Mum2Mum Market’s nearly new sales launched in Ormskirk by Aughton mum Debbie Hastings Beard

Feb 21 2013 by Sam Yarwood, Ormskirk Advertiser

A POPULAR baby product buy- and-sell scheme has been launched in Ormskirk.

Mum2Mum Market’s nearly new sales have been a haven for cash-strapped parents in London and the South East area since the company’s launch in 2011.

News of its success reached the North west, and Aughton mum-of-three Debbie Hastings Beard decided that it was time to bring the scheme to West Lancashire.

Mum2Mum Market’s nearly new sales provide an opportunity for parents to make money selling their outgrown baby clothes and equipment to other families.

All goods for sale must be in excellent condition, and sellers keep 100% of their proceeds on the day.

Novice sellers are coached prior to the event, with sellers’ tips and pricing guides in a bid to help maximise their sales.

Valuable savings can be made through the scheme – large items such as designer prams and toys can sell for a third of the retail price, whereas prices for babies’ and children’s clothes start at just 50p. Mum2Mum Market was started in 2011 by busy mum-of-two Cath Harrop.

Having bought and sold on eBay and at car boot sales, Cath realised there was a need for events which brought together local parents so they can sell to each other face-to-face.

She said: “I found eBay frustrating as a buyer and expensive as a seller and buying a pushchair that turned up filthy and broken was the final straw.

“I was convinced there must be a better way and Mum2Mum Market was born!”

Over the past two years, the business has grown considerably and there is now a network of mums across the country running their own markets.

Debbie, whose youngest child is her eight-month-old daughter, moved to Aughton from London in August last year.

She added: “I heard about Mum2Mum Market through a friend and thought it was a brilliant idea. I am so excited to be giving local parents the opportunity to buy great quality second-hand goods, or make some cash from their outgrown children’s stuff.”

The first Mum2Mum Market will be held at Aughton Village Hall, on March 2, from 11am-1pm.

Products are aimed at expectant mothers and parents with children up to the age of six.

Admission is £2 on the door, kids go free, and free admission afterwards, for the last half hour of the sale.

For more details of Mum2 Mum markets, or to find out about up-coming events, visit www.mum2mummarket.co.uk