The recent rise in the cost of living and an increasing concern about the climate crisis have caused many of us to take a hard look at our spending habits. More and more of us are reconsidering how many new items of clothes or furniture we really need and shopping for pre-loved items instead.
This is no exception when it comes to shopping for our children, from newborn baby to growing teenagers, the things our kids need over the years are vast and expensive.
It is no wonder that the second-hand market is rapidly growing, here are a few hints and tips on what you should know about second hand shopping.
- It promotes sustainability
The clothing industry alone contributes 8-10 % of global emissions, that’s more than the aviation and shipping combined. One of the contributing factors is the rise in fast fashion outlets selling cheap clothing. Producing clothes uses a lot of natural resources and creates greenhouse gas emissions which are responsible for climate change. How shopping second hand can help reduce this by helping to promote a circular economy. The circular economy is a system designed to make the most of each item, removing waste from the equation and keeping materials going for as long as possible. The UK produces a huge amount of waste — 26 million tonnes a year, in fact — and the circular economy looks at ways that we can reuse and repurpose items instead of throwing them away. In particular clothes, furniture and electronics have a life span much longer than what we need them for, which is especially true of children’s items. They have outgrown them before they are damage/broken. If we can buy the quality second hand items, we in turn reduce the need for new items to enter production and in turn reduce emissions and prevent items from ending in landfill, where it releases greenhouse gases.
The hard truth is that we are producing too much stuff, and choosing pre-loved instead of funding the production of new items can help lower your environmental impact.
2. It saves you money
When it comes to clothing, toys, furniture and electronics, used items are significantly more affordable than new ones. Many people turn to second hand clothing and clothes in general during tough economic time. But as they find it significantly cheaper, it is quite common for them to become addicted to the look and feel of vintage clothing.
Particularly when it comes to Children’s and baby things as so many of these items from clothes to toys, to pushchairs have barely been used before the Children have outgrown them so the quality of these items are often very good.
3. Unique finds
It is a great way to find special items that you won’t find on the high street. Don’t kit your kids out in the same clothes as everyone else and try something a little different. If you look for more self-expression through your belongings, then second-hand shopping is a perfect way to start a collection that has no equal.
4. Where to shop
Online marketplaces are a growing trend where you will find lots of choice. With Kidching you will only get items sold by parents for parents so no need to trawl through unrelated items.
5. Charity
Here at Kidching we didn’t want to take away donations to Charity, so we have committed to giving money to Children’s charities with every sale on Kidching.
What you need to know if you are thinking of selling your preloved items.
Buying pre-loved goods is a great way to save money, but by selling your unwanted items you could make some extra cash. We all have items that are taking up valuable space in our homes, especially with our kid’s items that they so quickly grow out of, sit in bags in the loft or garage or take up valuable space in your kid’s rooms! A Gumtree report revealed that the average household has around 56 items lying around that they don’t use! Selling these could be helping to fund your next holiday or day out with the family
Inherently we are wary of buying second hand items due to the unknown, however, if you give a detailed description of your item, explaining the size, fit and condition with accompanied by good quality photos that show the item off, including any defect, along with a little note to say plenty of life left in the item, will help build confidence.
For more information on how to sell on Kidching see blog on:
Top tips for a successful sale on Kidching
