If you're looking to get the most value for your dollar, it would do
your wallet good to check out secondhand options. Many used goods still
have plenty of life left in them even years after the original purchase,
and they're usually resold at a fraction of the retail price, to boot.
Here's a list of 21 things that make for a better deal when you buy them
used.
[Slideshow: 10
Things to Splurge on This Summer.]
1. DVDs and CDs:
Used DVDs and CDs will play like new if they were well taken care of.
Even if you wind up with a scratched disc and you don't want to bother
with a return, there are
ways to remove the scratches and make the DVD or CD playable again.
2.
Books: You can buy used books at significant discounts from online
sellers and brick-and-mortar used book stores. The condition of the
books may vary, but they usually range from good to like-new. And of
course, check out your local library for free reading material.
3.
Video Games: Kids get tired of video games rather quickly. You can
easily find used video games from online sellers at sites like Amazon
and eBay a few months after the release date. Most video game store
outlets will feature a used game shelf, as well. And if you're not the
patient type, you can rent or borrow from a friend first to see if it's
worth the purchase.
4. Special Occasion and Holiday Clothing:
Sometimes you'll need to buy formal clothing for special occasions,
such as weddings or prom. Most people will take good care of formal
clothing but will only wear it once or twice. Their closet castouts are
your savings: Thrift stores, yard sales, online sellers and even some
dress shops offer fantastic buys on used formalwear.
5. Jewelry:
Depreciation hits hard when you try to sell used jewelry, but as a
buyer you can take advantage of the markdown to save a bundle. This is
especially true for diamonds, which has ridiculously
low resale value. Check out estate sales and reputable pawn shops
to find great deals on unique pieces. Even if you decide to resell the
jewelry later, the depreciation won't hurt as much.
6. Ikea
Furniture: Why bother assembling your own when you can pick it up
for free (or nearly free) on Craigslist and Freecycle? Summer is the
best time to hunt for Ikea furniture--that's when college students are
changing apartments and tossing out their goodies.
7. Games and
Toys: How long do games and toys remain your child's favorite
before they're left forgotten under the bed or in the closet? You can
find used children's toys in great condition at moving sales or on
Craigslist, or you can ask your neighbors, friends, and family to trade
used toys. Just make sure to give them a good wash before letting junior
play.
8. Maternity and Baby Clothes: Compared to everyday
outfits that you can wear any time, maternity clothes don't get much
wear outside the few months of pregnancy when they fit. The same goes
for baby clothes that are quickly outgrown. You'll save a small fortune
by purchasing gently used maternity clothes and baby clothes at yard
sales and thrift stores. Like children's games and toys, friends and
family may have baby or maternity clothing that they'll be happy to let
you take off their hands.
[See
20 Things You Should Never Buy Used.]
9. Musical
Instruments: Purchasing new musical instruments for a beginner
musician is rarely a good idea. (Are you ready to pay $60
an hour for piano lessons?) For your little dear who wants to
learn to play an instrument, you should see how long his or her interest
lasts by acquiring a rented or used instrument to practice with first.
Unless you're a professional musician or your junior prodigy is
seriously committed to music, a brand new instrument may not be the best
investment.
10. Pets: If you buy a puppy (or kitty) from a
professional breeder or a pet store outlet, it can set you back
anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. On top
of this, you'll need to anticipate additional fees and vet bills, too.
Instead, adopt a pre-owned pet from your local animal shelter and get a
new family member, fees, and vaccines at a substantially lower cost.
11.
Home Accent: Pieces Home decorating pieces and artwork are rarely
handled on a day-to-day basis, so they're generally still in good
condition even after being resold multiple times. If you like the
worn-out look of some decor pieces, you can be sure you didn't pay extra
for something that comes naturally with time. And don't forget, for
most of us, discovering a true gem at a garage sale is 90% of the fun!
12.
Craft Supplies: If you're into crafting, you probably have a
variety of different supplies left over from prior projects. If you
require some additional supplies for your upcoming project, then you can
join a craft swap where you'll find other crafty people to trade
supplies with. If you have leftovers, be sure to donate them to your
local schools.
13. Houses: You're typically able to get
better and more features for your dollar when you purchase an older home
rather than building new. Older houses were often constructed on bigger
corner lots, and you also get architectural variety in your
neighborhood if the houses were built or remodeled in different eras.
14.
Office Furniture: Good office furniture is built to withstand heavy
use and handling. Really solid pieces will last a lifetime, long after
they're resold the first or second time. A great used desk or file
cabinet will work as well as (or better than) a new one, but for a
fraction of the cost. With the recession shutting down so many
businesses, you can easily
find lots of great office furniture deals.
15. Cars:
You've probably heard this before: Cars depreciate the second you drive
them off of the dealership's lot. In buying a used car, you save money
on both the initial cost and the insurance. It also helps to know a
trusty mechanic who can check it over first. This way, you'll be aware
of any potential problems before you make the purchase.
[See 20
Tips for Cleaning on the Cheap.]
16. Hand Tools:
Simple tools with few moving parts, like hammers, hoes and wrenches,
will keep for decades so long as they are well-made to begin with and
are well-maintained. These are fairly easy to find at neighborhood yard
or garage sales. If you don't need to use hand tools very often, an even
better deal is to rent a set of tools or borrow them from a friend.
17.
Sports Equipment: Most people buy sports equipment planning to use
it until it drops, but this rarely happens. So when sports equipment
ends up on the resale market, they tend to still be in excellent
condition. Look into buying used sporting gear through Craigslist and at
yard sales or sports equipment stores.
18. Consumer
Electronics: I know most folks like shiny new toys, but refurbished
electronic goods are a much sweeter deal. Consumer electronics are
returned to the manufacturer for different reasons, but generally,
they'll be inspected for damaged parts, fixed, tested, then resold at a
lower price. Just make sure you get a good warranty along with your
purchase.
19. Gardening Supplies: This is an easy way for
you to save money, and all you need to do is be observant. Take a look
outdoors and you'll likely find such gardening supplies as mulch, wood,
and even stones for free or vastly reduced prices. Used garden equipment
and tools are also common goods at yard sales.
20. Timeshares:
Buying timeshares isn't for everyone, but if you decide that it suits
your lifestyle, purchasing the property as a resale would be a better
deal than buying it brand new: on average, you'll save 67 percent on the
price for a comparable new timeshare. If you're new to timeshare
ownership, give it a test run first by renting short term.
21.
Recreational Items: It's fairly easy to find high ticket
recreational items like campers, boats, and jet skis being resold.
Oftentimes, they're barely used at all. As long as they're in safe,
working condition, they'll make for a better value when purchased used
than new.