In keeping with Suzi's awesome freecycle story theme, I thought this week would be a fabulous time to toss tips regarding recycling perfectly good items.
Every person, whether they are a mama or not, understands how quickly we out grow or simply become tired of items in todays "throw away society." This is especially true when it comes to childrens toys, clothes and even the decor in our homes.
Being a mama of four myself I stored items for the longest time, hoping to reuse them or give them to friends. However, being a mama of four has also taught me that I need to watch my pennies. With this new found knowledge I began checking out ways to help others find awesome, barely used items for an extremely reasonable price and in return I made a little money to put toward those new items my babies were growing into. The fabulous thing about the internet is that no matter what end of the spectrum you are on, the tosser or the catcher, there are many places you can check out to find a bargin or to make a little extra cash and recycle something rather than add to our already overflowing landfills with items that are still be produced...thus the adage "One persons trash is another person's treasure."
A few good sites to check out are ebay, craigslist, and as Suzi mentioned...freecycle. Click the links to read the particulars regarding buying and selling with these options, but i have a few fabulous tips to help you be successful at recycling awesome finds.
Tips for sellers to get the job done quickly:
* Be honest! If an item has a scratch put that in the ad, you will save yourself alot of time if you list any and all imperfections, how old the item is, how long it was used, the original selling price, etc. The more information the better.
* Take lots of picture. Details, details, details ladies.
* Make the shipping cost clear. Another time saver, many people looking for a deal will add the cost of shipping into the overall price of an item. For large or bulky items consider having the buyer pick them up, it may take longer to find a buyer but you wont have to charge crazy prices for shipping or look all over then world for and unusual size/ shaped box. ALSO when you meet someone, for eveyone's safety go with another person and meet in a public area, do you really want a stranger coming into your home where your babies are.
* Clean up!!! No one wants to spend their hard earned money on a bouncy seat with stains on it, now matter how great a deal it is!!!
Tips for buyers to snag a fab price:
* Search! Try all three of the sites recommended and feel free to recommend your own (I love to find a great deal!)
* Pick up. As with a seller, if you are looking for a new crib search in your local area first can you imagine what it would cost to ship something like that across the country. IMPORTANT - make sure you go with another person and meet in a public area, safety first ladies
* Combine. If you see an item you love check out the sellers other options, chances are you can find a few things and save on the shipping by combining them into one package and many times if you are purchasing quanity the seller will offer an incentive discount.
Now if you are a saver...grab your digital camera and hit the basement my friend!!! You never know what treasures you may be hoarding. For the buyers out there, just remember, anything you can buy second hand instead of brand new is helping save our enviroment by keeping it our of the landfill and cutting production of more "junk." What is the shelf life of one of those plastic jungle gyms anyway?
Don't forget all it takes is one small change to save the planet!!!
Have a fabulous week!!!
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