| As a dealer of secondhand merchandise, I always deal | | | | only selling this beloved antique because they really |
| fairly and honestly with my customers. If something | | | | need the money. Well, maybe they do, but that doesn't |
| has a defect or doesn't work right, I let them know. Not | | | | mean you have to go soft on them. Make at least one |
| all secondhand sellers are as scrupulous as I am, | | | | counter-offer, and hope the twain shall meet in the |
| though, and the buyer needs to beware when they | | | | middle. If they stick to their price, then you can decide |
| are buying secondhand goods from a merchant, flea | | | | whether or not you want to pay that amount, or look |
| market, thrift shop, or just out of the classified ads. | | | | elsewhere. |
| You need to use careful judgment and skill as a | | | | Deliberate on Major Investments |
| consumer to avoid getting ripped off, or at least | | | | When it comes to buying secondhand cars, appliances, |
| spending more on a used item than it's worth. Here are | | | | or other high-priced (when new) items, take time to get |
| some factors to consider when you are thinking about | | | | all the facts. Don't fall for lines like "this car was only |
| buying secondhand merchandise: | | | | driven to church on Sunday by my dear, sweet |
| Is This Something You Need or Can Use? | | | | grandmother." It could have been, but how do you |
| We all love a bargain, but avoid buying a secondhand | | | | know that for sure? Before making any sort of |
| item just because the price seems right. Control your | | | | agreement with the seller, get model numbers and |
| urge to buy it if you don't really need it. It's not a | | | | check to see if that item was ever subject to recall. |
| bargain if you don't use it. | | | | Ask about any repairs that have ever been made, or |
| If It's Not In Usable Condition, Is It Worth Fixing Up? | | | | problems the owner may have experienced with the |
| Most secondhand stuff shows signs of use and wear, | | | | item. They may not give you all the straight facts, but |
| and sometimes just a stitch or two will make clothing | | | | by asking questions, you are letting the seller know you |
| wearable, or a good cleaning may prove that a piece | | | | are a savvy consumer who isn't going to put up with |
| of furniture doesn't really need totally refinished. But if | | | | get ripped off. If the seller doesn't appear to want to |
| you take that dress with the torn seam home, are you | | | | be straightforward with you, don't do business with |
| really going to bother to sew it, or do you just think you | | | | them. |
| will? If it just lays around the sewing room waiting to | | | | Where To Find Secondhand Merchandise |
| be repaired, you've wasted your money. Consider the | | | | Thrift shops, consignment stores, and vintage clothing |
| additional costs you may incur to make the item | | | | stores are popping up everywhere. But your best buys |
| usable, such as alterations, repairs, refinishing, or | | | | will probably be from individuals or families who have |
| transportation. Is it going to be worth the expense? | | | | owned, used, and loved the item. There are a lot of |
| Know Brand Names and Their Reputation For Quality | | | | other ways to find good used merchandise, too: |
| A secondhand refrigerator that is a brand well-known | | | | Radio station "swap shops" |
| for quality and long service may outlast that new, | | | | Free weekly shopper newspapers |
| cheaper brand of refrigerator you're thinking about | | | | Newspaper classified ads |
| buying. If you don't mind a few dents and scratches (if | | | | Garage sales |
| you have kids, they look that way eventually anyway) | | | | Auctions: estate, consignment, community, self-storage |
| the high-quality secondhand appliance may be the | | | | facilities |
| better value. | | | | Flea markets |
| Make a Counter Offer | | | | Online auction sites |
| Don't settle on the first price you are quoted by the | | | | Supermarket, laundry, or workplace community bulletin |
| seller, and don't be shy about haggling with them. This | | | | boards |
| is a secondhand item they probably just want to get | | | | Now, get out there and find those bargains! |
| rid of. You might get a sob story about how they are | | | | |