Top tips on buying second hand kids outdoor toys

Buying second hand outdoor toys for your children can be a smart and eco-friendly choice. It’s a more cost-effective way to provide them with fun and engaging activities. However, it’s important to ensure that the toys are safe, in good condition, and suitable for your child’s age. A little strapped for cash? You can look for used garden toys on many sites, including Rumage.com.

Make sure that you understand the age and interests of your child to determine the type of outdoor toys that would be most suitable. Research safety standards for outdoor toys to ensure that the items you’re considering meet them.

Safety First

Re-calls – Before purchasing any second hand toy, research if it has been ever been recalled. You can visit the Product Recalls and Alerts – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) page to find information about recalls.

Wear and tear – Look for signs of excessive wear, rust, or damage. Inspect any moving parts, hinges, or attachments. Make sure that the structure of the item is stable. Check for cracks, loose screws, or missing parts.

Safety features – Pay attention to safety features, such as secure fastenings are intact and functional. Only garden toys that are appropriate for your child’s age and ability.

Brand Research – Some toy brands are known for their durability and safety standards. Research the reputation of the brand before making a purchase. Reliable and reputable brands are likely to produce durable and safe products. Read the online reviews from other parents who have purchased the same toy. This can provide insights into the durability and safety of the product.

Question the seller

Ask about the history of the toy. How much was it was used? Has it ever been repaired? about the history of the toy. Getting to grips with how it was used and maintained can provide insights into its condition. Also, ask how the toy has been stored. Toys stored in a dry, clean environment are less likely to have issues.

But, also ask why they are selling the toy. This can help you gauge the condition and quality of the item.

Give it a good clean!

Wherever it’s been stored, however it’s been looked after a good clear is ALWAYS necessary. Thoroughly clean and sanitize the items before allowing your child to use them. This is especially important for items like sandboxes or water tables. Inspect the toy for any signs of Mold. Mold spores can be a health risk, especially if your kids have allergies.

Trust your instincts!

Whenever possible, inspect the toy in person before making a purchase. This allows you to identify any issues that may not be apparent in photos. And, if buying from an online marketplace, consider the reputation of the seller. Choose sellers with positive reviews and a transparent history.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the second hand outdoor toys you purchase are as safe, clean, and appropriate for your child’s age as possible. Always put safety and the well-being of your child first when making such purchases.

Making informed choices not only benefits your child but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to parenting.

why buy new?

Getting the best price

Make sure you investigate the original retail price of the toy to get a better understanding of its value and to ensure you are paying a fair price. Use this information to negotiate a fair price with the seller. Be prepared to negotiate, especially if there are visible signs of wear.

Age appropriateness

Choose toys that are for your child’s developmental stage. This information is often indicated by the manufacturer.

Keep it local – and collect

Even if you shop online, you can keep it local with Rumage.com by setting a search location near your home, a friend’s home or the office. Make a bid and pop on over to meet face to face if you can. Take a friend if you can. If you can’t meet in person because it’s too far away it’s better to pay through Paypal for extra buyer protection.

PayPal will keep the money secure throughout the process, and you’ll also have a satisfactory paper trail should you need it later. If you can’t use PayPal then check if your credit card or bank gives you protection.

If possible, ask for a receipt or create a simple agreement outlining the terms of the sale. This can be helpful in case any issues arise later.

Avoiding buying new all the time saves you money and is better for the planet as you are avoiding new materials being used. The bulk of the carbon footprint associated with making a games console is actually the energy cost from its production.

All second hand, all in one place

At Rumage.com we bring together many second hand sites so with one search you can let us look for you rather than having to individually search the many online sellers. If you give us your email address, you can set-up an alert and we can search for you every day till you find that perfect second hand tool.

Avoiding new is better for the planet as you are avoiding new materials being used. Rumage exists to lighten the load on the planet as well as save you money. We search many sites we are linked to so you can find second hand with ease. We are building relationships with many sites who believe, like we do, that second hand should be the first choice as much as possible.