Once upon a Child or Craigs List?

On Craigslist clothes seem to sell in lots. You can do a "spring lot" and sell a bunch of spring clothes or whatnot. Take a picture of the lot, throw in good stuff and a few things that are more "playclothes." My friend has sold a lot of clothes on Craigslist that way and I've bought lots that way too!

I have had success with Craigslist on the items I consider "bigger ticket items," such as baby equipment and higher-end brand clothes (Gymboree, Hanna Anderson, etc.) I've never tried the "lot of clothes" approach, as someone mentioned, but it seems to be popular.

When using Craigslist, I have seen a much better response to ads in which my photos are REALLY good -- well-lighted, multiple shots, close-ups, etc. These meant more time and effort for me. Then there's answering all the ad inquiries, setting-up dates/times for people to come look at the items, re-contacting respondents when the first responders are no-shows, etc. It's difficult for me to find the time to devote to this effort, so I've decided to stick to Once Upon A Child for selling the playclothes and save Craigslist for the more valuable stuff.

Before pricing my non-clothes items, I make a stop at Once Upon a Child and take note of the prices they are charging for the same items. Since you know you would not be paid the same amount that they have priced the item, I consider getting that same store price through Craigslist a win (and worth the time and effort!) With very few exceptions, I have been able to get as much or more than what people would pay at Once Upon A Child.

One last thought...if you are going to the effort to list items on Craigslist, I would go through the entire house and find other stuff you want to get rid of as well. Since you'll have the camera out and will be writing the ads, take the opportunity to get rid of some of the non-baby stuff around too. Do it all at the same time!

And have fun! It's neat when you've got a bunch of people wanting to come buy your stuff!

I have done both and find that you can definitely get more $$$ by listing on Craig's List. We have had great success in selling a lot of our baby stuff on Craig's List. We just recently listed a Dutalier glider and it sold within three days for a really good price! I've always gone to Once Upon a Child for clothes and toys, though. BUT we have bought toys from Craig's List so I would say try that first and if it doesn't sell, then bring it to OUAC. Good luck!

If you don't mind holding on to the things a bit longer, you could just sell everything at the DuPage Doubles resale in March. You drop it all off, priced, and they do all the work. You go pick up the stuff that didn't sell (if you want), and get a check. They take a portion of the profits for their group, and if you don't want to be bothered to pick the stuff up at the end, I think they'll donate it all after the sale. It's the easiest way, though you might not make as much between them taking a portion, and the half-price sale at the end... but it's out of your house, and you get something in return. :-) Just google it if you're interested.

Look around you for a yahoo group called cheepcycle. It is an off group of freecycle but you can set prices. We've had some luck with our group.

On craigslist I would definetly take pictures of the items you are selling. It is also better when you give people the option of picking it up in different locations. Some people will say pick up in crystal lake or the town where they work and that way it gives more people a chance to buy it. When I sell I say item is in lake in the hills but I can bring it to Schaumburg (my moms house) so then I dont only have the lith area interested but I also get people from around Schaumburg so it really gives you more of a chance to sell the item. Good luck