One Man's Trash Is Another Man's Treasure

Many different factors currently contribute to the trend of purchasing or otherwise acquiring secondhand goods such as clothing, household furnishings, appliances, electronics, decorations books and so much more. Today's economy dictates a more frugal existence for individuals and families. One way to spend less on the products and goods we need for our homes or ourselves is to purchase or otherwise acquire used items instead of new ones. Even items that have been used very little and are practically "new" will be much more affordable than what those same items might cost brand new at retail.

Another motive for doing this is to cut down on waste and to use things that are already in existence rather than perpetuating the production of more new items. This reason is consistent with efforts to reduce the human impact on the environment that is commonly known as "going green." Many people believe that with all the perfectly usable items already taking space on our earth, there is no reason to continue to produce new things that will eventually take up valuable space in our overcrowded landfills.

Other reasons for purchasing secondhand items such as clothing or household goods have to do with personal choice and style preference. You may prefer a vintage style of eyeglass frames or raincoat for example. Or, you may have decided to furnish your new cafe exclusively with items from the sixties.

Finding Treasures

Whether you are looking to save yourself some cash, are hoping to save the planet by reducing waste, or simply looking for that one unique item that just can't be found in stores - there are many different options for finding exactly what you need. Some of the ways for finding secondhand treasures involve plenty of legwork, but can also be fun. Other ways, especially those involving the Web, may be simpler, but may involve shipping costs or other methods of transporting goods. Below is an overview of some of the best places to search for and find some of the best secondhand bargains out there.

Yard Sales

Yard sales, otherwise known as garage sales, rummage sales or moving sales often offer a trove of useful items, both for personal and household use. Some of the items that can be found at yard sales include clothing, books, toys and other children's items, furniture and home decorations, tools, bicycles and much much more. Searching for treasures at yard or garage sales can be a lot of fun, but also requires much time and travel. Generally, these types of sales are held on Saturday or Sunday mornings and last until early afternoon. You never know what to expect from a yard sale, however, so it might not be the best way of seeking out that specific item you may be searching for. Many times garage sales are advertised in local classified ads, making it easy to plan out a day of yard sale hopping, complete with routing and mapping.

Thrift Stores

Thrift stores, or secondhand stores are common retail outlets for used goods. Many times, the proceeds from these businesses are tied to community services or charitable organizations. Thrift stores are great if you have time to browse, and there is never any guarantee that you will find what you are looking for. On the other hand, they happen to be places where many different types of secondhand products are all happily merchandised under one roof. Chances are, you'll find a great bargain on something you need (or want).

Online Auctions

If your quest for secondhand goods involves a desire for a very specific type of item, such as in the case of a collector, online auctions are for you. Web sites such as Ebay, Ubid and others make it very easy for you to search for and find the specific item you want down to the very last detail. On these sites, you generally determine the highest price you are willing to pay for any given item and bid that amount. As the auction draws closer to the end, others may bid on that item. At auction close, whomever bid the highest amount pays that amount and is then shipped their item according to the details specified in the auction listing. Many times items on auction sites such as Ebay are also available for a fixed price. The benefit of using auction Web sites to purchase used items is that with such widespread use, it is very likely that you'll be able to find even the rarest of items without too much trouble.

Local Classifieds

Local classifieds, whether in your city's print news publication or online, can be a great tool for finding used products your need right within your neighborhood. Classified ads are a great way to connect locally with folks who may be trying to get rid of an item that you so desperately need. There are two great ways to utilize classified ads for this purpose. The first way is simply to browse or search through the ads for the specific types of item you're looking for. For example, if you are needing a bike for your son, you might browse the ads for one offering such an item. Or if you are searching through online classifieds, you might type "boys bike" in the search bar. You can also be more proactive in terms of seeking what you need. For example, you might place your own classified ad (in print or online) so that others will know what you are looking for. In this case, your "want ad" might say something like, "Seeking like-new bike for 6-year-old boy."

New to You

Before you go shopping for the next thing you need, consider whether a previously owned one will do. There are many fun and affordable ways to find the secondhand goods you need. Enjoy trying out different methods. No matter how you track down the items you're searching for, remember going "used" is good for the earth and good for your wallet.