Things You Should Buy Used and Things You Should Not
Although there’s definitely some appeal in fulfilling your wish list with an item that’s in mint condition, few can resist a good bargain. The well-known secret to shopping is that if you have a little patience and you do a little research, you can often find a satisfactory, gently-used version of whatever you’re looking for. That said, that rule doesn’t apply to all items. These are some of the things you should be buying new – and some of the things worth waiting on.
Buy New: Mattresses, Tires, and Shoes
There’s a common piece of wisdom that says you should spend good money on the things that separate you from the ground, mainly mattresses, tires, and shoe. For these items, an addendum – buy them new. While a new mattress is going to cost you a lot of money, consider it an investment in your health. You’ll be spending nearly a third of your life in your bed, so why not make it as comfortable as possible? Plus, you never know what kinds of germs or bugs might be lurking within. As for tires and shoes, you may face some difficulty in telling how worn these objects are, which could hurt your vehicle and body in the long run.
Save Money by Buying Used Equipment
For some things, like shoes and mattresses, you should buy new for the sake of your health. However, for many other things, you aren’t going to hurt yourself by buying used. If you’re an avid sports player (or you’re just looking to try something out for a bargain), there’s no harm in buying sports equipment used. Although a piece of equipment’s less-than-perfect quality may affect your game in the slightest, you probably won’t notice. Otherwise, there’s also good sense in buying tools–whether for the workshop or the garden–used. These products are usually built to last.
Keep Your Child Safe With New Items
As an adult, you’ll be frustrated if your used purchase breaks down on you. But when deciding whether to go for a new or used item for your newborn or young child, that risk probably isn’t worth it. Sure, “hand-me-downs” are as old as time itself, but when the items you’re dealing with involve some factor of safety, it’s best you err on the side of caution and buy new. This applies to things like your child’s crib and car seat. Though you may be putting out a little more money for these products, your child’s safety is priceless.
In the end, it’s up to you to decide if buying something used is worth it. Many times, other factors will come into play, such as how a previous owner treated the item and how available it is elsewhere. Still, whether you’re buying new or used, do your research to find if the product is worth it at all. Even a gently-used item is bound to disappoint if it doesn’t meet your expectations. A little time spent before you open your wallet can save you a lot of frustration in the future.