As the daughter of a small business owner, you will not hear me say that you should never pay retail. I’m a big believer that there are goods and services that you should buy retail to ensure quality, customer service, and a perfect fit for your needs. However, that does not mean that you should always pay full price or even a discounted online price. In fact, I’d say there are some items that you should (almost) always buy second hand.
There are some things that just aren’t worth full price. Here are five that might surprise you.
Despite what every jewelry heist movie might lead you to believe, expensive diamonds have a very low resale value. That means that you can pick up beautiful pieces at estate sales and reputable pawnshops for a great deal less than the name brand jewelry store at the mall. Even if you are uncomfortable with diamonds, you can still find unique, antique, and beautiful jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones for a lot less when you buy them secondhand. If you’re lucky, your new-to-you jewelry will come with a beautiful history, as well.
If you have a budding Wynton Marsalis begging you for trumpet lessons, the price of new musical instruments can come as a nasty shock. Renting or buying a used instrument will be the sensible course of action before you know if this is a lifelong passion or a passing interest. There will be plenty of time to buy a great-quality instrument later; junior can be practicing on a used horn now.
If your cousin’s wedding, your high school reunion, or an awards banquet for your industry is looming and you have nothing to wear, that doesn’t mean you need to pay retail for a dress you’ll only wear once. Since most people only wear these kinds of formal-occasion dresses once, they are an excellent item to buy secondhand. Shopping at the consignment shops in the swanky area of town will often get you clothes that are only a season behind and barely worn. This is a great idea for prom-goers on limited budgets, as well.
Hand tools are not a technology that changes from year to year. A screwdriver is a screwdriver, whether it was built last week or in the last decade. There is no need to buy new tools when gently used ones are available. Check Craigslist for estate sales or for local shops going out of business.
Considering the markup on new furniture from retail stores, it hardly makes sense to rent to own or even buy new. In terms of office furniture, the sad fact is that most companies go belly up within the first year and they will often sell their professional grade desks, chairs, and filing cabinets for a song. For home furnishings, both furniture consignment shops and Craigslist offer great deals on beautiful pieces you might not be able to afford new. Just remember that you will probably have to do your own hauling – but even adding the cost of a pickup rental into the price still beats retail by a healthy margin.
Remember that durable goods often depreciate quickly. It makes sense to let someone else take that financial hit and still be able surround yourself with quality.
I would worry about buying upholstered furniture used. A family friend, when he was a poor student, bought a living room chair infested with fleas. Ugh. Wooden furniture would be OK used, however.
@Windy City Woman: That is something I’ve always been concerned about, too. You’ve got to be careful with things like that. Bed bugs in mattresses come to mind, too.
I’m a big believer in buying furniture and formal clothing 2nd hand. I actually went to all of my homecoming/prom dances during high school and all job interviews in a suit bought from Goodwill for $5! haha
@Jacob: That’s some value there! I’m good with buying wooden furniture second hand… it always worries me when you buy fabrics second hand. Never know what is in the fabric. Of course I say that typing on a nice couch we bought off of Craigslist…
If you are purchasing items secondhand, just make sure they’re still safe to use and haven’t been recalled. Once you purchase your items, you can register them with an online tool, Items I Own http://wemakeitsafer.com/tools/itemsiown.php ), and you’ll be notified if the item was recalled in the past 10 years or recalled in the future.