I have a fever... and the only prescription is more
thredUP!
I have to say, I've become a little addicted to thredUP. (Don't know what thredUP is? Check out
this post. Keep in mind the Totsy deal has ended.) It's a wonderful site with a great concept and a very lively and helpful online community on
Facebook.
So far, I've listed two boxes, sold one, and bought two for myself. I've been very, very pleased with the quality - and quantity - of the items I've received.
It didn't take long to figure out that it's very important to "stuff" the boxes. Stuffed boxes sell. Boxes with only a few items do not. Of course, this makes sense. The boxes used through thredUP are all medium flat-rate shipping boxes, so everyone gets the same sized box. Would you want a few pairs of jeans and a couple of shirts? Or six complete outfits, two hats, two pairs of shorts, three pairs of socks, a bib, and ten onesies? (Yes, I packed ALL of that into a box!) Size does factor into this a bit, since bigger sized clothes are, well... bigger. But since everyone pays the same amount for shipping for the same sized box, who wouldn't want the most for their money? A lot of moms are willing to make custom boxes and post pictures of the contents through Facebook as well. (I recommend going through their Facebook page and looking at pictures. That way you'll know EXACTLY what you're getting!)
It's also possible to earn money simply by listing boxes. thredUP has a Low Supply List comprised of sizes that are in low supply on the site. The list fluctuates from day to day, with different sizes earning more money at different times. For instance, I earned a $4 credit toward my account by posting a box of 6/9-month clothing when 9-month clothes were in low supply. (The price has since dropped to $2.) Once the box is picked, the money goes into your account.
In contrast, there seems to be an overflow of newborn and 0/3 month clothes - the sizes babies grow out of the fastest. thredUP is a great way to finish out your layette without spending a fortune.
I think families with multiple babies/kids can really gain from this site: post boxes of your kids' outgrown, gently used clothes, potentially earn money for your boxes, and pick boxes of clothes that your kids can wear now or in the future. For cheap.
The only real downside I've noticed is that the site needs some work. They're new and they're working out the kinks, so the site can lag a bit from time to time. The search function also needs work, which is another reason why I recommend going through their Facebook page. Lots of moms link directly to the box from their picture, saving the hassle of using the sometimes-faulty search engine.
The Bottom Line:
A box costs a total of $15.95 (if you don't have any credits.) That's about what a really cute outfit would cost at any major department store. With thredUP, you'll get LOTS of cute outfits for the same price. Sounds like a winner to me.
You've got that right.
If you'd like a personal invitation to thredUP from me, send me your e-mail address! You'll earn $5 immediately for signing up through me, and I'll earn $5 when you pick and pay for your first box. It's a win/win! Plus, you'll be able to invite other people to join and earn money through them. Just leave me a comment. (Don't worry, all comments have to be approved before posting, so no one else will see your address.)
- Mother Nature Mom
