We wrote a recent blog on how schools are using Classlist for second hand uniform. Here it is.
Top schools are reinventing how they sell second hand uniforms to incoming parents. Adopting free booking software and digital marketplaces to cut down the workload and reduce parent to parent contact.
Since the new school year has started we have been seeing a surge in second hand school uniform sales on Classlist. This may be surprising given social distancing and schools partly reopen. Or perhaps it isn’t, in school communities with amazing parent volunteers. These super heroes who spend their own time sorting, pricing uniforms and manning second hand stores are adapting well. By reinventing the second hand uniform sale to cope with the new normal.
Second hand school uniform shop appointments
A second hand uniform ‘pop up’ shop in the school grounds is a summer term tradition. An opportunity to clear out lost property cupboards. A chance for existing parents to recoup some money. For new families to save money. And for schools to make a little commission on the transaction.
To comply with social distancing, schools are asking parents not to congregate on school premises. To make an appointment. Parent volunteers are taking advantage of free tools to manage their shop’s appointments. Like Calendly, Classlist or even a Google Spreadsheet.
Online marketplace exchange
With Covid19 impacting much of the economy, families are looking for value for money. And this applies to school uniforms. New uniforms are pricey and parents are looking to claw back some of this investment. With only a few year groups returning to school an online marketplace offers an easy way to display items and sell items to all of your school parents. Classlist’s marketplace is their online shop for many PTAs. Items are photographed and posted each week. In addition, parents are creating their own online mini-shops. Displaying a range of shirts and shoes for example.
For parents wishing to buy, there is a surplus of stock available for years 7 and 8. Sadly for those parents selling, many teenagers experiencing dramatic growth spurts, have grown out of summer kit not even worn this term. There is some great quality clothing to be found.
Parents aren’t just looking for clothes bargains. They are buying second hand musical instruments and sporting equipment. Again for those poor parents selling. I include myself in this category, trying not think too much about all the activities our children have missed out on this term. Cricket or tennis anyone?
Minimising transmission
Although fewer schools are running pop up second hand school uniform shops or stalls this year. Those that are offering this service are taking it seriously. Minimising potential virus transmissions with the following actions:
- Suggesting to parents to wash items in an antibacterial detergent pre-sale;
- Having uniform dropped off in a bin before Fridays, left over the weekend and collected by the PTA on Mondays
- Sorting out donations with gloves on;
- Spraying items with antibacterial solution;
- Packaging clothes and shoes in clear compostable bags;
- Holding sales on hot sunny days outside;
- Asking shop visitors to wear masks and bring their own carry bags.
- Making contactless payments possible. Using student codes to charge against school bills or using iZettle card readers.
- Listing uniform items as ticket types on Classlist and asking parents to pay direct (Eg Skirt £5, Jumper £7)
Contact us if you would like to learn more about Classlist’s sign up tool or marketplace. Book your demo with us today.
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