When I first ventured into the realm of Buy, Sell, Trade (B/S/T), my daughter had barely arrived home from the hospital when my friends began flooding my social media with messages: “Emma, have you tried B/S/T?”
Not a chance, I thought. I’m not interested in any weird Craigslist encounters, thank you very much.
But my friends chuckled, and the initial images of something scandalous faded away. I soon realized that B/S/T wasn’t about anything risqué; it was a vibrant, sometimes overwhelming community centered around selling used children’s clothing online.
Yes, I’m talking about used kids’ clothes. And no, I’m not clueless—I have two toddlers running around, and I know their outfits often resemble rags at the end of the day.
As I delve deeper into this bizarre world, I found myself wondering: Who would actually pay for secondhand toddler attire? It turns out, quite a few people do.
I now proudly belong to this passionate community, and I’m here to tell you that B/S/T is a significant phenomenon. You might be surprised to learn that friends and family you’d never suspect could be deeply entrenched in this online marketplace.
Intrigued? Stick around. If you’re considering dipping your toes into the B/S/T waters, you’ll need some essential knowledge—and perhaps a well-stocked PayPal account. But we’ll get to that soon.
If you’re keen to fill your child’s wardrobe with cute clothes, shop exclusively on Facebook, and navigate a competitive environment that feels like piranhas fighting for a meal, here’s what you need to know.
No worries, I’m here to guide you. As a newly initiated Closet Mom, I’m sharing the five crucial lessons from my journey through the fascinating world of B/S/T.
1. There’s a Unique Language.
If the CIA were searching for individuals capable of translating English into a whole new dialect, they’d need to look at B/S/T moms. The lingo is something else. 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 is offering a size 24-month dress from the brand Well Dressed Wolf, which she purchased online and hasn’t received yet, hence the “PSN,” or pre-shipping-notice. The “NWT” means New With Tags—a bit obvious, considering she hasn’t even received it yet.
2. No Questions Allowed.
I’ll never forget the day I spotted an adorable blue and yellow dress, perfect for Easter and just the right fit for my LO (that’s “Little One,” by the way). I commented, “Sold! Pending question!”
Almost immediately, a friend messaged me: “Emma, you can’t do that here! You’ll get BANNED!” Banned? Could I really be kicked off the Cute Dress Island for merely asking a question?
In many B/S/T groups, once you comment “sold,” you’re committed. It doesn’t matter if you have concerns about a mysterious stain. Better cough up the money!
This leads to the ultimate faux pas: not following through with payment.
3. Beware of Shady Buyers.
If you decide you no longer want that brown-stained poodle shirt, things could get messy for you. There’s a group called “Sellers Beware” where individuals who back out of deals are publicly named and shamed. It’s a harsh community, and you don’t want to find yourself in that position.
Buy the shirt, mama. Don’t end up in Adult Time-Out. It’s like the Elephant Graveyard from The Lion King—not a happy spot.
4. Price Shaming Exists.
I once thought $50 for a child’s tunic was outrageous. Then I witnessed one sell for five thousand dollars. Yes, you read that right. It’s mind-boggling how some are willing to spend exorbitant sums on “unicorn” dresses worn by multiple toddlers.
While this trend seems absurd, there are indeed people with deep pockets who frequent the B/S/T community. Just don’t dare to mock them. Price shaming is a serious offense in this world, and it could lead to your immediate exit from the community.
5. B/S/T: A Mix of Madness and a Supportive Community.
Like many facets of parenting, you’ll need to sift through some chaos to uncover the gems. I recognize the oddities in the B/S/T community. I’ve witnessed moms spending beyond their means on clothes their children don’t even need, and I’ve seen women ousted for breaking unwritten etiquette rules.
However, there’s plenty of good within this community too. Those same moms who splurge on expensive dresses have been known to host auctions to help cover funeral costs for fellow B/S/T members or organize fundraisers for women escaping abusive relationships.
Despite its quirks, the B/S/T world can be quite magical. I’m grateful I took the plunge into this unpredictable world. The women I’ve met have welcomed me with open arms, sharing stories and, at times, even closets. That’s when you know you’ve found your #BSTBestie (shout out to you, Claire!).
So, if you choose to explore this world, I’ll see you on the forums! And if you spot my name, know that I’m more than happy to help you navigate it. After all, I’m now fluent in Minion.
If you’re curious about other parenting topics, check out this post on home insemination kits or learn more about the IVF process.
Summary
The world of Buy, Sell, Trade (B/S/T) for used children’s clothing is a complex yet vibrant community that requires some insider knowledge to navigate. From understanding the unique language to knowing the etiquette of commenting “sold,” this blog post offers essential tips for anyone looking to dive into this intriguing marketplace. It also highlights the supportive nature of the community, which can turn chaotic moments into opportunities for connection and generosity.