The Social Tot community
What is The Social Tot?
The Social Tot is a parent-to-parent marketplace designed to make buying and selling quality baby and kid items easy and affordable. Whether you’re looking to declutter and earn some extra cash or find great deals on items for your little ones, The Social Tot connects you with a community of parents for all your needs.
Community Guidelines
We are a community of like-minded people who care about each other, are respectful and kind. Here are our basic rules:
- Be kind, respectful and considerate. Treat people as you'd like to be treated. It's good for your karma too!
- Always clean your items before sending them. Feel free to get creative – from handwritten cards to pretty ribbons, we’ve seen it all. Just send your item as you'd wish to receive it – clean and wrapped up safely. Cleaning is non-negotiable, no one wants to receive something dirty.
- Have items ready to go. If your item is no longer available - for any reason - please close the listing (go to Your Listings and click on the 3 dots on top right corner).
- Accept the order and post promptly. We encourage sellers to accept orders ASAP, ideally within 24 hours of receiving the request. Once the sale is confirmed, please send your items as quickly as you can. 48 hours is ideal. 1 week is acceptable, unless prior agreement with the buyer.
- Proof of postage - please keep hold of it in case something goes wrong in transit.
- Keep it within The Social Tot. Any customers taking transactions off-site will be banned (temporarily or permanently).
- Communication is key. Try to check your messages regularly to ensure buyers questions or concerns are answered.
Happy buying and selling
FAQs
What can I list for sale on The Social Tot? We encourage the listing of gently used or new baby and kid items. You can sell clothing, shoes, toys, cribs, strollers, and more. The items should be in good condition, and the platform caters to children from newborn up to 12 years old.
How much does it cost to list an item for sale? The seller 11% commission fee The buyer 3% processing fee
How do I get paid when my item sells? We partner with Stripe to ensure all transactions are as secure as possible. Stripe is one of the top, secure systems for online payment in the world. Sometimes there are delays in the transfer, but you should receive your payment within 10 working days (weekends don't count).
How do I know if the buyer has paid? When a buyer clicks "Buy Now" on your listing, their payment is securely held until both parties confirm delivery. Once confirmed, the payment will be processed to your account. If you accept a sale, that means the money leaves the account of the buyer and goes to Stripe (the system we use for processing payments). Stripe then connects the buyer and the seller's accounts and sends the money to you. For the first time around this can take up to 10 working days. After your first sale you will be paid faster. The email notification you receive after accepting a sale which is called Sale confirmation is proof that the buyer has paid for your item.
Why do I need to add my bank details for item collection? To ensure smooth transactions, payments are processed through Stripe, which keeps your banking details secure. This eliminates the need for cash exchanges and ensures you receive payment directly to your bank account.
Why do I have to add my bank details if I want my item to be collected? And What should I do if someone offers to buy or sell outside of the platform? Our platform does not support cash in hand on collection. Platforms such as Facebooks and Gumtree, agreeing a price over the phone/email; frequently when people arrive they try to negotiate a new price or hand over less money resulting in uncomfortable situations. Sellers being paid prior, via online payment, then collections become a much smoother process. If you sell through The Social Tot you receive the payment straight to your bank account. The Social Tot uses Stripe to keep all your banking details secure. Stripe is one of the most used and secure systems for online payments in the world. https://stripe.com/ The Social Tot does not have access to your bank details information - it sits securely on Stripe's platform. We encourage all transactions to be completed on The Social Tot to ensure a safe and secure experience for everyone. The 17% fee helps us improve the platform and includes a contribution to charity. Please avoid accepting payments via cash, Venmo, or other methods outside the platform.
Shipping Options The Social Tot supports local pickups or shipping; the seller selects their preference at listing. We hope to introduce shipping features in the future. Please note, The Social Tot is not responsible for any loss, damage, or theft.
How do I calculate shipping? To calculate shipping with Australia Post, you can use their online tools and consider the following factors:
- Determine Package Details • Weight: Weigh your package using a scale. • Dimensions: Measure the length, width, and height of the package. • Destination: Know the destination postcode or country.
- Use the Australia Post Shipping Calculator • Online Tool: Visit the Australia Post website and use their Shipping Calculator. • Input Details: Enter the package weight, dimensions, and destination. • Choose Service: Select the type of service (e.g., Standard, Express). • Get Estimate: The calculator will provide a cost estimate based on your inputs.
- Consider Additional Options • Insurance: Add insurance for valuable items. • Tracking: Choose a service that includes tracking. • Signature on Delivery: Opt for a signature on delivery if needed.
How can I check if there are things around my area? If you go to the Map, located on the top right corner you will see all listings in your area.
Can I list multiple items together? Yes! Bundles are AMAZING! You can list up to 10 items in a single listing to save time. Ensure the first photo shows all items together, with individual photos of each item following. Remember, quality matters!
How do I take good photos for my listings? Clear, bright, and simple photos help your items stand out. We recommend taking photos in natural light with minimal distractions in the background.
How should I price my items? On the one hand you want to earn good cash for your item, on the other hand you want to sell it quickly and effortlessly. So what is the best way to price an item so that it is attractive to other people and it makes you happy too? Here are some tips to guide you. Please note these are just our suggestions and we cannot ensure success. Current retail price Have a look online and see how much your item is selling for now new. It could have changed price (or currently be on sale), so better to check instead of using the price you paid for as a starting point. People research before purchasing second hand. Condition Analyse the condition of your item. Is it new? As new? Great? Good with signs of wear? The photos should help reinforce your choice of price and condition. Always show photos of any wear and tear. Second hand price Look around our club and see what a similar item in similar condition has gone for. Use this as a very strong indicator of how to price your item. Generally, second-hand items sell for 50% of their original price if the item was bought new and is still in great condition. Some items can retain a higher resell value, like for example: Prams (Bugaboo / Joolz) Closed system breastpumps (e.g. Spectra / Medela) Carriers / Slings (Artipoppe) Cots / Nursery furniture (Sacred Bundle) Loungers (Charlie Crane) Good quality clothes and toys from local/sustainable brands (Bundl) Note: If you're looking for a quick sale, adjust the price a bit lower and share your listing on social channels for exposure!
How do I contact the seller if I have a question? You can reach out to sellers through our secure messaging system, accessible at the bottom of each listing. All conversations are stored in your inbox for easy reference.
What if I haven’t heard back from a seller? Try sending a follow-up message through our chat system. If you still don’t get a response, contact us, and we’ll assist you within 48 hours.
Can I send my purchase back if I’m not happy? Returns depend on the seller's policy, so it’s important to check with them before making a purchase. Sellers set their own terms for returns, refunds, and postage. If the item isn’t as described, contact the seller through the message thread in your inbox. If the issue isn’t resolved, contact us, and we’ll step in to help.
How do I leave a review? Review emails are sent to both buyers and sellers 10 days after the sale has been accepted. Reviews can’t be done prior to the email being received. You will then have 10 days from receiving the email to submit your review. Once these 10 days pass a review can’t be submitted
Is the messaging system private? Yes, all messages between buyers and sellers are private, though The Social Tot can access them if necessary to resolve disputes.
Is The Social Tot responsible for items bought and sold? The Social Tot is a platform connecting buyers and sellers. We facilitate the transactions, but both parties are responsible for the actual items exchanged. We are here to support you and help resolve any issues that may arise.
“I am looking for a baby/kids/mums _____________ but you don’t have it.” If there is something you are seeking, please send us a DM as every Sunday we do an Instagram request on stories. These are seen by all members who can put things up for sale if they have them. We hope that by spreading the word we can reach more parents.