5 Advantages of Buying Preloved You Might Not Have Thought Of

When you’re looking to buy a smartphone, appliance, or a piece of furniture like a dining chair, your first thought is usually to get something brand new. Buying brand new assures you that the product you’re purchasing will function as intended and won’t easily get damaged the moment it’s used. But in truth, sometimes buying preloved gives you a similar or even better shopping experience. 

Secondhand shopping has several benefits, but its biggest advantage is that it helps you save money. Even though preloved items are typically sold in good, usable condition, they’re priced lower than what they originally cost. As a result, you can get the item you want without having to resort to paying full price. 

But there’s more to buying preloved than simply helping you save some cash. Here are five more advantages of buying preloved you might have not thought of:

You’re Still Getting Good-Quality Products

The preloved items being sold in a lot of thrift stores and online marketplaces can often still be in good or even excellent condition. Many sellers indicate that the secondhand furniture, appliance, or gadget they’re selling is barely used or even unused, so you can rest assured that the product you’re checking looks and functions like it’s almost brand new. 

Of course, it’s easy to trick people into believing that a preloved item is in good condition. That’s why, to ensure that you’re getting your money’s worth, it’s in your best interest to inspect the product thoroughly or to do some research before making a purchase.

If you’re planning to buy a secondhand appliance from a thrift store, for example, make sure to properly examine it. Check if it has sustained any damage that can affect its function and have the staff allow you to test it out to ensure that it’s working. 

When buying from an online marketplace, on the other hand, be sure to visit the seller’s profile and read their customer reviews first. Past customers will leave reviews of their experience doing business with the seller, and you can depend on most of them, to be honest. If the consensus is mostly good, then you can buy from the seller with peace of mind. If not, look elsewhere to find products of the quality you’re looking for. 

You’re Likely to Find One-of-a-Kind Items and Hidden Gems

One of the best things about shopping preloved is that many of the items for sale are incredibly unique. Whether they’re clothes, furniture, or home décor, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll find a secondhand product that looks exactly like the ones being sold in shopping malls and big-name retail stores. 

There are a lot of reasons these hidden gems can only be found in thrift stores and online marketplaces. Usually, it’s because the items are vintage, have been discontinued by their manufacturers, or were refurbished by the seller. Whatever the reason, buying secondhand will definitely give you an edge if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind item that can spice up your wardrobe or give your living room a more eye-catching touch.

You’re Helping Local Businesses Grow

A lot of secondhand businesses in the Philippines are locally and independently owned, so buying from these establishments is a great way to help local institutions grow. Purchasing items from mom-and-pop shops, local secondhand retailers, or even casual preloved item sellers give the owners revenue and, where it applies, brand exposure. As such, they may appreciate your business more compared to chain stores. Buying local also ensures that the money you’ve spent is going back into the local economy, which can build stronger and more prosperous local communities.

You’re Helping Someone in Need of Money

Not everyone who is selling preloved goods does it for business. Some are parting with their items to help cover the cost of unforeseen financial emergencies. It’s common to see people in online buy-and-sell groups putting up “urgent sale” posts so they can pay for their child’s tuition, family member’s hospital bill, or own medical bills. When you buy from them, not only are you getting the item that you want, but you’re also helping someone in need of money and thus making their day.

You’re Doing Your Part to Reduce Waste

Each year, around five billion pounds of waste is generated, and a huge portion of it comes from unsold and returned items. A lot of electronics, clothes, and even furniture end up in landfills. To help reduce the number of waste humans make, buying preloved is a good start. 

Purchasing secondhand products is the more sustainable thing to do because instead of throwing these items out before their time, you’re extending their lifecycle. It’s also the more environmentally friendly thing to do because when you buy preloved, fewer materials and packaging need to be used when you purchase these items or have them delivered to your home.

Buying preloved has a lot of advantages, and as someone who may have gotten used to purchasing things brand new, you might appreciate the benefits of secondhand shopping. From saving yourself some cash to reducing your environmental footprint, you’re always getting a good deal when you’re buying preloved.