CrashHubby’s sister told us she had booked a spot at the Camberwell Markets here in Melbourne, so we decided to tag along with a bunch of baby equipment we no longer need.
When I say we, I mean, CrashHubby. I looked after the kids. No way I’m getting up at 5am on a winter morning unless skiing is involved!
Yesterday the kids helped CH clean the different items in big tubs of water in the backyard. We at least got this bit right, using a non-toxic all purpose cleaner.
I made up a diluted 1:10 solution of ecostore’s Multi-Purpose Concentrate to water.
Tip: I’ve filled a couple of empty shampoo containers with the multi-purpose mix above. I keep one in the bathroom and one in the kitchen. A quick squirt is all you need for clean basins, sinks and benches ;)
Another thing we got right was a bit of research on the internet to set our sell prices.
Then it all went wrong . . .
From CrashHubby’s experience this morning, here’s a list of things to avoid:
Don’t . . .
. . . be naive going into your first market. The ‘before sunrise’ market zombies will materialise and start poking around your stuff before you’ve even set it up. They’ll also try and get it for rock bottom prices and then sell it for double at their own stall!
. . . try and sell baby equipment that is in really good condition and worth more than pocket change. A lot of market goers are out leisurely looking for a bargain and won’t pay well for quality stuff.
. . . forget to take photos of your market stall for your lovely wife’s blog! Sorry – no photos to show :(
. . . forget to check the parking sign when you park at 5.30am in the dark. $70 parking tickets eat into the profits – quite a bit!
. . . tell your wife you sold her baby’s beautiful moses basket and timber stand for $25 (sob)
Here’s a photo of the truck AFTER the market – hmmm looks much like it did yesterday!
So there you have it – a failed trip to the markets and that corner of the garage we cleared just got filled again.
What are your tips for selling baby equipment?
I was thinking ebay, but seriously can’t be bothered with all the admin. Maybe a dedicated kids and baby market?
Tell me about your experiences – we might get this thing right yet!
Laney x
We sold most of the furniture at a garage sale, same for toys and a stack of baby clothes. The baby clothes that were left went into bulk lots on eBay. Cots are all but impossible to sell. Good luck clearing that corner! Tatum xx
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I don’t want 5am door knockers turning up for my garage sale! Not sure we have enough stuff for a garage sale either. I remember them being fun as a kid though!
I am a huge fan of facebook online garage sales, it is people in your area not so much everywhere like ebay where they may need postage. Biggest tip would be to meet with buyers at a mutually agreed local spot for pickup if you are uncomfortable with people coming and going at your house. I have sold all my baby gear and unwanted household goods and have picked up quite a few bargains on stuff myself. or try Gumtree
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I’ve never seen a garage sale on FB, sounds interesting! Gumtree certainly seems quite popular.
Although I haven’t sold at them, I have been a buyer at the Baby & Kids Markets & they seem good. All like minded people so u don’t have the “buy it cheap, sell it on” issue, plus buyers are looking for good quality baby stuff & happy to pay a reasonable price (still a lot cheaper than shops). They also have an area for big stuff like cots, prams etc & that stuff seems to go first. No idea of cost of stall but presumably it’s worth it as they are always packed. There is a dedicated website (google it). Depending on when u do it we might join you. Good luck!
It would be great to do one together – a bit of motivation!
I think the baby and kids markets are a great way to get rid of stuff. Second hand baby stuff seem worthless these days though :(
Eleise Bott’s last post..Ash Grunwald in the Wollongong!
Depends on who is buying it. We definitely bought some second hand stuff second time around – when the budget was tighter!
Gumtree is where I sell my things :) Its great because its specific to what people are looking for :)
Yvette @ DTlilsquirts’s last post..Lil Squirts Bento Lunch – 7/7/12
I find it a bit friendlier too :)
I have been a shopper at the Babies and Kids Market, and they are really good. I agree with everything Mrs Cookie said in her comment. Gumtree is a good alternative to eBay as well because you don’t have to set up an account and pay fees. Listing something is much quicker.
Roslyn’s last post..Molly’s Birthday Jacket
It’s going to be hard to make a decision. Some great advice and recommendations for different methods!
Sell old baby stuff? What a novel idea. I don’t think that I have sold ANYTHING – just gave it all away (much of it was second hand to start with). I remember when younger sis was pregnant with her first and we rolled up to her house with a load full of things….. the look on her face was priceless :) I had obviously made my decision that WE WERE DONE by that stage.
I think that the Baby markets would be better than the Camberwell market – too many trendy young things there definitely NOT looking for second hand baby gear. If you’d gone with a load of vintage clothes on the other hand……
Alli @ Ducks on the Dam’s last post..Happy Chookies
Yes – hubby’s sister had lots of funky clothes to sell. She did well! We’ve fit some really good quality stuff to sell so I have more spending money in New York ;)
Have you heard of St Kilda Mum’s? They are a wonderful organisation that collects preloved baby & kids gear and distributes to families in need through local support agencies & case workers. https://www.facebook.com/StKildaMums They are truly amazing ladies and you should take a look at their work.
I have indeed. I learnt about them at a blogging for community event. If I don’t sell then I will definitely donate :)
Another one for Baby and Kids market. I seem to remember you or CH actually booked the stall for me all those years ago, didn’t you? ;)
I think I made about $600 profit at the one in Camberwell. Only drawback, spots are hard to get. But definitely worth the time and hassle if you can get in.
I do remember! I also remember how well you did!
Gumtree all the way. I got so much off there when I was pregnant and will sell it all when we’re done through there too. Even paying for your ad to be featured on the front page (because the baby section fills up so quick you’ll be on page 5 within hours) is worth it. #notsponsored #justafan :P
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Good to hear another Gumtree advocate. I really like using it in the UK. So easy!
I know you probably dont want to hear this hun but we sold all our stuff on Ebay. A few days of pain but huge gain. That or find a friend of a friend who you can flog it all to in a package deal ;) Good Luck xx
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I like the package deal idea! I’ll pretend I didn’t hear eBay mentioned again!
I have done that exact same thing Laney and come home with most of it!
Keep an eye on http://www.babybargains.com.au/ It is about to launch anytime. It is like Ebay – but for kids and baby stuff, and without the fees. It has been going in Adelaide for 18 months or so and is HUGE. The owner is just having the websites built and is rolling it out nationally anytime now. There is a Facebook page too – I think it is called Melbourne Baby Bargains x
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I know Belinda, she has a great model. Maybe I should wait for her site!
ha ha! that’s too funny! I needed a good laugh before going to bed :)
I sold all of our baby books on ebay and ending up paying more out than we got for them due to incorrectly estimating the postage! lesson learned. Now, I give all our stuff to friends instead of selling it. I gave our beautiful moses basket to my sister in-law and she loved it! so much better than getting a few measly bucks for it :)
Sorry to hear your market experience wasn’t as great as you wanted it to be. I love attending markets, but never held one, but your tips are fantastic.
Tania @ A Perfect Pantry’s last post..Ramsgate Produce Market
I like attending them too. Too much hard work to actually have a successful stall!