Can You Sell Used Baby Cribs And Mattresses
Many parents rely on second-hand items to furnish their nursery however, even the thriftiest of parents may think twice about purchasing a used crib or crib mattress. Can used baby cribs and mattresses be sold and used second-hand?
Used baby cribs and mattresses can be resold if they meet current federal safety standards. In general, cribs originally purchased before 2011 are not considered safe, but you should carefully review the current regulations. Before selling or purchasing a used crib, you should also perform a careful review and inspect the crib for any damage.
Continue reading to learn more about the current requirements for baby cribs, how to assess the safety and condition of a crib and crib mattress, and how to sell or donate these items.
What Happens To Mattresses Picked Up By Companies
Mattresses picked up by companies usually end up getting recycled. They are governed by their own internal affairs, often working with the National Mattress Recycling coalition to coordinate mass shipping. In other words, if you want to get your mattress recycled easily this is the best way to do it.
Its generally safe to assume that the mattress that youre shipping out will be recycled. However, its always nice to double-check. If youre concerned about the green factor, its okay to call up their customer service and ask about what happens to the mattresses. They dont mind!
Research Applicable Laws & Regulations
First off, understand that the sale of used mattresses is subject to far more regulation than most household items. In most parts of the US, used mattresses are allowed to be resold but they must meet certain labeling and/or processing requirements.
Used mattress sale laws are regulated on the state level, so youll need to check for specific regulations in your local area. Some states require that mattresses be professionally sanitized before being sold. Most states require that used mattresses be properly labeled as used. Others disallow the sale of used mattresses, but allow for the sale of certain components of the mattress. Still others have very few, if any, regulations.
If your state allows retailers to sell used mattresses , see if there are any used mattress stores in your area. If so, selling your bed to a retailer will likely be your easiest route. You wont get as much for it as you would selling directly to a buyer, but there will be far less hassle involved.
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Can U Sell A Used Mattress In Mass
No person shall manufacture for purposes of sale, sell, offer or expose for sale, or have in his possession with intent to sell, any article of bedding, consisting in part of metal which has previously been used, or any upholstered spring bed, box spring, studio couch, davenport, day bed, bed spring, metal bed, metal
What Does It Mean When A Mattress Has A Yellow Tag
Used mattresses that contain yellow tags indicate that the mattress has been sanitized and clean. The red label defines the contents of a rebuilt mattress and the types and amounts of used material in the mattress. In states with resale laws for used mattresses, the law does not apply to individuals selling mattresses, only businesses or retailers.
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Use Parts Of Your Mattress To Get Creative
If you like DIY and crafts, your old mattress could come in handy. You can turn its springs and frames into a variety of cool projects and creations around your home.
- Bundle springs to create birds nests.
- Use springs as wine bottle holders.
- Remove the fabric and use the inner springs and frame as a planter or garden wall.
- Hang a frame on your wall and attach photos and decor.
- Create jewelry holders out of bedsprings.
Youll be surprised at all the things you can accomplish just by using pieces of your old bed.
Is It Illegal To Sell Used Mattresses
I’m possibly selling a used mattress and to my surprise was told that it’s illegal! I’ve never heard this before. It seems that many others are asking this question and have heard it too:
None but the Pennsylvania question seems to have a definitive answer.
Is it illegal to sell a used mattress?
Feel free to differentiate between person-to-person sales vs. via a business if the requirements differ. If, as one of the Wiki answers posts states, this might be state dependent, a summary of which states allow/disallow this would be neat to have.
- I think that if you specifically state that it is used to whoever is buying it you are fine. but you might just want to send it to a recycling plantMay 26 2012 at 17:33
- 1From the Federal Trade Commission: … in most parts of the country, used mattresses can be resold as long as they meet certain labeling and processing requirements.May 26 2012 at 21:32
- Oliver_CMay 27 2012 at 11:48
- @Oliver_C: The original FTC link above makes the statement you suggestion, however if you read further, the labeling requirement is so that you know if it’s new or used. I’ve stated it’s used… this makes me wonder if this is geared toward stores. Also, the NY link simply states that used can’t be transported with new unless they’ve been sanitized… they don’t address selling.
For starters, like almost every question that begins “is it illegal”, the real answers are always:
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Things To Consider Before You Sell Used Mattress
A lot of people, when moving onto a new mattress, often ask the questions, âCan we sell our old mattress?â or âHow to sell used mattress?â Well, the answer is âyes,â used mattresses, if in good condition, can be sold at a very reasonable price. All those people who cannot afford the luxury of buying new mattresses are always on the lookout for second-hand mattresses in good condition. Make sure to consider the following selling a used mattress.
Mattress Age and Brand
Most mattresses have a life of about 10 years. If you are going to replace your mattress before that time, chances are, it can be sold off at a good price. If you have its warranty and original papers, proving the life authenticity of the mattress, it can be sold at an even better price.
Similarly, brand name makes a lot of difference. Used mattresses with reliable brand names can be sold off at higher prices than usual because consumers are already familiar with its qualities.
Mattress Care
Choosing a Selling Venue or a Suitable Shop
Second-hand shops are the best venues for selling used mattresses, provided they are in good shape. But you will get the least margin from these sales as these shops will keep their profit share too. Another possible place for selling your mattress is social media. You can advertise your mattress on different websites for sale or put them up in social groups.
Check State Law
If You Want to Donate Your Used Mattress Read Where to Donate a Mattress
Bed Bugs And Dust Mites
An old and used mattress may have accumulated bed bugs and dust mites after years of use. While you can find a newer used mattress, you still dont know where its been and just how clean it is.
Bed bugs and dust mites are hard to spot, so you might think your used bed is clean upon purchasing it, only to discover bug bites later on. If you have allergies or asthma, bed bugs and dust mites can trigger a reaction, such as coughing, runny nose, irritated skin, and difficulty breathing. Therefore, it is especially important to rest on a clean mattress.
While it is possible to get rid of bed bugs, the process is quite the hassle. You will have to be on the lookout for bed bugs for up to a year. Better to save yourself the trouble by not buying a used mattress.
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What Kind Of Crib Cannot Legally Be Sold Or Donated
According to the CPSCâs Resellerâs Guide to Selling Safer Products, it is not lawful to sell cribs that have been recalled or are no longer in adherence with current safety standards.
Check your crib for the following safety hazards:
- Manufactured before 2011
- Weak wood slats or mattress support
- Lead paint
It is important to remember that even if an old crib does not have visible safety concerns, it did not undergo the rigorous testing that is currently standard practice.
Donate Your Used Mattress
If your mattress is clean and in decent condition, consider donating it.
Maybe you have a friend in need of a mattress, or you know someone moving into their first apartment.
A mattress is a big expense. If you can give your mattress away to someone and save them that cost, you should!
Additionally, you can donate your mattress to international and local charities, organizations, and shelters.
Polysleep believes that everyone has the right to a good nights sleep.
Consider donating to one of the following organizations:
- National Furniture Bank Association
While donating is a philanthropic and selfless act, anyone could sometimes use a little extra cash.
As we have mentioned before, mattresses are not cheap.
If you can recoup some of the money you spent on your mattress, why not try? If youre wondering what to do with an old mattress, consider selling it!
- Post your used mattress for sale on platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or Kijiji.
- Offer to sell your used mattress to a friend who is in the market for one.
Dont expect to get back the price you paid for your mattress though.
After all, you have been sleeping on it.
Still, if your mattress is still fairly new, you can sell it to someone and create a win-win situation for both of you.
You can get some quick cash, and they can get a good mattress without paying the full retail price!
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Donate A Used Mattress
If your mattress is in decent condition how about donating it to a worthy cause? Donate a used mattress and help out a person or family in need. Whilst this seems like a nice idea you do need to ascertain who will take a used mattress. Not all charities will! This is generally due to concerns around hygiene and bed-bugs. Some charities do accept used mattress donation but rather than re-selling the item they opt to recycle it instead.
If youre keen to donate, we suggest you talk to local charities. Ask if they would welcome your mattress donation and dont forget to ask if theres a chance, they can provide used mattress pick up. If they cant you will have to organize drop off yourself.
You dont have to get a charity involved to go a good deed. Help out a person or family that are struggling financially by bestowing your mattress for free. You might have someone in mind who might benefit from the gesture. Alternatively, you could advertise online at a recycling or freebie website.
Mattress Age And Brand
Most mattresses have a life of 10 years or more, and if you are looking to replace your mattress in less time than this, then you probably have a decent chance at getting it sold. If you still have the warranty information and original paperwork you will better prove this point, and show that it still has life it in.
Certain brands sell better than others due to how long theyve been on the market. These mattresses have already provided knowledge to consumers about how long they can last, and these will resell much easier. For example, Tempur-Pedic has been around for 25 years, and have been known to last quite a few years.
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Can You Sell A Used Mattress In A Shop
However, there are some shops which specialize in second-hand goods which will happily oblige the situation, in which case they may even collect from you, but will most likely pay you the least amount of money due to a profit margin being required. If a shop is not an option for you, then read on and learn how to sell it yourself. How About Law?
Is it illegal to sell a used mattress in Wisconsin WI: No, but the condition must be clearly labeled. Is it illegal to sell a used mattress in Wyoming WY: Contact your local department of health. In many states, the law for retailers to sell used mattresses typically expects used mattresses to be clearly labeled.
How Do You Sanitize A Used Mattress
You can sanitize a used mattress in a few ways:
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Determine A Fair Price
Generally speaking, a used mattress will command a resale price that is roughly equivalent to 20% to 30% of the original product price. If a mattress originally costs $1,000, then expect to resell it for $200 to $300 if the original cost is $2,000, then the resale price will probably fall between $400 and $600.
In addition to original price, here are a few more factors that may affect the resale price of a used mattress:
Years of use: The average mattress will need to be replaced after six to seven years of consistent nightly use. A mattress that has been used for three years or less will command a higher price than one that has been used for longer.
Topper or protector use:Mattress toppers and protectors can be used to preserve the comfort layer of a mattress over time. A mattress that has primarily been used with a topper and/or protector will typically be in much better shape than one that has not been used with these accessories.
Consistent or sporadic use: A used mattress that has been used on a nightly basis will typically command a lower price-point than one that has primarily been used as a guest bed on an inconsistent basis.
Current mattress condition: Assuming the mattress was brand new when it was originally purchased, how much has its quality declined over time? Is it Like New, Very Good, Good, Acceptable, or in Poor Condition? Factors that affect the condition of the mattress include:
Is It Legal To Sell A Used Mattress A State
Buying a used mattress may be inconceivable for most people with the general consensus being that they are dirty and unhealthy. But, this is not always the case. Buying a used mattress or a mattress made with used fillings could save you money and be environmentally friendly.
Selling used mattresses law varies state-by-state. Some states have an outright ban on selling used mattresses, and others allow it on the strict condition that the mattress is sanitized before the sale. Federal law requires mattress resellers to label the mattress as being used. This ensures youre buying a clean used mattress that is healthy and comfortable.
The laws and regulations for selling and buying a used mattress vary from state to state
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What Can You Do With A Used Mattress
Youve slept soundly on your faithful mattress for the past few years, and its served you well. But now youve decided its time to source a replacement. Youve dragged your used mattress from its bedframe. Youve hauled it down the stairs and now its propped up in your hallway. All you need to do now is figure out what to do with a used mattress.
Your mattress is in relatively good shape, so getting rid of it seems a waste. Besides, if you just throw your mattress into the trash its going to end up on a heaving land-fill site . Do you really want to unnecessarily add to the worlds garbage problem? Lets explore your other options.
Buying A Used Mattress
Weve looked at how you go about selling or donating a used mattress, so now lets take a look at how you go about buying a used mattress.
Should I Buy a Used Mattress?
If you want to replace your current mattress, but cant afford to splash the cash, you could consider replacing it with a used one. You might have reservations about buying one, and may be asking Is it safe to buy a used mattress?
As weve already discovered, most states have rules pertaining to the sale of used mattresses. These rules are in place to ensure sellers dont offer soiled, badly-stained or flammable mattresses for sale. They are designed to protect the buyer so you dont get a mattress thats full of bed-bugs etc!
Used Mattress Buying Tips
Have you decided to go cheap and cheerful and buy a used mattress? Here are a few used mattress buying tips to help you find the right one.
- Look for a used mattress thats been purchased but rarely or only lightly used.
- Check the label .
- If youre buying from a retailer, such as used mattress stores, choose a reputable company.
- Double-check are there any indications of bedbugs being present?
- Think about investing in a waterproof / bug proof mattress cover.
- Check that the seller has sanitized and refurbished the mattress.
- Ask the seller if they are willing to throw free-delivery in with the price.
- Go one step further and sanitize the mattress yourself .
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