How to buy a used stroller safely

A stroller is one of those purchases that makes you wince. New, it costs as much as a small appliance, and you will probably use it for two or three years before it ends up in the basement next to the high chair. That is why so many parents decide to buy a used stroller. You save a lot of money, and a good frame can easily handle a second child. You just need to know what to look at before you pay, and to buy somewhere you are protected even when the seller lives at the other end of the country.

When buying a used stroller makes sense

Most of the time it does. A stroller is used for a short period, often by one child only, and plenty of them come back on the market in excellent condition. People usually sell because their kid has started walking, or because they switched to something lighter that fits in the car. Compared with buying new you often spend half, sometimes even less.

Car seats and infant carriers are a different story. With those the history matters, because a seat that has been through a crash can look perfect and still be compromised. If you do not know where it comes from, buy it new. A stroller, on the other hand, is easy to judge by looking at it, and its flaws tend to show.

What a used stroller costs

The price depends on the model, its age and how well it was looked after. These are the figures you see most often for used strollers in good condition, so treat them as estimates.

A well known travel system that still has its original accessories (rain cover, changing bag, winter footmuff) holds its value better. If some pieces are missing, remember you will have to buy them again and keep that in mind when you make an offer.

What to ask the seller before you buy

The photos in the listing are only a starting point. Before you buy, message the seller and ask for whatever you cannot see. On Lendmates the chat lives inside the app, so you can sort things out without sharing your phone number. The list of things to ask for is short:

• a photo of the label with the model and the year it was made
• a short video of the seller folding and unfolding it
• close ups of the wheels, the tread and the axles
• the brake on, with the stroller staying put when pushed
• the fabric, including the part under the seat where stains and mould like to hide
• which accessories are included in the price

Ask how long it has been sitting unused and where it was kept. A stroller left for two years in a damp garage can have ruined fabric even if the frame is perfect. An honest seller will be happy to answer, and if the answers stay vague, that tells you something too.

Where to buy a used stroller safely

The real risk when you buy second hand online is paying and getting nothing, or getting something different from what you saw. On Lendmates everyone who signs up goes through an identity check, so on the other side there is a real person with a profile and reviews left after every exchange.

Then there is the payment. You pay in the app and the seller gets the money once the purchase goes through as expected. No bank transfers to strangers and no cash handed over in a car park. If you want to know more about how it works, it is all in our guide on how to buy second hand online safely.

And since selling on Lendmates has no distance limits, you can look for the model you want anywhere in Italy. The travel system you cannot find in Bari might be for sale in Padua, and the seller ships it by courier.

Check it as soon as the parcel arrives

A folded stroller travels in a pretty big box. When it arrives, open it the same day instead of leaving it in the hallway for a week. Put it together, fold and unfold it a couple of times, try the brake and push it back and forth across the floor. The wheels should roll straight and without squeaks.

Look at the straps and buckles too, which should click shut firmly, and at the handlebar if it adjusts. If everything matches the listing, the sale is complete and you can both leave a review. If something is off, message the seller in the chat straight away and attach a few photos.

If you only need it for a few weeks

Sometimes you only need a stroller for a short while. Grandparents looking after a grandchild over the holidays, or a trip where you want something light while the big one stays at home. In those cases buying makes little sense, and on Lendmates you can also rent one from someone near you, with a deposit that comes back to you when you return it. You will find a few more ideas in our article on renting strollers and car seats peer to peer.

And when your child outgrows it, the same account lets you list the stroller for sale again and get back part of what you spent. Baby clothes work the same way, as we show in the story about deciding to sell used kids' clothes.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth buying a used stroller?

Usually yes. Strollers get used for a short time, so you often find them in great shape for half the price or less. Before you pay, check the wheels, the brake, the folding and the fabric.

How much should I pay for a used stroller?

It depends on the type. A lightweight stroller in good condition usually goes for 60 to 150 euros, a complete travel system for 250 to 550 euros. Original accessories add to the value.

Can I buy a used car seat?

Better not, unless you know its history. A car seat that has been in a crash can be damaged in ways you cannot see. If you do buy one used, buy it from someone you trust and make sure it meets current safety standards.

How do I pay for a used stroller on Lendmates?

You pay in the app when you buy. The seller gets the money once the stroller has arrived and matches the listing, so there are no bank transfers to strangers and no cash.

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