Cloth Diaper BST Buyer Etiquette. Don’t Be That Girl

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I’m going to vent for a second here. I hope you don’t mind.

Can I just say that almost nothing irks me more than trying to sell cloth diapers? Really. The brand-specific boards seem to have their act together for the most part, but the general boards? I’m looking at you. No offense, but you are a hot mess! I mean this with all the love in the world, but . . .

Girlfriend, let’s talk.

Trust me, I’m not trying to rip you off. When I want to sell my cloth diapers I take several things into consideration first. How I’ve cared for them, the brand, and the condition. Then I price them accordingly. In fact, according to the brand-specific boards, I’m probably undercharging you. So please, don’t give me a hard time when I try to sell you my beautiful beloved cloth diapers. buy cloth diapers

We all want a good deal and not many things sting as much as being taken for a ride. I’ve been there. I get it. So, how can you buy the diapers you want and get them for a fair price without annoying everyone in CD-Land? Take my hand and I will tell you, my friend. 

Used cloth diapers aren’t FREE cloth diapers. 

Sometimes it seems like people on general BST boards want to get their diapers almost for free. Unless it’s a no-name knock-off diaper or is in terrible condition, used cloth diapers still come with a price. This is why a lot of us use cloth diapers: resale value.

When a diaper is listed as PPD then this means that shipping and Paypal fees are included. You must subtract the shipping amount and fees from the price to determine whether or not the diaper is a good deal.

Shipping a cloth diaper can run anywhere from almost $2 for a cover to over $3 for an AIO. If I list an EUC popular brand name pocket diaper with inserts for $10 PPD then I am only taking home about $6.50 – $7.00 on said diaper after fees and shipping. This is a good deal considering you will likely get more use out of it than an eBay knock-off diaper costing the same price. 

If you want free cloth diapers then look for diapers marked FFS (free for shipping). You won’t get anything great, but if your need surpasses your bank account then there are free listings out there.

Read the listing thoroughly

Make sure that you are aware of any flaws in the diaper, the size, the closure, the condition, whether shipping is included, and if any inserts are included before commenting on the listing. 

Respect the seller’s price

If a diaper is listed for $10 then respect that price. If it’s out of your price range then move on to another listing that isn’t. If the diaper is overpriced then the seller will either lower her price in a day or two or pull the listing.

Even worse, don’t complain about a seller’s price. It’s her diaper and she can price it at $100 if she really wants. You don’t have to buy it for that price. 

Comment

This is the time to ask any questions that you have, including requesting more photos. Once everything is cool and you want the diaper, express your interest by asking for an invoice or the seller’s Paypal address.

If there are other inquiries before yours, it is still okay to comment with interest in case a deal falls through but DON’T try to snatch a diaper away from someone who has expressed interest before you. 

DON’T express interest then disappear.

If you end up not liking the deal then tell the seller so she can move on. If you just disappear then she is left wondering if you haven’t checked your email yet, are considering your budget, whatever. Meanwhile, Potential Buyer #2 is expressing interest and Seller #1 is left hanging. 

Pay promptly

We know that you’re probably not sitting at your computer 24/7 waiting for an invoice, but once you get the invoice, pay ASAP. Don’t make a diaper deal right before you’re going to be in a WiFi dead zone for two days. Payment is generally expected within 24 hours, but the sooner the better since the seller may have other interested buyers. 

Always pay for your diaper as goods, never as a gift. Gift/personal transactions are not protected by Paypal’s buyer protection. 

Trading

Sometimes a diaper will be listed for trade. Say Suzie Seller has two of the same print and wants to trade one for another print. You have the print she wants and want her diaper and you set up a trade. Perfect!

Your next step should be to set up a Paypal transfer of equal funds with the person you are trading with so that you both get Paypal protection. If your diapers are worth $15 PPD then each of you sends the other $15 as a goods transaction. This way if someone neglects to send their diaper, it gets lost in the mail, or isn’t in the condition promised you can file a Paypal claim. You will both have to pay Paypal’s fees but it’s a small price to pay in case something goes wrong. 

What if the diaper isn’t as described?

In most cases, someone selling their used diapers isn’t trying to get over on you. We’re human and can miss small imperfections and diaper condition is subjective. EUC to me may only be VGUC to someone else. Determine whether or not it’s worth complaining about before shooting off an angry PM or email. 

If the diaper was listed as stain-free but has a shadow stain on it, let it go. Removing stains is pretty easy. If the diaper is a little smelly, just wash it. We all have different wash routines and honestly, sometimes you become immune to smells if you’re around them all the time. Honestly, the seller may not have any idea that the diaper is smelly.

BUT if you get a diaper that has been obviously misrepresented then contact the seller immediately before washing the diaper. Once you wash the diaper, as far as Paypal is concerned, you now own it. Tough noogies.

Give the benefit of the doubt and be polite. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.  

See also:

Building a Cloth Diaper Stash on the Cheap

The Big Ole List of Cloth Diaper Facebook Groups to Join

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