How to Successfully Buy Used Cloth Diapers

Let’s face it, everyone wants a good deal.  But, sometimes “too good to be true” is well “too good to be true.”  I’ve been duped twice in my 3 years of cloth diapering and it is horrible!  It took me weeks to get over that someone wanted to steal from me.  Of course there are other ways in which a transaction can go bad.

Here are 5 steps you need to take when buying used cloth diapers:

1) Don’t impulse or retail therapy shop.  Almost anytime you buy something on a whim or as therapy you end up regretting it.  I can’t tell you how many “hot” diapers I’ve bought because I got caught up in the emotions or had a fight with my husband and bought a diaper to make myself feel better (did I seriously just say “bought a diaper to make myself feel better”???)  Sure the diaper is great but never did I actually need it.

2) Check seller feedback.  Sometimes when you are caught up in the excitement of finally finding a diaper you want you forget to check the seller’s feedback.  This is extremely important.  Yes, everyone has to start somewhere but when it comes to my money I want to know that they have been honest.  Feedback can come from anywhere: ebay, forums, hyena cart.  There are times when you feel like you can trust the person but cover yourself by paying through paypal and requiring a delivery confirmation number.

3) Never buy without pictures.  If a seller has the diapers then there shouldn’t be a problem posting pictures.  I personally know many moms that have bought hard-to-get diapers from a seller with no picture.  Two things can happen: 1) there are no diapers or 2) you get poor quality, nasty diapers.  Even if it comes down to a picture via a camera phone, if you want the diaper make sure you see it first.

4) Thoroughly wash or if necessary strip diapers before use.  You never know where the diapers came from.  Even if the seller says they have a “no smoking” house the mail carrier may smoke.  Your diapers could also have just been worn by a baby that had a bad case of diarrhea.  No matter where they come from protect your baby.  Soak in Bac-out, wash with detergent and maybe a little bleach.  The only time I don’t get overly paranoid is if I “know” the seller and trust that the diapers have been used minimally and without issue.

5) Leave feedback for seller.  The only way for a seller to gain the trust of buyers is for buyers to leave truthful feedback.  I know we are all busy and I am guilty of forgetting to leave feedback.  But it is important.  Everyone deserves to know who the good sellers are.  It makes me feel like I’m giving the seller a gift when I leave positive feedback with a kind word.

The main reason to buy used cloth diapers is to get a deal.  But seeing a listing for 10 Goodmamas for $100 is not bait I’m taking.  Also be aware of how much you are actually saving.  If the savings is less than $5 (including shipping) perhaps buying new is the better way to go.

Hmmm, what can I go buy that will help me forget catching Paisley’s throw-up all day lol.