Opinion Buying Used

HeatherHam10

So I'm new to the whole CD world and am working on building my stash and I was wondering what your opinion was on buying used CD? I have been browsing the internet and found some used ones for sale that seem to be in fairly good condition but it also makes me kind of nervous. Didn't know if any of you ladies have had experience with this before. TIA!

TaylorHam86

I'm new too and my baby isn't here yet but I've bought several used ones. I wasn't sure about it at first, but I always look for "EUC" or "Excellent Used Condition." A lot of the ones I've gotten don't look used at all. If it doesn't bother you, I think it's great way to save a few bucks.

TaylorHam86

Ps. Most people will offer a pic of the inside to show how they look, like how the material is holding up and if there are any stains.

PPs. Nice name

unaveragejane

What's up with all the Ham's in this post? Odd coincidence? Anyway, you can get some great deals with used diapers, but you can also get hosed. Always get good pictures and ask a lot of questions. Try to buy with PayPal so that you have a little bit of buyer protection, or better yet, buy them in person. Inspect the elastics, the PUL, snaps/aplix, etc. Find out how long they were used and how they were laundered (hung to dry or dryer?). Be sure that what you're buying is a reputable brand. While buying used can save you money, if you think you may want to diaper more than one kid with them, you may be better off buying new.

Sgriff1

Definitely look around at prices before buying used too. I've seen a ton of people paying more for a used diaper than it actually cost new! Also, newborn diapers are usually not used very long, so you can probably find some for cheap that are in almost new condition (like the ones I sold)...just ask for pics and plenty of questions!

ElleBeeDub

At least half of my stash was purchased second hand (if not more). I agree you will occasionally end up hosed, but I found the savings to be worth the time hunting. I do recommend figuring out what you want and doing your research before purchasing. You'll often see posts on here asking for advice on specific used lots. You might look through some of those to see what we normally look for :

daisyemerson

I'm definitely in the minority here, but there is way too much ick factor for me to buy used. Like...I would never buy used underwear for myself so why is a used diaper for LO okay? --that was half rhetorical, half an actual question.

Perhaps if it were someone I knew well and knew their hygiene levels etc., but personally even if I were to theoretically buy used from a stranger, I don't think I'd buy online without seeing in person and being able to smell the diapers and tug on the elastics, test the snaps/aplix...it seems like the few dollars saved aren't worth the risk unless it's just a total steal...but then again, I'd have to wonder *why* is that diaper priced so low if it's in such great shape?

I'm definitely team "buy new, then make my money back later when I sell them to other people" but like I said, I think I'm the minority. I'm pretty sure most of what I feel is just irrational hang-ups but I can't get over them.

freezorburn

I think used is a good option if you want to save some money and if you know what to look for.

I've only ever bought used from Jillian's Drawers, I assume they stock their used diapers from diaper trial returns, so I can expect very little wear and tear on diapers that they sell.

As for cleanliness concerns I just wash once with a little bleach, rinse until I can't smell bleach anymore and it's ready to add to my stash.

TugboatSheila

I am still pregnant with my first and bought a bunch of used but *luckily* I had creepily stalked forums like this one before I had bought mine so I knew as PPs have suggested, to ask specific questions about smoking and pets, always use PayPal, never buy anything you don't get detailed pictures of and I wont' buy anything that isn't EUC. 

I have a feeling once I find my stride though I'll be buying a bunch of new stuff, for me this is kind of my trial period for which diapers will work for us. Once Felix gets here, I'm sure I'll buy all the new diapers, all the time and never stop. 

Next up is the GMD fitteds, I have 5 of NB and 5 of  regular sitting on my "wish list" and I just have to pull the trigger. 

Rrrrrachel

Most of my stash is used because it got passed on to me by friends. It's getting ready to go into it's second kid for me, probably 4-5 kid overall. I do have a big rotation. New born stuff is especially good used, a lot of time that stuff looks brand new. And DEFINITELY price check people. Some people have crazy ideas about what a used diaper should cost compared to a new one.

lunarrainn

From watching my stash age over use some diapers hold up much better over time than others. Generally the diapers from larger companies have lasted longer for us.
Prefolds get better with time and hold up through a lot of abuse. Microfiber isn't terrible, but it can be harder to defunk.
Just my experience from the past year.

HeatherHam10

Thanks ladies this is all really helpful. Ive just been browsing around at the used and found aome in my area that I was interested in checking out so we shall see.

@TaylorHam86‌ like your name too..ironic how similar

ktpaladino

Before I started CDing I thought buying used was so nasty. Now that I have been doing it for a few weeks I would totally consider buying gently used/ in excellent condition. You come to realize that you can still have staining when the diapers are really really clean. Also you can boil some kinds to really be sure they are completely disinfected. I'm currently looking for gently used one size Simplex. Funny how your views can change once you give it a try.