The whole world scratches their heads to discover methods, technology,
mechanism and lands to dispose of or to recycle our trash, and we are heaping
them day by day. Purchasing used or second hand items not just saves bucks;
it helps keep those purchases out of landfills. Buying an already manufactured
product means no one has to make a new one for you, which saves resources,
labor, infrastructure, iterative, production process, transportation, filling,
tax ledgers, and energy.
There are plenty of ways to find and buy second hand items that were owned by
known to unknown: Local email groups, message boards, sale forums; websites,
online apps; lip service by neighbors, kins; yard, flash sales; thrift and
consignment stores, mega-retailers.
Most of us hesitate to shop at places like Second Hand Shops, Thrift Stores,
Shandy, Flea Markets, Company Outlets, Giant Yard Sale, Swap Meets because
the immediate thought is settling for the cheap, items used by unknown people
without any clue or traces of what extent they are used especially suspicious
about it’s functioning condition rather than the appearing condition.
Flea Market or Thrift Stores or Outlet Sale, however, refer to the same thing: a
large indoor or open-air market where hundreds to thousands of customers and
bargain hunters gather to buy, sell, and barter varieties of gently to heavily used
goods.
Every flea market, second hand shops are a little different. Some specialize in
specific items, like home furnishings, antiques, books, furniture, wood products,
handicraft toys, gardening tools, while others are more eclectic. But they all have
one thing in common: They’re great places to find deals on goods that may not
be available anywhere else, even in specialty stores.
What you buy is in your financial interest to understand how second hand
markets work – and how to harness their quirks to your benefit.
Usage of time to be valuable - to quickly decide and patient to observe, bargain,
is the key for second hand shopping. When you first arrive at the row stores of
second hand goods or flea markets, head straight for the best deals.
Tips #1 :
If it’s flea market, usually the stalls in the center and back of the market, away
from the corners and entry point shops. Hampered by lower visibility and foot
traffic, vendors in these parts of the market compensate with deeper discounts
and greater flexibility in negotiations.
Tips #2 :
If it’s a dingy second hand shop, you can’t judge by look, ambiance, and no
clue about what useful items are in store for you. Dizziness waves off your face
and at the same time your adrenaline longs to hunt. Most of the time have a list.
But, usually list out not for specific items but, also a valuable equivalent if
unavailable. Give a thought process of when you see something you love. At
times you can buy the item to use as it was never intended to be used.
Tips #3 :
The die-hard shoppers arrive early and a lot of the good stuff is sold in the first
hour of the show, to plenty of flea markets in the dark when the vendors were
unloading their trucks. Though a little costly to get in early; it’s worth it to find the
finest products, beat the crowds.
Always Do Preparation :
Make a list of the items you are planning to buy. Do some research online and
find out the average sale price. Check with anyone that already has the item you
want for the price, its lifespan, the bare minimum expected by the vendor to pay,
the item is authentic and not a reproduction Most importantly, have fun. Over
time, one will learn how to ignore the junk and look for the treasures. Look hard
enough, you will always find them.
Below is the list of suggestions out of my second hand shopping experience.
Avoid buying used life-guard equipments, tools as it costs
life. Say no to mattresses, pillows as they are viable to be infected with germs
and other ill factors consider them for price bargain.
Shoppers usually save the big deals for the end of the final day. That’s when
vendors are on the verge of getting rid of the items and just want to get home.
Haggle about buying anything of genuine items. But, advisable not to drag if
really it’s worth the price.
Don’t leave the item you just have to have or delay to come back and buy later, it
maybe gone.
Consider items that has life-time warranty or replaceable with minor repair costs
Check the item thoroughly and pilot test if allowed, look for patch up works and
Don’t hand over the cash for large items without asking about free delivery.
Morning of the flea market's first day doesn’t have huge discounts on items.
Consider items that require little refurbishing or easy fixes to look anew with
painting, refinishing, replacing hardware. Know the pulse of when to end the
deal to buy or walk away if nothing works out as expected
Buy items that have high resale value :
your need. for eg., a type writer is no more a good-to-use product or not in use
product but, may decor your front-shelf and also repay you by selling under rare
items list after a decade.
Second hand or old items are not the same :
Make sure the item is for sale has arrived at your eyes because of its saleability.
have the potential and money savings that buying a brand new replica furniture
piece.
available but, its peripherals are out of the market or not manufactured
anymore. This will save you from putting holes in your pocket and would not
piling up one of the unused junk in your attic.
Shopping for second hand items has a hidden risk that its use is of shortened life
span. So, choose the items which is not a waste of money, and if you scrutinize
your guts to know that you are not adrenally pumped but, truly LOVE the item
you want to buy.
The looks may deceive rule applies to items though look good, if it doesn’t fit
your needs kill the temptation to buy it.
The second hand shopping experience on many occasions proved a rock-bottom
truth for certain things: Old is better than new.
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