How to Sell Used Baby Gear, Toys, Clothes and Books

Is a tsunami of gear, toys and books taking over your house? It's time to clear out. Most kids don't play with the majority of their toys and books, and they certainly can't wear clothes that no longer fit. If you can't bear to give away those expensive new sandals your kid refuses to wear, it's time for eBay, baby!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Boxes
• Photographs
• Photographs
• Bags
• Boxes

1. Sort baby gear, toys, clothes and books into categories--the discard pile, the pass-on-to-someone-else pile and the sell pile. Dole out the "pass on" items to family and friends. Sort toys by age and/or category: blocks, cars, dolls, electronic toys.

2. Sort books by age. Repair torn pages as much as possible. Wipe down board and plastic books.

3. Sort clothing by gender and size. Wash clothes, removing stains if possible. Fold neatly or hang on hangers.

4. Hold a yard sale with other families who also have gear to sell. Place large items like climbing structures, strollers, and Cozy Coupes near the curb for drive-by visibility. Make grab bags of smaller items and sell them for a dollar or two. Organize items by category. (See How to Hold a Profitable Garage Sale.)

5. Take the "sell" pile to a kids' resale shop. Call the stores in your area to find out what they accept, what their buying hours are and how they pay (see How to Sell Used Clothing).

6. Sell expensive or nearly new items online. Go to parent Web sites and hawk your loot to a perfectly targeted local audience. Browse eBay.com to see what is selling and for how much. Sell by the lot if you have a group of smaller toys or bags of clothes. You can make a decent return on items like individual Thomas the Tank Engine pieces and sets, bicycles, and upscale clothing and shoes. See How to Sell Products and Services Online, spiff your goods up, post quality digital photos and get ready to haul in some cash.

7. Donate whatever doesn't sell or seem salesworthy to a local children's shelter, thrift store or preschool. Get a receipt for tax time.

Tips & Warnings

• Fresh, clean toys and clothes in particular are more appealing to buyers and will fetch a higher price. Wash or wipe down everything that's plastic or wood with a disinfectant.

Who Can Help:

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[mommyss]

on 11/2/2008 Great tips! I have to say that you have pretty much covered my routes for selling my baby items. Most of my baby clothes I sell at www.mommyauctions.com. It's free to list and I really enjoy the moms that buy and sell there.

[kellie1]

on 8/26/2008 If you are starting a consignment business, for sale called: Too Good to be Threw by Kate Holmes. Please e-mail me if interested.

[e-mail]

[jodyreale]

on 3/15/2008 Now there's Zwaggle (http://www.zwaggle.com), a national network of parents who have come together to share. Members will tell you it's an essential, practical part of any responsible, environmentally friendly de-cluttering habit—with an extra added benefit: you get back what you give, in the form of a points system (called "Zoints").

[jodyreale]

on 3/15/2008 Now there's Zwaggle (http://www.zwaggle.com), a national network of parents who have come together to share. Members will tell you it's an essential, practical part of any responsible, environmentally friendly de-cluttering habit—with an extra added benefit: you get back what you give, in the form of a points system (called "Zoints").

on 8/8/2006 Try selling your unwanted items on eBay. They might not sell for a lot, but if you have a large amount to sell, it will add up.