Last updated October 2026
Buying secondhand stuff saves money and helps the environment. Here’s how to do it.
Somewhere near you, a barely used drill, a solid oak dresser, and a like-new winter coat are waiting for a second owner. If no one takes them, they’ll join the mountain of stuff sitting in landfills or shipped overseas each year, as factories churn out more. But by buying secondhand, you’ll avoid that churn—and save lots of money.
There are numerous ways to find and buy used goods: local email groups, message boards, and listservs; websites and apps; friends and neighbors; yard and estate sales; and thrift and consignment stores. General online marketplaces hawking used goods include Amazon Warehouse, Craigslist, eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp.
Here’s our advice on joining the circular economy. Click here for our report on the “Buy Nothing” movement, which can provide secondhand stuff for free; just respond to an announcement and go pick it up.
Prevent used-purchase snafus by inspecting the item before you buy it—often not an option when shopping online. Receive something that doesn’t work or is in worse condition than advertised? You may not have recourse—depending on where you bought it and how you paid. Using a credit card is the best option, since you can dispute the charge if there’s a problem. (Amazon, eBay, and PayPal offer dispute resolution services.)
But if you pay a private seller using cash or via a payment app like Venmo or Zelle (which don’t allow disputes), you’re likely stuck.
Another precaution: If you’re meeting up with a private seller you found online, bring a friend. If possible, meet in a public place, and keep your phone handy. Trust your instincts: If you get a weird vibe or a deal seems too good to be true, bail. Many local police stations offer meet-up areas.
Baby/Kid/Parenting Gear and Toys
New parents often buy gadgets, products, and toys (fancy diaper disposal systems, wipe warmers, changing tables, monitors, swings) for their precious cherubs that rarely or never get used. Because child-development phases pass quickly, even helpful stuff isn’t needed for long. That means the used marketplace has a glut of items. Think cribs, highchairs, strollers, play kitchens, LEGOs, and more.
Thoroughly clean most items before letting your kids play with or chew on them. Use soap and water or a solution of one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water to disinfect. Run smaller items through the dishwasher.
Also, carefully inspect merchandise for damage that might present a sharp edge or could otherwise injure your little darlings. Go over furniture for peeling paint and missing parts.
For a crib, check cpsc.gov/recalls for recalls and make sure it meets current safety standards. Drop-side models, outlawed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2011, are an automatic no-no, and it’s illegal to sell those.
In our shopping, we found it helpful to look for specific makes/models of cribs; otherwise there are just too many used ones available to parse through.
Used child car seats could be compromised, so don’t buy one (or accept a free one) unless it was recently purchased and you know the previous owner well enough to trust them with your kid’s life.
The best thing about used kids’ furniture? No assembly required! And if you score a deal on name-brand furniture (Bellini, Pottery Barn Kids, and others) and keep it in decent condition (hide those Sharpies), you can probably resell it someday.
Local listservs, eBay, Craigslist, garage sales, and children’s consignment shops all sell used kid paraphernalia. Many communities offer periodic children’s clothing and toy sales, or swap meets.
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Bikes
Kids quickly outgrow their rides, and adult pedalers often peddle their old ones. Plus, like cars, bike manufacturers introduce new models each year, meaning you can sometimes find still-brand-new wheels from last year at a discount. Many bike shops also sell secondhand cycles.
If a new-to-you bike needs work, our ratings of bike shops for quality and price will help you get rolling.
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Books
We love borrowing books and ebooks from libraries. If you want physical paperbacks and hardbacks at home, there is still a plethora of used-book sellers. Amazon can connect you with resellers, many offering free shipping. Some local independents also have considerable online presences: Portland, Ore.-based Powells bills itself as the world’s largest independent bookstore and has a huge selection of preowned books; New York’s StrandBooks.com is another fun place to hunt, especially for rare or out-of-print titles.
Students can really cash in by acquiring or renting used textbooks. In addition to checking for secondhand stock at on- and off-campus bookstores and on eBay, try Textsurf, which aggregates online sellers’ and rental services’ offerings; major players included in its searches are AbeBooks, Amazon, Valore, and VitalSource.
Little Free Library provides public places for readers to leave and borrow books. Go to littlefreelibrary.org for locations.
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Clothing
The secondhand apparel market is hot and getting hotter. In 2021, it generated $35 billion in revenue; by 2026, it’s predicted to hit $82 billion, growing three times faster than the worldwide apparel market overall. It’s not only cool and eco-friendly to buy previously owned pants, dresses et al.; you can also earn money by unloading your gently used apparel via brick-and-mortar shops, easy-to-use apps, or online consignment stores.
Major retailers have joined the movement. Patagonia’s “Worn Wear” program allows shoppers to trade secondhand items for store credit; the company cleans and refurbishes it, and resells it well below retail. Boutique athletic apparel giant Lululemon’s “Like New” store also issues store credit for gently used items; the retailer sells traded-in products in stores and online. REI’s Re/Supply has deals on secondhand clothing and gear. Multiple other companies (Coach, Madewell, Nike, Levi’s) operate similar programs.
A thriving marketplace of secondhand clothing sites includes Depop, eBay, Etsy, Poshmark, TheRealReal, thredUp, Vestiaire Collective, and Vinted.
You can also rummage at Goodwill and other thrift shops, which usually offer the lowest prices for secondhand threads. Also check local consignment stores.
The used clothing arena is especially great for kids, who outgrow sizes heartbreakingly fast. Children’s consignment shops and local swaps often yield very gently worn clothing and shoes for less. Messy art project totaled that T-Shirt? No sweat. You paid only $2. Dressy duds are usually in almost perfect shape because most kids wear them only a handful of times.
If you’ve got a source for free hand-me-downs, even better. Work out trades with parents who have kids older or younger than yours. And when your kids are done with their clothes, make sure to send them down the line. It’s good karma.
Want to sell your stuff and earn cash for fresh fashions? See our “Clothing Resale Options” section. While you probably won’t make a bundle selling your old sweaters, it’s better to earn even a small amount of cash than to have unwanted items clogging your closet.
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Electronics, Computers, TVs
Many of us nerds trade up to get the latest, greatest devices, so the electronics market is ripe for low-price picking. Although you can save a lot buying used tech vs. new, a lot of the secondhand stuff still comes with big price tags, which means the stakes are often higher than, say, nabbing a $10 tennis racket. For computers, smartphones, TVs, and the like, it can be difficult to determine if your deal includes a defective product.
But be careful who you buy from; avoid private sellers unless you already know them or someone who will vouch for them.
Stuff that was returned because the buyer wanted something else is fine; in theory, that’s the same as buying new, but the box or packaging was unsealed.
Next best are products refurbished by their manufacturers. You can still run into trouble, but most of these deals come with warranties and tech support. For example, Apple offers a one-year warranty on its refurbished phones, as does Samsung for its certified preowned phones. Dell offers a 100-day limited warranty on its refurbished machines.
Still, the latest models are rarely available used, so you’ll have to settle for saving by buying something manufactured a couple of digital generations ago.
Refurbished stuff sold by manufacturers is probably fine, but don’t buy secondhand items from other (even well-known) retailers. You just can’t know where they got their products or what (if anything) was done to refurbish them. While manufacturers like Apple promise “You will receive a ‘like new’ device with genuine Apple replacement parts (as needed) that has been thoroughly cleaned and inspected...with new battery and outer shell,” many other stores hawk defective returned items. This means store or manufacturer has (hopefully) repaired them and then dumped them onto the secondary market. We’d rather buy something that was never defective.
If you’re thinking about buying from Amazon, Best Buy, or other stores offering used stuff, read the fine print on return rights, guarantees, and warranties.
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Exercise Equipment
As we discuss in our section on gyms, the fitness industry thrives on good intentions. Many New Year’s resolvers buy pricey treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical trainers, and cross-country ski simulators but then end up back on the couch bingeing Netflix.
Their sloth means you can score rarely used equipment for free or nearly so. But because treadmills, ellipticals, and their ilk injure a lot of wannabe hardbodies, make sure your steal comes with its instruction manual or that you can find one online.
Exercise equipment is expensive to ship, so search locally at yard sales, Craigslist, Freecycle, listservs, social media groups, and specialty consignment shops such as Play It Again Sports. You might end up with a free piece of equipment if you’re willing to haul it.
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Furniture
The saying “They don’t make ’em like they used to” applies to most furniture manufactured today. Instead of buying crappy case goods and other furnishings, consider tracking down finely crafted older items.
If their bones are high quality, you can reupholster sofas and chairs, refinish solid-wood dressers or tables, and otherwise clean up just about everything else. But before going that route, carefully inspect the item to decide whether it’s likely to last long enough to justify rehab costs.
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Games
Ever tried to sell a used pool table, ping pong set, or other large rec-room toy? Fuggedaboutit. The secondhand market is awash in unwanted billiards sets and other space-hogging entertainment equipment. Sellers’ desires to reclaim some space means you can save big.
Before you commit to buying a pool table, have a plan for disassembling, moving, and setting it up again.
Board games are also plentiful in the secondhand market. Before buying, make sure sellers attest that all critical pieces are accounted for (Clue isn’t the same without Professor Plum or the candlestick).
You can still find some deals for used video game consoles and games, but know that most games are bought as downloads rather than on cartridge or disk, many old ones are becoming retro collectibles, not bargains. GameStop sells used games and consoles. Try Amazon, eBay, Craigslist, and yard sales, too.
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Jewelry
Given that nearly half of American marriages end in divorce, there’s a large secondhand market for jewelry, especially diamonds. Sources include estate sales, eBay, Craigslist, DiamondBuyersIntl, TheRealReal, MyGemma, jewelry stores that sell vintage items, and—for the practical-if-unromantic—pawn shops.
If you bargain hunt for gemstones, look for certification by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). But since GIA didn’t start issuing reports until 1953, stones in vintage settings may be hard to evaluate. Keep in mind that if you don’t like a setting, you can easily have the stones reset and still save a lot over buying retail.
With person-to-person purchasing (eBay, Etsy, or Craigslist), beware of scams like phony GIA certificates, defective diamonds that have been treated, and more. Consider taking any expensive piece to an independent appraiser before finalizing the sale.
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Kitchen Supplies, Cookware, Appliances
Home cooks often purge their kitchens (or storage rooms) of gadgets, small appliances, and other nonessentials that have seen little use.
Amazon sells household appliances via its Warehouse section, which offers open-box or used goods for well below retail. But they come with only a 30-day returns window.
Buying used major appliances is trickier. You may strike gold (or stainless steel) buying gently used appliances being offloaded due to a remodel. But you won’t get a guarantee or warranty from individual sellers, and delivery and hookup arrangements are on you.
Another option? Buy from a “scratch and dent” appliance outlet, where new but imperfect stoves and other stuff is sold at big-time discounts. Carefully inspect to make sure you’re willing to put up with the unit’s blemishes, keeping in mind where it will live and how you’ll use it. If your laundry setup is out of sight of guests, who cares if the dryer has a gash on the door? Another perk: These appliances are usually still under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Click here for more advice on buying appliances.
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Musical Instruments
This one time at band camp there was a kid who aspired to be a professional oboist. But other interests interfered, so now her giant woodwind is in great shape and ready for another kid (yours) with bigtime Peter and the Wolf soloist dreams.
From band and orchestra instruments to pianos and guitars, shop secondhand for bargains. Because there are so many used options available, focus your shopping on well-known quality brands.
Each type of secondhand instrument poses special concerns (mold and mildew inside woodwinds, dents in brass, missing head joints in flute cases), which makes buying online a little less appealing than in person: It’s best to check out these elements and give them a test run.
There are also tons of used pianos out there. Some are free, but you’ll still have to move them, and some are in terrible shape. When shopping, ask lots of questions: How old is it? What was the original sales price? How often was it played? (“Every day” is better than “Never.”) How often was it tuned/maintained? Any existing damage? If you’re a serious musician, or buying for someone with symphonic aspirations, buy from a trusted store with a strong warranty.
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Sporting Goods and Camping Gear
Because kids quickly outgrow soccer cleats, ice skates, batting helmets, and other athletic essentials—and their interests wane faster than you can say “Taekwondo”—most used gear is in great condition. Find used playthings and uniforms at stores like Play It Again Sports, eBay, children’s consignment shops, and by just asking other soccer/baseball/hockey/javelin parents.
Tents, portable stoves, cots, and more clutter many basements, garages, and attics. Thankfully, outdoor gear lasts for many years, and the secondhand market overflows with bargain basics to get you enjoying the great outdoors for less green. REI also sells a limited selection of used stuff.
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Tools
Unless you’re a professional contractor, you probably don’t use your toolkit often. And most tools last a long time. Power tools are often purchased by weekend-warrior homeowners who use them for only a project or two. That means many gently used ones are on the market. Yard and estate sales almost always have huge assortments.
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Watches
Secondhand designer watches are popular, and there are several reputable online and brick-and-mortar retailers. If you aren’t set on sporting the latest model, or you appreciate classic quality, you can get a great watch at a great price. Keep in mind that pre-1980s watches may require more care and maintenance than newer timepieces.
Thoroughly investigate any seller you’re considering. Prices that seem too low are a warning. Is the seller established? Does it have a longtime social media presence, robust website, and verified reviews? Get recommendations from friends and check forums and social media for any mention of the seller.
A brick-and-mortar showroom where you can examine the watch is a major plus. When buying online, ask for multiple photos, including some of the inner workings of the watch. Also, ask the seller to set the watch to, say, 2:30 and take a photo. This will help weed out scammer sellers who don’t really have the watch.
Click here for more info on watch repair.
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What NOT to Buy Used
You can score used mattresses, vacuum cleaners, rugs, makeup, hats, bathing suits, and well-worn shoes, but, to us, the yuck factor voids the potential savings.
When your bike helmet wears out, replace it with a new one. Old ones aren’t as effective, and any that have been in accidents should be discarded.
Some materials wear out more quickly than others. Especially avoid paying much for used items made of rubber (tires, rain boots) or with watertight seals.
Clothing made with synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon) attracts and traps odors more readily than natural fibers—so caveat emptor.
We’d buy used TVs and laptops from well-known retailers but not from most private sellers. You just can’t know if they’ve been dropped or will function properly long-term.
Old lamps and light fixtures might have vintage charm but are sometimes fire hazards. Test them or rewire them (sometimes that’s an easy DIY task).
Upholstered furniture (chairs, sofas, headboards) can be bargains secondhand, particularly if you’re thinking of recovering them. But calculate the extra costs to reupholster or steam clean. To avoid bedbugs, consider isolating items until you can thoroughly inspect and clean them.
Used child car seats could be compromised. Don’t buy one (or accept a free one) unless it was recently purchased and you know the previous owner well enough that you’d trust them with your kid’s life.