Why Buy Secondhand?

Buying secondhand in place of brand new furniture, clothing, appliances, housewares, cars and other consumer goods for yourself, your home, and your family has become less stigmatized in our society. With the high costs of living, a shortage of well-paying jobs in some areas of the country, and our slowed economy, many families can't afford to make a large investment in their possessions.

The auction culture has created a consumer revolution that is transforming the retail marketplace. Internet access allows us to reach potential buyers all over the planet. We are no longer limited to buying secondhand goods from local classified ads or thrift shops.

Even people who are fortunate enough to be able to afford new clothing, furniture, automobiles, housewares, and other products may realize the frugality of buying secondhand. They may find it personally satisfying to know they have spent their money wisely, instead of purchasing new, high-priced possessions as a status symbol.

We all have different reasons for deciding to buy secondhand goods instead of purchasing new ones. You may be able to buy a better quality product than you would be able to afford otherwise. Consumers often become attached to the service or quality provided by a particular brand, and you may be fortunate enough to find your preferred brand in a good, usable condition at a reasonable cost, instead of paying a high price for the latest product in the same line.

New appliances can be a major investment. We may find a previously owned refrigerator more within our budget when our current one finally breaks down beyond repair. Older products are often of a much higher quality and built to last. Products of newer manufacture often seem to be designed to wear out as soon as the warrantee expires! A pre-owned appliance may only need a thorough cleaning to put it back into service. You may find that a high-quality secondhand appliance may outlast a new one in the long run.

Setting up housekeeping can require many necessities. Even when lovely new wedding gifts are received, there are still some things we need to completely furnish our new home. Buying secondhand furniture and housewares can greatly reduce the investment and leave extra money in the bank for emergencies or vacation trips. College students who choose to live off-campus may find that furnishing their apartment with previously owned furniture, appliances, houseware and decor gives them more money to spend on social activities.

Moving to a new city or state may inspire you to lighten the load and save on moving expenses by selling some of your belongings. It can be more practical to replace those belongings with secondhand items once we get to the new location.

Children grow quickly, often outgrowing clothes before wearing them out! Even if you prefer to send your children to school in new clothing, buying secondhand clothes for playtime can save a lot on your clothing budget.

Environmentalists may find satisfaction in giving secondhand goods a new home and keeping them out of the landfills.

Nostalgia can be a strong influence in our decision to buy secondhand. Shops that offer vintage clothing and accessories are popping up everywhere. Home and kitchen decor reminiscent of past eras is a trend, and can be created with authentic items from the period more inexpensively than buying new reproductions.

The next time you get the urge to shop for clothing, furniture, home decor, house and kitchen ware, sporting goods, or almost any other consumer goods, consider buying secondhand. Look at it this way: the less you spend on one item, the more you have left to spend on something else!