There is a common misconception that comes with buying used products. In an age where money is hard to come by, the stigma of buying used is somewhat redundant. Just because you’re buying second-hand doesn’t mean you have to settle for second best. There are some great quality used products out there; you just need to shop around for them. If buying used appeals to your nature, you’d be wise to take advantage of liquidation sales. In the disposal society we live in, we’re incredibly wasteful because we throw so much away. More often than you’d expect, buying used is better.
It’s Less Expensive
Probably the most obvious consideration of all, buying used will suit your budget. You’ll save money with used clothes or cars, for example, in a resale market that helps you make ends meet. There are various outlets to buy cheap used products, from thrift shops to eBay. Used items provide great dime for the dollar; it’s simply a case of knowing where to look. If you’re dedicated and plan ahead, you’ll discover some great items with a little bit of digging. You’ll consequently acquire top quality products that don’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Less Depreciation
The value of products decreases over time, depreciating on a curve. You lose money from the minute you remove tags from a product, which is the sharpest drop in value of all. The moment your item is recognized as used, it loses significant value. When someone buys you a present and removes the tag, sarcastically speaking the biggest thank you gift of all is the money lost when they remove the labels. Luckily, used items have already experienced this drop in value, bringing the item closer to its real value. Dodging the first step in depreciation is the financial equivalent of dodging a bullet. With an appreciation for depreciation, you’ll save considerable money by avoiding this sharp drop in value.
Items Are Tried and Tested
When you buy a used product, you can assess its quality and durability. For example, if you buy a t-shirt that has been worn for months, it’s tried and tested. If it still looks good after being stress tested, you can trust its reliability. Even if one component of an appliance is malfunctioning, it’s very easy to find an expert that excels in areas like heating and furnace repair. The trend in quality is likely to continue, and this applies to most categories in the resale market. It’s important to know indicators of a quality product, using this knowledge to make less risky decisions.
It’s Greener
We live in a society where green initiatives are at the forefront of everything we do. Companies are increasingly making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint, while individuals engage in recycling. There is so much stuff floating around, it’s wiser and more environmentally friendly to acquire something second hand. When products have already been made, it’s better to use them up than contribute to unnecessary manufacture that hurts the environment. Though there are a few things that can’t be purchased used, buying second-hand is probably the greenest thing we can do. Your decision will consequently align with eco-friendly societal trends.
