Apparently too many people in the world today are wasters ? succumbing to commercialism and always buying new when what makes most sense to both our wallets and the environment is buying second-hand.
So the next time your wages start burning a hole in your pocket, think twice before you buy brand new. You?ll be doing those polar bears a favour.
Here?s the list:
1. Books
Used books are so easy to find and can be fantastically dirt-cheap.
2. DVDs and CD?s
Unless you cant wait for the latest Hollywood release and every discounted copy you find has skip-prone scratches, a good-condition disc with a low price is worth its weight in gold.
3. Toys
Toys on discount are a parents dream, as most kids prefer their friends ?used? toys and the smallest ones cant tell the difference anyway.
4. Jewelry and Carpets
Fine items like these actually increase in value, so it is no problem to buy or sell ?used? pieces.
5. Sports Equipment
Aside from shoes, mits and other body-close things, it makes sense to pick up weights, exercise balls, tennis racquets etc. Look in garage sales, newspapers, and the like.
6. Timeshares
?Used? time shares from people who want to dump it fast are very cheap and a good deal if you like the location. But do check resale values independently first.
7. Cars
Most people know that new car loses 12.2% of its value in the first year, and cars depreciate even faster, depending on demand, incentives offered and other factors. Besides, that new-car smell can now be bought in a can.
8. Software and Computer Games.
Used items of this type cost half or less what the software cost new.
9. Furniture
Take a cue from those shows on HGTV ? old furniture can be given a new lease of life, or even be an unexpected great buy.
10. Hand Tools
Non-motorized tools like good hammers, saws, wrenches etc. can last ages so garage sales are a good bet for these.
