Why You Should Value Shopping Secondhand
People these days may have at least one thing they bought secondhand from a thrift store, charity shop, or garage sale. They enjoy getting all the usefulness of an item at a lower cost.
You know exactly what you're getting when thrift shopping. This is where handed down or previously-owned pieces make a big score. What's exciting about secondhand shopping is the thrill of discovering something out of the blue—a vintage vinyl record, an old Dutch oven, or a rare brooch.
Let’s talk about why you should value shopping secondhand and what you can get out of hunting "used items" both personal and environmental:
The Value of Shopping Secondhand
1. Finding Unique Pieces at Cheaper Prices
Other than acquiring things that are so much cheaper than brand new buys, shopping secondhand offers the potential of finding pieces that no one else may have. You get to experience the excitement of hunting treasures.
If you discover valuable fashion accesories like a beret or poncho and enjoy how it gives you a new look, it is a priceless surprise. Since you cannot find mass-produced clothing which typically comes in a fixed price, you have the option to bargain with the seller.
You can also find a pool of books for a very cheap price — imagine getting a copy for as low as $0.25? You’d be surprised at how much worth of books you can take home. Many book collectors discovered this idea of hitting garage sales to spot a world-category of reading materials.
The big reality in a garage or yard sale is that people are excited to find extremely affordable items. Hearing 50 percent to as high as 90 percent off the original price is a pleasant cymbal to the ears. When you buy secondhand, you also help someone somewhere earn and make a living.
2. You Discover High-Quality Retro and Vintage Items
Things crafted from different eras feature durability that has stood the test of time. Lucky you are to find an ornate chair or home decors with intricate etchings. Bonus if you find a matching set of teacups or wine glasses. Whether it's minorly damaged, oil paintings have always been worth buying.
Retro apparel is worth hunting. The glamour of its origin is undeniable drawing fashionistas and designers to thrift for these pieces as well. You have the chance to find nostalgic outfits in patterns that go back to as early as the 1940s. Hence, instead of buying a new dress for several thousand dollars, you might find a retro dress for as little as $10 or even less.
3. You Spot Luxury Brands
Yes, some of the expensive designer brands make their way to a secondhand goods store. From legendary sweaters to haute couture pieces, when the fit and style is right, you can buy it way less than $1000 or $500.
There is a huge collection of luxury goods waiting for someone to rediscover them. Whether you're on a hunt for a classic watch, heavy-weighted glasses, or an eco-conscious outdoor gear; the good thing is you’ll never have to pay anywhere near full price.
Many resellers are now into selling or auctioning pre-loved luxury items. These stores have an app that you can use to shop for clothing, bags, shoes, and accessories from brand names that you know and trust.
4. It Extends the life Cycle of an item
Instead of discarding used stuff, secondhand shopping gives these pieces another chance to be used again. If a certain shirt or pair of shorts requires some repair, you are extending its life through alteration.
Like cookware with a tiny dent, if the owner doesn't like cooking on them anymore, someone else surely will. Or a pair of boots that someone has grown out of, there will always be a pair of feet that can fit them. If I think an old blanket can be transformed into tea towels - I'll buy it.
Shopping secondhand also allows these items to be enjoyed by multiple owners over time. You're helping to keep "still useful" things in circulation and prevent them from having thrown away.
5. There Are Plenty of Kids' Stuff
Garage sales are always a “hit” to kids. This marries up with some motivating factors encouraging them in the area of sustainability. At an early age, they will see the value of viable solutions and in making the most of useful items. Trust me, when your kids will know that their purchase is supporting a charity or other children -- they would love to get involved.
6. Buying Secondhand Supports Slow Fashion
With the ever-changing trends that force “must-have” items of the moment, clothing are mass-produced using cheaper materials to churn out demand for large quantities quickly. The result? It prolongs the agony of the buy-and-throw mindset.
By choosing to shop secondhand clothes, you help keep fabrics in circulation rather than discarded after a short period of use. This means fewer resources are required to produce synthetic fibers for raw materials. With less dyeing processes, it leads to a smaller environmental footprint.
Slow fashion reduces waste by creating items that can last longer. Likewise, it discourages the cycle of buying and discarding clothing rapidly. Note that when fabrics are not biodegradable, it can take hundreds of years to decompose.
7. It Promotes Creativity and Innovation
Repairing broken items inspires creativity. By coming up with sustainable alternatives, you embrace craftsmanship and celebrate "reconditioning and repurposing" as an art form.
Upcycling or reusing something in a way that enhances the original object’s value turns unwanted stuff into something fresh and functional. This proves that there is beauty and elegance in a carefully crafted masterpiece. Overall, learning this skill fosters a sense of self-sufficiency.
8. You Get to Meet New Friends
Ever have that feeling of “connection” every time you’re shopping at a local farmer’s market? That’s the same fun you may be getting in a garage or yard sale. With many households today holding sales out of necessity -- bringing people together is the next wonderful thing about shopping in secondhand stores.
In Conclusion
Many may find it hard to conclude that buying secondhand stuff is worth it, but reality proves there is value in other people’s discards. I’m not talking of total scrap or junk. Let's take it that these are stuff that their owners do not find useful anymore.
It’s not uncommon to find well-made and durable items built with a lot of care compared to mass-making due to the need to provide fast service nowadays. That said, we're not just talking about quantity here, but quality options.
When you're at a thrift store and you like something, whether it's a broken chair or a picture frame, buy it. Your love for the item will cultivate the artist in you and create something new out of the old stuff. Even if you think it can’t be repaired, at least it's worth the price and is typically easy to find a way to bring the item back to use.
Do you have unwanted clothes that are still in a great condition but you don’t wear them anymore? Sell them. Someone should get some use out of it and chances are, this person is going to fall in love with it, just like you did.
Planning to Put Up Your First Garage Sale?
Here is a video that talks about the basic steps, what you can do, including arrangement and fun!
When a Garage Sale May Not Be Worth It
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2016 Tonette Fornillos
Comments
Tonette Fornillos (author) from The City of Generals on March 03, 2016:
Hi there peachy. Antiques are great finds and chances are you'll find them at a garage sale. There sure are listings for garage sales in your area. You're such a classy lady, thanks for the thoughts. Hug from the city of generals;) -Tonette
peachy from Home Sweet Home on March 02, 2016:
too bad, there isn't any garage sale here, I would buy 2nd hand goods which are antique
