- Don't write off your cloth diapers if they are in need of repair. As we all know, cloth diapers take a lot of use and abuse, especially one-size diapers. If the diapers need some TLC, you can sell them for a lower price, or you can invest in repairing the diapers so that they sell faster, for a higher price (never write off a diaper simply because the velcro is shot, or the elastics are busted, these are easy fixes!).
- Don't try to sell stained diapers. Those stains will lower the value of your diapers, but fear not, it's an easy fix. Wash your diapers in baking soda (a natural whitener), followed by a vinegar rinse (to restore pH), then hang them out to dry in the sun. The sun's UV rays will do a great job of fading any remaining stains. Alogng the same lines, if you have velcro diapers, take a needle and pick any hairs, lint, etc. out of the velcro tabs. You want your diapers to look good all over!
- Don't take your used cloth diapers to a consignment shop -- they won't know the true value of your used diapers. I had a friend who used to scour consignment shops for used diapers, only to turn around and sell her scores on eBay, where used cloth diapers sold for a higher price. eBay no longer allows the sale of used cloth diapers, however, you can easily sell them on Kijiji, UsedOttawa, or Craigslist.
- Don't try to sell your diaper stash as one big lot. Often times when people are looking to buy used cloth diapers, they are testing the waters, or they're on a tight budget (although as we've already proven, no matter how you cut it, you will always save money using cloth diapers). If you try to sell your stash as one collective unit, it will be tougher sell, and you'll get a lower price per diaper. If you have 24 small Fuzzibunz, for example, break them up into 6 lots of 4 diapers. People tend to ask for less money for a large lot of diapers (ie, $240 for the 24 small Fuzzibunz), but a smaller lot allows you a little more flexibility in the price (ie, $48 for 4 diapers). In terms of establishing a price for your used diapers, if they are a well-known brand, and they are in decent shape (elastic still has life left in it, velcro still closes, inserts are not thread-bare), you should expect to get back *at least* half of what you paid for your diapers.
If you're done with your diapers, but you don't want to sell them, there are some organizations that will gladly take them off your hands to pass on to less-fortunate families who could put them to use. Miracle Diapers is based in the USA, but you can ship your diapers to them; alternatively, Mothercraft is a local organization that provides (among other things) an outreach program to mothers at risk, and they will gladly accept your donations.
