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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that ebay should not sell second hand car seats?

34 replies

Nottigermum · 02/09/2012 20:24

That's it really. There are lots of rules on ebay about second hand stuff that cannot be sold because of hygene reasons (such as second hand nappies). I think there should be a rule to not sell used car seats. The car seat might have been in an accident, and be unsafe. I'm not starting a petition or anything... just want to know.

OP posts:
WhatYouLookingAt · 02/09/2012 20:25

if people are stupid enough to buy them, other people can sell them. The ban on used nappies is bogus too.

kinkyfuckery · 02/09/2012 20:28

They should ban selling furniture and clothing in case they are infested with something.
They should ban selling alarm clocks in case they don't work and make someone late for work/school.
They should ban selling cars in case they crash.

Sometimes, sellers and buyers have to take responsibility for themselves and their own purchases.

JumpingThroughMoreHoops · 02/09/2012 20:31

Define second hand.

I might have bought one and it didn't fit the car. But as I've opened it and destroyed the packing it is now second hand.

Ebay = Caveat Emptor - buyer be ware. Don't like it, don't buy it.

WelshMaenad · 02/09/2012 20:32

It's a bit blanket. I bought DS' current seat on eBay. It had been used twice, their child didn't get on with it (feasible, it's a kiddy infinity pro). I picked it up and it was clearly virtually brand new. I'm happy with my ability to make a judgement in that sort of situation. I'm also selling his previous seat (concord ultimax) and might list it on eBay. I know it's not been in any accidents and has been used for less than a year so my conscience is clean. Anyone who chooses not to believe me isn't forced to bid!

SecretNutellaMedallist · 02/09/2012 20:33

Ebay doesn't sell used car seats. The ebay sellers do, who are private individuals mostly.

There is nothing in law that forbids the sale sale of second hand car seats. Caveat Emptor.

lljkk · 02/09/2012 20:34

yabu

Scaredycat3000 · 02/09/2012 20:39

Ebay do have odd rules. No second hand washable nappies, but yes to recalled/banned bag slings.

chandellina · 02/09/2012 21:00

I was "stupid enough" to buy one off ebay. And got another one from a local forum. I am rational enough to know that the odds of one being in a crash and then sold are minuscule, and trusting enough to think no parent would pass on a compromised seat.

oldraver · 02/09/2012 21:02

I do do an intake of breath when I see what are obviously ancient car seats but hopefully people wont buy them

HappySeven · 02/09/2012 21:34

Since when do they not sell second hand reusable nappies? I've just looked (thought I must have imagined seeing them before) and they're definitely there.

Original poster
Nottigermum · 02/09/2012 22:02

For years, happyseven. People get around the rules by stating 'new' in listing but 'used' or 'pre-loved' in description, but if they are reported, the item has to be removed or your account can be closed down. 'Items Not Allowed: Used undergarments, including but not limited to: Athletic supporters, Briefs (.......), Children's sized underwear, Cloth nappies, G-strings (.....) Any used clothing item listed with content eBay finds to be inappropriate. eBay will consider the overall content of listings - including description and images - when making this assessment.'

It's not only about trusting that parents would not sell a car seat that has been in an accident, it can also be how old the item is, if it might have been recalled, if there's any damage to the padding that is not visible, not having the instructions on how to fit it correctly, ...

But hey, I get the general drift here, IABU, but I still wouldn't buy a second hand car seat off a complete stranger. It's a question of trust I suppose.

OP posts:
TalkinPeace2 · 02/09/2012 22:08

Britax Rockatots are still excellent car seats
you are all falling for the hype if you think old seats do not work

HappySeven · 02/09/2012 22:17

I chose 'used' earlier though and they still came up. I'll have another play...

PurpleAndPoppyWearer · 02/09/2012 22:17

Genuine question here.

We have two infant car seats and ISOFIX bases. They are no longer used and taking up a lot of room in our house. One has been well-used (daily) for 18 months, the other weekly for about the same length of time (9 months each for two children).

The car seats have categorically not been in any accidents. Seats and bases were all bought in 2008, brand new. Maxi Cosi brand.

We were thinking about selling them on eBay as "bases plus free car seats" but opted against it. Much though we could do with a bit of money for them.

Would any charities want them? Should I put them on Freecycle? Give them to the nursery we use? I don't want to throw them away, it's such a waste!

(I was happy to put my DC2 in these seats after DC1 had used them in 2008. I guess that makes them second-hand?)

TalkinPeace2 · 02/09/2012 22:19

NCT sale?

rainbowinthesky · 02/09/2012 22:19

We sold two baby seats on eBay. Both were bought by people abroad and they paid for couriers. Bit odd as with courier costs on top the seats cost just as much second hand as new.

HappySeven · 02/09/2012 22:20

Nope, definitely lots under 'used'.

I'm hoping to sell my travel system soon. If I knew someone who wanted it I would give it away but I don't. It has a new car seat with it as I had a car crash and got a new one on my insurance. It just seems a waste for it not to help someone out and not go to landfill. I hope someone trusts me and gets a bargain!

JumpingThroughMoreHoops · 02/09/2012 22:24

EBay them. People either buy or they don't.

chandellina · 02/09/2012 22:28

Just remembered we also sold an originally very expensive rear facing seat on ebay too, to a happy buyer. I think it's a parent's market, the money isn't enough to attract fraudulent sellers.

porcamiseria · 02/09/2012 22:30

do you work for maxicosi?

the number of car seats that end on landfill, its rank

and how many people wopuld really sell a car seat after its been in a crash, I cannot imagine anyone would!!!

SecretNutellaMedallist · 02/09/2012 22:31

If they were bought in 2008 then they are approaching the end of their safe useful life. Car seats only usually have a life of about 5 years as the plastic can start to degrade after that time.

LaurieFairyCake · 02/09/2012 22:34

Even if there was a crash I imagine any damage would be visible to the new owner. I guess that there are just as many new 'faulty' seats floating about for sale as there crash damaged ones.

It's total craziness to pander to parents fears by spreading this crap.

TalkinPeace2 · 02/09/2012 22:34

secret
where do you get that information from?
are you saying that plastic car bumpers stop being safe after five years too?

SecretNutellaMedallist · 02/09/2012 22:39

I have had training in car seat fitting and the basics behind the technology from both MaxiCosi and Britax.

You may not be able to see the damage, but at about 5-6 years it is possible for the plastic to be not in a fit state to maintain integrity in a crash. It does depend on where and how they are stored, but in any case they do use a different plastic compound for car bumpers than for carseats.

Meglet · 02/09/2012 22:40

I sold the DC's old car seats on e-bay to raise a few quid. I knew the seats were fine and took very clear photos to show they were in excellent condition.

There is also the possibility that some people might buy them for spares / relatives cars or otherwise not use a car seat. A second hand seat for £15 is a lot more affordable than a new one for £100+ if you only want it every so often.

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