How to sell your kids' unwanted stuff
Parents accumulate so much costly equipment for their babies, toddlers and little kids, it's easy to fill up the house.
There's bulky cots, prams, strollers, change tables, baby baths, high chairs, baby gyms and porta-cots.
Then there's toddler accessories such as easels, small tables and chairs, ride-on equipment plus outdoor play equipment. Of course there are all the must-have baby books and maternity clothes too.
As kids grow up, they need different furniture and equipment so you need to get rid of one lot so you can accommodate the next.
What are your options for selling what is often good-quality, expensive kids' equipment - some of which is little used and in excellent condition?
When my kids were little there was no eBay or free online markets, so it all had to go to friends, relatives, charities or second-hand shops that were bursting at the seams with second-hand baby stuff.
Now it is easier to recoup some of the money you outlaid. If you are lucky enough to have a local second-hand kids' shop, you can deliver the stuff and, for a commission, let them sell it for you. Call first to discuss the equipment you wish to sell to make sure it is in demand.
If there's nothing nearby, eBay has over 65,000 new and used baby items on sale in every possible category. It charges low fees when you advertise and again when you sell. You can elect to auction your item over one to 10 days and the average period is seven days, according to eBay. Post a close-up photo of your item.
There are specialty websites that buy and sell kids' equipment.
Some are free, such as kidspot.com.au, a nationwide market, which recommends that sellers provide as much information as possible. Include a price range and whether you are happy to negotiate a price.
Buyers are particularly interested in age and condition, brand name, damage or defects, dimensions and pick-up or delivery. If you are willing to ship nationally, work out how much it will cost.
Parents often like to buy in their local area. An advantage of selling online is that you can stipulate that buyers pick up from your home.
If you don't want to do it online, check with friends, relatives and work colleagues.
Post it on the office intranet if there is one. Plenty of charities might welcome your donations, but check first.
Dumped items are becoming a real, expensive nuisance for many charitable organisations.
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