What are the pros and cons of second-hand shopping?

Before you add that next item to your shopping cart, answer this question. How do you feel about second-hand shopping?

Excitement?

Disapproval?

Uncertainty?

Whether it's online or in-store, buying pre-owned clothes, household items, and electronics has become increasingly popular over the past years.

Second-hand shopping can be a viable alternative to satisfy your retail needs, as long as you know what you're in for.

Rest assured:

• You can shop on a budget.

• Bargaining is sometimes allowed. Get more for less with bundle deals.

• Prices will be cheaper than new goods', even for high end brands.

You should understand:

• Items' remaining lifespan is unpredictable.

• No refund! What you see, or don't see, is what you get, or don't get.

• Items may show some wear and tear.

  

Treat yourself to a new experience without making a big investment. Recreational supplies are among the top-selling used goods.

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You could try out a new:

• hobby

• instrument

• look

• DIY project

• sport

• game

• household item or design

Keep in mind that it's unlikely that you'll get a warranty, manuals, or after-sale service. Also, it's hard to know how well items were cared for.

Just because you can buy almost anything second hand, doesn't mean you should.

Buy these things:

• cars

• personal items — clothes, shoes, jewelry

• recreational items — books, instruments, craft, exercise, and sporting goods

• household items — tools, appliances, home decor, furniture

• vintage, classics, and antiques

Avoid these things:

• foods and other perishables

• medical supplies or hygiene products

• underwear and swimwear

• anything that's impossible to deep clean or sanitize

Remember, goods are pre-owned. So forget about:

• unwrapping packaging, new clothes smell,and peeling away protective plastic.

  

• asking for a different size or colour.

• taking time to deliberate on a purchase. Someone may snatch it up.

There are a lot of affordable items! So anticipate:

• spending time to sort through clutter.

• some germs, bacteria, stains and even bed bugs.

• the temptation to overshop. Do you really need more Tupperware?

Thrifting can be a rewarding experience because:

• it's a large, regularly updating inventory of goods.

• the nostalgia, treasure hunting and the unpredictability are thrilling.

• you can find high-quality products at reasonable prices.

• you are sure to stand on in your unique finds.

• you avoid the marketing tactics of mainstream consumerism.

• It's trendy.

Second-hand shopping is a socially responsible consumer behavior.

The environment thanks second-hand shoppers for reducing waste and minimizing their carbon footprint.

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Are you ready to give it a try?

The second-hand shopping experience will vary from person to person, shop to shop, and item to item. Consider this alternative the next time you scratch that retail itch.