In the current consumer landscape, the frugal are the savvy people. Instead of buying new items every time, they opt for second-hand shopping. It helps them get budget-friendly alternatives and reduces the waste generated by the companies. Here is a list of items that frugal people buy second-hand.
Clothing
Thrift stores or online platforms sell pre-owned clothing. There are two significant benefits to buying second-hand clothing: It costs a fraction of the money compared to brand-new items and helps save a lot of money.
It also reduces the environmental impact caused by significant textile waste and leads to a more sustainable lifestyle. As per ThredUp, a leading reselling platform, the second-hand clothing market is projected to reach a whopping $77 billion by 2025 in the US, a massive indicator of its growing popularity.
Books
Yard sales, online marketplaces, and thrift stores are where frugal people buy second-hand books. The three primary reasons to buy second-hand books are as follows: firstly, most books are in excellent condition and well maintained. Some of the older editions have a unique charm or collector’s value. Secondly, these books are significantly cheaper than their new counterparts and easily allow you to expand your library without blowing your budget. Thirdly, buying a second-hand book gives it a new life instead of increasing the demand for printing and paper, which leads to a sustainable environment.
Furniture
The two primary reasons to opt for second-hand furniture are: firstly, you can snag high-quality pieces at a fraction of the original price. Secondly, buying second-hand furniture reduces waste, gives the home a new look, and gives the furniture a new life. It also helps save resources and reduce carbon footprints, serving as a win-win for both the person and the planet.
Electronics
Major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy have dedicated sections for refurbished electronics, whereas frugal shoppers tend to shop for lightly used electronics. They also always look for the buyback programs offered by cell phone carrier companies, where one can trade their old device for cash or credit towards a new one.
The frugal do their research for the best deal and always check the condition and warranty of the refurbished products before buying. These refurbished electronics are always at good discounts, which can go as high as 50%. It is an excellent way for them to get hands-on with fairly new technology and reduce the growing problem of landfills due to electronic waste.
Jewelry
Pre-owned jewelry pieces like rings, necklaces, and bracelets are available at estate sales, thrift stores, and online marketplaces. Opting for second-hand jewelry also allows frugal to find unique designs from bygone eras, which could elevate the individual’s personality. Ultimately, the last reason is that second-hand jewelry is cheaper and pocket-friendly.
Cars
Buying a car is a big decision and could be tough on the wallet. The frugal find the intelligent way of saving money and go for a second-hand car for two reasons: New vehicles have a high level of depreciation from the moment you start driving. Lendingtree, estimates that new cars lose up to 20% of their value in the first year. Frugal prefers getting second-hand cars for a better valuation and saving money. They also help maintain a sustainable environment by utilizing the resources better and reducing pollution.
Toys
Thrift stores, online marketplaces, and garage sales are the best places to find specialized used toys for their children. Frugal people buy second-hand toys because they cost a fraction of the price of new ones, and as the kids outgrow toys in a blink, it helps them save money on them. They also sometimes find unique toys or hidden gems that the children love. Ultimately, they believe second-hand shopping teaches kids to be responsible about their consumption and the value of caring for their belongings.
Art Supplies
Exploring art through a wonderland of paints, brushes, easels, and everything in between could come with a hefty price tag. Frugal people like to experiment without overspending, investing in second-hand paints, brushes, and easels. They might sometimes find vintage brushes and paints that add to their collection but are unavailable today.
Sporting Goods
Brand-new sporting gear could put a severe dent in the wallet. Frugal people invest in previously owned gear to save themselves from overspending. Top-of-the-line equipment could cost thousands of dollars, and they could easily find good-quality items at a fraction of the original retail price.
Video Games
Buying the latest video games can be costly, but frugals can get pre-owned games cheaper. They also help reduce the tons of electric waste generated by game setups and promote a sustainable lifestyle.
