BirthdaysRichmond moms, dads, and caregivers are always looking for unique ways to find clothing, toys, furniture, accessories, and other things at a good price. We all know that kids don’t wear out most of the things they wear or use before they outgrow them. That means we all have some great things to share with others – but how do we do it most efficiently and safely?
Richmond has two new ways to make it happen – and both are safe and provide parents and others with the unique opportunity to help others.
Moms Exchange (www.momsxchange.com)
Spring and summer are just around the corner and it’s a great time to clean out closets, attics, and garages. Kids have outgrown last year’s clothing, and they’re ready to graduate from ride-on toys to bicycles, and more. So what do you do with all of that stuff that is still in great condition but you no longer need it?
Jinu Patel, the owner of Moms Exchange, saw an opportunity to help local parents connect to buy/trade/sell/exchange all types of things for kids (and even some for adults!) with just a click. Battling the challenge of dealing with too many stuffed animals, outgrown clothing, used toys, furniture, and other things, left Jinu wondering if there was a better way.
“I know some people sell their stuff on existing websites, but those have never felt right for me. I wanted a site that was local, designed for moms [and dads], fun to navigate, and focused on the items I (and every other mom I know) want to buy and sell. I couldn’t find what I was looking for… so I decided to build one,” she explains.
Unlike Craigslist, or other online classified sites where every type of product is offered for sale, Moms Exchange focuses on family-friendly selling/buying/exchanging.
- Sellers feel more confident promoting what they have to offer because email addresses are never shared unless they decide to do so. They are able to clean out their closets and pass those great gently used items with others who can use them.
- Buyers like Moms Exchange because they know that they are working with other moms, dads, and caregivers who are dealing with the same issues they have when toys, clothing, and furniture are outgrown or no longer useful in their personal situation – but are in great condition. And they can always post a listing for something they need if they can’t find it.
Moms Exchange is easy to use too.
How it Works
This is an easy way to sell your stuff to other local moms like you. Just imagine… you can reclaim your closet, attic and floor space! Plus, you can make a buck or two – and maybe even meet a new friend.
With Moms Exchange, you don’t have to gather up everything and take it to a consignment shop, or tag it for a sale.
- Just post a photo on the website
- Add a short description
- Interested, local moms and dads can contact you
If you’re not sure yet, then visit the website and click on “Categories” to check it out. You’ll find a Kate Spade designer diaper bag, Melissa & Doug Wooden Project Workbench, Fisher Price Ride-On Toys, Fisher Price Customizable Play Center and Bins, and much more. If you don’t find what you want, you can post an ad in “Wanted” so others know what you’re looking for.
You can also find Moms Exchange on Facebook – join them and ‘like’ their page to keep up as they grow.
This is the first website of its kind in the Richmond, Virginia area and it’s already getting lots of attention. Check it out and let us know what you think.
Got Kids Stuff (www.gotkidsstuff.com)
Like Jinu, the owner of Got Kids Stuff found a unique niche to help other parents. Her idea led her to create a website where parents and caregivers can share gently used items with others – repaying generosity and giving back in a unique way.
Traci D. remembers her first baby shower. “When my friends threw my baby shower not only did they bring new gifts for the baby, they brought bags and boxes full of gently used kids clothing, toys and other gently used stuff. Some of the items were from friends of friends of whom I’d never even met,” she explains.
Traci saw this is an incredible gift – receiving used items in good condition that could be reused. Not only were the items in good condition, they saved her lots of money as a single mom – which is also a bonus for anyone.
According to her website, “Our founder Traci has experienced first hand the generosity of her friends while facing hard times as a single mom with limited income… this website is her way of paying it forward and helping other families in need.”
And she is definitely paying it forward!
The Got Kids Stuff is a website that brings together:
- those who have used kid’s stuff that they would like to donate to others, and
- those who need gently used kids stuff
It’s that simple. It’s all about spreading ‘good will’ — and everything on the site is free thanks to donations from community members who want to help other families.
It’s quick and easy to join the online community and start sharing. The website is gaining lots of interest from local parents and the media. Visit the Got Kids Stuff website, register, and see all they have to offer. You will love this new concept and way to ‘pay it forward’.
Both of these online resources provide exceptional value for area moms and dads raising kids in the Richmond area. Visit their websites and see what they have to offer. Share this information with you friends and let’s help these two enterprising, entrepreneurial young women as they seek to make the world a better place for parents and kids!
