Savvy consumers are always on the lookout for great deals because they know there’s nothing more rewarding than scoring a quality purchase at a great price. Buying “gently-used” items is one way to experience deep savings. And while it is probably not practical – or possible – to purchase everything secondhand, here are 10 things you should always buy used – if you can.
10 Things You Should Always Buy Used
1: Cars
An automobile depreciates in value as soon as it leaves the dealership, and by the end of the first year, the average car has depreciated by almost 20 percent. According to BankRate.com, it will continue to lose 15 percent to 20 percent of its value every year. However, a well-maintained used car is virtually undistinguishable from a new automobile, so why not choose the former?
2: Baby Clothes
Since babies grow so quickly, they usually can’t fit into the same clothes and shoes for more than a month or two. As a result, purchasing new baby clothes is a waste of money that will quickly add up. Buying used baby clothes is an economical way to fashionably clothe babies without breaking the piggy bank.
3: Sports Gear
A lot of parents purchase new sports gear when their kids join athletic teams at school or in the community. However, when these kids change interests, the gear usually collects dust until it is donated or sold. Softball gloves and bats, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and skates are just some of the sports gear that can be purchased secondhand at a great price
4: Fitness Equipment
How many people set a New Year’s goal of getting in shape and then rush out and purchase expensive fitness equipment? However, before the year is over, those shiny new barbells, stationary bikes, and treadmills end up at yard sales or thrift stores. Take advantage of broken resolutions to snag a great deal on fitness equipment.
5: Tools
Purchasing used tools and refurbished power tools are another way to obtain quality items at a reasonable price. From saws to drills to hammers, many name-brand products are available at significant savings. One word of caution: Be sure to plug in power tools before you buy them to ensure that they are working correctly.
6: Musical Instruments
As with sports gear, many parents purchase new musical instruments for their child’s fleeting musical interests. In addition, more than one middle-aged man has tried unsuccessfully to start a rock band in his garage. As a result, quality musical instruments can be purchased at a steal, and they are usually very well maintained.
7: Video Games
New video games are expensive and their popularity is short-lived. Once a game has been mastered, the owner tends to discard it in pursuit of the next adrenaline rush in a box. That’s why purchasing used video games is a great way to enjoy affordable entertainment while building a sizeable library.
8: Toys
It happens every Christmas morning and at every birthday party. After excitedly opening a mountain of gifts, most children settle down with one or two favorite toys and treat the others like redheaded stepchildren. However, this is good news for those in the market for used toys. An added bonus: Many of the toys have NEVER been used!
9: Knick-knacks
Knick-knacks – those peculiar collections of glass angels, tea cups, snow globes, etc., that are kept in curio cabinets, displayed on fireplace mantles, and placed wherever there is an inch of free space. For people who are committed to purchasing as many of the specified items as possible, going with used knick-knacks is a great way to save money while expanding the ceramic dolphin collection.
10: Furniture
One of the best items to buy used is quality furniture pieces. Garage sales, estate sales and consignment furniture stores are a great place to start your hunt.
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written by: Terri Williams
