Guide to Buying Used Items

There is a wide array of goods and products that can be bought used. Some of these include clothing, furniture, electronics, and household appliances. Buying used can save you fifty percent or substantially more. The choices available as to where to buy are numerous. Yard sales, classifieds, thrift shops, and web based auctions are just a few. However, the consumer must be equipped with enough information to make sure that not only they are receiving a good deal, but that the merchandise is in good condition and they are not being scammed.

Knowing what to look for typically depends on what you are trying to buy, but there are some general guidelines to follow. First, and foremost, always inspect items you may be interested in purchasing thoroughly. Clothing should be checked for holes, discolorations, and snaps, zippers, and buttons should be gently tugged on a couple of times to ensure that they are in proper working condition. As for electronics and large appliances, the consumer should beware of stolen merchandise. This may consist of ads that proclaiming an item is "still in the package" or "brand new". Often, if something seems to good to be true, it generally is. I once saw in a classified where new laptops were being sold for $50 a piece, still in the box, never opened. A couple of days later, the couple selling these computers were arrested, all of the merchandise had been stolen. When examining used appliances, request to hear it running if at all possible and let it run for awhile. For example, if checking out a refrigerator let it run long enough to see if it is becoming cool. Listen for any funny noises. Look for signs of abuse. Is the handle loose? Are all of the bolts in tact, and does the item look as though it has been taken care of ? Don't purchase an item with frayed electrical cords, check for electrical tape on the cords.

Gently used goods bought from web based auctions are a little different. These items may not be readily available for inspection. The seller may have information and pictures of the item but you should still play it safe. On most of these web based auction sites, sellers have some type of rating that can be checked. Always, I repeat, always check the sellers reputation. It is a good indicator of whether or not the person selling the item is trustworthy. In addition, some may offer a return policy or some type of insurance on the used items. I would not recommend buying an item without at least some window of opportunity for a return. Insurance tends to be fairly affordable, but is not necessarily required. If you are purchasing a used item of significant value, I would strongly advise that you take this insurance out. Merchandise damaged during shipping may be covered by such insurance, read the agreement carefully. Insurance may vary from different sources.

Keep in mind, that there are some items that should not be purchased used for both health and safety reasons. Infant car seats is an item that should not be bought used. After a car crash, there may be damage sustained that is not visibly evident. For this reason, I discourage buying used car seats and booster seats in general. Otherwise, there is a huge market out there that can save you a bundle of money. Just remember to buy smart and to buy safe when buying used.