I love getting a bargain. My house is mostly decorated in early yard sale, late thrift store. I’m seldom opposed to buying or receiving something used. I like the character that comes with an older table or dresser. Chairs that are a different style and can be painted to fit in with my eclectic decorating style are always a favorite. As are little odds and ends that you can’t find anywhere else.
No matter how much I love a bargain there are some things I will not buy used, it’s not worth the risk.
When it comes to children’s safety, used is not the way to go. Car seats have an expiration date and you have no way of knowing if they have been in an accident. The same goes for helmets, many look fine after a crash but the inside is damaged and will not protect your child’s head. Many cribs, strollers, portable cribs and high chairs have been recalled, it’s not worth taking the chance.
Mattresses are another thing that I wouldn’t buy used. I have received a used mattress in the past from a friend or family member, which is a different story. If you buy a used mattress you don’t know the history. Bedbugs have become such a huge problem that it’s not worth the risk. Once you have bed bugs they are almost impossible to get rid of, it would be cheaper to buy a new mattress.
Other things are a personal choice. I know people who have had good luck buying used electronics, I’m not one of those people. Laptops, DVD players, video cameras and HDTV’s are not good used buys for me. I don’t know enough to know if it has been damaged and the repairs are very expensive. I would rather save my money and buy new.
Personal items are always a no. Bathing suits, underwear, bras, shoes, hats and makeup. Although they are usually in abundance at yard sales the risk of bacteria and germs make them something I will always take a pass on.
These are my personal rules and I know that not everyone agrees, but before you buy something used, do your research. Find out as much about the item as you can. Trust your gut, sometimes, it’s better to walk away from a bargain.