Ashley of Lies About Parenting emailed in the following tip:
I was tired of buying nice clothes, only to see them dirtied, scuffed, and stained within minutes. On a play date, I mentioned my frustration to a good friend whose daughter always looks so trendy.
She understood how I felt, and mentioned that most of her daughter’s clothes are now purchased through Facebook BST sites for less than half the price of stores.
BST = Buy Sell Trade
BST Facebook groups are closed groups for moms to buy, sell, and trade their favorite clothing brands. There are literally thousands of these Facebook groups, for every popular brand.
I figured it couldn’t hurt to try, so I ordered 10 items from a Mini Boden BST group. My total cost was only $17 for 5 pairs of leggings, 5 coordinating tops, and shipping. Similar items, new on the site, would have totaled over $200!
If you want to explore BST sites, here are a few helpful tips:
Critical Facts About Facebook BSTs:
- BST sites are not like eBay. Fakes are very rare and group admins are quick to remove members who don’t abide by the rules.
- Groups are self-policed and serious about fair pricing, authenticity, and fast shipping.
- Act fast. If you want it, say so, because the best deals are gone in the blink of an eye!
- It’s not all second hand. Moms pick up steals at their local store/outlet, and pass along the savings in their fave BST groups.
- Learn the lingo. The group will usually have a file with a list acronyms and abbreviations.
How To Find The Best BST Groups:
- Size matters. Look for a group with a few hundred to a few thousand members. Too few, and there’s no selection. Too many, and fraud becomes common.
- PayPal safely. Always send payment marked for Goods/Services, and never gift money. You pay a small percentage to Paypal (about 2%), but it’s worth it for the buyer-protection.
- Look for fast sales. In the best groups, items are pended (considered sold, pending payment) almost immediately.
Give it a try. Search for your favorite clothing brand using the Facebook search tool. Add “BST”, if needed, join a few groups, and let the savings begin!
Pam Regensburger says
Thank you for the tip about BST. I belong to a few garage sale type boards for my area on FB, but the BST is much more up my alley as far as quality and brands. I joined about 10 and then weeded out the ones I was really interested, and am thrilled with the result ! I probably wont resell on the BST, but save for the twice yearly consignments when my daughter has outgrown. Dont forget to check out the flash sales on any BST board you belong to – they are fun 🙂
Ashley says
Pam,
Love flash sales! 🙂
Christy Carden says
I do many local BST facebook sites, not sites for specific brands. It has saved me so much on kids clothes, furniture, even clothes for me! And I sell things when my youngest outgrows them. Love it!
Shelly :) says
I would also check out https://www.varagesale.com/ I don’t know if it is in all areas, but the two local BST sites went over to this platform and I personally love it. It’s so much easier to post, follow, delete, and update items than on facebook. 🙂
Ashley says
Hi Shelly. Great point! Some of the BST sites I follow have moved over to varagesale. I’ve heard good things about it!
Glad to know you’re having success with varagesale!
Tamboliya says
Does this work for teen clothing as well or only childrens’s clothing?
Ashley says
Tamboliya,
Good question! On the BST sites I follow, you will often see older kids clothes, up to about age 12 or so.
Take a look around FB. Google the brand you’re looking for, and let us know what you find!