How to keep the resale value of your expensive kids gear purchases
4 February 2024
How To Boost Resale Value Of Baby Gear
How To Boost Resale Value Of Baby Gear
One way to save money as a new parent is to think about the resale value of your more expensive baby gear purchases.
Buggies, high chairs, scooters and bikes for example all keep their value for resale - but if you’re buying big items with future resale in mind, make sure you keep our top tips in mind to maximise that future sale.
1. Cleaning and Maintenance
1. Cleaning and Maintenance
The easiest thing you can do to make sure that you’re able to resell your gear for the most money is to make sure you regularly clean and maintain your kids gear.
Wipe down your buggies and bikes often to stop mud and other grime building up.
When it comes to high chairs, a hose off in the shower or the power of the dishwasher really can work wonders - but make sure you’re following the manufacturers care instructions before doing this.
It’s also worth investing in gentle and non toxic products for this cleaning baby gear.
This will ensure any finishes stay in tact- keeping the resale value high!
Every couple of months, it’s time for a deeper clean of your bigger baby gear items, like high chairs or buggies.
Regularly deep cleans will ensure you keep your items in tip top shape, meaning you’re more likely to get the most money when you come to resell your high chair, buggy or cot
First make sure you check the care labels on your buggy for any specific instructions. You should be able to find these labels attached to the fabric or the frame, or alternatively these will be in the manual
How To Deep Clean A Buggy
- Start by taking the buggy apart - you should be able to detach the wheels, and most of the fabric items of your buggy.
- Get the hoover out. Make sure you get in to all the nooks and crannies (especially if you’ve got a toddler, those crumbs will be hiding well!). This step is especially important if your buggy doesn’t have detachable or washable fabrics.
- Get that fabric clean. If your buggy fabrics detach these can either go in the washing machine or be handwashed. Anything that doesn’t detach, wipe down with a damp cloth.
- Clean the wheels and the frame. Hot water and some washing up liquid should be all you need. Use a brush to get into any areas that need a tougher clean, like the wheels and any joints. Make sure you dry everything off with a clean cloth once you’ve got everything sparkling.
- Once everything is dry - reassemble your buggy and you’re good to go!
How To Deep Clean A High Chair
- Remove the tray, any cushions and the straps if you’re able to remove these
- Soak all the removable parts in a bath for 30 minutes. Use washing up liquid or a mild detergent in warm water. This will help loosen anything stubborn
- Your tray might be dishwasher friendly - check the manual to see if you can put this on a deep cleaning programme.
- Use a soft brush (a washing up brush or toothbrush is great for this) to give everything a good scrub, then use the shower head, or refill the bath to give everything a thorough rinse
- Dry everything with a soft towel
- Clean the frame using a damp cloth, and a non toxic spray if a little more power is needed
- Clean the non removable item with a toothbrush or a damp cloth. If there are stains that need a little extra help, you can use a paste made from bicarbonate of soda
- Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble your high chair and it’s ready to go!
2. Store Baby Gear Against The Elements
2. Store Baby Gear Against The Elements
Once your items have been outgrown or aren’t in use, make sure that you store your kids gear in the right way to protect them from the elements, dust, or squirrels in the loft (yes, it happens!).
If you can, it’s worth investing in inexpensive storage solutions like protective covers to help maintain the condition of your items during their downtime. This simple step really can make a real difference when you're ready to put them up for resale.
If you have the space, consider creating a dedicated storage area for your kids' gear.
Somewhere dry, cool, and away from direct sunlight. This protects them from mould, rust, sun bleaching and any damage from fluctuating temperature.
3. Safety First
3. Safety First
Make sure you’re regularly inspecting your most used kids gear. Check for any loose bolts, screws, missing parts, or any signs of wear and tear. If you find any issues, fix or replace these as needed. Don't forget to check the products warranties as these might still be covered!
Popping a date to check your items every few months in your diary, as well as keeping notes on these inspections and any fixes made can create valuable records when it come around to you reselling your item.
4. Keep Original Packaging & Documents
4. Keep Original Packaging & Documents
If you have the space, keeping the original boxes (along with all the paperwork) will not only add value when it comes to reselling your gear, it will make shipping it a breeze!
If you don’t have the space for multiple big boxes, take photos of all the boxes (along with any labels and prices) so that you have all this information when needed.
Keep manuals in files, or plastic folders so that you’re able to pass these on when you do sell your kids’ stuff.
5. Choose timeless designs and colours
5. Choose timeless designs and colours
When buying big-ticket items specifically with resale in mind, opt for timeless designs and neutral colours over big loud patterns, limited edition designs and bright colours.
While this might feel a little restrictive, it does allow you to appeal to a wider audience when you do decide to sell your gear. Classic styles and natural hues are less likely to age, or go out of fashion quickly.
It might be worth researching the best selling (and reselling) colours before you make that purchase too.
Summary
Summary
By following these simple steps, you'll be well on your way to reselling your kids' gear at the best price. Your wallet—and the environment—will thank you!
Ready to get selling? KiDSiE is a simple and easy way to sell your pre-loved kid’s gear. Your one stop shop for second hand and outlet kids stuff.
