Parenting Insights into the B/S/T Phenomenon
I vividly remember my introduction to the intriguing world of Buy Sell Trade (B/S/T). My daughter had just come home from the hospital when my friends bombarded my Facebook feed with messages: “Hey Lisa, have you ever explored B/S/T?”
Um, no. I tend to avoid anything too risqué on Craigslist, thank you very much.
But as my friends chuckled, the initial thoughts of whips and secret basements quickly vanished. I soon learned that B/S/T was not about fetishes at all; it was an intense community dedicated to buying and selling pre-loved children’s clothing online. Yes, you heard me right—used kids’ clothes.
And no, I’m not naïve. I have two little ones, and I’m well aware their clothes can look like they’ve been through a dog bath.
As I reflect on it, I know the concept sounds a bit crazy. So, naturally, I asked my friends what you’re probably wondering: Who in their right mind would pay for used toddler apparel?
Surprisingly, a significant number of people do! I’ve become a proud member of this passionate community, and you’d be shocked to find out how many friends and relatives are deeply entrenched in this online marketplace.
Interested? Stick around! If you’re contemplating diving into the mysterious waters of B/S/T, you’ll need a little education—and a fully stocked PayPal account. But more on that later.
If you want to fill your child’s wardrobe with adorable outfits, shop exclusively on Facebook, and navigate a competitive environment reminiscent of piranhas in the Amazon, you need to be prepared for the adventure. Don’t worry. I’m here to help!
As a fellow Closet Mama, I’m excited to share the five essential lessons I’ve gathered from my foray into this fascinating B/S/T world.
- A Unique Lingo Exists.
If the CIA wanted to recruit people to transform the English language, I know just where to look. B/S/T moms have their own secret dialect. For example, I recently saw a post that read: “24m PSN NWT WDW Maddie. PP Ready, immediate payment, please!” Let’s decode that! This seller has a 24-month dress from the brand Well Dressed Wolf that she hasn’t even received yet—hence the “PSN” or pre-shipping-notice. NWT means New With Tags, which feels a bit obvious since she hasn’t gotten it yet. - There Are No Foolish Questions—But Beware.
I’ll never forget spotting a cute blue and yellow dress that would be perfect for Easter, just the right size for my LO (that’s “Little One,” by the way). I commented, “Sold! Pending question!” and immediately received a message from a friend: “Lisa, you can’t do that! You’ll get banned!” Banned? For asking a simple question? - Beware of Shady Buyers.
If you decide against buying that brown-stained shirt, you might find yourself in a tough spot. There’s a group called “Sellers Beware” dedicated to calling out buyers who flake. It’s a harsh environment where names are shared, and you won’t get a chance to defend yourself. So, unless you want to end up in a virtual purgatory, just buy that shirt! - Price Shaming is Real.
I once thought $50 for a child’s tunic was outrageous until I witnessed one sell for $5,000. Yes, you read that right! While it’s amusing to think money is flowing like that, you should know not to mock anyone in B/S/T—price shaming is a big no-no. It’s like the unforgivable sin; mess with it, and you’re out for good! - A Blend of Chaos and Community.
Like many parenting aspects, you must sift through the nonsense to find the gems. I’ve seen moms spend money they can’t afford on clothes their kids may not even need. Yet, amidst all the chaos, there’s a wonderful community. Those same women who buy expensive dresses often turn around and auction them to help a fellow B/S/T member facing a crisis. I’ve witnessed incredible kindness, like fundraisers for moms escaping abusive relationships or sending cherished items to be transformed into quilts for grieving families.
B/S/T, with its quirks and challenges, can be a magical place. I’m grateful to have ventured into these piranha-filled waters. The women I’ve met have welcomed me into their unique community. We share laughs, eye-rolls at those trying to sell worn outfits as “NWT,” and at times, we even share closets. That’s when you know you’ve found your #BSTBestie!
If you decide to dive into this world, I’ll see you on the boards! If you spot my name, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m fluent in this special language.
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Summary
In the quirky world of B/S/T, understanding the unique language, navigating the social dynamics, and finding community support can turn the experience into something special. As you explore this realm, remember to embrace the fun, the friendships, and the occasional chaos that comes with it.
Keyphrase: B/S/T community insights
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