Buying baby items - where am I going wrong?

[BlueLadybird]

I’ve recently had a baby and hoping to buy some items like clothes second hand for environmental and financial reasons.

I’ve had a few successes but a few losses too and wondering where I’m going wrong. For example - baby clothes very heavily stained (just described as used, no mention of condition - is it up to seller to point out major defects or should I assume the worst unless it says otherwise?); listing which said seller would combine postage so I bid on things I wouldn’t have otherwise then the seller said they only had small bags and I had to pay individual postage costing way more than the item; something arriving the wrong size to what was listed.

Should I be appealing this kind of thing or do buyers just need to suck it up? For info I always pay immediately and would like to think I am a decent buyer to deal with.

Definitely appeal! I've had no issues..

Yes, raise a dispute on ebay for not as described and return them. Ebay will side with you.

The postage thing; if they wont combine then why dont you request to cancel it? Ebay should side with you on that too.

I had a lot more success with local sellers from FB marketplace and also fb groups like Babipur BST to be honest?

eBay can be amazing - I’ve brought loads of 2nd hand baby stuff in various sizes and I’d say I’m pleased with 85% of it. Saved me loads of money tho. I personally only buy really cheap stuff so I’m not that disappointed if it doesn’t work. But definitely appeal the above

I've found buying second hand clothes a bit hit and miss for the same reasons as you. However I've had success with the bigger more durable items like pram, cot, change table, toys, sling, steriliser and bath. Also I shop on Facebook marketplace, local pick up only, so I check out the item in person. If it didn't meet the description I'd just say no thanks and leave, no faffing around trying to get a refund.

I think with clothes, a good compromise between cost, environment and quality is to buy new but only buy a small amount - just what you actually need. Most people end up with drawers of things that are never worn or worn once. Also don't stock up, wait and see what you need at the time. Sometimes the baby has a growth spurt and skips a size, or the weather is unusual for the season.

Over about 3-6 months it's much tougher to buy normal baby clothes second hand as weaning has started so the stains get pretty well impossible to remove. Also crawling trashes clothes. Most of my older child second hand clothes have come free from friends and all have been passed on free of charge to other friends. My older DC is slim (also very active and has a thing for pens) so most of her stuff has got trashed before it is outgrown! Holes in the knee are the usual reason they're trashed!

I had no luck on eBay for kids stuff at all - beyond one bouncer.

Local groups were much much better - see if there's a local facebook group or similar.

My best thing was a mixed box of baby clothes, because it meant that when he unexpectedly grew, there was something in there to fit to tide me over while I looked for more stuff in the right size.

Thanks for all the responses. The ship has sailed for appealing the examples but it’s good to know I could if the same happened. I don’t expect anywhere near pristine condition for something used but it’s a good point about weaning and heavier use for older children’s items so I’ll bear that in mind and look on Facebook too.

Thanks again.

The seller should say whether it is stained or ripped.

I only went for items that had a lot of photos.

Charity shops can be great too if you live in or near an affluent area.

I have bought quite a few baby clothes from eBay, but avoid items where the description is just ‘used’ have than excellent or very good condition. If it’s an item I’m really keen on I might message the vendor to ask about the condition. Also worth checking the vendor’s feedback. I’ve never run into issues, hope you are luckier in future!

I buy quite a few things on Ebay, mostly items for me and the occasional children's item. My tips are:

I tend to stick to specific brands that tend to be slightly more pricey in the first place. Perhaps try individual items rather than bundles?

I look at previous feedback before buying, including feedback left for others as that can be very revealing!

It encourages me if someone has taken a bit of time with their listing and laid out their items nicely on a clean background.

I also prefer the listing to say 'Pet and smoke free home'.

Before bidding or BIN:

• Always contact the seller and ask specifically for what stains there are - the size and location

• Get measurements if required

• Get the seller to confirm that there are no holes, rips or tears. Ask if poppers and buttons etc are in full working order.

• Get them to confirm that they’ll combine P&P.