Ways to Save Money #3: Buy Used
A short time ago, I wrote a review of an eBook called “Save to Quit“. Along with the book, you get another eBook titled “500 Ways to Save Money†that gives general saving ideas as well as ideas across a number of categories. This article is part of a series highlighting the money-saving ideas, one at a time. Note that I don’t get any referral income for these articles. Check out the rest of the Ways to Save Money Series here.
When you see a need for new clothing, furnishings, decorations, electronics or other purchases, do you automatically think “I must buy new“? Do you even consider the options for used or refurbished goods? “Buying Used” is the third of the “500 Ways to Save”, and below are my own experiences and comments about buying used.
I’ll be honest. When I need clothing, I don’t bother with going to a thrift store, but I can explain why. I don’t buy clothes frequently, and when I go shopping, I just want to get in and out. Last year, we spent $1,100 on clothing. Of the items we bought with that money, I would only consider buying half of it used (no used undergarmets, socks or shoes please).
I’ve purchased clothing from thrift shops before, but I haven’t found it to be an easy task. I’m picky about the fit of my clothes, and digging through racks of used plaid pants and men’s capris (seriously, what hetero man would wear capris?) isn’t my idea of a fun Saturday afternoon. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to buy used.
I’ve bought used from Craigslist, eBay, Goodwill, friends and neighbors. I love shopping at Kohl’s, which while it’s not used products, the clothing is considered “toss-aways” from major retailers. Lastly, I only wince slightly at buying refurbished electronics. I figure there’s a good chance it was fixed right the second time around, and I haven’t been disappointed yet.
I do recall buying used much more when I was a poor college kid than now, and I do also remember my parents frequenting Goodwill and Salvation Army for clothes when I was younger, and also yard sales. I wasn’t a picky dresser back then, so having a shirt 2 sizes too big didn’t bother me, but sometimes we found a gem that fit and looked just right. That’s if you can say anything in the 80’s looked “right”. So what if I went to school with Jane Fonda workout stockings and tights 
So the moral is to consider buying used for stuff that you need. There are literally dozens or hundreds of options available to you within a few mouse-clicks or miles. But I will warn you that you could get carried away because “you’re getting such a bargain!“. I’ve bought a lot of useless crap simply because it only cost 50 cents. That life-size cutout of Richard Simmons doesn’t quite fit into our decor anymore.
But that’s just my own experience. I want to know about YOUR successes (or failures) with buying used. Have you been burned more than once? Or when was the last time you bought new clothing? Maybe you’ll convince me to buy used more often!
See the rest of the Ways to Save Money Series here.
Try one of these related posts too!:
- Ways to Save Money
- Ways to Save Money #16: Bundle Up…at Home
- Ways to Save Money #9: Only Shop When Needed
- Ways to Save Money #6: Avoid the ATM
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Clever Dude and his bride started with over $110,000 in consumer debt and in just 3 short years, they have reduced it down to a mere fraction. The "Dude" writes about his mistakes in finances and marriage in hopes that you, the reader, can learn just a few nuggets of wisdom.
I was a thrift store junky when I was in high school in college. I loved old vintage golf and bowling shirts I had relatively good success at it, but you’re right. It’s extremely time consuming. I don’t shop at thrift stores any more. In fact, I hardly shop at all. I think I might have bought 3 pieces of new clothing in the last three years. They were timeless pieces, so I don’t look dated at all.
I’ve bought used electronics a few times and have never had any problems.
I rarely buy used. I spent most of my childhood in hand me downs and always longed for *new* clothes - I have absolutely no desire to buy used clothes now.
Used electronics I haven’t bought but probably would. I just don’t buy electronics very often.
Used cds and dvds, used books. Yes.
My wife is a thrift store junkie
She has found some amazing deal and flipped some for good money on ebay!
I go for used books. Used to do thrift stores for clothing but not anymore.
I agree with thrift stores being time consuming. I just don’t shop for clothing that often anymore, if I see something at the store that is a really good deal then I’ll get it. My wife however is a genius at shopping. When she goes to the store she passes through the childrens clothing section and will buy stuff for our 2 year old if it is really cheap.
Then when he out grows it we take it to the baby consignment store and sell it
I hate shopping, so I have a set idea of what fits me, and I go to those stores. It’s limited and controlled, and less stressful for me.
The only time I venture out of my comfort zone is with my mom, who has an uncanny eye for just being able to look at something and deciding if it will work on me. Saves a lot of time!
I agree that thrift stores are time-consuming, but I find that regular stores are even more time-consuming, especially if current styles are hideous.
I have had good luck with buying the following used: clothing, books, sporting goods, (well-made) cars, and my house. Also most of my furniture is hand-me-downs.
I have had bad luck with buying the following used: CDs and DVDs (do people use them for hockey pucks?). Also, games are often missing pieces and/or directions, although sometimes you can find replacements online.
I’ve had fair success with electronics.
Debbie, I didn’t even think about it till you said it that our biggest purchase ever was used: our house. It’s actually been used over and over again (it’s 67 years old now). Good thought!
Wow, yours is older than mine. Mine’s “only” 53 years old!