The second-hand market in the UK is a source of amazing value, whatever kind of item you’re looking for. But, for many of us, the appeal of buying used doesn’t quite measure up. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of going second-hand. It could be that you haven’t considered all of them!
In almost every case, buying second-hand makes economic sense. You’ll get an item that’s functionally identical to when it was sold new, and for a fraction of the price. If you’re willing to delve into the back of a charity shop, then you might unearth treasures. This applies especially in the world of clothing, where designer goods can often lurk undiscovered.
The only exceptions to this rule come when the item in question is widely recognised, and its value has actually increased since it was released. Collectables, including trading cards and certain musical instruments, would fit into this category.
If you’re buying used, almost by definition, you’re driving down your carbon emissions. Used goods have already been manufactured, and so don’t come with any of the environmental costs of manufacturing attached to them. In the case of certain items, like cars, then the environmental cost of buying new can be enormous. Shaping metal, after all, is environmentally costly. According to Oxfam, if everyone bought their clothes second-hand, the equivalent of 17,000 round-the-world flights in emissions would be saved.
On top of all of this is a secondary environmental benefit: goods that are sold on the second-hand market would otherwise end up in landfills. By buying them, you’re preventing this.
There are many kinds of second-hand goods that can simply no longer be found new any more. The breadth of goods to choose from is also much greater. After all, the ‘second-hand’ label covers every product that’s ever been released, whereas the ‘new’ label covers just those products that are currently in production.
Therefore, you might find items on the second-hand market that can’t be found in mainstream shops.
Finally, we should mention that buying goods from second-hand shops often helps to keep your money circulating locally. It also incentivises members of your local community to donate items. In the case of charity shops, you might also be supporting a worthy cause. As such, the ethical benefits are considerable – whatever kind of good you’re buying!
