Mommy Money Matters – Buy and Sell Sites

As my maternity leave recently ended and I couldn't return to work, I was looking for a way to bring in a little bit of money in advance of the expensive holiday season. Having already made many purchases through buy and sell sites and at mommy swaps for my daughter, I knew they were a good place to try to sell some unused but still useful things. In the last two months alone, I have made almost $800 using Kijiji, Craigslist, VarageSale, and a Facebook Buy and Sell group by selling things that had been taking up room in my spare bedroom for over 4 years.

Since I am no longer a novice when it comes to online selling, I thought I'd save you all the time and trip ups and give you some of my tips for getting the most out of the buy and sell site experience.

Tip #1 – It doesn't hurt to try!

This is a relevant tip for buyers and sellers alike. The worst thing that can happen is that someone says no; so ask if delivery is possible if you don’t have a car or ask to come look at the item before promising payment or haggle the price down a bit. On the flip side, it is savvy to list at a higher price than the lowest you’d accept for your own sale items because buyers are going to try to get the price down on your stuff, too. If you would prefer to sell all your board books as a lot – don’t feel pressure to break it up for people who ask, and if you only want one outfit from a clothing lot – ask if they’ll sell it to you separately. The point is: this is not traditional retail store shopping and you have control over the experience. Both parties get something out of the transaction (a steal on a pair of boots or some extra cash for holiday shopping, etc.) so everybody has to be willing to accommodate a little bit.

Tip #2 – Do some research

Regardless of which side of the transaction you’re on, it’s crucial that you make an effort to comparison shop. If you’re posting your items for sale, take some time to get a sense of how other people are pricing similar things. You don’t want to post it for too cheap and miss out on much needed money but you also don’t want to sit around for months without a bite because you over valued your item. Things can take on emotional meanings for us, but a stranger doesn't care that you nursed your three sweet babies in that glider – they just want a piece of furniture for a good price to make their own memories. As a general rule, find the average price for your item in comparable condition and price it 5% lower for a fast sale. Sometimes undercutting the competition by even a dollar or two helps you to stand out.

As a buyer of big ticket items, use online reviews to figure out if this product will meet your needs and check out what it sells for brand new. If someone is selling a used item, they should not be asking for 75% or more of the brand new asking price – no matter how excellent of used condition it is in! If it retails for $400 and they’re asking $350, you’re better off buying it brand new where you’ll get warranties and customer support and store guarantees. I know that good deals can go fast with many people looking to buy so be informed on objects you’re in the market for in advance and you’ll be prepared when one shows up on your feed. Don’t be afraid to state your interest immediately and then get into a conversation with the seller. If they can’t answer your questions (or you don’t like the answers) they can move on to the next person. No harm, no foul.

Tip #3 – There’s no place like home

Buy and sell sites are only as strong as the communities they serve. Transactions are easier, faster, and safer if you stick to your own neck of the woods. As a buyer, you may find what you’re looking for at an amazing price by casting your net very wide, but how reasonable is it to search for a stroller in a city 3 hours away by car? Remember, the onus generally falls on the buyer for pick up. When you consider hassle and gas money – it’s not as good of a deal. Many sellers want a quick transaction, too, especially when they've priced it for a fast sale. They won’t be willing to hold it until you can get out to them in two weeks. Hold out for a posting closer to home. Save yourself the heartbreak, and don’t even scour the postings from areas outside of your community.

On the selling side, it works to your benefit to build a good reputation in your community. People talk, and you want them saying good things about you - like you price things fairly, you’re easy to contact for extra info, and your items are in excellent condition upon pick up. Also, to the point in the last paragraph – you don’t want to hold an item for 2 weeks for someone from out of town, turn down 3 other offers, and then have them change their mind on the day of scheduled pick up. You can't control if people from other communities contact you, but don't post your items all over the place hoping for a buyer because it may disappoint someone, and don't feel pressure to lower your price since the buyer is being put out by travel (I've been asked this more than once!). If they contact you from out of town, it's up to them to make their own travel arrangements and pay the originally agreed upon price!

Tip #4 - Manage expectations

Besides managing your expectations about how much money you will rake in selling your used things, honesty is the sellers best asset. If you're trying to sell something through an online marketplace, do yourself and everyone else a favour and put it all out there right in your description. If there is a scuff or a small tear, if it needs replacement batteries, or if it has a flat tire, go into detail about the condition from the get go. This helps make transactions more efficient (as you're not bogged down by individual questions), it helps your reputation (as you're seen to be honest and up front), and it limits aggressive haggling (as people know you've priced it a certain way because of the current condition). Don't make people come all the way to your house only to find that you neglected to mention missing pieces or obvious damages and don't wait for them to ask the right questions to get details out of you. There is a buyer out there for almost anything and creative / handy types can mend or re-purpose items if they know in advance that that's what they're buying. As a personal pet peeve - do not post a picture of an item with a disclaimer that it "just needs a good wipe down," wipe it down yourself. Clean up your items before you snap a picture and post it online to put the best foot forward. I just do not understand why people post dirty pictures with a promise to clean it before pick up...

As a buyer, the expectations you need to manage are your own. The reason you are getting such an amazing deal on the purse or exersaucer is because it is previously loved. Steel yourself against disappointment and know that even excellent used condition items may have a scuff or a missing sticker or a pull on the seam. If you want brand new in the box quality, you should look for other ways to save, such as coupons and flyer price matching. This isn't to say you have to settle for junk. Decide what condition is acceptable to you and know in advance what you're buying. It's also good to know that you may face some disappointment - a better deal on an item turns up in your feed 3 weeks after you buy it, a toy that retails with 6 balls only comes with 3, or a great pair of shoes just posted are 2 sizes too small for your feet...such is used shopping!

BONUS!
Here's a handy guide to buy and sell site shorthand so you can shop like a pro:

EUC - Excellent Used Condition

GUC - Good Used Condition

BNWT - Brand New with Tags

BNWOT - Brand New without Tags

BNIB - Brand New in Box

PF - Pet Friendly

SF - Smoke Free

SS - Straight Sale

OBO - Or Best Offer

ISO - In Search Of

PM - Private Message

BUMP - (This is to push a post back to the top of the feed)

SPPU - Sold Pending Pick-Up

NIL - Next in Line

POOS - Posted on Other Sites (or some will say cross-posted)

Mommy Money Matters: Stocking A Winter Wardrobe

The change in the season has been a dramatic one in my laundry room. I certainly didn't appreciate how comparatively few loads shorts and t-shirts generated before long sleeves and jeans struck. Little things, like making sure he has enough clean socks, is suddenly a concern in a sandal-free morning routine, never mind remembering where mitts and hats got left, and it really slows things down. Finding that balance between so few clothes you're doing laundry every night, and owing two dressers full of stuff they grow out of over night is tricky. And when you start talking about outerwear? Where do you start! What is enough, and how can you get the most out of what you have? We clever mamas have a few tips to share...

The Basics:

Your little one is not only going to be wearing more layers, you'll need spares for your diaper bag or daycare bag. This means mixing and matching. Three piece sets are cute, but if your outfit is bright red and your back up olive green it will look - interesting. Not that matching always matters, you'll just have an easier time of the whole getting dressed routine if you have a few neutrals. A few grey, black, and beige sweatshirts will serve you well and work for either gender. A plain pair of track pants, leggings, or jeans to go with will go with any shirt. Try finding some bargains on fleece and cotton hoodies from thrift stores and mom-swaps, especially for those muddy toboggan rides and messy indoor painting days!

For the Feet:

With temperatures going from 19 C to snow and -3 C in the span of a few days here, your little adventurer will still need a variety of footwear. Good quality sneakers for inside and out, a pair of good rain boots, and at least one quality pair of winter boots. For sneakers, so long as they fit well, any brand will really do. Consider avoiding shoelaces until they can tie them alone. They're just a temptation for busy hands and an inconvenience for busy teachers. Winter boots merit a little more research. Getting a good brand that will last will serve you better, and retain their value for resale.  Of course, buying all of this brand new can really add up, so asking around for a bargain or looking in to consignment might help you get a deal. Oh, and make sure you have lots of extra socks for doubling up or changing out when after a post-snowman soaker!

Hats and Mitts:

Most kids don't like wearing hats - until they feel cold. Having a couple hats for your child's "mood" is sometimes the key. Anything that covers their head and ears will do the trick, so don't go overboard. Hats that attach under the chin with a snap or Velcro is ideal for babies and toddlers that will fight the hat the most.  When it comes to gloves,however, you almost can't have too many. My son had five pairs to start the season and we've already lost one. Whether you leave them at Nana's, they're still wet from school, or forgotten in the car, at some point you'll need a backup or two, or six. Keep in mind a variety of thicknesses, too. Sometimes a stretchy Dollar Store pair is good too take the edge off, but sometimes you need something waterproof and insulated for serious outdoor play. Big box stores will sell them cheapest after Christmas or off season.

How do you stay warm on a budget?  Have you scored a bargain? Tell us about it!

Mommy Money Matters: Crunching the Numbers on Formula!

Breastmilk comes in one variety only – yours. If your child and you are successful, there can be an elaborate dance to learn how and when your child best eats, foods that my upset their digestion, and maybe a little self-care in the process. One thing you don’t have to account for is price. Formula is a whole other ball game. Especially with your first, you really only know the variety your hospital or other medical professional recommended. This tells you very little about knowing how often to feed, powder versus liquid, low iron, soy, and all of the other questions you may have! Well, I’m not a nutritionist, or a paediatrician, but I am a mother who values her budget.

I’ve done a little research – and a lot of math – about all of the various formats we find formula on the shelves. From those adorable little nursers that you can feed your newborn, to those cases of concentrate and powder refills, I’ve compared the prices of the top three brands sold at Walmart across the country. These prices reflect the national average well, but might be higher or lower in your area. These also do not reflect any rollback, sale, price matching or coupons that you should be using to improve your cost!

Nursettes/ Nursers

Small and portable, these ready to serve wonders are sold to be paired with nipples that attach directly to the bottle. Enfamil and Similac sell them identically in 59mL servings. As far as I know, Good Start does have the attachable nipple, but their smallest container, 89 mL, is often in glass bottles! Not as practical for your diaper bag. Of course, with this convenience comes a price, and this format is by far the most expensive of the lot. Once partially consumed, or left opened for over an hour, this product needs to be thrown out, so be aware!

		Enfamil	Good Start	Similac
Nursettes		6 x 59mL	8 x 89mL	8 x 59mL
	Per package	$9.98	$19.97	$11.98
	Per mL	$0.0320	$0.0280	$0.0253
	Per oz	$0.9463	$0.8280	$0.7482

Ready to Serve

When your child gets a little bigger, multiple nursettes is not very cost effective, but there may still be reasons why you would want the same sort of ease. If you’re camping, travelling on a plane, or just to have some spare at Nana’s house, bottles of prepared formula do come in handy. While not quite as expensive as the nurser, it is definitely more pricey to spare yourself the preparation. This bottle can also be chilled after opening, to extend it’s life if junior doesn’t consume it all at once. Remember to use it within 24 hours though!

		Enfamil	Good Start	Similac
Ready to Serve		18 x 337mL	16 x 250mL	1 x 945mL
	Per package	$44.93	$48.87	$10.98
	Per mL	$.0105	$.0122	$.0116
	Per oz	$.3105	$.3608	$.3431

Concentrate

*In this case, per mL and per oz price take into account the addition of water for an accurate comparison.

For daily use, my preference was this method. Cans of concentrate are mixed with equal parts water. The instructions give you the exact method of preparation for optimal results, and after you do it a few times, it becomes second nature. You can prepare a couple cans in a pitcher for easy portioning, and the batch is good for approximately 48 hours. We found it to be the perfect balance of ease and cost effectiveness. The only downside being, this is the only style that requires a little more planning. Prepared bottles need to be chilled when not in use, and finding a heat source is sometimes a pain!

		Enfamil	Good Start	Similac
Concentrate*		12 x 385mL	12 x 359mL	12 x 235mL
	Per package	$49.98	$48.87	$34.98
	Per mL	$.0054	$.0056	$.0062
	Per oz	$.1596	$.1656	$.1834

Powder

When looking at weight and cost of formula products, powder wins hands down. The lack of water makes it cheaper to produce and ship, which is a big win to the end user. You can pre-measure bottles, either in the bottle itself, or a handy portioned container, and add water later on without having to worry about chilling. The two main disadvantages this style has have to do with its preparation. It’s very difficult to make ahead, which is a pain if your child is going through a growth spurt and is eating often. It also needs to be mixed very well to avoid clumps, etc. There are special bottles and kits to assist with that, but it detracts from the cost advantage!

		Enfamil	Good Start	Similac
Powder		900g	660g	638g
	Per package	$25.98	$25.83	$25.38
	Per g	$.0288	$.0391	$.0397
	Per oz	$.1267	$.1720	$.1747

As you can see, while there is a small difference in price between the top three, the actual style of formula has more impact on the price than the label. A good handle on sales and coupons will also really help, with Enfamil coupons of up to $8, Similac cheques, and Nestle Good Start promotions, your favourite will always be available at an even better price. There are also many more brands of formula on the market to try; organics, store brands, and specialty products with custom ingredients. When buying these products, it is even more important to check the expiration date, as the stock is rotated much less frequently.

How do you save money on formula? Have you tried freezing it in to pops for your teething little one? Tell us about it on Facebook!

Mommy Money Matters: School Supplies for Pre-School Kids

Despite being out of school for… let’s just say “a while” now, I still love stationary. I crave new pens. I hoard spiral bound notebooks. I have duo-tang folders in every colour. It’s no surprise, then, that I love back-to-school sales at all the big box stores. With loss-leaders designed to get you to drop your entire September budget, and more, you can win or lose in the equation. Make a list and be strong, mamas! 

Even if you don’t have school-aged children to shop for, you might still want to run in for a few key supplies. There’s no rule that says you have to buy anything other than the super cheap stuff, so why not grab $2 and purchase these 3 items that will save you huge down the road. We’re talking way less than dollar store prices here, so take advantage!

80 page spiral notebooks / 100 page loose leaf, lined paper (Under $.10 per)

For children under 5, art is more practice than anything else. They may tear pages with high-pressured strokes, need 20 pages to get their name just right, or have more fun playing trash can basketball than actually colouring. This is the perfect time to grab some cheap paper for experimentation. Why not keep a few pages in the kitchen for spelling practice before dinner? Keep a notebook in the car for drawing on the road? Having paper handy is great for moms too; shopping lists, taking down a telephone message, writing directions… you’ll be glad you thought of it!

Crayons/ pencil crayons (Approximately $.50 per)

Although I almost always advocate no-name over brand, there are a few exceptions in which the quality is so noticeable; it’s worth the extra money. Crayons are one such item, and at back-to-school time, it’s brands like Crayola that offer those steep discounts to bilk buying retailers. I was able to get 2 packages of 24 Crayola crayons for $1 this year. Ideal, because if some don’t get lost, they’ll certainly get broken as my son learns how to hold them properly.  I keep one pack for the diaper bag as a restaurant distraction, and a spare for the house.

Project folders/ duo-tangs (Under $.10 per)

This one might not seem as obvious to you, but stay with me. What project folders are, really, is large pieces of thick paper stock, folded in half. Of course, they are great for creating artist portfolios, for carrying letters to and from daycare, and other folder jobs, but think outside the box! Cut them into fun shapes to make Popsicle stick puppets! Place an assortment on the floor for a fun colour sorting game! Cut them in to ribbons to make paper chain garlands! You get the idea… the possibilities are endless.

Other finds to keep an eye for at this time of the year include:

• Backpacks – a much more convenient bag to travel with back and forth to day care, but very pricy if you’re looking in the winter.
• Snacks – this is a prime opportunity to buy puddings, crackers, and granola bars. Take advantage of coupons and price matching for extra savings!

Have you gotten a killer back-to-school deal? Got a great way to save for September? Let us know! Join the conversation on Facebook!

Mommy Money Matters: Mom Fashion

As a teenager, I loved clothes. It was an expression of my individuality… and my financial savvy. I would go to outlet malls and buy dozens of the latest t-shirts, jeans, and accessories at a fraction of the price of the mall. I could probably go a month and a half without doing laundry. I sometimes did. Fast forward to life as an adult and $3 t-shirts do not a wardrobe make. I had to spend a little more on things like business apparel and flexible pieces that could go from day to night. I had more trousers and cardigans than anything else, and I prided myself in looking sharp and presentable when I went to work. 

Once you’re pregnant, you really start to realize how little clothes you can live on. Most of your everyday wardrobe doesn't fit, but you don’t want to drop a fortune on clothes you’ll really only wear for 6-12 months (at a time). You’ll need a little extra room around the 4th month, and you won’t be back to your previous weight and shape – possibly ever! Since your budget is getting smaller, and no woman loves the fitting room, here are some tips for shopping for your pregnancy, maternity leave, and back to work wardrobes! 

Pregnancy:

• Budget for at least $100-$200 unless you shop very smart, or are able to borrow some pieces from someone recently pregnant (which would be fantastic). You are buying practically a new wardrobe!
• Make a list of what you need for casual (jeans, t-shirts), work (black pants, blouses), and any events you have to attend (one dress or skirt isn't a bad idea), and ensure you can mix and match.
• Consider shopping at second-hand, consignment, or through mom-swaps for some pieces. They will be in great shape from limited use!
• Only buy pieces that make you feel comfortable, and preferably pretty! You’ll end up wearing some things a lot.
• Keep season in mind - you may need to bite the bullet and buy a maternity jacket if you're pregnant in the winter. Heavy sweaters don't always do the job.

Maternity Leave:

• Budget around $50 just to bridge the gap as your figure and responsibilities change.
• Your body has changed and will change a great deal, don’t invest a lot of money or in a large number of items (as eager as you may be for something new)!
• Consider shopping at outlet malls or big box stores just for a few casual pieces that will see a lot of laundry.
• Only buy pieces that will make the work of motherhood easier for you. For me, that was a few cheap t-shirts and some hooded sweaters. You might need yoga pants, nursing tops, or light, flowing dresses.

Back to work:

• Budget around $100 to buy some items to make you feel good about what you’re wearing.
• You may not be 100% happy with how you look right now, but be honest and try on all of your clothes. This is a good time to get rid of pieces that are worn out, that you don’t like, or that are out of fashion.
• Put away clothes that are in great shape if they don’t quite fit (if you can’t bring yourself to donate them), and store away your maternity wear.
• Only buy pieces that will add to your current wardrobe and will continue to flatter as your shape changes (ie, belted dresses, flowing tops, and well-fitting pants).

You may have heard jokes about “mom-jeans” or feel down about some extra weight you may be carrying. You made a person! That’s not like vacation weight from hitting the buffet! I earned every ounce and stretch mark! The way I see it, clothing is not really optional either. You have to dress to leave the house, and you might as well look good! Dress for the shape you have, and own it.