Everyone loves a bargain, right? Right! I do, too. 

There are plenty of bargains to be found when it comes to baby carriers. Some bargains are found on buy/sell/trade boards, and others at consignment shops. Some are on the clearance racks at the big box stores, and others are from flash sales at online specialty stores.

There is a type of bargain baby carrier that is really NOT a good deal, and that is the copy/knockoff or fake carrier. These come in two types: one that kind of looks like a specific brand carrier but is not labeled as that brand (copy/knockoff), and one that looks like, and is labeled as that specific brand, trying to pass for that carrier (fake). Many of these copies and fakes can be found on Amazon, eBay, or the Chinese e-commerce site Alibaba. 

Major brands that tend to be copied are Ergo, Freehand (a brand of mei tai that is no longer produced), Beco, Hotslings, Tula, Lillebaby, Bjorn, Moby, and more. Ergo is by far the most frequently copied and there are many FAKE Ergos out there. They are now copied so closely that some of them are impossible to tell the difference. The only ways to ensure you aren't buying a fake Ergo are to buy new from an authorized retailer (Ergo maintains information about these on their site), or contact Ergo with the information on the tag if you are buying used.  

It pays to be cautious. The fakes are everywhere, and sometimes they are being re-sold by people who do not realize they are fake. Swap boards, consignment stores, and garage sales have turned up fake carriers, and it is always a sad day when someone is excited about their new carrier, only to find out that it is a fake, and essentially worthless. Then, they are without a carrier, and often out the money they paid for the fake. 

You might be thinking: "well if it looks like an Ergo, and functions like an Ergo, who cares?"

Here's why you should care and beware: 

• Ergo (and other genuine brand carriers) have passed stringent testing guidelines and are safe when used properly. Copies and fakes have NOT. There have been instances of fabric tearing, buckles breaking, webbing slipping, and seams ripping. Not a super big deal for a fake handbag, but this item is holding your baby. Torn fabric or broken buckles could cause baby to fall, leading to injury and even death. Buckles are only the beginning of the concerns. Fabric on copies and fakes may contain lead or other metals. 
• The testing that Ergo participates in helps them guarantee the product with a 12 month warranty. You can feel confident in your purchase. You cannot have the same confidence in a fake product, whether it is the first use or the one hundredth. 
• Counterfeiters are engaging in criminal activity, beyond the act of counterfeiting. These include activity that directly affects you the consumer (identify theft, undelivered goods) as well as activity that affects the greater population (gang activity, terrorism, ignoring labor laws related to child labor, sweatshops, and substance use). 

If you are looking for a carrier and feel like a fake or copy is your only option due to budget, please reconsider, for the health and safety of your baby and your family. There are a number of authentic carriers that are comparable in price to a fake or copy, and I will highlight these in an upcoming blog post. 

For further reading on fakes and copies, please see: 
http://blog.ergobaby.com/counterfeits/
http://babycarrierindustryalliance.org/2013/02/fake-carriers-warning/
https://bwichicagoland.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/the-problem-with-counterfeits/
http://www.reallywhatwerewethinking.com/2012/08/

Put your mind (and baby) at ease, and only buy authentic carriers!

(This post is the third in a series about choosing and using a woven wrap. See Part 1 here and Part 2 here).

Today's post contains "everything you need to know" to make a secondhand wrap purchase. 

Some benefits of buying secondhand

• Secondhand wraps may be more “broken in” - meaning softer and a bit easier to wrap with. As you use your wrap, you will find it molds better around you and your baby’s body. 
• Wrap designs and colors are discontinued regularly, and buying secondhand gives you more options than just buying what is in stock at a retailer.
• Your dollar may stretch a bit further. It is not uncommon for certain (not all!) used wraps to sell for less than new wraps.
• If you are the sentimental sort, you might enjoy the thought that the wrap you use to wrap your baby previously snuggled another baby.

Some risks of buying secondhand

• Because the wrap is used, it may have stains, holes, long pulls, and more, and the seller might overlook these unless you ask specifically.
• The USPS is far from perfect, and your wrap might get lost in the mail. Consider paying a little extra for the seller to purchase insurance to cover any loss. 
• You may be buying a wrap from a home with allergens that trigger you or your family, such as pet hair or fragrances. If these things bother you, ask about them specifically.

Where to buy secondhand
If you have an active local babywearing community, you may be able to find a wrap you like for sale within your community. Many local babywearing groups allow buying/selling/trading of carriers in their Facebook groups. You might also be able to find a secondhand wrap at a consignment sale or even listed on your local Craigslist.

If you cannot find one locally, there are many online options for buying secondhand.

• The Babywearing Swap - this is the largest Facebook group dedicated to buy/sell/trade of baby carriers. It can be overwhelming when you first look, as it moves quickly and people may be speaking in a confusing jargon about the carriers. Be sure to read the rules indicated in the pinned post and then you will have some guidance in navigating the group.
• ​Babywearing on a Budget - this is a Facebook buy/sell/trade group where only carriers $100 or less may be listed. It is smaller than The Babywearing Swap but still very active.
• The Babywearer.com - this is a forum dedicated to all things babywearing. Within this site, there are forums for buying/selling/trading all kinds of carriers. You will need to register for this site (it’s free!) in order to gain access.
• If you are certain about the brand you would like to buy, there are Facebook groups dedicated to “chatter” and often buy/sell/trade for specific brands. Just search for them on Facebook.

Basic buy/sell/trade group guidelines and etiquette:

• Each swap group has its own set of rules, so the first guideline is to READ and FOLLOW the rules for that group. 
• On swap pages, payment is handled via PayPal. You should have a PayPal account set up, and you should make sure that your mailing address is correct, and that account is "verified." You should send your payment as "goods" (not gifted) in order to have buyer protection. Some sellers prefer to invoice your PayPal, and some do not. You can ask the seller, "would you prefer to invoice me, or have me send PayPal directly?"
• If you find a wrap you want to buy, or might be interested in buying, send a private message to the seller, and comment on their listing: "sent pm.". Sellers have the right to sell to whomever they want, so even if you are the first to comment or message the seller, you may not get the item. If you have questions about the wrap that may affect your decision to purchase, ASK THEM before stating you want to buy it. If you REALLY want the item, you can say "as long as this wrap is in excellent condition (or whatever your deal breaker is), I'd like to buy it."
• The general rule of swaps is that there are no refunds/returns. So, ask all of the questions you have before you commit to buying. Common questions that would be prudent to ask (if this information is not in the listing) are:
  • What is the condition of this wrap?
  • Are there any holes, stains, weird smells, large pulls, or broken threads?
  • Is your home free from cigarette smoke, pet hair, fragrance?
  • Can you please measure this wrap for me? (in the case of woven wraps, sometimes people think they have a particular size wrap and they list it as such, but it may be shorter (or far too long). It doesn't hurt to ask for measurements.
  • It is considered bad form to "lead on" the seller by asking a million questions and then not replying. If their answers change your mind about buying, just let them know.
• You should also ask to be sure that shipping and fees are included in their price. American sellers typically include these, often sellers from other countries do not. Most sellers ship Priority and should provide you with a tracking number when they ship. Most good sellers will ship within a day or two. Sometimes it will take an extra couple of days. When you have babies, things get busy!
• Some sellers are open to short-term payment plans, if you make a non-refundable down payment. You can always ask them if they are open to this. Be sure to clearly define the terms of the payment plan with the seller so all parties are clear on how it will happen!
• In most swap groups, you need to join the associated feedback group and make a feedback post. Even if your feedback is empty (which as a new member it will be!), some sellers will want to see your feedback link. It is a good idea to search the feedback group for the feedback of the seller and review it before you contact them or buy the wrap, to be sure they are someone who is trustworthy! The swaps run on trust.
• Many sellers keep an eye on their messages and will respond quickly. If you send a message, be prepared to answer (or let them know if you're going to be away, and when you will be back). Sellers are likely to sell to the first person who asks for or offers a PayPal address.
• Finally, just remember if you decide to buy used, these are just regular moms and dads like you, trying to sell their wraps, and that communication is key. A seller is going to appreciate you asking questions and being sure about your purchase. Be polite and things should go smoothly. 

Buying a new wrap is great and buying secondhand can also be lots of fun! However, if you are more of a do it yourself type, stay tuned for the next post, about making a DIY wrap.