Are you against buying things brand new?
By katsmeow1213
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
United States
December 27, 2008 12:04pm CST
There are certain items I don't like to buy brand new. Kids clothes for the most part are always second hand, they only get brand new for holiday gifts, and if the clothes are on clearance (socks and underwear are an exception, they're always brand new, and shoes are usually brand new too).
Also baby items are things I don't like buying brand new. Like strollers, bouncy seats, swings, cribs, etc etc. I try to buy these items second hand, because I know they won't be used for very long, and they're expensive to buy brand new.
Unfortunatly it seems I will be buying my first ever brand new car seat.
The only brand new car seats my kids have owned have been given as gifts. Other's were purchased second hand, or given to me when someone else no longer needed them.
Well my littlest is ready to upgrade from his infant carrier to a toddler car seat. I currently only have 1 toddler car seat, and obviously, my toddler is using it. The toddler isn't ready to upgrade for another year and a half. For some reason I didn't hold on to the twins toddler car seats, but I do have both of their booster seats, although I can't use them yet.
I've been looking around for a second hand toddler car seat, and am unable to find one. So at some point today, I'm going to Walmart and buying one.
Have you ever been forced to buy something brand new that you would have rather had second hand? Do you prefer to buy used than new? What items, if any, would you never purchase brand new?
4 people like this
9 responses
@GreenMoo (11834)
•
6 Jan 09
I prefer to aquire second hand things where I can. My reasoning is twofold. Firstly, secondhand tends to be cheaper or even free. Secondly, I prefer to recycle second hand items than buy new for the sake of the environment. Our society discards an enormous amount of perfectly usable goods, which seems criminally negligent to me.
Unfortuntely where I live now there are very few second hand or charity shops so second hand goods can be hard to come by. There is a bit of a stigma attached to second hand here, which is really silly.
I tend to stock up on second hand clothes and books when I visit my family. In fact, I can't remember the last time I bought a brand new item of clothing or a brand new fiction book.
Car seats are something which you are discouraged from buying second hand in the UK. They say that a car seat can be structurally damaged in an accident, yet look perfectly fine. When my first baby was born I bought them new (I hadn't yet caught the frugal bug!) but second time around I was happy to use one from first time around and one given to me by someone I knew.
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
6 Jan 09
I can see the point on the car seats, but as I said, the only time I've ever used a new car seat was when it was given to me. Personally I've never spent a dime on any car seats. I still haven't, because I was able to find one of the twins old car seats upstairs, I thought I'd thrown it out, but I hadn't. So I cleaned it up and now both the little ones have car seats... the same ones the twins used, and I didn't have to spend a dime.
@laglen (19759)
• United States
27 Dec 08
I am all for second hand items! Especially for little ones. like you said, they just don't use them long enough. I never understood people buying $60 shoes for a baby that doesn't even walk!
As far as my buying habits, I only buy new when it is on sale.
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
27 Dec 08
yeah, I've never bought shoes for a baby that doesn't walk outside. One time we were at the mall and one of my kids was 5 months old at the time. He was in a stroller with socks on. We went into a store and a lady who worked there said "Where's your shoes" to him. I'm like wtf? He's 5 months old, what does he need shoes for?
@lovesummer (1162)
• Malaysia
28 Dec 08
I think for now I am a student I prefer brand new things of course if that is affortable. For example, printer I bought one which was second hand and was not satisfied with it that I had to give it back to the owner then I get a new one. I think things that we need for a long run is better to get a new one. Some thats need for a period of time that would be ok to get a second hand. It is efficient way in spending money.
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
28 Dec 08
I love buying things brand new! I just wish that I had the money to buy some new things! I guess things are very tight nowadays! I guess I am starting to change my thinking a little now though. I am still fairly new to ebay even though they have been around for quite a while now. Anyway, I like the idea of bidding for items, even if they are used. So, I guess I will be looking into ebay a lot come this new year. Andrew
@worldbestwriter2008 (1633)
• Philippines
28 Dec 08
no, i'm not against of buying things new...what's wrong of buying things if you got the budget..just do what you want and feel the presence of holiday season..specially today we are celebrating the year ends holiday..i really like giving and receiving gifts during december..i also love shopping and buy some brand new items..
@coolcat123 (4387)
• India
27 Dec 08
There are a few things that can be buyed as used item such as books, antiques etc. but I cant buy any other thing as used and have to buy it brand new.This includes the basic nessecities.
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
27 Dec 08
None of the thrift stores around here sell used car seats. I was told by an employee at a Goodwill that it is against the law for them to sell used car seats. You never know if one has been in an accident before.
I buy a lot of things used. A lot of the kids clothes I get used. Most baby stuff rarely gets worn before babies outgrow them anyway. I don't get much second hand stuff for my son anymore because I have a hard time finding any that fits.
@AnakSuNamun (2084)
• United States
27 Dec 08
Now that I'm still training for Formula One I would not bother buying a new car. Or would be able to afford it,anyway 
Why upset yourself with nicks and scratches before you mastered all ways to control your vehicle?
Same about major appliances,I bought a flat top stove and was amazed at how easily it gets scratched
Why upset yourself with nicks and scratches before you mastered all ways to control your vehicle?
Same about major appliances,I bought a flat top stove and was amazed at how easily it gets scratched