There has been a significant change in the way items for children are bought and sold over the last few years as the second hand market has now become high-tech and extremely well organised. Forward thinking and cost conscious parents now hand over a gift to their offspring but rapidly snatch the packaging back for safe storage as the eventual resale value on ebay will be adversely affected if it is missing. A regular conversation at parents and toddlers groups is the latest ebay sale or purchase. I heard a story recently of a baby changing table bought on ebay 2 years ago and after much use now resold on ebay for £100. Trading in 'buggies' for the latest high tech model is as lively as the second hand car market. In theory the clever ebayer could come out of the child rearing phase with a considerable profit and gone are the days of lofts stuffed with unwanted baby items.

A couple of words of caution on online auction sites though. Obviously buying second hand goods needs to be treated with care. Guarantees will be time expired and although ebay attempts to police dubious practices there have been instances of recalled toys and goods making there way on the site. Before deciding to buy goods it is advisable to check out the manufacturers website for any product recalls - if you do find anything out of order do let ebay know. Also try and stick to well known brand names that you know and trust. Read any reviews on the buyer and only buy from people with an excellent selling history.

So join the recycling revolution and keep that loft clear - using internet auction sites is relatively easy to do - ebay is pretty much fool proof and prompts you frequently on what to do next. If you are really stumped or simply don't have the time or inclination to become an 'ebayer'why not contact Best of the Isle of Man client Manxdrop shop (see www.manxdropshop.co.uk) . They will undertake the whole process selling for you (minimum value of goods £50) for a small commission. All you have to do is take the goods in and then wait for them to sell and collect payment!