Loved Before specialises in pre-owned soft toys and intentionally excludes from acceptance many of the elements or categories associated with more complex safety risks. This includes (but is not exclusive to) soft toys that are electronic, battery-operated, have cords or expanding materials or containing weighted materials that cannot be identified. 

Our cleaning process for every product that is put up for resale goes far beyond a standard 'wash'. We use specialist, professional-grade products and highly controlled cleaning methods chosen and verified for their effectiveness, material suitability and safety profile. Our processes are designed not only to address everyday handling, storage and potential hygiene risks, but also less common contamination scenarios.

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Before cleaning, each toy is assessed based on its needs and thoroughly inspected after cleaning to ensure it remains safe, and suitable for resale. 

Before being offered for resale, every product accepted by Loved Before goes through a thorough, multi-stage inspection process. Because we specialise in pre-owned products that may have been in circulation for several years, our robust assessments take consideration of both the product's condition and any available safety information. Every product is assessed on an individual basis, and anything that does not meet our strict criteria, is rejected from the resale process.

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Our general assessments inspect elements including:

- General condition and structural integrity 

- Signs of excessive wear and deterioration

- Loose seams, openings or damage to outer fabric

- Visible contamination or staining

- Evidence of previous modifications or alterations 

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Where possible, products are identified using available labels, branding and manufacturer information. This review includes: 

- Manufacturer or brand identification

- Safety warnings and age recommendations

- Conformity markings where present 

- Additional product information wherever required

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Final quality and safety reviews are carried out before any product leaves us to confirm that: 

- They meet our strict quality standards

- They still meet our safety acceptance criteria

- They have been correctly categorised 

- They have relevant warnings and information recorded 

- They are suitable for resale through the different appropriate sales channels

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Where appropriate, further review stages are initiated. Our absolute objective is that any product that has been offered by Loved Before has been individually assessed, approved and prepared for its resale via a consistent, documented and safety-first process.

Many of the products offered by Loved Before retain their original conformity markings, safety warnings and manufacturer information. However, there are instances in which products already in circulation for many years may contain different forms of labelling depending on when and where they were originally manufactured and placed on the market. 

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Loved Before UK:

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CE/UKCA products

- CE/UKCA markings present 

- Supplied as toys

- Work undertaken has been limited to cleaning, preparation for resale and minor repairs that do not reasonably change a product's design, use or risk profile.

These are the ONLY category of product our stockists sell

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Collectible Display Items (14+) AND Adult Display Items (14+)

- CE/UKCA markings not present OR

- A product where a CE/UKCA may have been present, but more substantial intervention has been required (e.g. re-stuffing) and therefore although we have assessed it as safe for resale, we have deemed it is no longer appropriate to rely on the product's original conformity marking

- Supplied as collectible/display items

- Not supplied as children's toys

(Which classification they are categorised as depends on the individual product).​​

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Loved Before USA:

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In the USA, Second-hand toys are not required to undergo CPSIA or ASTM F963 testing, but we follow best safety practices for all stuffed animals.

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On Bloomingdale’s website, some individual toy listings may not contain specific warnings regarding age suitability. However, to ensure clarity and safety, we state that all toys are suitable for children aged 3+. This approach ensures we meet the highest safety threshold, as many toy safety risks - including small parts, loose features, or long fibers - are particularly relevant for children under 3. Even if a toy might technically be safe for younger children, we do not recommend them for under-3s and advise all customers to follow our safety guidance.

On any of our online product listings, a customer can expect to see: 

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- Multiple images of the product 

- CE/UKCA status and implications

- Age warnings and subsequent safety implications (as per original label)

- Product condition 

- Classification 

- The brand/producer/manufacturer/importer (where known)

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Should you ever require further information or images of a product, please don't hesitate to reach out to Management@lovedbefore.london.

Loved Before and its full team strictly monitor safety information and may review products against the relevant alerts, recalls and other safety information. If a safety concern is identified after the sale of a product, we will take all appropriate steps to investigate and wherever necessary, contact affected customers or supply chain operators. 

Loved Before maintains records to support product identification and traceability throughout and beyond the point of sale. This includes use of: 

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- Product photographs

- Internal batch reference numbers and product codes 

- Available manufacturer information 

- Sales and supply chain records 

Child safety experts advise that children under 12 months should not sleep with any plush toys due to the risk of suffocation or entanglement. Any toy should be checked regularly for signs of wear or damage and regardless of age, children playing with any toy should always be supervised.

While Loved Before takes every possible precaution to ensure the safety and quality of our pre-loved products, we cannot guarantee their long-term integrity once they leave our care. It is the responsibility of the customer to inspect all toys upon arrival and regularly thereafter to ensure they remain safe for use. Loved Before assumes no liability for any injury, accident, or damage resulting from the use or misuse of our toys. By purchasing from us, you acknowledge and accept these terms.

If you ever have any concerns about the safety of a product for sale via or purchased from Loved Before, please contact us immediately at Management@lovedbefore.london

As is the nature of pre-owned products, some items in circulation may not retain complete original labelling or documentation. When this is the case, Loved Before may undertake additional assessments including: 

- Further identification of the product and manufacturer 

- Review of all available safety information

- Assessment of suitability for resale 

- Appropriate classification of the product 

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If ever we are uncertain, as standard, we act with caution and reject the product entirely from sale. 

Product safety, regulation and consumer needs are continually evolving, particular in relation to reuse, repair and the circular economy. Loved Before is commited to the continuous review and improvement of its processes and protocols, ensuring that we adopt best practices in consumer safety whilst extending the lives of products already in circulation. 

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Our team are regularly trained and refreshed on all of the above. 

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Should you have any further questions, concerns or suggestions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Management@lovedbefore.london.