Brand Spanking Used

One of my favorite feelings in the world is having the money to buy something expensive – but not having to spend my money to get it. So when my editor asked me to scour the internet for used items to see how prices of used goods compared to their new counterparts, I jumped at the chance.

Shoppers who buy secondhand items at thrift shops save, on average, $1,760 per year.

Shoppers who buy secondhand items at thrift shops save, on average, $1,760 per year, according to a report by savings website Couponfollow.com. That’s money we can use to take a girls’ trip, plan a day at the spa or simply pad our bank account to give us some extra peace of mind.

There’s no shortage of digital storefronts where you can find used items online. Of course, all prices are subject to change, but here’s a little of what I found.

 

For items that are notorious for sitting in the basement unused (think exercise equipment), you may end up with a secondhand piece of equipment that is just like new.

Item

 

New Price

 

Used Price

 

14K Gold Hoop Earrings

 

$140 and up

 

$30 and up

 

Ayesha Curry 12-Piece Cookware Set

 

$145

 

$110

 

Black Coach Crossbody Bag

 

 

 

$175

 

$135

 

Dior Designer Mid-Length Dress

 

$4,900

 

$495

 

iPad Pro

 

Before you pull out your wallet to see how much you can save:

 

Know when you’re better off buying new.

When it comes to items where there is a question of safety (such as tires) or hygiene (think mattresses and bathing suits), it’s better to buy them new and be the first person to use them since that’s the only way you’ll know their history. With items that are notorious for sitting in the basement unused (think exercise equipment), you may end up with a secondhand piece of equipment that is just like new. For electronics such as laptops, consider buying refurbished items, which are preowned products that undergo a process by a retailer to ensure they meet certain quality standards.

Have a game plan. The types of items you’re searching for will determine the sites you should visit.