Buying pre-loved items can save you money

Updating your wardrobe, your home and your bookshelf can be expensive, but many of us are keeping costs down by getting pre-loved items.

New research from The Motor Ombudsman shows that nearly nine in ten (88%) Brits have either gone online or looked in the shops for second-hand bargains.

And while many simply enjoy giving items a new lease of life, nearly two-thirds of these people (61%) are doing so in order to save money.

Shoppers devoting lots of time to bagging bargains

These days, it’s easy to find exactly what we want in only a few clicks.

So it’s interesting to note that lots of people are putting lots of time into finding the best pre-loved goodies.

In fact, nearly three-quarters of shoppers (73%) are spending up to four hours a week looking at online listings for good deals.

Books are among the most sought-after items, with more than four in ten (41%) looking to the second-hand market for their next read, followed by:

• t-shirts - 30%
• jackets - 27%
• shoes - 26%
• home accessories - 26%

“With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and added pressures on household wallets, it’s no surprise that more Brits are looking for ways to save money,” a spokesman for The Motor Ombudsman said.

Where can I buy second-hand goods?

If you’re interested in bagging some second-hand bargains, there are plenty of places to look.

Charity shops

Charity shops are packed full of books, clothing, homeware and furniture, usually in great condition and at knockdown prices.

And if you get a good deal, you have the added bonus of supporting a great cause at the same time.

Online marketplaces

Platforms like Vinted, Facebook Marketplace and eBay let you buy second-hand goods without even leaving the house.

You can find everything from clothing and footwear to technology and collectables and pay safely and securely.

Pre-loved sections at retailers

Several major retailers have embraced the growing popularity of second-hand clothes by adding sections full of pre-loved items in-store.

Primark, for example, has its Wornwell section in select stores.

How do I make sure I’m getting a good deal?

Of course, you want to be confident that the item you’re buying is in good nick and fit for purpose.

So it’s worth taking a few steps before parting with any money.

Look at the seller’s profile

When you’re buying online, check that the seller has strong ratings and positive feedback from previous buyers.

If they have a good track record of successful transactions, you can feel more confident that you’ll get what you pay for.

Ultimately, a second-hand item is only worth it if it’s in good condition and doesn’t pose any risk.

Check item photos and description

Take a close look for details like labels, sizes and swing tags to see if they match what you’d expect.

Pay through the platform

If you’re getting an item online, only pay through the platform’s integrated payment method.

Don’t send money directly to the seller. 

Use platform verification and buyer protection tools

Many resale platforms now offer authentication services or buyer protection policies for higher-value items. 

If these tools are available, it’s worth using them for extra peace of mind.

Ask questions before buying

If you’re not sure about anything, message the seller and ask for additional photos, proof of purchase or more information about the item’s condition and history. 

A genuine seller will usually be happy to help.