Before You Buy It New, Give Used a Second Look

Key Takeaways

• Many household purchases don’t necessarily need to be bought new.
• Buying pre-owned can stretch your budget and reduce waste.
• Condition, safety and return policies should be considered before purchasing.
• Selling items you no longer use can help offset future purchases.

Main Article

Furniture, sporting equipment, children’s items, tools and home décor can all carry substantial price tags when purchased new. Before paying full price, it may be worth checking whether a quality pre-owned option can meet the same need for less.

Local resale shops, consignment stores and reputable online marketplaces can be useful places to look. Before purchasing, examine photos carefully, ask about condition and dimensions, and compare the asking price with the cost of the item new. For larger purchases, factor in transportation or delivery costs before deciding you’ve found a bargain.

Not everything should automatically be purchased secondhand. Items involving personal safety, hygiene or complicated warranties may deserve additional consideration. Whatever you’re buying, make sure the lower price doesn’t cause you to overlook damage, missing parts or a product that isn’t actually right for you.

While you’re looking around your own home, you may discover things you could sell as well. Putting unused furniture, electronics, clothing or hobby equipment back into circulation can clear space and provide a little extra money toward something you actually need.