A preloved lifestyle, or a zero-waste lifestyle, might not be as hard to achieve as you think it is. Buying preloved goods means that you’re using less resources, less packaging, and are helping the environment. They’re also usually cheaper to buy than new items, so you’re saving yourself money as well.
Where To Buy And Sell Preloved Goods
These days there are so many ways to buy and sell second-hand goods. You can check out local charity shops in your area. Car boot sales and markets are also a second-hand bargain hunters heaven.
Online
One of the most popular ways to find preloved items is online. Online auctions and websites are full of items looking for a new home, and you can list your own for sale as well. There are some things to keep in mind, regardless of if you’re buying or selling online.
Searching
If you’re searching for something specific, always look at the new listings or most recent first. Good deals and bargains will not last long and will be scooped up quickly. You can also check by area, or by price.
Make A Good Ad
If you’re listing on a website, think about the ad you’re placing. Make sure your item is in the right category, add good quality pictures, and be upfront about the condition. If there’s damage, make sure that it is stated in your advert. Price the item for what you think is fair. Make sure that you put in the details of the item – brand, colour, material. If it’s relevant to the item, put it in the ad.
Equally, if you’re buying an item, look for ads that are honest with good quality pictures.
Communicating With A Seller
Most websites allow you to communicate via chat rooms, while others may list a phone number or email. If a seller says calls only, don’t text. Carefully read how they prefer to communicate and stick to it. If you want an item, agree collection as quickly as possible.
Negotiating Price
Some sellers will be open to negotiating the price. Be sure to do this while you’re communicating with the seller. If possible, arrive at the seller’s location with the exact agreed price. Don’t expect the seller to have change for you. If you’re the seller, you might want to keep change in case a buyer doesn’t have the correct amount or know a shop or cashpoint to send them to.
If you’re buying an item, and you think the price is good value, consider not negotiating. If you think it’s good value, someone else will too, and you risk being outbid.
If you arrive to collect the item, and feel uncomfortable, or the item isn’t as described, don’t feel that you must take it. Apologise, and explain that it’s not what you thought it was and leave.
Safety
Agree to meet the seller where you feel comfortable. If you’re taking a friend with you, or if it’s a large bulky item, make them aware. If you would prefer to meet in a public area, ask if this would be possible. Do whatever makes you feel safe.
General Tips
If the item is big, bulky or heavy, make sure you know how you’re going to collect it. Are there stairs? How will the item be moved? Is there a trolley? What are the dimensions?
If you have any questions, ask them. If you want more photos, a model number, whatever information you want, ask the seller for it.
If it’s an electrical item, ask to see it in use. Even if the item has been packed, you can ask for it to be unpacked, and check it to make sure that it’s working.
Most people post ads at the weekend. If you’re selling, you’ll want to post your ad on Saturday or Sunday morning. If you’re buying, you should be aware that if you’re looking at ads at the weekend many other people are too, so you may not get the item you wanted.
Quality
There are many reasons why items end up being sold or given away, which means that there are plenty of good quality, good condition second-hand items. Look for reputable brands, or sellers with good ratings and reviews.
