Buying and Selling Second Hand Nappies
14 September 2022
2024 Second Hand Nappy Market
Buying reusable nappies second hand, or 'preloved', is an attractive option for families either wishing to keep costs down, or to minimise their environmental impact by buying a good condition second hand item instead of brand new. Historically there was a buoyant second hand nappy market, with sought after prints selling for high prices or parents being able to recoup nearly half of their initial investment by selling on. Over the past 12-18 months however that market has plummeted, with nappies no longer holding their previous 50% resale value.
I believe there are a number of reasons for this.
- During Covid there was a boom in reusable nappies as families wanted to ensure they had access to nappies during those difficult times. When there is growth in an industry there is always a rush of suppliers and brands trying to fulfil that need. During Covid we saw an explosion in new brands. Unlike traditional brands such as Motherease and Tots Bots which were designed and sewn by mothers at their kitchen tables, these new brands were often ordered from factory catalogues who often just put different labels on effectively the same nappy. The competition between brands drove prices down but also quality. These lower quality nappies, once finished in the life of the original user, are not anywhere near in the same condition as had historically been found in mainstream brands.
- At the same time as the brand explosion there was also an explosion of reusable nappy retailers. At one point I was aware of over 120 nappy stores. Reusable nappies have always been a niche area, and quite simply there were more stores trying to trade than there was a market for them. Competition is healthy and more people promoting reusables has its benefits, however with a scramble for retailers to recoup costs the selling price of nappies plummeted. This had a DRAMATIC impact on the second hand market. Why would buyers buy second hand nappies when they could buy new with a warranty and often free shipping for the same price?
- The birth rate is falling. There are quite simply fewer babies being born post Covid. Fewer babies means fewer people needing to buy nappies. This has continued to put pressure on brands, retailers and second hand market.
- Covid destroyed the move to reusable products: it's fallen off people's agenda. Pre-Covid there was a green revolution encouraging us to reuse instead of dispose. Covid taught us to be "clean" we needed to wear disposable plastic gloves, disposable masks, reusable coffee cups were no longer accepted at coffee shops. The push to be green has not come back since. When was the last time you saw an article on the news about disposable nappies, wipes, coffee cups and the damage they cause? Less interest in being green = less interest in buying nappies.
- Cost of Living. Inflation has hurt everyone: families and businesses. Families quite simply find day to day life expensive. Using reusables might be more cost effective long term but only if you have the money to buy upfront. This should help to drive a second hand market but why buy second hand when it's just as cheap to buy new?
So where are we now?
The reusable nappy market is in the doldrums. We have lost a number of long term brands who could not survive the crash in prices or decline in sales. Sadly I think we will still lose further brands over the coming few years. So where does that leave you right now?
Sellers
- Be realistic in what price you can achieve. Look at what others have achieved on selling groups but also look at our own Nappy Lady clearance sections where we sell exhire products and see what we are selling for.
- Used nappies can not be sold on eBay or Vinted. Try local groups or one of the many cloth nappy buying and selling groups on Facebook. The Nappy Lady has an incredibly popular selling group.
- Consider what nappies you have. If you have excellent quality Motherease nappies there is still a secondhand market for them. It is a fraction of what the market was but I still see them selling. If you have brands that have ceased trading there is currently very little value, if any, in them as stores are selling new very cheaply to clear stock. Again I'd recommend you check out our selling group and see what others have listed them for and cruicially if they have sold.
- Consider the condition they really are in. As sad as it is to have nappies at the end of their lifespan, it does happen eventually (some brands / types of nappies quicker than others). It is better to recycle your nappies than give them away to a family who may get the wrong impression about reusables if elastics or velcro are perished or worn. Reusable nappies can be added into fabric/clothing recycling banks. They will be graded as rags and be recycled while also raising some money for the charity.
- When you post items, make sure you send recorded and get a free certificate of postage. If your your parcel gets lost in the post you'll need to reimburse the purchaser and make a claim against Royal Mail.
- Take lots of photos and be as clear as possible in your description, to avoid any confusion further down the process. There is nothing worse than having sold something for a little, posted it and then having to refund the person when a dispute arises.
Buyers
Look very carefully at what you are considering buying secondhand. Recently we are receiving a huge influx in advice requests from parents who have bought second hand nappies and are struggling with leaks. Sometimes they just need some help using them correctly, but sadly the majority of the time the nappies they have bought are simply beyond their workable lifespan.
- Before you buy second hand, shop around. You may find brand new items for almost the same price plus a warranty with free shipping. Buying lots of little bundles second hand soon adds up in shipping.
- Are you being offered a good price for the used nappies? Compare to our clearance pages and ex hire pages which will often still come with a warranty.
- Is the type or brand of nappies you're considering still in production? If they have ceased trading you'll likely pick up new from a store with stock left.
- Research the reviews of what the seller is offering. Were they good nappies with excellent reviews, known to be long lasting? If in doubt pop me an email and I'll be able to give you an overview of the brand.
- When were the nappies bought new? This is incredibly important. I've received donations here that I could age to be 20+years old, donated as the owner couldn't sell them - they were beyond use and had to be recycled. The Motherease company for example is over 30 years old, some prints are still in production from that time, you can't always age by print.
- How have the nappies been washed and how often? The longer than were used, the more wear and tear is on them. Nappies do not go on forever. Imagine if you wore a pair of jeans for two years and washed them every 2-3 days. At the end of those two years they are going to be extremely well worn. Expect nappies to be in a condition of those jeans.
- Check the condition of the nappies carefully with the seller and don't be afraid to ask questions about how old they are, how they have been washed, how they have been stored etc. If buying online, check photos, videos, close up of the PUL and get a detailed description of the nappies and any wear and tear.
PayPal
For sellers and buyers, always pay via PayPal Goods and Services so you are both protected. Never send money via friends and family as you lose that protection.
