Check out the list & their explanations here [via USNews.com]
Never...ever...really? Come on! I don't agree with a lot on this list (surprise, surprise!).
It's safe to say that the American public is pretty experienced when it comes to making purchases. Use your own judgement, look the item over, use your senses to examine it to see if it is worth purchasing. Do not completely write off all the categories on this list, you could be missing out. Personally, I find most of my "thrifty finds" at Thrift Stores where the prices are ridiculously cheap, AND they usually issue store credit if I get home and I'm totally unsatisfied with my item. Making purchases at second hand stores isn't that risky. You find any sort of electronic device second hand, and they will let you test it before you buy it. And like I said, you get home and it totally sucks, they're usually good about giving you store credit. Not to mention I've never seen a DVD player, stereo, microphone or camera for more than $10 at the Thrift Store. For $10, if you've got half a brain to know what brands are decent and managed to test it before you left, you're fine. Garage Sales and Craigslist may be a bit more of a risk, but if you do your research buying electronics second hand can definitely pay off. Baby and child items? Be cautious, do some research, if it's furniture put a fresh coat of paint on it if you have to. Children grow out of things SO FAST! Just because it is in the Thrift Store, or a garage sale doesn't mean it's not functioning, or dangerous. Heck it may even be brand new! How many of you know someone who registered for items they never/hardly used?
Really the only three categories that I can agree with are software (most 2nd hand computer software is from 1995 anyway, it seems!), makeup and mattresses - and I can't even agree with bedding. There isn't much of anything - mold,mildew, germs, that can survive a couple of hot wash cycles. Sheets, comforters, bed skirts, duvets, shams...etc, can get expensive! If you see something that catches your eye and it's used, but it can be washed, why not buy it? Vacuums is a tough one. On one hand, my opinion is that a vacuum isn't something most people would get rid of/donate unless it isn't working properly. But that's not to say that you can't get lucky and find one that just needs a good cleaning and a new belt. People discard perfectly good items all the time! As for undergarments and swimsuits, I don't think you're necessarily going to "catch something," but I can't say I've ever bought either of those second hand. Although, if I did see a cute swimsuit, I might pick it up. If you're in a position where you can only afford underwear second hand, if washed properly, it's definitely not going to kill you. Would I do it? I don't think so; I've got enough underwear to last me a while, and a husband who does laundry pretty often!
The categories I don't know enough about are tires, wet suits, helmets, photo lenses and lights, but I can't say that I would completely write those off either. It's all about using your own judgement and your senses (if it's smelly or stained that's a dead give away!), having a good eye, being willing to put some "elbow grease" into the item (cleaning it, painting it, tightening it, finding/replacing a part) and taking a chance! Buying second hand can be challenging, thrilling, satisfying and FUN if you open your mind to it!
I wouldn't buy a helmet second hand from my experience horseback riding.Riding helmets are only good for 5 years because they break down and should be discarded immediately after one fall. I assume it is the same for bikes?
ReplyDeleteThe one that weirds me out the most is pet supplies. If you can bleach it, sure than use it used. Stuff that can't be bleached though...I'm not risking FLV or the like. It just isn't worth it.
Yeah, it's hard write off all of these categories, but I hear you on the helmet thing, as well as the pet thing. My point was that if you go into it with an open mind and a willingness to put some work into the item, you can save a lot of money! Of course it takes a little practice and knowledge to know what not to bother with, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteWhat Jill said about helmets goes for baby's car seats also. There is an expiration to car seats because they break down and are no longer safe after that date. Also, and this is the big reason people say NEVER to buy a used car seat, if it's ever been in an accident, it's no longer safe. And unfortunately, there's just no way of knowing if a car seat has been in an accident.
ReplyDeleteAs for cribs, I think the big reason that one is on there is because of all of the recalls that have happened. Prior to the last few years, drop-side cribs were very popular. Unfortunately, those have been proven to have numerous mechanical problems. It is now illegal to sell drop-side cribs anymore -- even secondhand! So this one should take care of itself. Of course, it is good to research any potential recalls on a crib, but if there aren't any, I'd think it's fine to buy secondhand.
I agree with you not to write off that whole list, though, especially if you have the opportunity to try some of those things out (such as a DVD player) and verify they are in working order before buying.
All of these safety recalls make me want to just go out and find all the classic old stuff my mom used for me, it seemed to have worked just fine! :)
ReplyDelete