Why choose secondhand?

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Some of us haven’t appreciated the art of shopping second hand and the thought of buying something used, for some, can be off-putting. Often, we associate people who shop second hand, with people who have very little money. And, some of us just like things fresh out of the packaging, sparkly and new. However, this behaviour hasn’t helped the environment over the years.

So, what gets in the way of shopping for secondhand items?

Will you find what you want?

It’s hard enough trying to find a product new to fit the brief. Then you add the complexity of finding products that are ethical, sustainable and vegan-friendly, and things just get harder. If you then remove all new products from your options, well, things get even harder.

This is perhaps the fear when thinking about shopping second hand. There is often much more time and research needed when looking to buy used items that match what you are looking for. Sadly, this often leaves us wanting as the results are not always what we had hoped for. If you’re already time-poor then this additional research just gets in the way of doing the right thing!

That’s why we developed rumage.com to help you search many more second hand selling sites, in one go, across 3 locations.

What happens if the product is faulty?

When you buy brand new, you’re generally supported by some warranty or consumer law. So, if your product is defective, you can return, exchange or get it repaired. When shopping second hand, there isn’t the same level of accountability, which can mean more risk. These days the second hand market is a buoyant one so the risk is less than it once was. There is some protection Which states that if you’re second hand purchase is faulty, you can claim a refund, repair or replacement from the retailer that sold it to you. When you buy from an individual the Consumer Rights Act says that the goods you receive must be as they were described to you by the seller. Though there is no obligation on the seller to disclose any faults – misrepresenting goods isn’t allowed.

Will the product last?

When shopping second hand, you’re buying a used product. So,  logically the life left in the product is less than if you purchased a brand product new. However, vintage items have lasted for years already and quite honestly, they don’t make new clothes or furniture the way they used to.  Many people still shop for more disposable clothes and products and these tend to have a short life as well – and everyone has them. It’s all very well to be on trend but at what cost to the planet?

So, what are the benefits of buying and selling secondhand items?

  1. You can extend the life-cycle of a product which puts less strain on the environment. Extending the life-cycle of products slows down the rate of excessive consumption, which means less waste, emissions and unfair wages.
  2. You can sell-on or give items away and avoid landfill. Instead of generating waste, we’re creating a circular economy of re-distributing “would-be” discarded products and giving them a new life.
  3. It’s cheaper to buy second hand. It’s undeniable, buying used items is more affordable than buying new. That’s why many of us shop secondhand.

What about tech second hand?

There are lots of places that pride themselves on selling on second hand tech. Second hand phones can be bought on Handtec or GiffGaff

both are helping us to reduce waste with refurbished phones. And Laptopsdirect

have a section on refurbished laptops. All great ideas to save money and get good quality kit!

Ultimately, shopping second hand means that we’re more resourceful as a society. This point in itself should be motivating enough to buy more second hand goods. For more on second-hand try this article the-second-hand-clothing-industry-could-be-a-life-saver.

For some of us, shopping secondhand is a real choice! A way of life. Why not give it a go?

41 thoughts on “Why choose secondhand?”

  2. I love second hand I have had all my life I am one of six and a single mum so my son have second hand when was little I love love second d hand shops

    Reply

    • Thanks for the comment – we are not exactly a group all you have to do is click https://app.rumage.com/ and sign-up with an email address (or give it a go without first) then you can search second-hand across eBay, Preloved, Freegle, Trash Nothing and Gumtree with just one search. Let us know how you get on!

      Reply

  23. I’ve never purchased secondhand before but I’m going to someday in the future. You’re really doing an amazing job and I hope someday big companies and brands start thinking ethically like you ^-^
    – from a 24 year old

    Reply

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