Think about when you decide to make a purchase. Do you automatically go online or head to the store to buy something new and pristine? How many times do you consider buying secondhand? If the answer is no, or rarely, it might be time to think again. Giving new life to used items is a good choice for living more sustainably, and it’s beneficial for our wallets.
There are many options for buying used items, from the traditional secondhand stores, garage sales and flea markets, to the growth of the online thrift shop. This guide to thrifting shows some of the best items to buy secondhand and where to find these potential gems.
Clothing
If upscale department store prices leave you feeling dejected, there is another way to get your designer fix without busting your credit limit. Some of the best vintage shops online offer sizeable discounts on preloved designer clothing. Yes, it might not necessarily be this season’s hot look straight off the catwalk, but fashion turns around quickly, so you might be surprised at what’s available. Websites such as Poshmark, ThredUp, The RealReal and Tradesy offer designer deals. Local consignment stores are another option, with the advantage that you can try on the clothes before you buy.
Babies and children can grow out of clothes so quickly it hardly seems like they have a chance to wear them. Buying secondhand adds up. Try looking for bargains on Vinted and Kidizen. You can also use these platforms to sell your own no longer used clothing too.
Toys
As with clothes, kids can outgrow toys quickly, particularly when a shiny new present arrives. According to the organization The World Counts, 90% of the toys currently sold contain plastic, so extending the play life of these objects makes sense. Online retailer Toycycle has quality standards for the used toys they sell, so you can be confident with what you’re buying.
Books
Secondhand books have long been a staple item of vintage stores and flea markets, with the anticipation of stumbling across a hidden pearl. There are now plenty of online retailers offering used books. If you’re a student looking to keep costs down, consider buying secondhand textbooks. In addition to Amazon and eBay, try Alibris, Chegg and Thriftbooks. The used books are quality rated, so you will have a reasonable idea of the condition before you buy.
Refurbished Electronics
If the latest model is not a necessity, buying a refurbished item such as a cell phone could save you some dollars, but with the reassurance that the product has been quality checked. Many manufacturers such as Apple and Samsung sell refurbished devices directly on their websites. Other retailers such as Best Buy Outlet or Amazon Renewed also offer deals on refurbished products, from computers to kitchen appliances.
Sports and Fitness Equipment
Take advantage of those fitness regimes that begin in earnest, only to fall by the wayside. After gathering dust, many items find their way onto eBay and other sales listings. For large items such as a treadmill, it’s worth checking to see if a local gym is selling off any old equipment. Another option is to search on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or local listings to avoid expensive shipping charges. It also allows an opportunity to check your purchase before taking it away.
If you’re thinking of taking up a new sport such as tennis, try buying a secondhand racket first. You can always upgrade if you fancy yourself as the next Federer.
Furniture
Quality hardwood furniture is designed to last and can become a statement piece. If it needs some love or it’s not quite to taste, why not upcycle it to your style with a fresh coat of paint or new handles? Take a browse in your local thrift stores or house clearance sales. You could be the proud owner of a uniquely customized side table or bookcase.
These are just a few suggestions for buying secondhand. The next time you make a purchase, don’t immediately go for the new option. Who knows what preloved treasures you may discover once you start looking?
