Buy Used When Brand-New is out of Reach

Buy Used When Brand-New is out of ReachFor some reason, we associate used merchandise with inferior quality or other problems making it worth less than new counterparts.  The fact is, most of the homes we live in are used, and certainly flats and apartments are not constructed for each new tenant.  What if every motorist required a brand new car?  The streets would soon be overcome with too many vehicles, and every one purchased would be at full retail sticker price.  Obviously the unsustainable approach is not realistic, so it is abandoned in favor of a revolving flow of consumer goods bolstering a robust second-hand car market. So why not apply the same principles we use for big-ticket items like cars and homes to the smaller everyday consumer purchases we make?  In short, most of the things we need are available used, at considerable savings when compared to new versions.

Electronics Savings on Used Goods

Technology moves along faster than most of us can keep pace, so it is not surprising that some of the latest and greatest gadgets pass us by.  On the other hand, some tuned-in to technology can’t wait to ride the cutting edge, snatching up every new release as it makes its way to market. Televisions, smart phones, tablets, laptops, video games and other consumer electronics account for a great deal of spending in most modern households, where adults and children alike are regular users.  Each of these common tech devices is subject to periodic replacement, with ever-changing models rolled out by manufacturers.  New or used, you may still require external help to fund these items, shop around for the best deals available. While some new products are redesigned and include lots of new features, others are only changed slightly between each issue.

For buyers looking for all the latest bells and whistles, only the most current gadgets will do, but for others willing to work with slightly aged versions of phones, computers, tablets and other devices, gently-used alternatives furnish cost effective options that function just fine.  Just because it is previously owned, doesn’t mean a well-made gadget is beyond its useful life.  In fact, since they are replaced frequently and used for specialized purposes, most pre-owned consumer electronics are in reasonably good condition.  Manufacturers conduct resale programs for their own goods, which offer some assurances to consumers who buy from the source.  Units are evaluated and repaired before sending them out, and most come with warranties covering certain types of damage.  If you are concerned about private party sales or wish to carry a guarantee, use certified pre-owned programs to get your hands on authorized used buys.

Internet Resources Support Pre-Owned Sales

In the past, the hardest part about finding decent pre-owned goods was actually locating copies within your area.  Communication improvements, especially internet resources, furnish game-changing results for buyers and sellers ready to do business on the resale market.  In addition to large scale clearinghouses, like eBay and others, specialty niche sites are also promoted, enabling hobbyists and others of shared interests to swap information, as well as second-hand gear.  Since person-to-person sales don’t carry the same quality assurances or warranties as those conducted through bona fide retailers, it is important to protect yourself from scams, when buying used. Intentional misrepresentation, for example, prompts unwise buys when goods are not at-hand for inspection.  To hedge against opportunists, online commerce sites provide protection for users, backing-up sales themselves, when transactions go south.  In-person sales yield savings, but every precaution should be undertaken before arranging meet-ups with strangers.  Meet in public venues, and always bring a friend with a mobile phone.  Saving on electronics and other gently-used goods is a boon for cash-strapped consumers seeking bargains, but it is not worth compromising personal safety.

Comments

  1. I love thrift store shopping. I rarely find it necessary to buy something new #SITS

  2. I like thrift store shopping, and finding great bargins!
    I’m a new Pinterest follower from Friday Pin Fest!

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