Saving money when shopping is always an important consideration for most consumers. With the economic climate being pretty glum in the recent years, we have all learned how to make do with less, and we’ve all become some sort of experts when it comes to getting good deals. Indeed, even people who wouldn’t even consider buying secondhand items in the past will now not think twice about buying used items!
Secondhand goods, slightly used goods, used items, refurbished items – you can call them by any name you wish, but the idea is the same. There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying things that have be owned by someone else in the past, but you ought to know that there are certain products that you should never buy used. There are various reasons for this piece of advice, so let us take a look at some things that you should always buy new, and why.
Cribs and other items for your baby
These items ought to be at the top of your list as they can spell the difference between health and sickness – even life and death. When you buy a crib or a car seat for the baby, safety is of paramount importance. You want to be assured that the crib or the car seat will do its job no matter what. More so, you want to be sure that the items are clean and will not get your baby sick.
Now, if you buy second hand cribs, car seats, and other items, they probably have had their share of wear and tear. Would you really risk your baby for extra savings? I trust that you won’t. This is a matter of choosing health and life over a few bucks.
Laptops
Buying a used laptop may not be a matter of life and death, but you really ought to buy a new one instead of settling for a used gadget. The reason is that laptops are not meant to last forever. They are meant to be portable, making them more exposed to abuse more than your average desktop. You never really know what a used laptop has gone through, and there is no assurance that it will not conk out on you before 6 months is over. Besides, considering the pace that the technological developments are made and the prices of laptops these days, you will be better of buying a brand new one with tech support and warranty to boot.
DVD players
I have nothing against buying old DVDs – I have quite a collection myself. DVD players, however, are another story altogether. These are sensitive pieces of equipment, and used ones may not work as well as brand new units. The lasers used to read data conk out quite easily and if you buy a used DVD player, you might not have to wait long till you have to replace the laser. You’re better off buying a new one.
Digital cameras
On a similar note, do not buy used digital cameras if you can help it. Much like other portable electronic gadgets, they are very much prone to banging and scratching. There are a lot of cheap brand new digital cameras in the market. Buy them instead.
Underwear and swimsuits
I don’t really have to go into details here, do I? Underwear and swimsuits are intimate apparel. Why would you ever want to buy items that someone else has worn in the past? Doesn’t the mere thought make you feel weird? If you’re still not convinced, consider this: HEALTH and HYGEINE RISK!
Shoes
Here’s something else that you really shouldn’t buy used or pre-owned. Never mind that some people are selling their shoes and other footwear and calling them pre-loved. They may have loved wearing their shoes, but do you want to risk getting in contact with all sorts of bacteria and fungi that could be found in those shoes? Thanks, but no thanks. Oh, here’s another reason not to buy used shoes, especially if you find deals online: you really have to see how a pair fits before buying them. There is nothing worse than an ill-fitting pair of shoes.
Mattresses
I’d like to raise health concerns yet again. Think about all the things people do in bed. That should make you think twice – or thrice – about buying used mattresses. Here’s another reason: mattresses are not made of forever-lasting material. After so many years of use, the material deteriorates, and will not help you get a good night’s sleep anyway.
Bicycle and motorcycle helmets
These items were invented for a reason: to help save lives in case of accidents. While there may be people selling pre-owned helmets simply because they do not like how they look or fit, there is no sure fire way of determining if the helmet still meets safety standards. If I were you, I’d stay clear of second hand helmets; that is, if you want to ensure your safety.
Wet suits
Second hand wet suits are not as disgusting as used underwear or swimsuits. Still, it is a bad idea to buy used wet suits. The main reason is that wet suits are specially made to protect your body against the cold water when diving. After so many dives, the material that makes up wet suits deteriorates. This increases the risk of inaccurate temperature control and tearing up. Would you want to wear a wet suit with that problem on your next dive? I think not.
Make up
Lipstick. Foundation. Blush. Why would you want to use something that has touched another person lips and other facial parts? Think about increasing your risk for cold sores, rashes, and other similar health problems. Nope, don’t buy used make up.
At the end of the day, think about the pros and cons. Surely, in some cases, money is not as important as other factors.