resale on ebay - Page 2

[JohnnysGirl]

Why don't you all who have major problems with the way the free market is working come up with a manual on used diaper sales ettique covering topics such as:

1. Is the MDC TP the only place we are allowed in good conscience to sell highly sought after diapers that we own but for our own personal reasons, wish to sell?

2. Do we have to publish valid reasons, with proof, for wishing to sell them? e.g. picture of babe with diaper around body but obviously too tight or picture of diaper on tightest settings but still too big for babe and falling down.... Or perhaps financial statments proving how much $$ is actually needed, and also written proof of good deeds and charity work done that year?

3. A price guide on used items allowing what we are allowed to accept for our used items: If the diaper is used for one month, how much depreciation from resale value is mandated, etc? (Clearly getting full market value is unethical based on the feelings I see expressed here, as is auctioning an item if there is a chance it will go above retail)


I'd really like to know---most of us who are 'offenders' are just mamas who aren't trying to screw anyone, but apparently have erred gravely nonetheless.

[Goddess3_2005]

Sorry, I could have worded that a little better. I was feeling a little hurt by the comments.

but seriously if someone is willing to pay $ for and item, whos to say the person is wrong for selling it to them. And for that matter (after some calmed down thought) if you have the $ to spend, and its worth it to you, then go for it, its not wrong to pay what you feel an item is worth either.

[JohnnysGirl]

Originally Posted by averymybaby

It is making it harder and harder for those of us who refuse to pay such inflated prices to get good quality diapers.

I feel bad for diaper sewing WAHMs reading this thread who for whatever reason don't have the overwhelming demand for their products like elbee and fluffymail do, but nonetheless make extremely good quality diapers.
No one can say that while FCB and elbee are awesome, they are the only 'good quality diapers' out there, and that there aren't lots of other WAHM goods sitting around instock or available for custom order right away.

Bottom line, FCB and elbee are not THE only good quality diapers available, so implying that if you can't purchase those because they are going for too high a price on ebay, you won't be able to get quality diapers is kind of mean to other diapering WAHMs. Ebay sales are not keeping anyone from getting good quality diapers.

[spatulagirl]

I am going with Butterflymom on this one. I don't think anyone should be made to feel bad about this. Nor should anyone have to make excuses about why they are putting something up for bid like Jamie.

Does it upset me? Maybe it makes me sad. I won't pay that much for something unless it is for charity. I am sad because it makes it harder to get these diapers in good used condition. I would like to get some more FCB size 2s because I dig the fit. BUT if people are willing to pay that much for a diaper in used quality, more power to the seller. If someone never posted at MDC or Diaperpin or She Knows or wherever but still CD'd and sold her stuff on Ebay how is that different from someone who happens to post here and doesn't sell her things on the TP?

I do not think Elbees are the end all be all. She makes a great diaper but there are so many out there who make great diapers!

And maybe we should try to remember... that these are just freaking diapers people. Diapers. There are a lot more important things in life. I refuse to waste my time or energy being upset over not being able to get another El Bee or even missing every single FCB stocking from here to eternity.

[JohnnysGirl]

Apparently, Kate, if you're an MDCer then you have an obligation to offer your goods on the TP first.

I gotta say I prefer buying and selling on ebay than the TP. Buying because I have a fair shot at something (don't have to be stalking my computer waiting for something to pop up instock or on the TP, if it ever even does) and ebay will even send me an email if something on my "favorite searches" list comes up for sale so I don't have to search ebay daily, and if it goes higher than I'm willing to pay, I'm grown up enough to be able to shrug my shoulders and figure it just wasn't worth as much to me as it was to those who outbid me and call fair's fair. I prefer selling on ebay because I know I gave everyone an equal chance and I myself get the fair market price, which I always (like without a single exception) then turn around and redistribute to diapering WAHMs for more fluff.
Plus, when I'm listing items for sale, it's usually a mix of hyena and non hyena items--and it's so much less work and faster to just list all your fluff for sale on ebay and forget about it, and it almost always sells (and not for a pittance) with no more work on my part. The TP involves endless bumping, PMing, and if it ain't hyena, it just won't sell (my experience). Weeks later you can still be hoping to sell a silly fitted or soaker and it's just too much hassle! I need funds for new fluff now (my line of thinking at the time)! I have had such better luck on ebay all around, for hyena and non-hyena goods alike.

I know we all wish we could get our favorites in good used condition for a less-than-retail price and be happy, but please try to remember that the items we're talking about are LUXURY GOODS. No baby is going diaperless without them, they are luxury items. And thinking that these few "top-shelf" items going for quite a bit out there in the marketplace will scare mamas from cloth diapering at all is like saying that families on a budget will be intimidated from all the Mercedes and BMWs with their lofty price tags and won't drive at all. Give mamas some credit for being able to distinguish items they can afford and items that are obviously just luxury goods with a cult following on the secondary markets driving the price up. Do I wish I could get a Mercedes with a Honda price tag? Sure. But I'm not going to storm the sales office at the dealership and try to make them feel guilty for getting the price they can get for it, just because it's out of my budget.

[~*~MamaJava~*~]

Hm...honestly, I think I'm okay with the eBaying of items as well. I have chosen not to eBay stuff before because I was afraid of the MDC judgment factor :. (My ebay username is the same as my MDC username).
When you know your item will go for way more on ebay, it's nice to still sell it on the tp, but it's awfully tempting to just put it up for auction. That way you don't have to bargain, trade for stuff, whatever. I love ebay. Sometimes you can get great deals too.

I think what the real issue is here is that some people (whether they're MDCers or not) are willing to pay scandalous (IMO) prices for diapers, and that kind of hurts those of us who aren't willing to do so. But Angelica's right about the luxury factor. Remember? Diapering haute couture here, ladies!

[ustasmom]

Well, I may be in the minority here, but I think that eBaying the high demand hyena items undermines the WAHM.

Are we sending the message to WAHMs that we are stalking their stocked items in order to sell them on eBay? They could charge a whole lot more than they do, and obviously get it. But they don't.

I feel that earning more profit on eBay than the original WAHM earned when she designed and produced the item is just plain WRONG.

I'm not pointing fingers at anyone here. Just stating my thoughts.

WAHMs are NOT stupid. They see what goes on. If it were me, I would be angry and upset. Why do that to the WAHMs that we love and respect???

[lifetapestry]

We've discussed this before, although it hasn't been so personally directed. In the past, more than one WAHM has said that they benefit from auctions for used goods that go higher than retail. It's great advertising (and free), and it enhances their reputations. In this market now where CDing consumers have multiple choices, these intangibles (having people talk about your biz, thinking your diapers must be oh so awesome, etc) help your biz solidify for the long term. So I think that those who say that it's bad for the WAHM's are ignoring these intangible benefits.

On the other hand, some WAHM's have said that it makes them upset for all the same reasons that people have listed here. Clearly WAHM's are not of one mind on this topic, so I think it's reasonable that consumers would disagree as well.

I also tend to think that the high prices for used items mean that those hyena WAHM's should raise theirs, and I often feel baffled that they don't. I can't really get behind the theory that they keep their prices artificially low out of love and kindness-- even though many WAHM's are lovely and kind people). Historically women have undervalued their time and products, and I think many WAHM's are fearful that they might not sell all their dipes nor sell out as quickly. You gotta be bold to raise your prices, because you know it's going to be front page news here the next day.

I can't help thinking that if men made diapers, we'd all be paying in excess of $30 . . .

Karla

[ShabbyChic]

I really can't believe this. I just can't. I cannot fathom that anyone makes judgements on how people sell their diapers, new or used and how much they pay, ebay or other means of purchasing. If someone needs or wants the funds and they feel a diaper will sell for more on Ebay than anywhere else, then they should sell it there. I may get flamed for this, but I am a full propenent for making as much money as you can. By selling diapers and in life. I applaud every person who got $80.00 for an Elbee on Ebay.I applaud people who make money and spend thousands on shoes and bags.

And if you all think that WAHMs are not charging enough, well then become a WAHM and charge more. Leave them alone. They will charge what they want. If they see their diaper go for $80.00 on Ebay, well then, they are big girls, they can make their own business decisions. And, if you all think that no one would pay $80.00 for a new Elbee from Laura, I think you are wrong. Her list might be smaller, but she could charge it.

And, in closing, becuse I am flaming mad now. If anyone thinks that it is simply not fair, because the diapers they want cost too much money and it should be "fairer", that is not the way of the world. Houses, cars, diapers and the list goes on. If you can't afford the high end, then too bad on you.

[ShabbyChic]

Originally Posted by Butterflymom

I know we all wish we could get our favorites in good used condition for a less-than-retail price and be happy, but please try to remember that the items we're talking about are LUXURY GOODS. No baby is going diaperless without them, they are luxury items. And thinking that these few "top-shelf" items going for quite a bit out there in the marketplace will scare mamas from cloth diapering at all is like saying that families on a budget will be intimidated from all the Mercedes and BMWs with their lofty price tags and won't drive at all. Give mamas some credit for being able to distinguish items they can afford and items that are obviously just luxury goods with a cult following on the secondary markets driving the price up. Do I wish I could get a Mercedes with a Honda price tag? Sure. But I'm not going to storm the sales office at the dealership and try to make them feel guilty for getting the price they can get for it, just because it's out of my budget.

Oh, and I almost forgot. RIGHT ON.

[2much2luv]

1. Is the MDC TP the only place we are allowed in good conscience to sell highly sought after diapers that we own but for our own personal reasons, wish to sell?

2. Do we have to publish valid reasons, with proof, for wishing to sell them? e.g. picture of babe with diaper around body but obviously too tight or picture of diaper on tightest settings but still too big for babe and falling down.... Or perhaps financial statments proving how much $$ is actually needed, and also written proof of good deeds and charity work done that year?

3. A price guide on used items allowing what we are allowed to accept for our used items: If the diaper is used for one month, how much depreciation from resale value is mandated, etc? (Clearly getting full market value is unethical based on the feelings I see expressed here, as is auctioning an item if there is a chance it will go above retail)

:

ITA with Butterflymom and this thread is completely ridiculous.

[Jecca]

I was going to completely stay out of this and I'm goign to stay out of the personal stuff cuase it's really besides the point.

The point to me is really that it's sad that the wahms can't get as much for their dipes as others are getting on ebay and if they are worth that on ebay then thats how much they should be getting for them.

As a Wahm from time to time not a diaper wahm it's sad i can sell things on ebay or my own site and make less money pay a friend commission and sell on her super marketed website and make what I'm really worht thus thats what I do becuase underselling yourself is what most of us do and we shouldn't!
I sure can't buy a diaper for $80.00 let alone $20.00 personaly but if there are people out there that can then the wahm should be selling them for there complete worht!
Seamstresses make allot more then i think most Wahms pay themselves by the hour!
juts my 2cents!

[~*~MamaJava~*~]

Hm. I think 2much2luv is right. This thread is getting ridiculous. I see where averymybaby is coming from, but Angelica has a point too.
But it's too personal and we shouldn't be driving ourselves apart like this. It's going to ruin the board if we have more discussions of this nature. I know it's good to discuss the issues, but we have several totally different opinions in this area and people take things so personally that they might not post here anymore.
We have people who shop for high-demand, high-price diapers, people who look for the very unique, collector-type custom diapers, people who look for the best value, and LOTs of people who are doing this to save money. Some people care what their diapers cost, some don't. To me, if you're into very high priced or collector type diapers, then eBay might be your best idea. If you're not, then eBay isn't the place for you. I don't always think it's right to make money off of something, but sometimes just to get a fair price for a hyena diaper (or what you think is fair) you need to go to ebay. Then, it gets way up there sometimes.
Anyways, I think this has more to do with coveting others' diapers then anything else.
And I could care less about that.
Can we just can the discussion and patch up the hurt feelings here?

[Nickarolaberry]

I have to say, as someone who has rarely if ever (I don't think) bought a "hyena" diaper, that for myself I'm not sure why people do spend so much on one diaper.

But if they want to, that's their right. Ebay is really the free market in its purest form that exists these days. People pay to sell what they have and hope someone will buy it. Sometimes things go high, sometimes they go low. If there's a lot of demand and little supply, they go high. And if they're willing to pay that price, then why not?!

Can I afford to pay those prices? Nah. But then again I buy all my diapers used, sell off what doesn't work or is too much work for me, and try to keep things simple because I don't have the tolerance for too many different "systems" or anything high maintenance.

I can't afford a lot of things that I would prefer to have. But I do sell things on ebay and hope someone else can afford to buy them at a premium. I don't work outside the house right now, money is tight, and whether it's a diaper or a piece of Lennox china, a stroller, or something else I have but don't use, I would prefer to have the cash to pay a bill than the item in my house. I certainly hope I get the highest possible price for it. But if I don't, and I get the minimum bid, that's the chance I take. That's the chance any ebayer takes.

I think these forums, and especially MDC, are a wonderful place to communicate with "like minded" attachment parenting mamas. But the "orthodoxy" of what's "politically correct" here can lead to people feeling excommunicated, judged, or otherwise silenced if/when they don't toe the particular line of the moment. Whether it's diapers, or any other potentially controversial topic. It's unfortunate because it's so often we who feel sidelined by other, more "mainstream" communities - whether online or IRL.

Ebay is a great place to throw your lot in and see what happens, whether as buyer or seller. What can be bad about that? All of us have to make choices about what we buy, how much we're willing to spend on any one item, what we are willing to sell and how much we are willing to part with it for, etc. As in life, you hope the person you're dealing with is ethical, you depend on your own due diligence in researching an item and a seller to the best of your ability, and you conduct your own business in an ethical and moral manner. After that, let the price go where it may.

My own $.02 :LOL That's about all I have on hand right now anyway.

[Lisadeanne]

I agree this thread is completely ridiculous. I am sure no one was trying to undermine wahms or stir up trouble in the diapering world by selling on ebay. These mamas can sell their diapers however they want. Who are we to judge???

[grnmtnmama]

these ebay auctions increase the mystique and cachet of the wahm businesses involved. everytime one of these diapers sells for a huge amount of money, more and more people wonder what the buzz is all about driving more business to the wahm -- if it's even possible.

it's a free market, if now a whole bunch of people start listing their elbees hoping to make $70+ per dipe, there will be enough available that the prices will drop and become more reasonable.

if it's a diaper that you own you should be able to sell or trade it as you see fit.

[LoveBaby]

Ok...I totally see both sides of the coin and while I won't be as eloquent as Butterflymom or jmunch here's my take on it!

Does it suck for those of us that can't or aren't willing to pay $80 for a dipe because that is what it goes for on ebay? Yes, of course it does. Is that the seller's fault? Absolutely not. Whether they put it on ebay to make the extra $$ or not.


If the WAHM's were that upset about it or truly hurt...then they could totally hike their prices and obviously some people would be more than willing to pay. That is *their* perogative...not our business! We all pay a lot for availability and convenience every day...diapering wouldn't be any different. If Laura had in-stock everyday but her diapers were $80 then people would pay it and others would knock her for hiking her prices.

It's all a matter of supply and demand! Aren't we by the very virtue of this conversation perpetuating the idea that el bee and FCB are the be all end all of diapering...probably spurring others to lust after them like most of us do?

I wrote out this whole thing and scratched it... Life isn't fair, diapering isn't fair and that's just the way it is...right, wrong or otherwise! Doesn't this come down to being po'd that you can't get what you want for the price *you* feel is fair?

[KayleeZoo]

I think people should be able to sell their property where they want, for whatever price they can get. Just like I think people should be able to pay whatever they want for something they're interested in- it's their money. I have tried selling some hyena stuff on the TP, only to get a PM box full of BEGGING - mamas saying that I really needed to sell to them because it was all that would fit their dc, they had been waiting for months to get that item, etc. It made me feel really bad to have to tell one person yes and all the rest no. Ebay is easier, gives everyone a fair shot, etc. And by fair shot I mean that hyena diapering items are not luxuries- ITA that nobody's baby is going to go diaperless because the price of ElBees is so high on Ebay. And I've also sold on ebay with the motivation to make more money than I would have on the TP- I bought a friend some stuff for her babies and needed the cash to pay for it. So I went through my stuff and sold it for as much as someone was willing to pay. And the Mercedes/Honda analogy was great, IMO :LOL

[Oceanone]

I think high resale value is good for the wahm, even if it is completely out of their control once the item leaves their hands. I also believe they should mix some ebay auctions of their own in, reap some of the benefits and maybe even take some of the heat off the used auctions.

[Rising Sun]

All I can say is, If I saw one of my diapers sell on ebay for $70, I would be VERY flattered!!!! It would be the motivation I need lately to sew more.

I think it drives up the market value of the diapers, so that wahms might actually make a profit with their business. After you consider everything that a wahm has to buy for her business, and the time spent, etc, she is barely making a profit if any. It takes on average, 3 years to make any profit at all, then it might be $100 a month, or a few hundred a month.

To see the market value of a product that is hand made with love, and worked on so hard, is great. Heck, the very idea of "hyena" and "hyena diapers" is great. A wahm can work and dream that one day she will be one of the much cherished wahms. I think we all dream of that and strive towards it.

Now, if a mama wants to cloth diaper to save money and doesn't have the fundage to spend on cloth to begin with, I would recommend that she start out with prefolds. As she saves tons of money using them and not buying disposables, she can start splurdging on a few fitteds here and there. Keep in mind that having a good resale value makes the diapers more obtainable. I purchased a used FCB for $12 and resold it after using it for a while for $10 or somewhere around there. So, I actually only paid $2 plus shipping for a diaper that I could use over and over again. That is still MUCH cheaper than buying disposables. So, if you pay $70 for a diaper, you will most likely get your moneys worth in the long run... if you look at the big picture.

Teri