I have, in the past, complained about shopping the "online garage sale" sites like Craig's List and Kijiji. There is just so much stuff out there that people are selling, and I have little patience for sifting through the ads, trying to find what I want for the price I want in a location that is even somewhat accessible. Mostly I end up frustrated and just give up.
But today I have made what is likely the best online garage sale buy I could get! It struck me the other day that it could be time for a new double stroller. I bought the one I currently have the same way - from a Kijiji listing. It cost me $40 and I have gotten more miles out of it than I imagined. It is still functional, but getting really worn out. Because I got so much use out of it, I didn't feel bad about searching around for something better.
And wow, did I find it! I was out and about town a few weeks back and saw a double stroller that just made me drool. It was sleek, functional, had two seats that can face forward or toward each other, could fit both a newborn (fully reclining position) and preschoolers. It had these fantastic little wind blankets that attached to the stroller. Nice canopies, and it all collapsed down really well. I took a mental note of the name and looked it up when I got home: Peg Perego Duette. For those of you currently in the throes of motherhood of young children, you might recognize the name. Their strollers retail for around $1000! Yes, there are three zeroes after that 1. I could never bring myself to pay that for a stroller, no matter how pretty and functional it was. But knock a zero off that, and that's what I'm paying for this gently used, second-hand stroller.
The best part of it all is that I know that probably 90% of moms who buy strollers don't get nearly the use out of them that I do. Especially in a country where half the year is wintery and snowy, most strollers get walked around the malls, and pushed on occasional walks to the park. Me, I have taken my double stroller out on average 3-5 days a week, 12 months a year, through rain and sun and snow. I have pushed it over nearly every square inch of my town, loaded it up with shopping, and used it more than I used the car in the past two years. I love to get outdoors and I love walking, and having two kids in tow hasn't slowed me down yet.
And so, despite all the annoyances and complaints I have had in the past about online garage saling, I will try in the future to hold my tongue and remember the fantastic stroller deals I have been able to find. Oh, and because the double stroller I currently have is still functional, I will also try my hand at selling it online for a small price. It will serve someone else well who really needs one and can't afford the current prices out there.
1 comment:
Last night, I gave Shea his first actual bike. It is decorated with Tow Mater (from Cars), who is his favourite thing ever. It has a functioning tow hook on the back, so he can literally tow around his other cars and trucks. He thinks this is the best bike in the world. I paid $10 for it.
Not only am I sure this bike costs a fortune new, I can't even find it anywhere new online to see how much I actually saved, so I am really glad I found it.
I also have two strollers from there too, one which is exactly what I needed for a fraction in the cost. Can I technically afford to get these things new? Yes, probably, but why pay more than you need to?
Post a Comment