Used Goods
Aside from putting a moratorium on spending, the best way to save money is to buy used.
I'm an avid garage sale hound. I've decorated my home, added to my antique, book, and video collections, and found many a useful item and tools for around the farmstead.
About the only things I never look for at garage sales are clothes, mostly because I'm short and I have a hard time finding things I like even at retail. Yet, last week I hit an estate sale and found the jacket I had been looking for in like-new condition, for only five bucks.
I have a sister who would never dream of buying anything used. My philosophy is exactly the opposite. There are very few things I'd insist on buying new, computers being one of them.
Not that I wouldn't pick up a used laptop, but a work computer is different. I need a really fast processor and lots of space for my memory hog programs. I'd probably frown on buying used underwear too, but for different reasons. \o/
Furniture, tools, and decorative items are always on my radar. People with kids swear by garage sales for kids' clothes, which makes sense since they grow out of them so quickly.
I'm hoping our next car will be used. There are no perks to new. The moment you drive off the lot it starts to depreciate.
I like used things. They have character. Kind of like me. :grin:
How do you feel about used? Do you prefer the new and shiny if you can afford it? Is there any one thing you'd never buy used?
I'm an avid garage sale hound. I've decorated my home, added to my antique, book, and video collections, and found many a useful item and tools for around the farmstead.
About the only things I never look for at garage sales are clothes, mostly because I'm short and I have a hard time finding things I like even at retail. Yet, last week I hit an estate sale and found the jacket I had been looking for in like-new condition, for only five bucks.
I have a sister who would never dream of buying anything used. My philosophy is exactly the opposite. There are very few things I'd insist on buying new, computers being one of them.
Not that I wouldn't pick up a used laptop, but a work computer is different. I need a really fast processor and lots of space for my memory hog programs. I'd probably frown on buying used underwear too, but for different reasons. \o/
Furniture, tools, and decorative items are always on my radar. People with kids swear by garage sales for kids' clothes, which makes sense since they grow out of them so quickly.
I'm hoping our next car will be used. There are no perks to new. The moment you drive off the lot it starts to depreciate.
I like used things. They have character. Kind of like me. :grin:
How do you feel about used? Do you prefer the new and shiny if you can afford it? Is there any one thing you'd never buy used?
Comments
Prior to that garage sales in the 80's were a great source because lived in an area where the Naval Base personnel living in South Texas would move regularly and get rid of belongings at reasonable prices.
And yes, I wouldn't buy a new car unless someone else gave me the money for it. In fact, I've never bought a new car come to think of it.
I wouldn't buy used undergarments or socks. Also, no used mattresses or pillows. Everything else is pretty much fair game.
I only ever donate clothes or books. The rest of my stuff stays until it disintegrates.
I prefer not to buy cloth bound furniture used just in case the previous owner left critters, but old wood furniture are my favorite finds. I like restoring them.
The next car I buy for myself is going to be used--and a luxury car. Of course, I'll need smaller dogs by then. :)
Especially since most of the things I got were easily $20+ brand new. And I got 3 sweaters, a pair of jeans, a church-appropriate dress, a light weight coat, and a pair of shoes all for $25. It was wonderful.
I've never had a new car, but when we do get to the point of needing a new vehicle, we may have to bite the bullet and buy new, because I'm already scoping out the used ads (even though a 'new' vehicle is easily a year or more down the road), and I haven't been able to find what we'd be looking for. Because we really need a truck, but since it'll likely be the main family vehicle, it's going to need a full cab. And evidently people drive those into the grave around here, because I can't find used ones at all.
(I just had to leave that)...I know...very juvenile.
Me, I like the thrill of the hunt, so it's more than getting stuff for cheaper. It's finding them. :)
I wish we had known each other 30 years ago. We used to haunt an antique auction that regularly offered English antiques. I still have a few pieces.
Greg is looking for one himself, but we'll probably by last year's model, new, but not new-new.
If I ever visit you I'll be sure to bring my own toothbrush. :)
Bought plenty of used cars in the past, too. Yeah, my latest was new, but I got a great price (and 0% financing) and I was kind of tired of used.
Our first bedroom furniture was with us for 30 years before we decided to part with it.
I found exactly what I wanted and I didn't have to spend a whole lot for the one time I was going to wear it.
I buy used furniture too. I will buy used garden tools and used books. If it's overpriced on the market, I have no problem going to find it at a thrift store or garage sale. I absolutely love going to the local flea market.
One thing I don't buy used anymore are my cars. I have to have the warranty and the confidence it's not going to break down on me!
In the old days it never would've occurred to me that someone might try to pass on a lemon, but today, you can never be sure.
I've only bought one new vehicle in my life. Most of our furniture is used. One thing I won't buy used is beds. (Especially here in Nevada where we've had major bed bug outbreaks.)
For the most part we use something till it falls apart and/or re-purpose it.
We just watched a show last night about landfills and we've got a family meeting planned for the weekend to figure other ways we can reduce our footprint. Gotta love thought-provoking T.V.
I have a friend who hates anything second-hand (she calls garage sales "garbage sales"), but I got an entire wardrobe out of that thrift store. I still have dozens of lovely, would-have-been-expensive-but-close-me-pennies clothes I haven't worn.
To save money and live greener I also try to buy used over new when possible, especially clothing. The only things I refuse to buy used are hair brushes, lingerie and socks. :)
Sometimes I feel my piddly efforts are insignificant to the bigger problem, but every little bit helps.
At least I know we'll never travel in the same social circles. LOL.