We all need to buy things. It’s a given, right? Even in a cost of living crisis, we have things to purchase. What do you buy every day? What do you buy once or month or perhaps a couple of times a year? Rather than buying brand new, have you considered buying second hand? It can save you money compared to the off the shelf price and so often, you won’t even notice the difference. Let’s have a look at some of things you could start buying second hand.
Bikes
The first idea I have about buying second hand is bikes. Especially bikes for kids. We know children grow up so quickly and a bike that was great for them this time last year, might now be too small. No one wants to bang their knees on the handlebars! You also need to consider how often do we actually get our kids out on their bikes in a year? The weather is hardly ever great and we all live busy lives. So is a £100+ bike for a handful of rides a year worth it?
Second hand bikes are usually available on Facebook Marketplace. So what if they have a few scratches. Kids drop their bikes within the first few minutes anyway, or chuck them on the floor when they get to the park. Buying second hand bikes is a great way to save a few quid whilst also giving your children some childhood fun on two wheels. Look after the bikes and you can always sell them on again once they’ve outgrown them.
Baby Clothes
In a similar fashion to bikes, kids grow through of clothes quickly. Baby clothes are can often only get worn a few times before they end up in the pile of clothing that no longer fits. Clothing is something that often gets gifted, so you might not need to buy too much yourself. You will find bundles of baby clothing from other parents looking to free up a bit of space as their kids outgrow things. The great this about it is, even though they’ll have been washed a few times, there will still be plenty of mileage in these clothes.
Exercise Equipment
So many people have great ideas of getting fit, especially at the start of a new years when resolutions are made. So often though, those resolutions are broken by the middle of the January and exercise machines are chucked in the back of the shed. From treadmills to cycling machines to weights, if you are looking for exercise equipment, consider buying second hand. Someone will be listing the equipment you’re looking for, at a fraction of the price you find it new.
Vehicles
Buying second hand vehicles will save you money. If you buy a brand new vehicle, it loses value when you drive it off the forecourt. Well made and maintained second hand cars and other vehicles are listed much cheaper and they can be fantastic. Ensure that you do proper checks on them if it is a private sale. There are plenty of second hand dealers who you can haggle the price with too. If you need a new car for an expanding family, buying second hand will ensure you keep some cash in your pocket.
Books
Loads of people read a book and then send it on. Unless it is an absolute favourite, they get rid of them so they make space on their bedside table for another novel. People buy from charity shops for 50p and then re-donate them once they are done. Books are meant to be read over and over again and it doesn’t really matter who has read them before. Looking for second hand books for your studies will also save you money when you’re at college or university. Check local charity shops as past students may have donated the textbooks they no longer need.
What are your rights when you shop second-hand?
There are loads of other ideas too. If you’re looking at getting a new kitchen, someone might be getting rid of one. Second hand kitchens can be a bargain, but you might have to go and collect it yourself. Don’t overlook the environmental benefits of buying second hand either. Keeping things out of landfill and lessening your impact on the environment is brilliant.
