It can be scary buying used because you often don’t know where something has been or how it has been used or taken care of by the previous owner or owners. While you want to save money by buying used, you certainly don’t want to waste money by buying something that is going to fail or break.
Keep it Simple
One way to ensure that you get a good value on your used purchase, is to keep it simple. The more simple an item is then the less chance there is for something to break or go wrong with it. For example, there is only so much that can happen with a shovel. You can visually see whether or not it is damaged. In comparison, a more complicated tool, the lawnmower is full of different parts that all have to be working together. More parts means that there are more opportunities for something to go wrong with it.
If you are unsure of the history of an object it is best to pass on it unless it is simple or comes with a warranty or guarantee of some kind or you have at least researched the object to find out its reliability and are okay with the results.
Keep It Short
Another factor to consider when buying used when you don’t have a real history on it, is how long is the object typically used? Toys are a good example of this. Most preschool toys are used only for a very short period of time. The same thing is true for infant and toddler clothing. The child outgrows these things before they can be used for even a fraction of their useful life. maternity clothing may only be worn for a few months before it is no longer needed. Musical instruments or sports equipment may also fall into the “short” factor.
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