Swapmamas is a one-of-a-kind social community for moms to swap or gift unwanted items. The website is all about helping one another, Mama to Mama. Marta Nowinska had a chat with Darcy to get the latest scoop on Swapmamas.
The easiest way to explain Swapmamas is …
Swapmamas is a free online community for moms who want to connect with one another and swap the things they no longer use for things they need.
We have been working on Swapmamas since …
The idea had been rattling around in my head for a few years before I finally took the leap and created the first version of the site, which officially launched January of 2009.
Swapmamas is currently operating in …
Swapmamas members represent every state in the U.S. — the majority of swaps take place via mail, so location is not necessarily a limiting factor, however, we also have over 325 local groups for members who prefer to connect and swap in person (and eliminate shipping costs).
Our members love swapping because …
It’s personal. Speaking from experience, it can be really hard to say goodbye to the baby and toddler clothes that have so many memories. Selling sentimental items can be too impersonal. For some, dropping them off at a thrift store is just too anonymous. Passing on treasured items to someone you know, however, is a different story. Swapmamas members have the opportunity to get to know one another, and really become friends, which changes the whole dynamic, and makes parting with that size 2T long-sleeved onesie a lot easier.
The idea came from …
Personal experience. After the birth of my daughter in 2004, packages from lifelong friends (who were now scattered across the country) began arriving in the mail every few months. As their children outgrew their clothes, they passed them on to me. I didn’t need to purchase clothes the first two years of my daughter’s life. As a single parent on a tight budget, it was a Godsend. Not to mention, it was appealing to my eco-conscious nature, and let’s face it … who doesn’t like getting packages in the mail? It’s the best!
How does the website work?
That’s what Swapmamas is all about … getting back to basics. It’s about getting to know other moms, making lasting connections, and doing a little old school trading with new friends. Sometimes you may want to swap, even-steven. Sometimes you may simply want to clean out your garage and donate your goods to another Mama. It’s entirely up to you. There is no money exchanged. There is a whole lot of good karma to go around.
The reaction of people when they learn about Swapmamas is …
The response has always been very positive and enthusiastic; it’s hard to be anything but positive about something that saves money, helps others, and protects the environment!
I believe it’s the right time for Swapmamas to take off because …
Economically, it makes sense. Environmentally, it’s important. And on a basic human level, there’s always room for more kindness and compassion.
How do you imagine Swapmamas in two years-time?
We have lots of new features and upgrades on our wish list — all things to make swapping easier — that will hopefully help introduce swapping to more and more people.
My one piece of advice for entrepreneurs is …
I’m generally not one to give advice, however, there is always one question I ask myself before going forward with any big idea: Does it contribute to the greater good? If the answer is no, it’s toast.
