20 Items You Should Never Buy at Full Price
You might have a lot of items on your shopping list, but what if you could cross some of them off altogether? Some things you should never buy new, since used versions work just as well. Here's our list of 20 products you should never buy new:
1. DVDs and CDs
Used DVDs and CDs will play like new if they were well taken care of by their previous owner. Even if you wind up with a scratched disc, there are ways to remove the scratches and make the DVD or CD playable again, such as rubbing it with toothpaste or even a banana.
2. Books
You can buy used books at a significant discount from online sellers and brick-and-mortar used book stores. The condition of the books may vary, but they usually range from good to like-new. And of course, check out your local library for free reading material. (If you have an e-reader, check out the digital books that are available, too.)
3. Video games
Kids tire of video games rather quickly. You can easily find used video games from online sellers such as Amazon and eBay a few months after the release date. Most video game store outlets will feature a used game shelf, as well.
4. Special occasion clothing
Most people take good care of formal clothing but will only wear it once or twice. Their closet cast outs are your savings: Thrift stores, yard sales, online sellers and even some dress shops offer fantastic buys on used formal wear.
5. Jewelry
Depreciation hits hard when you try to sell used jewelry, but as a buyer you can take advantage of the markdown. This is especially true for diamonds, which have ridiculously low resale values. Check out estate sales and reputable pawn shops.
6. Ikea furniture
Why bother assembling your own furniture when you can pick it up for free (or nearly free) on Craigslist and Freecycle? Summer is the best time to hunt for Ikea furniture because that's when college students are changing apartments and tossing out goodies.
7. Games and toys
How long do games and toys remain your child's favorite before they're left forgotten under the bed or in the closet? You can find used children's toys in great condition at moving sales or on Craigslist, or you can ask your neighbors, friends and family to trade used toys.
8. Maternity and baby clothes
Compared with everyday outfits, maternity clothes don't get much wear beyond the few months of pregnancy when they fit. The same goes for baby clothes, which are quickly outgrown.
9. Musical instruments
Purchasing new musical instruments for a beginner musician is rarely a good idea. For your little dear who wants to learn to play an instrument, you should see how long his or her interest lasts by acquiring a rented or used instrument to practice with first.
10. Pets
Buying a puppy (or kitty) from a professional breeder or a pet store outlet can set you back anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. On top of this, you'll need to anticipate additional fees and vet bills. Instead, adopt a pet from your local animal shelter, and get a new family member, fees and vaccines at a substantially lower cost.
11. Home accent pieces
Home decorating pieces and artwork are rarely handled on a day-to-day basis, so they're generally still in good condition even after being resold multiple times. And don't forget: For most of us, discovering a true gem at a garage sale is 90 percent of the fun.
12. Craft supplies
If you're into crafting, you probably have a variety of supplies left over from prior projects. If you require additional supplies for your upcoming project, you can join a craft swap where you'll find other artful people to trade supplies with. If you have leftovers, be sure to donate them to local schools that can use the materials.
13. Houses
You're typically able to get better and more features for your dollar when you purchase an older home rather than build a new one. Older houses were often constructed on bigger corner lots, and you also get architectural variety in your neighborhood if the houses were built or remodeled in different eras.
14. Office furniture
Good office furniture is built to withstand heavy use and handling. Solid pieces will last a lifetime, long after they're resold the first or second time. Check out Craigslist for possibilities.
15. Cars
You've probably heard this before: Cars depreciate the second you drive off of the dealership's lot. By buying a used car, you save money on both the initial cost and the insurance. It also helps to know a trusty mechanic who can check it over first
16. Hand tools
Simple tools with few moving parts, such as hammers, hoes and wrenches, will keep for decades so long as they are well-made and well-maintained. These are fairly easy to find at neighborhood yard or garage sales.
17. Sports equipment
When sports equipment ends up on the resale market, it tends to still be in excellent condition. Look into buying used sporting gear through Craigslist and at yard sales or sports equipment stores.
18. Consumer electronics
Most folks like shiny new toys, but refurbished electronic goods are a much sweeter deal. Consumer electronics are returned to the manufacturer for different reasons, but generally, they'll be inspected for damaged parts, fixed, tested and then resold at a lower price.
19. Gardening supplies
Take a look outdoors and you'll likely find such gardening supplies as mulch, wood and even stones for free or vastly reduced prices. Used garden equipment and tools are also common finds at yard sales.
20. Recreational items
It's fairly easy to find big-ticket recreational items such as campers, boats and jet skis being resold. Oftentimes, they're barely used. As long as they're in safe, working condition, they'll make for a better value when purchased used than new.
