Have kids? Want to make a quick $500 or more? Kids' clothes, toys, baby equipment and furniture retain good resale value for at least 3 years after they are bought new. You have a variety of channels to sell them quickly, including dropping them at your local children's resale store, putting them up for sale online or participating in a resale event.
I surveyed eight resale stores in Ottawa, Toronto and Quebec, as well as 20 moms and dads who actively sell used items across Canada. They identified the fastest selling categories of items that will make you the most money.
1.Strollers are getting more expensive than ever, with average new stroller prices well over $350. Upscale brands sell for $1500 or more. Uppa Baby, Quinny and Maclaren are in high demand, selling used in the range of $400 to $800. More moderately priced brands like Graco and Chicco sell used between $50 and $150. Double or triple strollers in mint condition 3 years old or less retain up to 70 per cent of the value they were purchased for new. Consumer trends change quickly each year so don't hang onto a used stroller for too long.
2.Cribs are very popular, and there aren't enough on the resale market. Most parents hang onto one crib for all of their children, and a Health Canada ban on drop side cribs took most cribs off the market a few years ago. This means that if you have a resale crib to sell, it will go fast, as long as you have all of the parts and original instructions. You can get between $80 and $200 for a used crib, and even more for luxury brands.
3.Playpens, also known as "pack and plays" are a must-have for new parents and for grandparents' homes. The most popular brands are Graco, Evenflo and Brightstarts. Parents like all the trimmings, like a soothing vibrator and bassinnette attachment. Used play pens often sell between $30 and $100.
4.Play structures and outdoor equipment like climbing sets, slides, water and sand tables and push-style tricycles are made from durable plastic that is nearly indestructible. These high priced items retain up to 60% of the value that you paid new if kept in good condition. Kettler bikes and outdoor activity toys and Little Tikes play structures are always in demand, selling between $50 and $200 used.
5.Activity bouncers, also known as exersaucers, are incredibly popular, but are used for the very short period from when children hold themselves upright and bear weight on their legs until they start crawling and walking. They usually sell used at prices between $30 and $80.
6.Booster seats for the kitchen table are more popular because they take up less room than high chairs and can be taken with you to restaurants or grandma's house. Buyers usually aren't picky about brands, but they want the item to be clean and in nearly new condition. Used booster seats generally sell anywhere from $20 - $75.
7.Clothing best sellers include higher quality brands in recent styles no more than 3 years old, like Gymboree, Mexx, Gap, Joshua Perets, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Triple Flip and Lululemon. Top brands retain up to 50% of the original value within 2-3 years of purchase.
8.The most popular resale toys include Lego, Little People, Thomas the Train engine, V-Tech activity toys, kitchen sets, doll strollers, wooden puzzles and games. Prices range widely, but you can usually price toys at 50% of their original value. With Lego, you'll make more money by grouping it into sets in one big bundle which can sell for $100 or more.
When you choose the hottest selling items and also sell them at the right time, you have the best chance of making good money, fast.
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