Some things just aren’t worth buying new. Here are the best things to buy secondhand , what I always look for and what I’ve learned to check before handing over my money.
1. Solid wood furniture
I recently picked up a little side table in solid wood for £5. Try finding that new. The flat-pack stuff often costs more and falls apart within a year, whereas solid wood lasts for decades, and you can always sand it down or paint it if it’s looking tired. Just check it’s the real thing and not veneer: tap it, feel the weight, and have a look at the edges.
2. Wool and cashmere jumpers
Wildly overpriced new, and you can pick up real bargains on Vinted and in charity shops. They might need a little TLC, but that’s half the fun. Always check the label for the actual fabric, and check for shrinkage before you buy, I’ve been caught out by that one more than once.
3. The best second hand ceramics
Charity shops are a goldmine for these, often from house clearances where nobody realised what they had. Vinted is a good bet too. Just be clear with yourself about whether you’re after nice trinkets or proper collector’s pieces, because they’re very different hunts. If it’s the valuable stuff you’re after, do your research first. That’s a whole other topic, and one I’ll come back to in its own post.
4. Books
Never worth buying new, in my opinion. You can pick them up for a fraction of the price in good second-hand bookshops and charity shops, and there’s something lovely about a book that’s been read before.
5. Jewellery and watches
Jewellery is a favourite of mine. I’ve found some gorgeous pieces from good, reputable second-hand jewellers. The little shop I use is family owned, and they’re so helpful and knowledgeable, you’ll always find something a bit different from the usual bland high-street fare. It’s actually really hard to find solid gold in high-street jewellers now; most of it is hollow. As always, do your research and stick to a reputable company that deals in second-hand jewellery. For costume jewellery, charity shops are perfect, and again you can turn up some unusual, interesting bits. Check out eBay
Watches are much the same story, I’d never buy new, you pay so much on top just for the privilege. It depends what you’re after, but certain models actually increase in value as they get older and rarer. This is the one thing I’d be really wary of buying on Vinted or eBay, though, because you need to know exactly what you’re looking at, best to stick to specialised second hand watch dealers. Boxes and authentication certificates add value too, so look out for those.
6. Household bits
Lamps are always a good shout in charity shops, along with dinner sets, china and glassware, all easy to pick up for a good price and often far nicer than the new equivalents.
7. Designer clothes
Vinted is your friend here, but always be ready to barter, never just pay the asking price. You get a feel after a while for what’s a genuine bargain and when someone’s being a bit greedy. Bear in mind you can’t return something just because you’ve gone off it, only if there’s a fault, though Vinted’s refund policy is genuinely good if things go wrong. In charity shops you can find real hidden treasures, but it takes a bit more patient, strategic hunting.
The short version
Buy these second-hand and you’ll save a small fortune, often for better quality than you’d get new. Just do your homework on anything valuable, jewellery, watches, collectable ceramics, and check labels and condition before you part with your money. Happy hunting.
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