What to do when you need to buy used (diapers).

Buying and selling used cloth diapers, it's a thing! A lot of people don't realize there is a huge market for used cloth diapers but there certainly is. eLeMeNO-Pee even has a Facebook buy/sell/trade page specifically for this purpose!

A lot of people would never even consider buying  used cloth diaper and that is totally fine. However, for various reasons, a lot of parents set out to do just that. Some prefer the savings up front and some love the idea of continuing to reuse a very Earth-friendly product in their own family and are not bothered by the idea of using pre-loved cloth!

There are a few things to consider when purchasing used cloth diapers, however. Unfortunately, there are people out there that are less than forthcoming with the information so it's good to ask plenty of questions before you commit to buy so you get a full scope of the condition of the diapers.

A few guidelines to follow:

--Be sure to ask if they are the original owner or if they purchased the diapers used as well so you know what type of lifespan is left

--Inquire about the type of detergent they used. Be sure they did not use fabric softeners.

--Ask them to verify whether they are "seconds quality" diapers or if they were first-quality diapers that came with the warranty.

--Specifically ask if there are any stains, repelling, tears, stink, or buildup.

--When purchasing online, always, always, ALWAYS use Paypal and send the funds as goods/services so you are protected in case the person is dishonest or misrepresents the item.

--If it is important to you, make sure to ask if the person has a pet and smoke free home.

--If it's not a site like eBay with built-in feedback to view, make sure you ask if they have references or feedback on other websites for you to reference. Sites like DiaperSwappers are common reference points in the buy/sell/trade community.

As is the case with all transactions, just be careful and trust your gut. If something seems "off" with the information you are receiving, move along to the next diaper. After the first transaction or two, you will be an old pro and have the swing of things down pat. It can be quite rewarding to score a stash of well cared for yet previously owned diapers for a fraction of the price you'd pay new!