Buying things secondhand is more than just a trend. Many people are flocking to thrift stores and secondhand shops in droves to take advantage of their gently used goods. If you buy everything brand new, you are letting your money go to waste. Here are a few things you shouldn’t buy brand new, especially if you want to save some cash.
Books
If you’re an avid reader, you’re always on the lookout for a new book. If you can’t live without the physical copy of a book, it pays off to buy them used. Secondhand stores usually have tons of books for sale and, if you look closely enough, you can even find a true rarity hidden among the rest.
Cars
As soon as your new car leaves the lot that you found it in, its value drops like a boulder in water. With new cars coming out every single year, it’s understandable to want the most up-to-date model. However, there are plenty of used cars for sale that are barely a few years old. You can get a close to brand-new car for far less money than a new one would cost.
Sports Equipment
Plenty of people buy sports equipment but rarely use it. Save some money on expensive equipment by buying it secondhand. Stores usually won’t put anything on display that’s in rough condition, meaning you’ll still get a relatively fresh piece of equipment. This also includes buying secondhand shoes, as they’re often also in good condition.
Jewelry
Often a large money-sink for many people, jewelry follows along with cars in that its value depreciates quickly upon leaving the shop you bought it from. Secondhand stores also get a lot of vintage jewelry that you can get for cheap—some pieces could even be one-of-a-kind.
Basic Tools
When it comes down to it, a hammer is a hammer, and a screwdriver is a screwdriver. There’s no need to go to a home goods store to get the shiniest new one they have on their shelves because it’s probably overpriced anyway. Get your tools secondhand if you can, and they will work just as well as brand new.
These are just a few things you shouldn’t buy brand new, and the list goes on. Take a look around your local thrift shop and see what you can find. No matter what it is, you can feel comfortable knowing you’re getting an unbeatable price.
