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Changing My ideals about what should be brand new

February 5th, 2015 at 07:09 am

I'm not one to op-shop. I probably won't change in that respect.

But when visiting my sister last month (who had a baby with her husband and because they went from 2 wages to 1 they drastically overhauled their finances) I was reading a tip in a frugal living book she borrowed.

It goes: research what you want to buy, then look not only for the best deals but also check eBay.

Which made me think really how much stuff do we need to buy brand new? I don't think I care anymore about certain things. Last night I felt like Internet shopping, gave myself a maximum limit ($20) and bought an umbrella for $12. I do need one.

Then the tip popped into my mind (of course after buying!) and I checked eBay. I could have got an umbrella just like the one I bought for the same price but not paid shipping (eBay had it listed as free for that item as long as you choose standard). I paid $12 plus $10 shipping on my site.

So then I thought I don't care if things like umbrellas and accessories are second hand? So my ideals have kind of changed when it comes to shopping. I think from now on I am happy to search eBay for accessories and little items here and there (like for example I want to buy a shower timer, an iPad case and a phone case- so I don't care if they're secondhand)

What items do you guys search eBay for?

5 Responses to “Changing My ideals about what should be brand new”

  1. snafu Says:
    1423139059

    We have several alternatives for buying previously owned or gently used items. Internet has brought Buy & Sell to a more convenient level. We've had yard/garage sales for a long time with people clearing out items they no longer use, need or love. They just want them gone so no matter how they are priced, the sellers are open to offers. Do they have what you need or want? Next group are the Charity outlets like GoodWill that accept a long list of stuff that others donate. Profit is used to support programs for people in need. Newer is CraigsList, a totally on-line, where sellers post a photo, brief description and asking price which may, or may not be negotiable. Newer to us is Kijjiji, and newest is Facebook seller's page.

    When we needed to outfit grandparents homes for baby short term care, it was cost effective to buy gently used items if we couldn't scrounge stuff from friends and relatives. It was the custom in our community to buy our DKS bikes, skates, skis, hockey and soccer equipment, at sport swaps and failing that from advertising sellers. Based on those experiences we are accepting of pre owned categories sans soft furnishings. The day I broke my gran's big mixing bowl of a set of much loved British pottery my neighbour told me about Value Village. I was there the following morning to buy the bowl neighbour had described. Since I've bought lots of replacement pieces for prized tableware. Favourite source for Mason jars.

    If you want to try out gadgets and gizmos, appliances like bread machine or slow cooker, they are always available at one of the charity stores.

  2. CB in the City Says:
    1423145125

    I like to shop at charity stores and garage sales, because I like to actually see and touch the item. Much of what you find is brand new!

  3. VS_ozgirl Says:
    1423170777

    Thanks guys Smile

  4. FrugalTexan75 Says:
    1423188616

    My SO does almost all his shopping via Craigslist and eBay. For most things it works out pretty well - the one thing I think has ended up costing him more than just buying new in the first place is his computer. In the nearly two years we've been back together (long story) he has spent roughly $1200+ on used laptops. All of them in the $200 - 250 range. They just keep having issues.

  5. VS_ozgirl Says:
    1423289172

    Oh ok.. I think they're something I'd look for new (not really in need of them though). Craigslist I don't hear about in Australia but eBay is pretty popular & I think I will use them

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