Buying used is the best way to save money and help the environment in the process. The less we waste the better, for a greener world and more green in your wallet.
Buying used means you’re not only saving money, but also conserving resources and reducing waste. A second-hand purchase is a great way to save on new items without sacrificing quality or functionality. Besides, keep in mind that even if you buy new, it is going to be a used item in a matter of weeks or days.
Popular Items To Buy Used
Buying used is a great way to save money and avoid the hassle of having to constantly buy new things. Here are five things that you should be buying used to save money.
Clothes: No really, you can get some great designer clothing for pennies on the dollar. You can find great deals on clothes at thrift stores or online. You can also rent clothing for cheaper than what you would pay for a new piece of clothing. This is particularly useful if you only plan to wear an item once.
Furniture: There are a lot of places where you can find furniture that is in good condition and won’t break your bank account. Thrift stores, garage sales, and online shopping are all options for finding furniture at a fraction of the cost of new. Not only can you save a ton of money, you can often buy higher quality items than you would otherwise be able to afford.
Electronics: The prices on electronics fluctuate often, so buying used will help you save money when shopping for new gear. As long as you are good with not always having the very latest in tech, used is the way to go.
Buying a Used Car vs. New Car
New cars are expensive, with average sales prices well over 30,000 dollars. Of course, buying a used can sometimes be a risk. But when you buy a used car, you can save thousands of dollars over the cost of new.
When it comes to buying a car, some people like the idea of saving money by purchasing one that’s been around for awhile. There are several reasons why buying a used car is more cost-effective than buying new and why you should pursue this strategy.
The first is that a used vehicle has suffered the worst of it’s depreciation. If you need to sell it again soon, within a year or so, you will likely already have equity and will not be behind.
The second reason is that when you purchase an older model, you can some of the savings and purchase a large extended warranty. That new car might come with a 36000 mile warranty, but you can get a 100,000 mile warranty on your used vehicle.
Buying a Used Phone vs. New Phone
Buying a used phone is the best option for people who need a new device but don’t have to have the latest and greatest tech. With the technology that comes in phones these days, even an older phone will have plenty of memory and a lightning fast processor.
In addition, since you will not be into your phone for much money, you will not feel the need to buy wasteful phone insurance. You will also be less likely to panic if you accidentally lose or misplace it. There is less stress carrying around a 350 dollar phone than a 1000 dollar one.
Buying a Used TV vs. New TV
Buying a used TV is another terrific way to save money. However, you need to make sure that the TV is in good condition and it’s worth buying. Always plug in and test a used television before laying down any money
Buying used will allow you to upgrade TVs more often, although you will always be a generation behind. In any case, this is better than paying top dollar for tech that will be old and outdated in a matter of months.
Additionally, you can get more TV than you otherwise could. Would you rather have a new 50 inch TV or a used 70 inch one? More TV for less money.
Where To Shop For Used Goods
If you’re looking for a particular item, the best place to start is craigslist. It’s a free marketplace that connects people who want to sell and buy used goods with each other.
Craigslist is one of the most popular places for buying and selling used goods. It’s also a great place to find deals, but it can be difficult to navigate through all the listings.You also have to watch out for scammers who are very much present on the website. Only pay cash and only buy in person at a public location.
Another option is Facebook Marketplace. The great feature with this outlet is Messenger. It allows for buyers and sellers to quickly converse without the headache of email. There are also several Facebook Marketplace tools that have popped up over the past few years that make it easier for users to find what they need at a lower price point.
Pawn shops are one last option when you’re looking for something specific or in high demand. They offer quite a variety of options and allow you to buy without dealing with private sellers, who can often be difficult.
Keep in mind that with pawn shops, prices are often negotiable. Be prepared to barter and to threaten to walk out. There is always another pawn shop that will knock an extra 100 dollars off the price.
