Are your kids’ closets overflowing with adorable clothes they’ve outgrown faster than you can blink? Instead of letting those precious pieces gather dust, turn them into cash! Kidizen is a specialized marketplace where parents like you can buy and sell gently used children’s clothing, toys, and even mama items. Imagine clearing out the clutter and padding your wallet at the same time!
This guide will walk you through every step of successfully reselling your kids’ clothes on Kidizen, from choosing the right brands to creating listings that sell. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Getting Started on Kidizen
- Preparing Your Kids’ Clothes for Resale
- Photographing Your Items Like a Pro
- Creating Compelling Listings
- Shipping and Getting Paid
- Maximizing Your Success
- FAQ Section
- Conclusion
I. Introduction
Every parent knows the struggle: drawers overflowing with outgrown clothes, bins bursting with toys that no longer see playtime, and a nagging feeling that you could be doing something productive with it all. Enter Kidizen, a thriving online marketplace designed specifically for parents! Here, you can connect with a community of buyers eager to give your kids’ gently used items a second life, all while you earn extra cash.
Kidizen’s focus on children’s clothing, toys, and even items for moms (like maternity wear or stylish accessories) makes it a uniquely appealing platform for both sellers and buyers. You’re tapping into a dedicated audience already interested in the types of items you’re offering. And the potential for earning is significant: some resellers make thousands of dollars a year on Kidizen alone!
II. Getting Started on Kidizen
Creating a Kidizen Account
Signing up for Kidizen is a breeze. Head over to Kidizen.com and follow the straightforward account creation process. You’ll be greeted by a user-friendly interface designed for intuitive navigation, making it easy to find your way around.
Understanding Kidizen’s Policies and Fees
Before you start listing, familiarize yourself with Kidizen’s policies. Take note of the specific types of items allowed and those that are prohibited to ensure you’re compliant with the platform’s rules.
Kidizen charges a selling fee of 12% + $0.50 for each item sold. You’ll be paid in “Kid Bucks,” which you can then convert to cash via PayPal or a direct transfer to your bank account.
III. Preparing Your Kids’ Clothes for Resale
Sorting and Selecting
Not all brands are created equal in the reselling world. Some children’s clothing brands command higher prices due to their quality, desirability, and brand recognition. Focus on picking high-demand brands like:
- Mini Boden: Known for its quirky, colorful designs and durable quality.
- Peek: Loved for its whimsical, vintage-inspired styles.
- Matilda Jane: A favorite for its unique patterns, ruffles, and attention to detail.
- Designer Labels: Burberry, Gucci, and other high-end brands always attract buyers.
- Sports Jerseys: Anything NFL, NBA, or MLB related can fetch a good price.
- Hanna Andersson: High-quality basics and pajamas known for their durability.
- Vineyard Vines: Preppy styles for kids and adults.
- Patagonia and The North Face: Outdoor apparel, especially their popular buntings, are in high demand.
- Charlie’s Project: Similar to Dot Dot Smile, with twirly, slinky dresses.
Sort your clothes meticulously by size, gender, brand, and condition. Use the following common reselling terms to accurately represent your items:
- NWT: New With Tags (the most desirable condition)
- NWOT: New Without Tags
- EUC: Excellent Used Condition
- VGUC: Very Good Used Condition
- GUC: Good Used Condition
- Play: Heavily used; suitable for playwear
Cleaning and Prepping
Giving your items a professional touch before photographing them is essential. Wash everything thoroughly, tackle any stains, and give items a quick iron if needed. A lint roller is your best friend! Don’t forget to mend minor damages like loose buttons or small holes. A little effort goes a long way in making your items more appealing to buyers.
IV. Photographing Your Items Like a Pro
Importance of Quality Photos
In the online world, photos are everything! Crystal-clear, well-lit images are the first impression buyers get of your items. High-quality photos attract attention, build trust, and lead to increased sales.
Photography Tips
- Natural Light: Harness the power of sunshine! Photograph your items in natural light, ideally near a window or outdoors on a sunny day.
- Clean Background: Use a clean, uncluttered background to keep the focus solely on your item. A simple white sheet or poster board works wonders.
- Multiple Angles: Capture multiple angles of the item, including close-ups of details, brand tags, and any unique features.
- Model It (If Possible): If you can, show the item being worn or styled on a hanger or child-sized mannequin to give buyers a better sense of fit and style.
V. Creating Compelling Listings
Writing Effective Titles
Craft titles that are both concise and descriptive, using relevant keywords that buyers might search for. Include the brand, size, item type, and any special features. For example, “Mini Boden Owl Smocked Dress Size 4T” is a much better title than just “Cute Dress.”
Crafting Detailed Descriptions
Provide all the essential details: brand, size, measurements (especially for non-standard brands), condition (using Kidizen’s terminology), color, and any unique features. Be honest about any flaws or imperfections to set realistic expectations. Highlight things that make certain items desirable, like unique features and details. For example, if a dress is made with smocking or features a specific print, like popular characters, mention those features in your description.
Strategic Pricing
Research comparable sold listings on Kidizen and other platforms like Poshmark to get a sense of fair market value. Factor in shipping costs when determining your final price.
The Power of Lots
Bundling similar items into lots can significantly boost your sales. Create appealing lots based on brand, style, size, and season. For example, you could bundle multiple onesies, matching sets, or a collection of themed outfits for a particular holiday. This makes it easier for buyers to shop and often increases the overall value of your sale.
VI. Shipping and Getting Paid
Choosing Shipping Options
Familiarize yourself with Kidizen’s shipping options and costs. Using a postal scale to accurately measure the weight of your package will help you choose the most cost-effective shipping method.
Packaging Your Items
Use sturdy packaging like poly mailers or boxes to protect your items during transit. Adding a little touch of visual appeal to your packaging, like tissue paper or a handwritten thank-you note, can leave a positive lasting impression on buyers.
Tracking Your Shipments
Always provide buyers with tracking information. Tracking updates not only keep buyers informed but also affect the timeline for when your Kid Bucks become redeemable.
Withdrawing Your Earnings
Once your shipment has been scanned by USPS, your earnings (minus Kidizen’s fees) will move from “Pending Kid Bucks” to “Redeemable Kid Bucks.” You can then convert these Kid Bucks to cash by following the withdrawal instructions on Kidizen’s Help section. New sellers may have to wait 72 hours from account creation before cashing out.
VII. Maximizing Your Success
Promote Your Kidizen Shop
Spread the word about your Kidizen shop by sharing your listings on your social media platforms. Kidizen even provides free business cards that you can use for offline promotion, like at local events or playgroups.
Engage with the Kidizen Community
Join Kidizen’s Seller Corner for valuable advice and support from experienced sellers. This is a great place to ask questions, share tips, and connect with other resellers. Participating in brand-specific buy/sell/trade (BST) groups on Facebook can also provide insights into popular styles, pricing trends, and buyer preferences. These groups are often treasure troves of information about specific brands and what sells well within them.
Cross-Listing for Wider Reach
Consider listing your items on multiple platforms like Poshmark, Mercari, and eBay to increase visibility and reach a broader audience. Cross-listing tools can help automate this process, saving you time and effort. It also allows you to tap into different buyer demographics and potentially increase your sales.
VIII. FAQ Section
Q: What are the most popular kids’ clothing brands on Kidizen?
A: Many brands do well on Kidizen, but some of the most sought-after include Mini Boden, Peek, Matilda Jane, designer labels like Burberry and Gucci, sports jerseys, Hanna Andersson, Vineyard Vines, Patagonia, The North Face, and Charlie’s Project.
Q: How do I know if my kids’ clothes are in good enough condition to resell?
A: Refer to Kidizen’s condition categories (NWT, NWOT, EUC, VGUC, GUC, Play). Be honest about any flaws. If an item has multiple imperfections, consider listing it as “Play Condition” or donating it.
Q: Should I price my items higher or lower than comparable listings?
A: Start with a price that’s competitive with similar sold listings. If an item is particularly unique or in high demand, you might be able to price it a bit higher. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pricing strategies.
Q: How long does it take to get paid after I ship an item?
A: Once your shipment has been scanned by USPS, your Kid Bucks usually become redeemable within a few days. However, keep in mind that there might be occasional delays in the system.
Q: What are some tips for taking better photos of my items?
A: Use natural light, a clean background, and multiple angles. If possible, show the item being worn or styled on a hanger. You can find many excellent photography tutorials online.
IX. Conclusion
Turning your kids’ outgrown clothes into cash on Kidizen is a rewarding way to declutter, earn extra income, and contribute to a sustainable marketplace. By following these steps and utilizing the platform’s features and resources, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful Kidizen shop. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today and watch your Kid Bucks grow!