…Do you usually buy brand-new things or pre-owned ones?

Staying on a budget might be tricky, especially when there are temptations everywhere and you suddenly feel the urge to buy things. If we give it a second thought, we might say that shopping is fun and relaxing. But sometimes it can get really stressful, especially when you’re on the hunt for some special items that are crazy expensive.

Have you ever thought about buying things that aren’t brand new yet are still high-quality and also budget-friendly? We guarantee that for every single item you want to buy, there are some great alternatives out there. They are pre-owned, but you’ll surely get a lot of use out of them, and they will help you save that extra cash.

As many savings experts say, in the majority of cases, prices for new things are quite overrated, and many people prefer to buy gently used things that still have a long life ahead of them and that they can also enjoy without breaking the bank. If this is something that interests you, keep reading along with us because here are 8 things you should never buy brand new!

1. Hand tools

You need to have hand tools at home because you never know when you might need them for a quick and easy repair around the house. But they can be pretty expensive if you want to buy them brand-new and in a big set.

However, you can find a wide variety of pre-owned hand tools that are both high-quality and affordable. You can look on Craigslist, go to garage sales in your neighborhood, or even on Facebook Marketplace to look for something that fits your needs.

There are many people who bought all sorts of things, and now they no longer need them, and instead of throwing them away, they sell them for a lot less. So you are more likely to find the things you’re looking for and get them at great prices.

… Before you give your money to the original owner, ask them if they will allow you to test the item to see if it’s properly working or not! Some experts recommend looking for tools from brands like Craftsman, which offers considerable certificates!

2. Tech gadgets

If you’re one of those people who love having tech gadgets, you’ll surely like to know that you can save hundreds of dollars when it comes to buying things such as TVs, laptops, or tablets. Some savings experts suggest purchasing an “open-box TV” from brands including Target or Best Buy so that you can get the most out of your purchase.

By doing so, you’ll get a discount on a TV that was returned or used as a store model but be sure that you also receive a full warranty, as you would normally receive on a brand-new item. Speaking of stores and brands, you can save up to 25% if you purchase the floor model item at Best Buy.

You can also look on Amazon Warehouse for all the used tech that you want, including open-box items such as laptops and tablets that have been either returned, damaged in a depository, used, or refurbished. And if you look on this website, you’ll notice that there is a category called “Buying Options,” where Amazon sorts by condition, so you can be sure if the product is in good condition or not.

3. Vehicles

Let’s face it, cars are pretty expensive, especially if you decide to buy one that’s brand new. Choosing one that is pre-owned will help you save up to thousands of dollars, which is great when you have a tight budget. But before you pay the previous owner off, you need to make sure that the vehicle is in good condition and that it has been thoroughly checked by a professional mechanic.

Several money-saving experts say that it might be best to go with a used car, especially during times of uncertainty, whether it’s your finances that are low or the country’s economy. In that case, buying something you can safely use but that won’t leave you with huge debt or even no debt at all might be one of the wisest things to do.

4. Fitness equipment

Fitness equipment, such as ellipticals, dumbbells, treadmills, kettlebells, and even benches, are more likely to be in good condition even after a few years have gone by. Many people buy these items hoping that they will start a healthy lifestyle and that they will make working out a priority, but things don’t always end up the way they planned for them to.

So they either start their new habits but fall off quickly or simply don’t use the equipment they’ve spent a lot of money on. In the end, they try to do everything to get rid of these bulky things that take up a lot of space. You can buy fitness gear for great prices, but make sure to research the brand and talk to the owners about testing the equipment before buying it.

In addition to the usual Facebook Marketplace, garage sales, and Craiglist, you can go to local gyms that are in the process of renovation and might want to sell their old fitness equipment at affordable prices.

5. Furniture

Furniture can get pretty expensive when you want to buy it brand new, especially if you want something that is a specific style or aesthetic. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have the things you’re looking for and for a lot less as well. All you have to do is browse local flea markets, yard sales, and antique shops for the best furniture pieces you can get!

They might be used, but if they’re high-quality and the previous owner took care of them, you might be lucky. For upholstered furniture, such as sofas, chairs, or armchairs, just make sure it’s clean, comfy when you sit, and also strong.

And if you’re not crazy about the aesthetic and you want a different color, you can always buy some spray paint to give your furniture a quick DIY makeover. Buying pre-owned furniture pieces will help you save a lot of money while making your home look exactly the way you want it to.

6. Yard tools and equipment

Many people believe that keeping their yard looking beautiful and put together is a piece of cake, but in reality, you need a lot of patience, good tools, and some skills. That’s why many homeowners get sick of all the time and effort they have to put in to maintain their shiny lawn, so they quickly decide to leave this job for someone who is a professional.

That means that they’ll have all their yard tools and equipment on sale as soon as possible. You can often find nearly new things at great prices, so you can buy all the items you need at a big discount.

7. Musical instruments

If you’re not a professional musician and you don’t really plan on becoming one, you should know that basic musical instruments, such as drums and guitars, haven’t changed that much over the years. So, if music is one of your passions and you want to learn how to play an instrument, consider buying pre-owned items so that you can save some extra cash.

Make sure that the instruments you want to purchase are high-quality and that they properly function. If these conditions are fulfilled, it’s time to rock those music skills!

…Click on the next page to discover the 8th thing you shouldn’t buy brand new! And No 9 might surprise you! 

8. Books

You might be tempted to purchase all sorts of books when you go to a bookshop. The covers look good, the titles seem interesting, and the thought of a new story to read seems just great.

Most of us have access to a public library system close by that can satisfy our reading requirements. But if you want to have your own home library, you shouldn’t pay the full price for a book. Its main purpose is to be read and enjoyed, and you can obtain this even if you purchase it from an antique shop.

You can go to a vintage store and find some unique pieces, or go on Amazon and locate inexpensive used books that are frequently just as nice as new.

If you love vintage items, there’s another thing you’ll like, besides saving some money: the smell of an old book has something special about it, like it’s straight out of an old library.

…What is your favorite book? Tell us in the comments!

9. Bikes

Just like cars, bikes can also get quite expensive when you want to purchase them brand new. But if you don’t need to spend a lot of cash to get a bike that will take you places. You can look for a pre-owned bike on Craiglist, Marketplace, flea markets, or garage sales, and we’re sure that you’ll find something that has a great price, and that also fits all of your needs. Just be sure that you can properly use the bike before buying it!

…Have you ever bought something pre-owned so that you could save some extra money? Tell us in the comments down below! 

…If you find this article helpful and you want to read something that will teach you how to better manage your finances, check out this article as well: Fed Up With eBay? Here Are 8 Worthy (and Cheaper) Alternatives for Sellers!