I vividly recall my first venture into the realm of Buy Sell Trade (B/S/T). My little one hadn’t even arrived from the hospital when my friends inundated my Facebook feed with messages: “Hey, Melissa! Have you tried B/S/T yet?”
Uh, no. I thought it was some sort of quirky hobby related to Craigslist. But my friends chuckled as my concerns faded, revealing that B/S/T was not about anything risqué, but rather a vibrant community focused on buying and selling secondhand children’s clothing online.
Yes, you heard that correctly—used kids’ clothes. And no, I’m not clueless; I have two rambunctious toddlers whose end-of-day outfits resemble something out of a dog grooming salon.
Even while writing this, I understand the concept might sound a bit odd. So, I posed the same question to my friends that you might be thinking: Who in their right mind would spend money on pre-loved toddler attire?
The answer? A surprising number of people. I’ve since embraced this fascinating world, and it’s likely that you have friends or family members you’d never suspect who are deeply involved in this online bazaar. If you’re intrigued, keep reading!
If you’re looking to fill your child’s wardrobe with cute outfits, shop exclusively on Facebook, and navigate a competitive environment that can feel like a pack of piranhas in the Amazon, you’ll need some insider knowledge—and a well-funded PayPal account. But don’t worry; I’m here to guide you through it.
As a proud member of the B/S/T community, here are the five key lessons I’ve learned while exploring this whimsical corner of the internet:
1. Secret Language of B/S/T
If the CIA were on a mission to decode English, they’d find a goldmine in the B/S/T community. The shorthand can be baffling. Just this week, I saw a post that read: “12m NWT PSN WDW Dress. PP ready for immediate payment!” Here’s the breakdown: this seller is offering a size 12-month dress from the brand Well Dressed Wolf, which she hasn’t even received yet. “PSN” means pre-shipping notice, and “NWT” stands for New With Tags, which is a bit redundant since she hasn’t laid eyes on it yet!
2. No Such Thing as a Silly Question
I’ll never forget spotting a delightful blue dress perfect for Easter in my size for my little one (LO). I commented, “Sold! Pending question!” only to be instantaneously warned by a friend: “Melissa, you can’t do that! You’ll get BANNED!” Banned? For asking a question?
In many B/S/T groups, once you comment “sold,” you’re committed. It doesn’t matter if you had a question about that mysterious dark spot—is it a shadow or a stain? You’re on the hook now!
3. Buyers Beware
Decided that brown-stained dress isn’t for you? Trouble is brewing! There’s a watchdog group called “Sellers Beware” that keeps track of those who back out on purchases. It’s a harsh environment where names are called out, and you can find yourself ostracized without a chance to defend your reputation. Avoid that dreaded Adult Time-Out Purgatory at all costs!
4. Price Tag Judgment
At one point, I thought paying $50 for a child’s tunic was excessive—until I witnessed one sell for $5,000. Yes, you read that right. The B/S/T community has its fair share of high rollers who will drop serious cash on rare finds, often referred to as “unicorn” dresses. While it’s easy to scoff, mockery can lead to price shaming, which is a big no-no. Take my advice: tread lightly, or you risk being banished from this odd little universe.
5. A Blend of Crazy and Community
Like many aspects of parenting, you’ll find a mix of the bizarre and the heartwarming within the B/S/T world. I’ve witnessed women spending money they can’t afford on clothes their children may not even wear. I’ve seen others kicked out for breaking unspoken rules, which is truly unfortunate. Yet, amid the chaos, there are incredible acts of kindness. Those who splurge on high-end dresses often rally together for fundraisers to help fellow moms in need.
Despite its quirks, the B/S/T community can be a magical place. I’m grateful I took the plunge, and the women I’ve met have welcomed me into their unique circle. We share laughs, roll our eyes at certain sellers, and occasionally, we even swap clothes—now that’s when you know you’ve made a true #BSTBestie!
If you decide to dive into this adventure, I hope to see you on the boards! And if you spot my name, feel free to reach out—I’m fluent in B/S/T lingo.
For those interested in parenting beyond fashion, check out our post on the At-Home Insemination Kit or visit American Pregnancy for great resources. Also, for those curious about the safety of antidepressants during pregnancy, Intracervical Insemination has valuable insights.
In summary, the B/S/T world is a whirlwind of excitement, camaraderie, and occasionally, chaos. By arming yourself with knowledge and a sense of humor, you can successfully navigate this fascinating community.