7 Items to Consider Buying Pre-Owned

These days, just about everything you can buy seems much more expensive than it ever was in years past, and most consumers will always be on the lookout for ways to save a little extra on their purchases when possible. Filipinos especially love a good bargain, which is why it should come as no surprise that there's a healthy, thriving market for secondhand goods in this country. Whether you frequent thrift shops, your neighborhood ukay-ukay, or online marketplaces like LookingFour, you'll find no shortage of savvy sellers hawking every kind of pre-loved item you can imagine.

Some people might worry that just because secondhand things go for cheap that they'll probably receive a shabby, worn-down item in return. However, that isn't always the case. Experts generally agree that many gently used pre-owned items will last almost as long and perform just as well as their brand-new counterparts. This is just as true for big-ticket items like appliances and personal electronics as it is for small purchases like clothes, shoes, books, and fashion accessories.

Still not convinced? Here's a rundown of 7 items you'd do well to buy pre-owned:

Furniture

Home and office furniture can be costly, and there's no point in buying brand-new when you can find less expensive, quality alternatives in many places. A second hand sofa you find at your local ukay-ukay or on your favorite online shopping platform will probably go for a fraction of the cost of a new couch. And as long as its previous owners have looked after it well and kept it clean, you can trust that this old-new sofa will last you and your family many years. Items like bookcases, shelves, and cabinets are especially good to buy pre-owned, as these see very little wear and tear over time.

Books

Shopping enthusiasts and experts agree that books are just about the best thing you can buy pre-owned because most of their value lies in their content. Purchasing textbooks used is especially practical, as university-level textbooks, in particular, can go for thousands of pesos when brand-new. Because these textbooks stay in use for multiple years, it's highly likely that students and their parents will be able to purchase a used copy of almost every required book.

Clothing

Who hasn't purchased a fancy item of clothing for a special occasion, only to wear that piece once and never again? We've also all grabbed clothes off the rack even if we didn't need them simply because they were on sale, or because they were trendy at the time. Whatever their reasons, many people will end up with more clothes than they need, and in these cases, it's both practical and environmentally responsible to resell those that are still wearable.

Many pre-loved clothes for sale both on the internet and in physical stores are likely to be in good, if not perfect, condition—think pieces that have been worn only once or twice and still look and feel like new. It's not even unheard-of to find completely unworn pieces with the original tags still attached.

Home Appliances

It may seem sketchy to purchase used electronics, but as long as you source them from the right places, you can make great savings. Friends or family members moving houses, for instance, may be willing to part with appliances and other large items they can't take with them to their new homes. People you know will be able to give you an honest and thorough assessment of an appliance's condition and history of use before you buy it. Buying refurbished appliances from reputable sellers is another good approach, as some vendors may even be able to offer you warranties on the items you buy.

Exercise Equipment

Getting into good shape shouldn't require you to break the bank. Rather than shelling out tens of thousands of pesos for a high-end treadmill, stationary bike, weight machine, or some other exercise equipment, consider buying them used instead. Just make sure that the items you're eyeing are still in good condition. It's a good idea to buy from a seller who will allow you to test the equipment you intend to buy.

Glassware

Everyone knows that fine glassware can cost you an arm and a leg, but one lesser-known fact is that it's entirely possible to find sets of secondhand designer or antique glassware for much less. Look around online or in your favorite thrift stores for sets of drinking glasses, wine glasses, and more, and it will surprise you how many elegant sets you can find for affordable prices. What's more, you may even be able to resell your glassware a few years down the road for a tidy profit.

Toys

Children's toys will only be used for a short time, and kids are the least likely people to be discriminating about where their toys came from. Building blocks, play kitchen sets, beach toys, Lego sets, and many more will be just as fun for your little ones to play with whether they're pre-owned or totally new. Simply sanitize the toys before handing them over to your child and you'll be able to enjoy hours of fun together at a minimal cost.

Shopping secondhand is ultimately one of the most efficient ways to save money on the things you buy without sacrificing quality. The above items are just scratching the surface when it comes to smart secondhand purchases, so don't hesitate to hunt around online for even more great deals.