The Best Places to Buy Used
Having extra money to put towards bills or savings is always a great feeling. It’s even better when you’re able to do it without changing much in the way of your purchasing routines. This is where buying used comes in. Let’s face it; an item with a slight amount of wear and tear at significant price reductions can often be worth losing that “new” feeling. Not only will you save some extra cash, but you’ll also be starting new environment-friendly practices.
So, what types of things are best purchased second-hand? Honestly, you can find just about anything available used with a little digging. Some of the more common items include:
Clothing
Jewelry & Accessories
Baby Items
Children’s Toys & Furniture
Books
Furniture
Exercise Equipment
Jewelry & Accessories
Baby Items
Children’s Toys & Furniture
Books
Furniture
Exercise Equipment
Games
Refurbished Computers & Parts
Music
Tools
Automobiles
Homeware Items
Appliances
Refurbished Computers & Parts
Music
Tools
Automobiles
Homeware Items
Appliances
The biggest issue isn’t typically what to buy, but rather where to buy it from and how to tell if it’s a good deal. This is where a little research comes into play. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:If it’s a major purchase, such as furniture, scan through local ads or furniture store websites to see what the going value of similar items you desire to purchase are before buying something used.For smaller items, set a budget of what you want to spend. If you know you want some new kitchen appliances, determine ahead of time roughly how much you want to spend on each item. Try to find things under budget to allow some wiggle room in case something is higher than you expected.
Today, there are a myriad of options for buying used products from online auction sites to second-hand stores. Here we take a look at your best options for buying used online:
ONLINE
eBay
eBay is an excellent option to check and compare the going rates of certain items. Whatever you are looking for, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find it here. It’s always a good idea to watch for shipping charges and to check the prices of similar items to make sure you’re getting the best deal. The best benefit of eBay, however, is getting into the habit of selling your unwanted items first and using that money to make your new purchases. It’s an endless cycle of savings!
Craigslist
If you’re looking for something local, Craigslist should be the first place you look. There are a numerous amount of computer and phone apps to help keeping up to date with Craigslist easier. Before using this service, there are a few tips you should consider:
Always make sure to see the product before agreeing to purchase it.
If it’s an electronic product take all steps necessary to make sure it works.
BUYING LOCAL
Thrift Stores
If you’re willing to browse through a mass of items, thrift stores can offer some excellent finds. When it comes to quality, always make sure to do a thorough inspection of what you plan to purchase. Check for holes, tears, missing buttons and stains on clothing. For other items, check for cracks or other signs of hard use.
Second Hand Stores
The amount of second hand stores has increased as people are looking for more economically viable options to purchase the things they need. You can find used stores dedicated to a variety of items such as clothing, baby items, games, books, and sports equipment. The quality of the items you purchase is typically higher than a thrift store as the store goes over all incoming items before accepting them. It is still a good idea to be able to check the working functionality of electronic or bigger purchases. Bonus Tip: Some stores have some wiggle room when it comes to prices. If something is just a little bit out of your budget, try asking for a discount.
Flea Markets, Swap Meets & Garage Sales
Want a fun way to spend an afternoon and get some great deals? Try a local flea market, swap meet or garage sale. You never know what you’ll find at these places, and it’s important to know what you want or to have a set budget before going. Impulse purchases are high at these types of venues and your budget restrictions will help you avoid making unnecessary purchases.
OTHER OPTIONS
Trade With Friends
Sometimes you don’t need to actually buy anything to get the benefit of finding used products. In some cases you can get a great find by exchanging your unwanted items for someone else’s treasure. A fun way to do this is to host a barter party. Pick a category such as clothing, tools, movies, books or even video games and have everyone bring items they’re willing to part with. At the party everyone makes trades with each other. It’s a fun way to have an inexpensive evening of entertainment and get some new things as well.
Hand-Me-Downs
When you need something new, the best place to start looking is by asking your friends and family if they have anything they are willing to sell you. You’ll be helping them get rid of something they don’t want and you’ll be saving some extra cash by getting the items used.
Today, there are a myriad of options for buying used products from online auction sites to second-hand stores. Here we take a look at your best options for buying used online:
ONLINE
eBay
eBay is an excellent option to check and compare the going rates of certain items. Whatever you are looking for, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find it here. It’s always a good idea to watch for shipping charges and to check the prices of similar items to make sure you’re getting the best deal. The best benefit of eBay, however, is getting into the habit of selling your unwanted items first and using that money to make your new purchases. It’s an endless cycle of savings!
Craigslist
If you’re looking for something local, Craigslist should be the first place you look. There are a numerous amount of computer and phone apps to help keeping up to date with Craigslist easier. Before using this service, there are a few tips you should consider:
Always make sure to see the product before agreeing to purchase it.
If it’s an electronic product take all steps necessary to make sure it works.
BUYING LOCAL
Thrift Stores
If you’re willing to browse through a mass of items, thrift stores can offer some excellent finds. When it comes to quality, always make sure to do a thorough inspection of what you plan to purchase. Check for holes, tears, missing buttons and stains on clothing. For other items, check for cracks or other signs of hard use.
Second Hand Stores
The amount of second hand stores has increased as people are looking for more economically viable options to purchase the things they need. You can find used stores dedicated to a variety of items such as clothing, baby items, games, books, and sports equipment. The quality of the items you purchase is typically higher than a thrift store as the store goes over all incoming items before accepting them. It is still a good idea to be able to check the working functionality of electronic or bigger purchases. Bonus Tip: Some stores have some wiggle room when it comes to prices. If something is just a little bit out of your budget, try asking for a discount.
Flea Markets, Swap Meets & Garage Sales
Want a fun way to spend an afternoon and get some great deals? Try a local flea market, swap meet or garage sale. You never know what you’ll find at these places, and it’s important to know what you want or to have a set budget before going. Impulse purchases are high at these types of venues and your budget restrictions will help you avoid making unnecessary purchases.
OTHER OPTIONS
Trade With Friends
Sometimes you don’t need to actually buy anything to get the benefit of finding used products. In some cases you can get a great find by exchanging your unwanted items for someone else’s treasure. A fun way to do this is to host a barter party. Pick a category such as clothing, tools, movies, books or even video games and have everyone bring items they’re willing to part with. At the party everyone makes trades with each other. It’s a fun way to have an inexpensive evening of entertainment and get some new things as well.
Hand-Me-Downs
When you need something new, the best place to start looking is by asking your friends and family if they have anything they are willing to sell you. You’ll be helping them get rid of something they don’t want and you’ll be saving some extra cash by getting the items used.
