What Sells: Baby & Children’s Clothing
Children’s clothing typically resells online for far below retail; fancy dresses (for pageants and holidays) and one-of-a-kind Halloween costumes sometimes do very well, but high end “boutique” brands usually resell for a fraction of their original price. Moderate and lower-priced brands like Gap Kids and Old Navy have even less resale value.
To make up for the low prices, baby and children’s clothing is frequently sold in lots. When putting together lots, match items by size, style and color, and by brand if feasible to do so.
Top-selling brands include:
- Baby Lulu
- Catimini
- French Baby
- Gymboree
- Hanna Anderson
- Oilily
Most clothing is seasonal. Holiday-themed items should be sold 1-2 months before the holiday (be sure to allow enough time for shipping). Spring clothing (lightweight materials and pastel colors) should be sold in March and April, and summer clothing (shorts, sandals and swimwear) in April through June.
Online clothing sales slow down significantly over the summer. In mid-August, buyers return to online marketplaces for “Back to School” items like kids’ clothes and school supplies. Winter clothes will sell September through December. However, the smaller the size, i.e., the younger the child, the less significant seasonal factors tend to be.
For the latest in children’s fashion, visit the websites of the top selling brands listed above. For everyday wear, it is best to search eBay to learn what’s offered for sale, how items are being bundled and marketed and what’s selling online and for how much.
Children tend to be harder on their clothing than adults, so inspect items carefully for stains, rips and other damage. In particular, pay attention to areas that receive heavy wear (like the seats and knees of pants), and areas likely to be stained (fronts of shirts, dresses and overalls). Items that are unworn sell better than used items.
- Brand
- Name of line (not all brands have these)
- Type of garment(s)
- Number of pieces (for outfits and lots)
- Gender
- Size
- Predominant color(s)
- Condition (New with Tags, New without Tags, etc.)
Ensure clothes are clean prior to storage or shipment. If soiled or musty, ask the owner to clean the items in preparation for pick-up.
Keep clothing in a well-ventilated room or in a sealed bag, away from children, pets, moisture, smoke and cooking odors. Do not place clothing next to heating vents or air conditioners, since temperature/humidity changes can cause damage. Baby and children’s clothing items do not have to be placed on hangers unless an item is a dress item.
For shipment, place items in a plastic bag, and place the bag in either a bubble wrap envelope or a box depending upon the number of clothing items being shipped to the buyer.
