. There is a market for used cloth diapers because it addresses two main reasons why people choose cloth to begin with - it's less expensive and re-using is environmentally friendly. With close attention to detail, parents can bring in more money on the sale of their cloth diapers. These tips will help ensure top dollar is received for used nappies.
Launder and Care
- Wash diapers according to the normal routine. Sun dry the wet diapers. Sunlight is a natural method of "bleaching" and helps whiten diapers and remove some stains.
- Wash diapers a second time in hot water with no detergent. If there is concern over detergent build up or any wicking, consider an extra hot wash cycle with no detergent. RLR laundry treatment is also recommended by many cloth diapering businesses. Noted for removing "ammonia" smell and improving the overall absorbency of diapers, it removes attached mineral deposits and detergent residue.
- Dry diapers and covers in the dryer, provided the manufacturer has not stated otherwise. This will soften the cloth and seal the PUL on the covers.
- Use a fabric shaver (battery operated lint brush) to rid the diapers of pilling or loose threads.
- Neatly repair any loose velcro or aplix tabs with needle and thread. If possible, sew closed and small holes in the cloth diapers. Never sew through a PUL layer.
- Use a fine tooth comb to remove threads or debris caught in the aplix or velcro tabs.
Consider Where and How to Sell Nappies
There are many places parents can turn to sell their used cloth diapers. Both brick and mortar consignment shops and online consignment shops can take the hassle out of storing, pricing, and selling diapers. However, parents may prefer to sell the diapers on their own. Craigslist, DiaperSwappers, Diaper Jungle, and MotherDotCom all are online possibilities where the seller has control over the asking price.
Take into consideration if it is more desirable to sell as a whole lot or by piecemeal. If pressed to "clean house," consider selling the stash in lots. Possibilities include selling the entire lot or grouping diapers by size, quality, style, or brand. Selling each cloth diaper individually may increase the profit, but the drawback is that diapers will likely take longer to sell and some may not sell at all.
Prepare Ad Listing
- Inventory diapers. Make detailed notes of visible wear.
- Look at cloth diapers ads at the online sites above to determine a fair asking price.
- Clearly specify in the ad the quality of each cloth diaper. Be specific and honest.
- Take clear photographs of the diapers. Quality photographs are crucial in advertising used cloth diapers. Buyers will be more interested if they can see images of the product. If only limited photos can be posted, note in the ad that additional pictures are available upon request.
- Invite questions and answer them honestly. Especially be forthcoming when asked about the detergents used in laundering. Some little ones have sensitive behinds or health issues.
- Specify if it is possible to ship the package. If so, note the shipping fee in the ad so that buyers will know the entire cost upfront.
Donate to Families In Need
If one does not want to go through the headache of selling diapers or if the entire lot does not sell, consider donating used cloth diapers to one of these organizations.
Miracle Diapers: Miracle Diapers provides cloth diapering necessities to needy families all over the world. They accept all products associated with cloth diapering and donations are tax deductible.
Newborns in Need: Newborns in Need focuses donations on preemies. Preemie and newborn used cloth diapers are appreciated. Donations are tax deductible.
For more information about cloth diapers read Get Dad to Use Cloth Diapers.
