Thursday, February 9, 2012

Money Saving Tip: Buying Second Hand

I know, I know, Bbuying second hand sounds like such a typical answer to saving money, but even though it's standard I have really never been one to take advantage of shopping second hand because it has always seemed like too much hassle to buy a "worn out" item. 

Buying second hand has become so easy that you really cannot afford NOT to do it now.  It's also become super easy to sell your second items to make some money as well.  Since my 30 bags in 30 days series my total of earnings from sales is up to $95 from merely listing items on our local Facebook Marketplace group and on Craigslist (both free to list). 

Some of the recent purchase I have made 2nd hand that have been awesome (and cheap) have been:
- Sleepsack for Addy: 50 cents, regularly priced $18
- Pink Courderoy pants for Addy: $1.50, regularly around $12
- Some awesome glass containers for a shower I'm organizing: $1.60 total
- Bread Machine: $2, regularly $30
- Sidetable: $5, regularly $40ish
- Sewing Machine: $20

Some of the places I find some great second hand deals
- Local Facebook Marketplace group
- Craigslist.com
- Goodwill
- St. Vincent DePaul
- Salvation Army
- Habitat for Humanity Store
- Born Again Resale and Consignment
- Ebay.com
-Yard Sales

Now you have to be careful not to go overboard when second hand shopping.  It is super easy to get caught up in the deals and buy way more than you will use or need.  I find myself asking: Would I buy this if it were full price?  Will I use it in the next 30 days? 

I have also known friends who do a swap party, where everyone bring their clothes and accessories that they are not using anymore (in good condition) and they do a trade.  This is a fun way to get rid of stuff and get some new fun stuff! Here's a blog post on how some of them have been run/organized!

I would highly encourage you to at least trying to start implementing second hand shopping into your life via online methods.  They are easier that running from store to store to find a gerat deal and you can search for exactly what you are looking for (and not be as tempted to buy extras). 

1 comment:

  1. Can I just say how awesome the Clarkston St. Vincent store is? I love that place! My favorite finds from there: my vintage green sideboard ($40) which has made a nice addition to my bathroom, an adorable cheese cloche ($3), and a whole baseball themed serving set ($8) for Kendry's upcoming 3rd birthday party. Shopping second hand rocks!

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