12 Items You’d Be Happy to Get Second-Hand:

Making knowledgeable decisions when it comes to your finances is no easy job, especially when it’s time to get new items. However, it’s important to remember that “new” can mean many things. For anything that you might need to get, there are many amazing alternatives to buying the item brand new.

In fact, many savings experts say that buying brand-new stuff is extremely overrated. Because carefully used items can have a long lifespan, too. You can save a lot of money and still have the item you always wished for.

This is a bullet-proof method when it comes to lowering your bills, and you won’t waste money anymore. Let’s see which second-hand things will bring you just as much joy as brand new ones:

Exercise equipment

The chance of finding gym equipment, such as treadmills, ellipticals, and kettlebells, in very good condition is high. As Andrea Woroch, a consumer and money-saving expert, explained, “There are many people who buy  these things with the intention of starting a new lifestyle, but fall off quickly and then they try to save their investment in these bulky goods that take up too much space in their homes.”

All you essentially need to do is to make sure that the brand is good, and maybe to even test the equipment before buying anything. Besides the well-known places like Craigslist and garage sales, you might find something at a local gym that’s getting renovated and sells all their old equipment at great prices.

Anything that has a lifetime warranty

Paying more money for a warranty can be a good decision at times, but sometimes it’s just a waste of money. What if the previous owner already paid the fee, and you might actually get something and reap the rewards without paying anything extra?

Because if that’s the case, buying second-hand brings minimal risk. If the item doesn’t work anymore, the manufacturer is obliged to replace it and even repair it for you. Some brands like Cutco, JanSport, Craftsman, Tupperware, Pampered Chef, and Briggs & Riley are famous for their impressive warranty program. Why? Because it lasts a lifetime!

Hand tools

You can easily find a wide variety of hand tools at a great discount because they are already used. “All you need is a small bit of luck on Craigslist and even garage sales, and you can find a killer deal when you buy second-hand tools.” as Sara Skirboll, Shopping & Trends Expert for RetailMeNot, explained.

“Ask if you can perform a test on-site before buying it from someone in-person. Also, make sure you examine the power cord carefully, to check if it’s working properly and doesn’t have any defects.” Focus on tools from good brands, such as Craftsman, because they offer great warranties.

Gift cards

“Buying used gift cards might seem Sci-Fi, but actually, everyone does it nowadays. It’s such a unique way to save money.” according to Woroch. You have plenty of options when it comes to gift card exchanges and resales, such as Raise, GiftCardGranny, and even Giftcards.com. If you decide on buying from a resale site, you will end up saving as much as 10 to 30% on store credit at any go-to-shops.

Tech gadgets

Did you know that you could save a hefty sum if you buy used tech products? For example, when it comes to televisions, you can search for an “open-box tv” when you buy from places like Best Buy or Target. “That’s when you’ll have access to a discount on a television that has been either returned or simply used as a store model.

Even so, you have to make sure you’re getting a full warranty as you would if it was a new model. At Best Buy, for example, you can save as much as 25 percent if you buy the floor model product. Skirboll also would recommend checking out Amazon Warehouse for another used tech.

Espresso machines

One of the greatest joys in the world is getting a second-hand espresso machine that makes your life better every morning. Oh, and did I mention that when you’re at it, you get to save money too? You can easily find an espresso machine for $60 on Craiglist (that might be missing an item that you can find for less than $10), while a brand new one costs around $500.

You’ll probably end up saving a huge amount of money as you won’t feel the need to pop into a coffee shop every morning.

Sports gear

“Brand new sports gear might empty your wallet” according to Skirboll. “Especially when you buy for kids that are growing and they will need a bigger size in a couple of months. That’s why you should consider buying used items.”

Checking out different retailers such as 2nd Time Sports and Play It Again Sports is definitely worth the shot. They only have used, intact, and quality sporting goods, and you can even sell them back when you don’t need them anymore.

Vehicles

“Driving off the lot might drastically reduce the value of a vehicle, and I’m talking here about several thousand dollars.” according to Kristin Tucker, a financial coach at Family Home Works.

She strongly advises getting a newer pre-owned model that has been checked by a mechanic. Zoriy Birenboym, CEO of eAutoLease.com, added that it can be even wiser to go with a used vehicle during times of insecurity, whether we’re talking about your own situation or the economic situation in general. In this case, buying a used car and keeping the costs to a minimum is definitely the best decision.

Furniture

Skirboll would advise you to “browse local yard sales, flea markets, and even antique shops to look for used furniture deals. For some furniture, such as couches, all you have to do is make sure it’s clean, comfortable, and sturdy.

With a tiny bit of DIY knowledge, you can easily turn a cheap pre-owned piece into one that looks taken out of a catalog! Plus, you’ll end up saving a significant amount of money, compared to buying a new one.” Flea market and yard sales are a great start if you want to become familiar with shopping for antique furniture and transform it into something original!

Bikes

Nordmann recalled how she found a road bike on the side of the road, sitting next to the trash. That bike was about $200 brand new, so she decided to take it and repair it. “The reason why they threw it away was that it had an old bike chain, which we were able to replace by switching out a newer chain from another bike.

The chain was $8. Then, my husband took the bearings apart and then repacked them, and discovered that the bike could also use some new handlebars. Needless to say, we found replacement handlebars on Facebook Marketplace, and we paid only $5 on them.”

Clothing

Did you know that thrifting your clothes can save as much as 90% on everything, from jeans to tuxedos? Baby clothes are easy to find on resale sites, and babies grow so fast, that the items are barely even worn.

Musical instruments

Usually, basic instruments such as guitars, drums, and wind instruments haven’t changed so much over the years. If you find an instrument in a good condition that works, why not buy it? You would definitely score a better price, and you won’t have to sacrifice the quality.

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