Introducing Karrot: A New Buy/Sell Marketplace In Town!

03/03/2021

Have you heard of Karrot? It’s a new community based marketplace that allows you to buy/sell directly with your neighbours. If you’re anything like me, you have a basement full of outgrown baby clothes and gear just taking up space. I always tuck away a few favourite outfits and pairs of shoes (especially those teeny tiny ones!) but a lot of stuff just isn’t sentimental and passing it on either through donation or by selling frees up space in our home. As a mom to two kids now, I know that some things have a very short life span (activity tables, infant/toddler toys, baby gear) and I prefer to buy second hand. Shopping this way is not only easier on the wallet but makes me feel like I’m doing my part to reduce waste in the environment.

Creating a profile on Karrot and listing my first item was easy – it took less than 30 seconds. I easily scrolled to see what items were currently available in my neighbourhood and I could favourite items I wanted to think about before messaging with the seller. I can set up alerts for what I’m looking for (like the ever popular mom favourite, MEC Toaster suit!) and posting my own items was a quick tap and photo upload. Karrot even has some amazing FAQs that are very comprehensive, like their selling tips (i.e. how to upgrade your photo game and how to set the right price). You can feel like a seasoned pro at the re-sale market in no time!

Unlike other buy/sell groups where you can be inundated with messages from people living way outside your neighbourhood boundaries, Karrot is hyper local and actually only allows you to buy/sell within your own community. You also have the option to select an additional adjacent neighbourhood based on your location. This cuts down on so many ‘where are you located?’ type messages and then potential buyers passing on your item because you’re too far.

Safety is also a top priority for Karrot. Unlike other apps, all Karrot users have to be verified with their locations and phone numbers, and simple rating systems let you further vet the people you trade with. Additionally, Karrot’s Covid-19 safety guideline ensures users interact in a safe environment.

All in all this is a marketplace app that I’m excited to explore and it has the added bonus of allowing me to get to know more people in my community! And on top of all that, the app is completely free to download and charges no listing fees or commissions! As I start my annual spring-cleaning, I’m looking forward to posting on Karrot and jump-starting my basement purge!

Download Karrot for free! It’s available on the Apple store and Google Play.

Special Mommy Connections Promotion!  

Every mom who downloads the app and posts 5 items will be gifted a $10 Amazon e-gift card through the app! Plus, for every 3 friends you invite to join, you’ll receive an additional $5 Amazon gift card once they all register. 

Giveaway Contest: The mom who sells the most items will win a $100 PC Grocery Gift Card.  Promotion ends on March 31, 2021.

NOTE: President’s Choice branded gift cards can be redeemed at participating Loblaws, Loblaws City Market, Fortinos, Maxi, Real Canadian Superstore, Extra Foods, No Frills, Provigo, Zehrs, Your Independent Grocer, Wholsesale Club, Atlantic Superstore, Valu-Mart.

Karrot is currently available in the following Ontario cities: Toronto, Scarborough, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Brampton & London

Written by Gillian Kuriyan, Mommy Connections Midtown Toronto Director

Gillian lives in Toronto, Ontario with her family. She is the mom of two children, ages 5 and 15 months. While on maternity leave from her job as an elementary teacher, she took over the Mommy Connections Midtown Toronto chapter. Covid may have changed her own mat leave, but she’s determined to help moms in the community ‘find their mom squad’ and enjoy their mat leave despite the challenges all of us have faced recently!

She has lived in Toronto for over 20 years and loves to share her experiences as a city mom and all the tips and tricks that she’s gathered along the way. One of her biggest tips to new moms (after going crazy buying anything and everything for her first baby!) is to seek out creative ways like the resale market to buy the things you need for your kids without having to re-mortgage your house!