A Reader Asks: Why Can’t I Find Cheap Cloth Diapers?

Posted by Genna Cockerham Apr 13, 2009

I recently received a question on How to Sell Used Cloth Baby Diapers Online. The reader wants to know why the used cloth diapers she’s found are as expensive as new cloth diapers. This is a great question!

Buy Cloth Diapers From Cloth Diaper Communities

The reader did not say where she was looking to find used cloth baby diapers, but the best place to find used cloth diapers are websites like DiaperSwappers and Diaper Pin. These websites include forums for information on cloth diapering as well as for sale or trade (FSOT) forums. Diaper Pin is also a great resource for diaper reviews and how-to information.

Craigslist isn’t a bad place to look, especially for those who live in metropolitan areas. One thing to keep in mind with Craigslist is the website has many warnings about not shipping items that are for sale. So only look at local listings and expect to pick items up in person.

Know What Cloth Diaper Brands Are Hot

There are trends in cloth diapering and that means some diapers are going to fetch high prices, even when used. When I was cloth diapering my son, Peewells were extremely hot items. These hemp fitteds were sold almost immediately upon being listed FSOT. Some were even resold above the original asking price if they were in a particularly desirable print.

If you’ve looked around and chosen a cloth diaper that is extremely trendy, it will be harder to get it cheap used. If you’re using popular cloth diapers made by work-at-home moms (WAHMs), there may be a shorter supply of used diapers available. One way to tell if you’ve chosen a very trendy WAHM cloth diapers is if you see a lot of buzz on the cloth diapering forums when the WAHM is having a stocking at her store. Cloth diapers from established companies like Fuzzi Bunz may be easier to find cheap used.

Some Cloth Baby Diapers Retain a Higher Value

In addition to trends that make some cloth diapers more popular and more expensive, certain types of diapers retain a higher value. This is particularly true for diapers that are more expensive when they are new. Brand names tend to retain more value than unknown WAHM diapers, even if they work as well. Cloth diapers that start at the high end will probably be more expensive used.

This is particularly true for custom wool covers and longies. A custom-made pair of wool longies, which are hand-dyed and knit by hand, often sell for more than $100 new. While it is possible to find less expensive wool covers, anything custom that is kept in good condition will sell for a high price. Those who wish to use wool covers can buy covers made from wool sweaters or learn to make their own recycled wool covers.

Keep in Mind Shipping Costs for Cloth Diapers

If the cloth diapers that are listed for sale seem expensive, it may be because shipping costs are included in the price. Most cloth diapers are sold with postage paid (ppd) included in the price. If a diaper isn’t marked ppd and there is no shipping estimate, it is best to ask if shipping is included or not. Weight of the item is another factor that figures into the cost of used cloth diapers.

Items that weigh more cost more to mail for the cloth diaper seller. It should be easy to find cloth diaper covers like Bummis used for much less than new because they are very light and don’t cost a lot to mail. By contrast, prefold diapers are very heavy. Often the prepaid mailing boxes are the best way to go for mailing prefolds by the dozen. These boxes are more than $9, in addition to the cost of the diapers. For this reason, there may be times with a huge sale when buying prefolds new with free shipping will be a better deal than buying used prefolds.

Cloth Diaper Sellers Expect Markdowns

When looking at the price of used cloth baby diapers, consider that most cloth diaper sellers expect to have to mark down their items at least one time. The initial price will be higher than the item is likely to sell for, since marking down items is expected. It makes sense for the seller to start high because if someone takes the item at the high price they make more money. If they need to mark the item down to sell it, they still have a chance to make something on the item. I’ve heard on the cloth diapering forums that some buyers won’t even touch used items that haven’t been marked down at least once.

Also, when an item is listed at a very low price to start, cloth diaper buyers will assume something is wrong with the item. Whether the seller is simply clearing house, setting a realistic price or desperate for funds, there is skepticism among cloth diaper buyers that very low prices can equal quality used cloth diapers.

Don’t Hesitate to Ask for a Lower Price on Cloth Diapers

If you want to buy used cloth diapers for cheap, the best advice is make an offer to the seller. This is one reason cloth diaper forums have an advantage over EBay and other auctions. Send the cloth diaper seller a private message (PM) and make an offer on the item you want.

You can make a low offer, but do try to consider how much it will be for shipping. Don’t take it personally if the seller says no or says your offer is too low. You can make a slightly higher offer or try another seller.

Cloth diaper sellers may be more accepting of lower offers if you are making an offer on items listed in bulk, asking to combine shipping for multiple items or if you are paying with funded Paypal. Few sellers like to lower their price in a PM and wait for a Paypal e-check to clear. State in your PM that you have funded Paypal available if this is so, and be prepared to pay promptly if your offer is accepted.

Finding cheap used cloth diapers is not impossible, but there are several factors to consider when looking for cheap diapers. Items that are trendy or expensive when new will fetch a higher price second hand. Cloth diaper sellers expect to mark down their items and may be willing to reduce prices to sell items faster.