Saving up can be challenging, especially when you need to buy items that you’ll regularly use. You’ll want to make sure the items are in good shape, but that their price tag is also within your budget. Sometimes, it can be tricky to find a balance between the two. Fortunately, it’s possible when you have the option to buy secondhand items.
Many pre-owned items boast almost the same quality as brand-new items, but come at a fraction of the cost. In addition, some items provide even better value for your money when you buy them secondhand. Depending on the item, you can be the proud owner of a piece that will serve you for a long time.
There are definitely instances in which buying secondhand items is better than purchasing new ones. Here are five examples of items that are best bought secondhand instead of new:
Gadgets
Buying secondhand gadgets will help you save you more money compared to how much you’d spend if you got the latest models. Often, you can find slightly used items that can fulfill the same function as their newer counterparts. For example, if you know where to look, it won’t be hard to find a second hand laptop for sale that’s refurbished with new parts and that runs on software that’s just as up-to-date as brand-new computers. The best part about this arrangement is that the secondhand gadget won’t cost you as much.
It’s a similar case when buying a smartphone. If you don’t have enough money to afford the latest model of the phone you like, the next best thing to do is to buy a secondhand unit of the same model or a similar model. For some product lines, there actually aren’t a lot of big differences between the older features and the later features. And since many smartphone operating systems routinely receive updates, you can be certain you can get a phone that can function just well as a new one. These factors will allow you to quickly find a gadget that’s within your budget, all without sacrificing your mobile experience.
Exercise Equipment
You don’t need brand-new weights or exercise machines to set up an amazing home gym. In fact, exercise equipment is one type of item that’s best bought used because quality secondhand items are very easy to find. Moreover, buying these items secondhand can often help you save thousands of pesos.
It’s not uncommon to find people selling treadmills, ellipticals, dumbbells, and other equipment because these items no longer fit their current needs. Take advantage of this situation by helping them offload their gear. Before you buy an item, make sure to do some research on its brand; if it’s possible, ask to see the item in person and to test it. This way, you can be certain of whether the item is still in good condition and if you can incorporate it into your exercise routine.
Furniture
A lot of first-time homeowners find it hard to furnish their new places because getting quality furniture often comes with a steep price tag. Thankfully, there’s a pretty big market for secondhand furniture. Some pieces even feature unique styles or designs that are not commonly found in retail stores.
On a reputable online marketplace, you’ll find many resellers who are ready to part with their furniture for newer pieces or who don’t want to lug huge pieces around when they move out of their own houses. Here, you can get amazing deals on used sofas, tables, chairs, and bed frames among others. With a little DIY work, you can also easily turn an inexpensive pre-loved piece into something that looks close to brand new, all without shelling out a ton of cash.
Cars
Cars are another major purchase that can significantly test your budget. If you need your own vehicle but don’t want to spend so much for it, buying a secondhand vehicle is the most practical choice. There are plenty of used cars available that are well-maintained and that operate just like new ones.
The moment a new car is driven out of the dealership, its value decreases. By the time it’s reached its first year of use, a car’s value can depreciate by up to 20 to 30 percent, which makes buying a used car the most economical option. Before you finalize your purchase, however, make sure you have the unit checked by a mechanic. Although a one-year-old car might not have any major issues, it’s always better to err on the safer side when it comes to maintenance and repairs. You should also ask the seller for a record of the vehicle’s service history to see if it’s up to date with its maintenance checks.
Jewelry
If you want to start investing in jewelry, save up your hard-earned money by buying secondhand items first. While many jewelry stores have attractive displays that will make you want to buy a shiny new piece, these stores also sell jewelry at very high prices—all because they want to maximize profit for every sale. When you compare prices between new and secondhand items, however, you might be able to get a better deal for every gram of gold from a reputable secondhand dealer like a pawnshop.
Aside from being able to save money, you’ll also have access to some uniquely beautiful pieces when buying from a secondhand dealer. Many jewelry stores also carry identical items, unlike dealerships that rely on their selective inventory. You might stumble upon some one-of-a-kind finds at even more reasonable prices.
In some cases, buying secondhand items is a better thing to do than buying brand-new items. On top of helping you save money, buying secondhand can also make for some more interesting purchasing experiences. Just remember to inspect each item carefully and to buy from a reputable seller so that you know you’re getting your money’s worth.
