Get it Used
Now more than ever it’s possible to get a gently used version of whatever you need for much less than retail. In some cases, you can even get what you want for free. Here’s how:
Craigslist
Craigslist is the electronic equivalent of the newspaper’s classified section. It has portals worldwide in over 450 cities in 50 countries and is seen by over 15 million people per month. It has staked its claim as a heavyweight contender in the cyber-malls of used goods, and here’s how you can make it work for you: Go to
craigslist classifieds: jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, events, forums. Find the listing closest to you and peruse all the great stuff for sale. Or, use it to clear your clutter: Create an Account. Write and submit your ad. Upload your photo. Someone responds to your request and you make arrangements to complete your transaction.
Freecycle
The Freecycle Network™ is made up of many individual groups across the globe. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. Each local group is moderated by a local volunteer and membership is free. To sign up, find your community by clicking on the region on the left. You may then go directly to your local group by clicking on "Go To" or you may immediately join by clicking on "Join." It will generate an automatic e-mail which, when sent, will sign you up for the local group and send you a response with instructions on how it works. Can't find a group near you? You might want to consider starting one (click on "Start a Group" for instructions). Have fun!
Barter
Bartering is making a comeback, and with internet forums it’s easier than ever. The upside of this is that you can often find what you need without money ever changing hands. The
Mommysavers Barterting Board is available to active members with more than 50 posts. The iTrader system helps protect members’ trades by providing an easy way to leave feedback (similar to eBay).
Thrift Stores
Thrift stores such as Goodwill, Salvation Army and for profit thrift stores such as Savers are also places to look for bargains. I just purchased six great tees for my 8-year-old daughter at Goodwill for only $6. Among them brands like Abercrombie & Fitch, Dalias, and Express. Plus, Goodwill stocks Target cast-offs with the tags still on them! I recently got a strapless bra – tags still attached – for $.99!
Consignment and Beyond
Locally owned consignment stores have traditionally been great places to look for clothing and home furnishings, but there are other new ways to save. Seasonal sales like Just Between Friends also help moms find gently used goods and clothing twice a year. To look for an event near you, visit their website:
Childrens, Teens, Maternity Consignment Sales Event: Just Between Friends. There are also franchise stores that give you cash on the spot for gently used goods (such as Once Upon a Child, Play it Again Sports, and Plato’s Closet) are great for finding gently used goods. Find one near you:
Once Upon a Child:
Gently Used Children's and Baby Clothes, Furniture, Equipment and More – Once Upon a Child
Play it Again Sports:
Play It Again Sports Home | Play It Again Sports Buys and Sells Used Sporting Goods and Fitness Equipment
Plato’s Closet:
Brand Name Gently Used Clothing - Plato's Closet
Host a Swap Night
Chances are you have some junk lying around your house. With kids also comes the constant influx of toys, clothes, and knick-knacks that are used momentarily and cast aside never to be seen again. Hosting a Swap Night is a fun way to get together with other moms (sans children) and also to clear your closet of unwanted items. Include a group of friends with similar interests and kids about the same age as yours. Instruct each person to bring at least five individual items or bundles of items that they no longer want, but that someone else might find useful. Suggested items are: gently used kids' clothing, a cookbook, newer books, a bundle of recent magazines, home decor items, unwanted DVD/CDs, toys, etc. If there are leftovers that nobody is interested in, donate them to charity.
Assignment/Discussion: The next time you need something, investigate one of these ways to get a gently used version of what you need. Have you used any of these sources in the past? What was your experience like?
Step #57: Get it Used
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