people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

this is not to cause drama and is NOT directed at anyone personally. it's an observation i've made, and spoken about on FM, with many people.

i'm big into buying things second hand--i've bought a lot off of mommies on here and even a few on craigs list. all items have been used, and i will only buy ones that are clean.

sometimes i read postings, or the buy/sell/swap thread and just why would i buy a USED baby item for $50 when it retails for $70 brand new? isn't the point not to make money, but to get rid of items you won't use anymore and help a fellow mommy out? personally, i wouldn't pay more than $20-25 for a used item that retails for $70. you can go to BBB and use a 20% off coupon and get it brand new for $56--which is practically the same as what they're asking, but new.

i just get sad reading some postings (again, not all on here, but definitely there are a lot!). when i sell DS's items down the line, i'll ask a fraction of what they were worth new. they've been used, spit up on, etc for many months. i could never ask over 50% of the original cost--especially since most were given as gifts--and i still have all the original boxes and instruction manuals. i'll just want to get them out of the house and help a fellow mommy out. i can't in good conscience ask $$$$ for something that was used by my kids.

what are your thoughts? am i alone in this?

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

I see your point, and I think it depends on what it is...

If I paid over $100 for a swing, it is in perfect condition and clean (washed seat) I would have no problem trying to sell in for $50...

But would I try and sell my $60 exersaucer for $50, nope, no way...

I agree that you are selling to get the items off your hands (and help someone else out), so to ask for too much is just a little silly...you're still making money in the end if you count the amt. of hours your child enjoyed being in the item...

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

I'm not one to sell used baby items. I give mine away. So my point will always be to help someone else out & get rid of things I don't need. I hate throwing things out that can be used by someone.

BUT, I know there are moms on here that truly struggle financially. I don't begrudge them asking for more money. It's up to the buyer to check out the new price & opt to buy or not buy. It may be items that they received at their shower & that extra money can be going toward formula or clothes for the upcoming season.

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

you are right and I have not bought one used item, and probably never will. iwould rather just pay full price and get it brand new bc people want way too much for Used things. I notice this on craigslist mainly

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

I agree with you! I've thought the same things you mentioned above (which is why i don't buy anything on here). It really doesn't pay to buy something used when you can get it new for almost the same price. I do think some of the prices for some items is a bit high.

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

I agree with you. I see it all the time on Craig's list.

As for me, I list my stuff, that is in great condition, at about 1/3 of the cost new. I expect to be bargained down though.

Things like clothes and stuff, are so inexpensive new I can't see buy used stuff.

But to answer your question, it does annoy me that people ask too much money for their used stuff because I would actually buy it if it was fairly priced.

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

ITA. I see stuff all the time on CL for way too much money. I heard that generally you should pay no more than 30% of the original purchase price for an item.

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

I hope I didn't offend anyone with what I said...

I wanted to add that I also give LOTS away too (I had so many nwt clothes that DD didn't wear, I gave them to friends - not regifted, just told them that she didn't wear them)...

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

Posted by browneyedgirl

Posted by nrthshgrl

I'm not one to sell used baby items. I give mine away. So my point will always be to help someone else out & get rid of things I don't need. I hate throwing things out that can be used by someone.

BUT, I know there are moms on here that truly struggle financially. I don't begrudge them asking for more money. It's up to the buyer to check out the new price & opt to buy or not buy. It may be items that they received at their shower & that extra money can be going toward formula or clothes for the upcoming season.

i agree. there are probably people who are struggling and i would never fault them for trying to help themselves out. i just feel that it happens more often than not.

it's definitely on the buyer to make her own decision whether it's worth it or not. as someone who has no income right now, i buy used items to help myself out since i don't have a lot of money to buy DS new things right now. that's why it's upsetting to me i guess.

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

Posted by nrthshgrl

Posted by browneyedgirl

Posted by nrthshgrl

I'm not one to sell used baby items. I give mine away. So my point will always be to help someone else out & get rid of things I don't need. I hate throwing things out that can be used by someone.

BUT, I know there are moms on here that truly struggle financially. I don't begrudge them asking for more money. It's up to the buyer to check out the new price & opt to buy or not buy. It may be items that they received at their shower & that extra money can be going toward formula or clothes for the upcoming season.

i agree. there are probably people who are struggling and i would never fault them for trying to help themselves out. i just feel that it happens more often than not.

it's definitely on the buyer to make her own decision whether it's worth it or not. as someone who has no income right now, i buy used items to help myself out since i don't have a lot of money to buy DS new things right now. that's why it's upsetting to me i guess.

I guess what I'm saying is make an offer. If it's priced too high, no one is buying it & I'm sure the person would be glad to get rid of it. I'm sure most of us with kids wants to deal with complete strangers or be bothered with eBay & shipping. That alone is worth the discount.

I promise you garbagebagful of toys for you to save when he's older. I hope you like tiny sharp little objects called Legos because we have thousands of them!

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

Posted by nrthshgrl

Posted by browneyedgirl

Posted by nrthshgrl

I'm not one to sell used baby items. I give mine away. So my point will always be to help someone else out & get rid of things I don't need. I hate throwing things out that can be used by someone.

BUT, I know there are moms on here that truly struggle financially. I don't begrudge them asking for more money. It's up to the buyer to check out the new price & opt to buy or not buy. It may be items that they received at their shower & that extra money can be going toward formula or clothes for the upcoming season.

i agree. there are probably people who are struggling and i would never fault them for trying to help themselves out. i just feel that it happens more often than not.

it's definitely on the buyer to make her own decision whether it's worth it or not. as someone who has no income right now, i buy used items to help myself out since i don't have a lot of money to buy DS new things right now. that's why it's upsetting to me i guess.

I guess what I'm saying is make an offer. If it's priced too high, no one is buying it & I'm sure the person would be glad to get rid of it. I'm sure most of us with kids wants to deal with complete strangers or be bothered with eBay & shipping. That alone is worth the discount.

I promise you garbagebagful of toys for you to save when he's older. I hope you like tiny sharp little objects called Legos because we have thousands of them!

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

I personally couldn't "sell" any of DC used toys or other stuff. I always just give them away, but I do try to find women who I think are in need of the items.

Message edited 1/14/2009 11:57:14 AM.

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

etd. because you edited.

Message edited 1/14/2009 12:14:37 PM.

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

ITA with you.

I've given away or sold items for a fraction of the cost around where I live (VA). There is a moms club swap that happens once in a while and its a great way to find stuff you need.

However one mom recently wanted to sell a toy that her daughter no longer played with (a ride on/push toy). Retail was $44. She was asking $35. I didn't say a word and neither did any other moms...but no one responded to the post. I just saw it in walmart for like $37..why would anyone pay $35 for a used toy??

I guess she's thinking she could make some money for something in good condition, but I thought that was a lot to ask. I don't get it.

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

I edited my post..I certainly didn't mean anything by the word cheap. I'm not passing judgment on anyone. I was just referring to the people that I know who do it.

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

I can see where your coming from, but it really is hard to know the whole story..

Anyone that knows me, knows that I gave away tons for free - from swings, bouncy seats, exersaucers, clothes, etc. All I aked was that they not re-sell the items. Which is why I would prefer to go this route on LIF rather than Craigs List, because maybe I know that person a little better.

I have also sold somethings - bigger expense items - and did my research by checking prices on CL and ebay... I am fair, if the buyer thought otherwise, they certainly didn't say.

It's hard, I would hate to part with something in mint condition that I spent a lot of money on for a litte bit of money.

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

Funny, but I feel like I have gotten some great bargains on the swap thread. I have purchased items from at least 5 people and have been very satisfied with the price and quality of the items. To each his own, I guess.

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

I agree with you not just here on cl ebay.

Re: people asking and expecting a lot for used items???

This is something that annoys the cr@p out of me. Not so much on here but definitely on craigslist & ebay...

Im not one to want anything for items that I have that I no longer need. I might ask for a package of diapers (if it's a baby item) but I dont really care. I care more that it's going to someone who could use it...the only thing that I ask for in return is that they cant sell the item when they are done with it..They have to pay if forward and give it away..

I see people selling items on Ebay that cost more than they do at the store...that I NEVER understood.