Secondhand buying culture in Singapore?

[Mummy3574]

Since we've had out toddler we've got pretty much everything secondhand for him, either given to us on local Facebook groups or bought in NCT/mum2mum markets or charity shops?

I was wondering what the secondhand market is like in Singapore? We are moving soon and will need to replace a lot of things we are leaving behind in the UK. A quick Google shows a few charity shops around Singapore - are they any good? Are there any secondhand markets for children's stuff - how much is normally knocked off prices? I'm also going to look for some expat groups on Facebook - is that a good source for buying? And can anyone recommend any? Should I bother stocking up on clothes in advance of moving there?

And if we want to buy new, where would you recommend? I've seen IKEA and Mothercare online, would love any more recommendations.

Last random question - is it worth bringing/buying wellies for toddlers for Singapore? I'm guessing it's too hot but how else do they cope with downpours, monsoons and jumping up and down in muddy puddles - in sandals?

Charity shops not really.
You need to join a group called 'Singapore expat wives classifieds' - this is a massive buy and sell group for expats coming and going.

Wellies - no, it's too hot for that kind of shoe. You need a large stock of umbrellas and make sure you always have one in your bag as the clouds roll in within minutes.

No charity shops in Singapore. Facebook groups like the PP mentioned, if you’re staying in a condo there might be a selling group there too.

Crocs instead of wellies.

Cotton On is good for kids clothes.

Stock up on swimwear before you go. UV tops etc.

Facebook groups are the way to go, if you're not on there it's worth joining for any expat/mummy groups to meet people etc. I'm in Bangkok not SG but we also lack charity shops here. I've bought all toys on Facebook since arriving. Clothes not so much but they do come up. I find prices not as low as in the UK for secondhand but sometimes this is because things are really prized items, and some of those will be easier to come by in SG than here. For example bigger things like an Ikea play kitchen or a stokke highchair thing... they go for nearly full price!

I second crocs. We brought wellies with us but they've only been worn a handful of times, kids just get wet and then dry off again.

Crocs and flip-flops are Asian wellies.

Re. second hand selling, I am in HK, not Sing, but local people are ridiculous about their asking prices for second hand stuff on FB forums- they'll try to sell a pack of babygros that has been opened, washed but unworn for 90% retail price with pick up in Beijing on Tuesday lunchtime between 12:15 and 12:17. I'm not even going to start on the half full box of tampax. Hopefully Singaporeans are more reasonable

However, I think second hand sales in Asia are generally less of a thing than in the UK. You don't get bundles of clothes offered like in the UK and most stuff is "pick up" (no-one can be arsed to go to the PO) so you need to weigh it up against the hassle of going somewhere to get it.