Top second hand eBay tips

[charcb]

Hi ladies.
I've never been a big eBay user (don't think I ever bought anything second hand there?) but I know many mums love it for second hand stuff for their babies and I'd like to get started. What are your top tips on shopping on eBay for baby things? Any big no no's, things to watch out for or recommendations?

If you’re on facebook I would have a look at local buying/selling groups first. Where I live there is even a specific facebook group for buying and selling baby stuff.

If you can collect locally you will save on postage plus you can actually check things before you hand over your cash.

You can get massive bargains on big stuff like travel systems (mine cost me £100) and it’s also a good way to get clothes as they grow out of them so quickly in the early months that it’s not worth buying new.

Read the descriptions very carefully and don't assume anything! eg if it's a changing bag, check the mat is included.
Look at all the pictures very carefully.
Don't be afraid to politely message the seller and ask for more pictures/info.
I've been using ebay for years, and IME it's a bit of a risk, but it's generally worth it. You can get some real bargains, but occasionally you get a stinker. Overall if you're savvy and careful it's worth it.
Think about how and how well different items will wear. eg clothes might go bobbly, can you see that close up in a photo? Plastic toys say are quite hard wearing, so likely to be fine.
Think about whether things are washable. eg if a baby seat covers come off and can be machine washed.
Bear in mind that you don't know the seller so if they say "my baby only used this twice" you have no idea if that's actually true.
Never buy a car seat, bike helmet or mattress second hand.

I'd avoid ebay and stick to Facebook Marketplace as there's no charge for postage as you would collect yourself. That way, you can see for yourself the condition. I've had some gorgeous stuff off Facebook/car boot sales and charity shops 😊

Second (third / fourth) FB Marketplace. Much simpler than eBay and generally cheaper too. I've got almost everything from there so far - the only things we've bought new are the car seat and cot mattress.

Some great ideas thanks all! I would never have thought of Facebook local groups - great tip.

Ebay has had its day IMO. Too many cheap Chinese products on there and the site is an absolute nightmare to navigate.

Facebook marketplace is definitely where it's at.

Don't buy a second hand car seat or cot mattress. If you get something like a travel system, best to get a new car seat as you don't know how the person has treated it and they are like crash helmets - you need them to protect your child if you had any kind of car accident.

Look for "from a smoke free home" and don't be afraid to ask. Same for pets if you have allergies or dislike the idea of animal hair/smells (IME, animal smells wash out, smoke smells don't always.)

I've been using Vinted to buy/sell clothes, in much the same way as I used to use Ebay - I live in another European country though, so maybe there is something that's used more in the UK - I've heard people talk about Deepop, but no idea if that is also for children's clothing. But anyway, I like this site as you can search by brand and colour as well as using keywords and therefore find things you like. You can watch/favourite things for a while and decide whether to buy them later and build bundles from one person's items and ask how much they would charge to post them all together.

Facebook is dodgy af. Iv bought and sold happily for years but had some awful experiences. I had someone collect a pram for me, it was an hour away. Omgosh it was vile, nothing as they'd described and had a dimped out ciggie in the basonet bit. It stank and was just grim.
Nothing could be done. She was a skank and wouldn't hear it, too far to go all the way for 40quid and she wouldn't meet me. Lesson learned.
So just make sure you examine the item don't be afraid to say no if it's shit.

I have had some bargains though 😊