How to Buy Cloth Baby Diapers Online
Follow These Simple Steps for Building a Cloth Diaper Stash
Nov 30, 2008
Parents who have decided to use cloth baby diapers can’t simply go the store and buy them. But buying cloth baby diapers online can be quick and easy. There are many retailers and work-at-home moms (WAHMs) to choose from, and used cloth diapers can be purchased for less from other parents who use cloth baby diapers. Follow these steps whether planning to buy new or used cloth diapers.
Set up PayPal to Buy Cloth Baby Diapers
The first thing to do when planning on buying cloth baby diapers is to set up a PayPal account. This is free and easy. Many retailers accept credit cards but WAHMs and other cloth-diapering parents primarily use PayPal. Keep in mind when using an e-check with a cloth-diaper seller it will take longer to receive the merchandise. Most sellers wait for the payment to clear before shipping.
Build a Cloth Diaper Stash Slowly
When getting started with cloth diapering it is very easy to justify large purchases. It is best, however, to take it slow at first and not buy a large cloth diaper stash all at once. Although there are many wonderful cloth diapering options today, not every style will work for every baby. For example, parents may have selected pocket cloth diapers for convenience but find that a particular brand doesn’t have a snug enough fit for a slender baby. It is best to try a few individual cloth baby diapers, such as prefolds, fitted diapers and cloth pocket diapers, at first to see what works for the child.
Before Buying Cloth Baby Diapers
Before actually buying cloth baby diapers from WAHMs or other cloth diapering parents, some precautions should be taken. The most important thing to do when buying used cloth diapers is to always ask for a link to feedback and actually check the feedback. Even people who are brand new to selling cloth diapers may have feedback at eBay or a cloth diapering forum like DiaperSwappers. Asking questions about the items via email is a good way to evaluate if a seller is going to be accessible if needed. Does the seller respond quickly? Is the question actually answered? Does the seller apply pressure to buy by implying the item is under demand? Ideally the seller should respond with a complete answer to the question in less than 2 or 3 days.
Consider the Cloth Baby Diaper's Condition
Another important part of buying cloth diapers is to make sure it is clear what it being sold. Is the diaper’s condition listed as new, excellent, good or fair? New diapers should be brand new and unwashed. Most diapers from WAHMs and retailers will be new but some parents will sell an item new if they have changed their minds.
Excellent diapers are washed but unused or may have been used but are in immaculate condition. Good diapers are clean diapers in working order. Poor diapers may have stains, holes or other problems. When in doubt about a diaper’s condition, ask the seller. It is best for new cloth-diapering parents to focus on good, excellent or new cloth diapers. Look at photos of items for sale: Most sellers understand photos are expected. Parents with concerns about whether the item is coming from a smoke-free or pet-free home should ask and expect an honest answer.
Buying the Cloth Baby Diaper
The last thing to do before purchasing the diaper is to ask when it will be shipped after payment is received. It is important to take this step before actually purchasing the diaper as the seller may not be able to ship immediately. This happens more often with private cloth-diaper sales than with retailers or WAHMs but restocking may hold up an item. If the items cost more than $25, it is best to ask that the package be insured. This protects both the seller and the buyer and is worth paying for if the seller does not offer. Delivery confirmation is another extra that is worth adding because the seller can provide the number as proof of shipment once the package is in the mail.
Leave Feedback for Cloth Diaper Sellers
It is easy to forget to leave feedback for cloth diaper sellers but feedback is critical. Feedback is part of what makes used cloth-diaper sales work. If there are any problems with the sale, contact the seller first and try to work it out. Sometimes miscommunication occurs or problems arise. After the sale is completed and any problems have been resolved, leave feedback on the site where the item was purchased. Regardless of whether the experience is positive, neutral or negative, feedback should be left. Parents new to buying cloth diapers should also ask that the seller leave feedback. Building feedback for purchases can make it easier if parents decide to resell their cloth diapers.
It is easy to buy cloth baby diapers online when simple steps are followed to make sure that expectations will be met. Reading feedback and asking questions are the two most important steps in buying used cloth baby diapers.
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