Five challenges of buying used – and how to overcome them (items, old)
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"Used books can sometimes smell musty. Used clothes sometimes don’t seem perfectly clean. The same goes with used dishes and countless other items. The amazing thing, though, is that things can actually be cleaned really easily.
I will buy used cookware, plates, cups, utensils, etc...but oddly enough I am not a huge fan of secondhand clothing. The item has to be really unique and super clean for me to buy it. I know how I funk up clothing after a year or two, I do not imagine others are any different...
Errr...Uhm, even if I buy something new and use it once...it's USED.
Logically, it doesn't matter if I use it first or someone else does, provided the item can be washed or sanitized.
What about things one inherits ? Are you really going to toss Granny's Baccarat or Auntie's Pratesi because it's "used"? Please.
There are still some psychological barriers . For me these are "personal items" (e.g. socks, underwear) and upholstered furniture from unknown sources (they could be smokers?).
Other than that, it's pretty much "game on". I love old stuff. I hate waste.
People who wouldn't buy used plates/utensils/linen probably should refrain from eating in restaurants and staying in hotels as well.
There are still some psychological barriers . For me these are "personal items" (e.g. socks, underwear) and upholstered furniture from unknown sources (they could be smokers?).
Or they might have had a cat or dog that liked to mark the couch.
I'm always amazed that people look down on "used" but call it an antique or collectible then everyone is all over it. Then who cares that it was someone elses possession first as now it's somehow a better item while it's still used.
I do buy some items used but for me it's the hunt of finding the bargain.
Picked up great home furnishing items from serving pieces to candlesticks for very few pennies.
In my area there are a few great consignment shops, thirft stores and the like. So I will check them out and look to see what's there.
I admit I'm a pushover for good handbags/purses so this is an area I always check out.
Over the past year I've scored amazing finds from Burberry to Coach and Kate Spade. And I've never paid over $4 and they must be in excellent condition which to me means clean, no scratches and no odors.
So I say go and hunt down your deals they are there to be found.
When I was starting out I was happy to take used kitchen goods, used plates/knives/forks/etc., used wooden furniture, etc. I generally don't want used clothing or upholstered goods because it can be hard to wash the previous stains/smells out of them. I do own some vintage clothing but I am pretty picky about what I have in that respect; most of my vintage clothing came from family members and is very clean. One thing I will NEVER buy used is a pair of shoes.
When I was starting out I was happy to take used kitchen goods, used plates/knives/forks/etc., used wooden furniture, etc. I generally don't want used clothing or upholstered goods because it can be hard to wash the previous stains/smells out of them. I do own some vintage clothing but I am pretty picky about what I have in that respect; most of my vintage clothing came from family members and is very clean. One thing I will NEVER buy used is a pair of shoes.
I used to be in that boat with shoes, but a recent trip to a thrift store in Omaha completely changed my view. I never really gave the shoe section so much as a passing glance in the past, but this time I ventured over there and found the most amazing Brazilian leather oxfords with virtually no wear whatsoever. Super clean. Amazing condition. 99 cents! Personally, I wear everything I own until it sprouts holes and do not buy new clothing unless I am in dire need or it is practically free, and am amazed by the cleanliness of some of the items that people GIVE to thrift stores. NUTS! But I love it!
I used to be in that boat with shoes, but a recent trip to a thrift store in Omaha completely changed my view. I never really gave the shoe section so much as a passing glance in the past, but this time I ventured over there and found the most amazing Brazilian leather oxfords with virtually no wear whatsoever. Super clean. Amazing condition. 99 cents! Personally, I wear everything I own until it sprouts holes and do not buy new clothing unless I am in dire need or it is practically free, and am amazed by the cleanliness of some of the items that people GIVE to thrift stores. NUTS! But I love it!
The clothing I have given to charity thrift shops has all been clothing in excellent condition. I'm not a perfect-size-anything, so I donate clothes if I found that they just don't fit right and it is not possible (or practical) to return or alter the item. I don't donate worn clothing, if I can still get some use out of it, I wear it until it wears out.
I used to be in that boat with shoes, but a recent trip to a thrift store in Omaha completely changed my view. I never really gave the shoe section so much as a passing glance in the past, but this time I ventured over there and found the most amazing Brazilian leather oxfords with virtually no wear whatsoever. Super clean. Amazing condition. 99 cents! Personally, I wear everything I own until it sprouts holes and do not buy new clothing unless I am in dire need or it is practically free, and am amazed by the cleanliness of some of the items that people GIVE to thrift stores. NUTS! But I love it!
90% of the shoes that my wife has purchased at me at the thrift stores are less than 10% worn and look pretty darned new to me. A little polish and a quick spray and they are ready to go.
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? Are you really going to toss Granny's Baccarat or Auntie's Pratesi because it's "used"? Please. 
