In my quest to be thrifty.. (used CD and selling question)

lizztheo

I realize I made a huge mistake. It was hard enough getting my husband on board with cloth diapering and then when I found Alva diapers, he finally agreed and we bought a ton of those (20 newborn & 16 OS). From lurking on these boards and reading other CD sites, I realize this was a mistake. I have been stalking craigslist the past few days and managed to get two unused covers (thirsties size 1 and rumparooz newborn). I'm ordering Osocozy prefolds and possibly getting some more from craigslist today. While in the newborn stage, I'd like to slowly secure more diapers incase the alvas don't work out (at least I didn't waste too much money).

 So two questions:

How do you buy used CD? Craigslist, ebay, diaperswappers? And how do you know it's a good deal? I'm reluctant to buy over the internet because I have had things arrive in the past and condition was not what they claimed it was.

And secondly how do you sell your CDs? When do you decide that it's just not working with a certain brand and sell those off?

jperez617

I don't think that you made a huge mistake. I love Alva diapers so much that I'm going to be ordering them custom made in bulk and selling them soon. They're not your average crappy Chinese made diapers. (I bought some of those before I knew better. Now that was a mistake!) 

I bought a huge bunch of Softbums before my baby was born used on eBay before my son was born, despite all of the warnings not to. I ended up loving them because they really did hold In the messes, even though my son weighed less than 7 lbs. You can always sell the Alvas on eBay and get your money back and possibly more if you don't like them. I just sold two of my Softbums covers and inserts for $25, which is more than I paid for them in a lot. Plus, PayPal does offer great buyer protection.

Aurora_Borealis

I don't think you made a mistake with Alvas. I haven't used them, but they are quite popular. Don't stress! The guideline to not buy all of the same kind is out there because there are some brands/styles that aren't great diapers and/or really don't fit all babies. Alva is not one of those.

It's good you're getting some prefolds and covers for the newborn stage, though, since with 20 newborn diapers you'd need to wash almost every day. I think you'll be happy to have those 2 nb covers and ~dozen prefolds.

Alvas sell pretty well on eBay, so if you decide the OS aren't working for you, just list them. You'll likely make most of your money back.

As far as buying used, I've had luck on eBay, craigslist and Spots Corner. Diaperswappers is a PITA with all the PM-ing back and forth to actually complete a transaction. There have been a couple of times the condition wasn't what I expected, but that's rare (in both cases I got a great deal and I was able to fix the problem myself, so it was ok). Just make sure there are lots of pictures and the seller has good feedback. If what you get ends up being grossly misrepresented PayPal has good buyer protection.

Good luck. I think you'll end up being happy with your diapers.

sbevmc09

I've bought quite a bit through Diaperswappers and I've never had a problem.  Just make sure you're getting a good description of the diapers and seeing detailed pics.  If you have any questions about the condition don't be afraid to ask!  I've found that most people are truthful.  They don't want to get negative feedback and anything I've bought people have always provided detailed pictures for.  I've never had anything arrive that I as disappointed about.  I've also sold quite a bit and I'm very careful with disclosing any issues (even if it's a super faint stain that might not show up well in a pic) because I want people to know what they're getting!

I agree with others though, I wouldn't necessarily assume you made a mistake with the Alvas.  I don't have any experience with them, but I do know that they have a following of people who really like them.  I almost went with them for newborn dipes, but then decided to go the pre-fitted route instead.

MintBerryCrunch

There is also a B/S/T Alva group on Facebook where you could sell yours if they don't work out, but they will most likely be great. I got 10 NB Alvas and I want more! They seem like they'll fit for at least a few months. It's always nice to have prefolds on hand, but don't get discouraged so fast!

tjkdlhb

Alvas are really popular on this board.  I ordered some before DH said he wanted cdn/us made diapers and they worked well.  My SIL borrowed them to try and they didn't have any issues either...

Jolililas

I don't think you've made a mistake buying the Alvas either. I've heard great things about them and I bought a bunch for when my DS arrives. It will be awhile before you LO will fit into the OS, and I've heard that the Alva NB diapers are good transitional diapers to get you through to the OS.

MrsJax2011

I think I am in the minority here, but I have leaking issues with my Alvas and pockets in general...but it may just be an operator malfunction because everyone else I know who uses them loves them. 

Try this FB page to sell your Alvas -- people pay a very fair amount for them there, and they are very popular on that page...

 https://www.facebook.com/groups/ClothDiaperSwap/

my fave for the itty bitty days are either osocozy better fit and prowraps or the bumgenius xs All in ones.  I never had issues with either.  I still squeeze my 11.5 lb chunker in to the bg AIO everynow and then, and it still holds.   

 

jperez617

I've bought diapers on that group and have been super pleased with both the quality of the diapers and how great the ladies there are. It's called Loving AlvaBaby (diapers) B/S/T.

twocents6708

Over half of my stash is Alvas and I haven't had any issues with them. They are affordable, cute, and do the job for us.

erniebufflo

Why do you think it's a mistake? I like Alvas. I just (today) sold off 6 Rumparooz that I didn't love, and plan to replace them with Alvas. Amazing to think I could prefer a $5 diaper to a $23 one, but I totally do. They're great diapers and the price can't be beat.