Tips for Buying Second-Hand

Brand new isn’t everything. Sometimes you can get just the same quality from an item for a lower price just because it’s passed through someone else’s hands. Of course, there is always that tiny chance that you might get ripped off buying something that’s been used. There’s an art to second-hand buying. Here are some tips for any keen saver hoping to master the art.

Always meet face to face

Second-hand shops and stalls are always safer than over the web. When you see something on a shelf, you can study it for yourself. When buying over the internet you’re putting all your faith in a photo. When you can, it’s best to meet in person. That way you can check that that bunk bed definitely isn’t missing a slat, or that that phone definitely still turns on. If the seller lives too far away, then the best you can do is request more pictures of the item before you commit (for digital devices ask for a photo of the device whilst switched on to avoid getting something broken).

Don’t worry about instructions

Many of us may be put off buying second-hand electric tools and digital equipment because of a lack of instructions (very few users will keep onto them).  However, you may be surprised by how easy it is to find a free service manual pdf online. If you see a gadget advertised for half-price somewhere but it doesn’t have the manual, don’t dismiss it as useless.

Where possible, haggle

Here in the Western world most of us will buy anything if it’s advertised at a set price. Indeed, going into your local supermarket and trying to argue the price might not get you very far. But in second-hand stores and markets, there’s nothing to stop you from practicing your bartering skills. When possible use the Wi-Fi on your phone to look up the average going price of the product you’re interested in, so that you know how far to push. In some cases, you may also be able to haggle online – although this is more difficult as more a bond of trust can be formed in person.

Assess its previous use

Some items such as mattresses and high-chairs may sell cheaply second-hand, but they could well be infested in bacteria from a previous owner. When buying directly from a previous owner you may be able to ask questions that can help you assess how long an item has been used for or how regularly it has been used. However, buying from a store, you may not have this knowledge and so be careful what you are buying. Good second-hand merchants will only buy goods that have been cleaned up (or clean them themselves). A car boot sale might not be such a trusted source to buy such items. Also remember for damage and anything that could potentially get worse. A tiny hole in a pair of jeans could turn into a nasty and embarrassing rip!