As I’ve grown older I’ve become aware of a strange phenomenon – I prefer buying things second hand.
I’m not sure if it’s the bargain-hunter in me. Afterall, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finding a coveted item for a bargain price. But for me, buying preloved items is more satisfying than buying them new.
Second hand September
The lovely Emma at Money Savvy Teacher recently tweeted about Oxfam’s Second Hand September campaign. In a nutshell, you pledge to buy only second hand items for 30 days or more.
It’s a great way to save money while doing your bit to save the environment – what’s not to love?
So I’ve decided that for the month of September, I’ll give it a go.
My second hand finds
It seemed that I started Second Hand September without even been aware of it, as this week has seen a few second hand items make their way into the household.
My fiancee bought me a coffee machine for my birthday. Normally it would have retailed at around £200, however, by buying it second hand she got it at a fraction of the cost.
I planned to buy some wooden garden furniture using the birthday money I received. After looking around I discovered that purchasing a new set would cost me between £300-£500.
The thrifty goddess in me really didn’t want to pay that much so I turned to Facebook marketplace. Within a few days I’d found a preloved set including a table, chairs, cushions and parasol for £100! It was in excellent condition and was an absolute steal.
Aside from the financial savings, there were also time savings linked to this method of purchasing. Instead of spending a day or two visiting retail stores looking for furniture, the total time cost, including online searches and collection, was half a day.
As I’ve mentioned previously, it’s always important to consider the true cost of spending associated with any purchase.
Where to find second hand items
There are so many places to find preloved items now that it really is a frugalist’s dream. With places on the high street and online, it’s easy to find almost anything you want at a fraction of the cost.
Carboot sales are great if you’re happy to root around and are not looking for something ‘brand’ specific. Although if you attend a large venue then the range of goodies on offer may surprise you. They’re also excellent places to haggle – in fact many sellers expect it, so don’t ever go with the first price you’re offered.
Charity shops are also a great place to visit. Some of the larger charities now have dedicated shops where they sell furniture and electrical products, making it easy to kit out a new home or room on a budget.
Facebook marketplace offers a quick and easy way to search for items available in your local area. There are numerous other online platforms to purchase preloved items such as eBay, Gumtree and Shpock. The benefit of using these is that you can search for specific items very quickly.
The benefits of buying second hand
There are so many benefits of buying second hand items but if you still need convincing, here’s some reasons why you should:
- Save Money – You can buy slightly used (and sometimes new) items for a fraction of the price which means that you can make your money go further.
- Eco Friendly – Not only are you extending the life of someone’s unwanted item, you’re also preventing it from going to landfill. Furthermore, buying second hand reduces the need for new items, along with transportation and packaging requirements which use up the planet’s precious resources.
- Supporting the community / local charities – By buying second hand items you’re supporting local people or charities. Your money is more likely to have a personal impact and make a difference, compared to purchasing items from larger corporations.
- It’s fun – yes really! Finding a bargain can be very rewarding and great fun. Even the challenge of searching for an item can be incredibly entertaining, especially as you never quite know what you’ll find along the way.
Take on the challenge
So now you’ve read about the benefits of buying second hand items, it’s time to take on the challenge.
The next time you consider making a purchase, take a look and see if you can find a preloved version. It’ll make a difference to your wallet as well as giving you an added feel-good factor.
Do you purchase second hand items? What was your best thrifty find and are there any tips you’d offer newbies? Let me know in the comments below.
Image courtesy of K8 on Unsplash