10 Things You Shouldn't Buy New (MSN Money)

Tip Hero serves up fresh money-saving tips daily,
with over 2,000 tips shared to date.

GET FREE UPDATES:

Tips by Category:

General

Home > General > Topics: Shopping Tips

-----------------------------------------

10 Things You Shouldn't Buy New (MSN Money)

Submitted by: Tip Hero 07/05/2009 12:05 PM

The next time you head to the store to buy the latest best-seller or the newest video game, Liz Pulliam Weston of MSN Money recommends that you think twice before making that purchase and, instead, consider buying used.

Here is her list of 10 things you shouldn't buy new.

Books
DVDs & CDs
Little Kids' Toys
Jewelry
Sports Equipment
Timeshares
Cars
Software & Video Games
Office Furniture
Hand Tools

To find out why it pays to buy these items used and where to find them, click through to the full article: 10 things you shouldn't buy new

---
sponsored: Find Money Budgeting Tips.

---
Tip Hero serves up new money-saving tips daily.
Get free updates via Email , RSS or Twitter.

More Money-Saving Tips:

Cool New Yard Sale Mapping Tool

One Man's Trash is Another One's Treasure (Freecycle)

Tips for Buying & Swapping Used Baby Gear

What are the Best Items to Buy at Garage Sales?

Sponsored Searches:

Comments:

.................................

11. Clothes for babies. An obnoxious amount of stuff gets bought for little babies, and gets worn little if at all. This stuff is very way to buy at yard sales... like a bag of stuff for $1.
Most baby clothes are purchased for baby showers. I refuse to play this game. If I go to a shower I give either cloth or disposable diapers.

Posted by anonymous on July 06, 2009 5:22 PM

.................................

I agree with all of them except jewlery. If it is high end jewlery, how are you suppose to know it's genuine? I can tell you now I can't tell if a ruby is a ruby. Sure it might not be chinsy, but you never know.

Everything else on the list and #11 is good.

#12. Most clothing. Thrift stores rock!

#13. Puzzles and board games. So what if a couple pieces are missing. Do you really want to spend $13 on a puzzle or board game to be played once a year?

#14. Kitchen electronics and some supplies. My used salad shooter, coffee maker, and bread maker works just fine. To add to that mugs, and containers sells so cheaply at garage sales. Just wash them well.

Posted by anonymous on July 09, 2009 2:28 PM

.................................

Guns.
You can save a lot of money buying guns at swap meets or gun shows. Buying a new gun is a complete waste of money. My first gun was a Savage Arms 20 gauge shot gun.

My dad bout if for me when I was 10 years old at a gun show and it was half the price of a new gun. (I kept the freezer full of rabbits & squirrel when I was a kid.)

35 years later, I still have the same gun and have handed it down to my 13 year old.

Posted by harleyxx on July 09, 2009 2:30 PM

.................................

I like shopping at the thrift stores, but I hate the ones that are run by religious organizations. I refuse to give my money so that some preacher, minister, or priest can drive around in a new Lexus!

I would also like to add:
Yard Equipment,like weed whackers, and edgers...ect. I have three different gas powered weed whackers that I bought for $15.00. A little tender loving care and they work like new.

Posted by anonymous on July 09, 2009 2:52 PM

.................................

To the comment made about religious Thrift Stores please do your research not all pay their bishops, AKA Leaders. I know for a fact that the DI does not pay anyone that is in their church. Bishops Teachers or other wise.

Posted by anonymous on July 09, 2009 4:41 PM

.................................

I get a lot of used stuff from the following places:

htttp://www.swapadvd.com

Freecycle (Go to Yahoo Groups and find a local Freecycle Group)

Craigslist

http://www.bookmooch.com

Goodwill store in my area

Sitting by the trash on the side of the road

Yard Sales sometimes gives stuff away

Posted by crazyliblady on July 09, 2009 6:01 PM

.................................

Agree with all except books. When you buy used, the author doesn't get paid. I have many friends who are authors and they don't make much money as it is, so please buy your books new! If you want to save money, then wait for the paperback or e-book version.

Posted by pam on July 10, 2009 10:36 AM

.................................

I always buy new cars and run them into the ground. There is a lemon law. Dealers must buy back problem cars. But thousands were sold again to us suspecting people. Many cars are flooded by huricanes etc. and are sold. Even if they run the water caused damage eventually ruins the car in less than a year. The list goes on. Try to buy new and pro-rate it over the life span. Calculate the cost of a car by cost per mile. A used car has the same cost per mile. You don't have to pay $1,000 for air and $1,000 for automatic and $1,000 for a sound system and $2,000 for chrome wheels.

Posted by james77777 on July 10, 2009 11:26 AM

.................................

In regards to the comment that you should buy books new so the author gets paid... I couldn't disagree more. If a book is very good, the author makes plenty of money. But either way, every time you buy something used, somewhere someone doesn't make money producing and selling a new thing. Following this logic, we should only buy new stuff so more people make more money. I have heard the same argument about buying new versus used CDs.

If a book is being sold used, that means the owner no longer wants it. If no none buys it, it goes to the landfill.

Posted by anonymous on July 10, 2009 10:04 PM

.................................

I don't buy "new" puppies. I buy "used" dogs at the no-kill shelter. We currently have two, and they are wonderful dogs, perfect for our family. We've had a total of five shelter dogs.

Posted by anonymous on July 11, 2009 7:49 PM

.................................

Cast Iron pans - they last forEVER and actually get better with age (the oil creates a patina and makes them naturally non-stick). So I always keep an eye out for them at yard sales. I have gone through a handful of brand new calphalon non-stick pans and they are just crap and the finish flakes off.

Posted by anonymous on July 14, 2009 6:33 PM

.................................

Homes - if you buy a new home, sure you are investing in a home that should be trouble free, but if you are handy, you have a lot more to gain on your investment if you buy a 'used' home. And you'll probably notice that you get more home for your buck when you buy a used home. Ask me again after the next surprise home improvement project.

Posted by Sam_Jr. on July 15, 2009 2:11 PM

.................................

Just recently my aunt told me never to buy used clothing. She said she was taught this in nursing school. The reason: medical experts aren't sure what causes some diseases such as cancer. There may be an as-of-yet-unidentified organism that is transmitted through prolonged or repeated contact between people or people and objects. One doesn't know if used clothing might have belonged to someone who died and what the cause of death was.

Posted by anonymous on July 16, 2009 4:37 PM

.................................

I have been buying used clothes for thirty + years and am happy to say "Look Ma, no cancer!". Do you honestly believe that people with all kinds of diseases don't try on, but not purchase, "new" clothes at the store? I have even heard of people that will wear an outfit for an event and then return it. Imagine the germs lurking there.

Posted by anonymous on July 17, 2009 7:52 PM

.................................

#??? Furniture in general.

Used furniture is often better quality than what you can buy at the big box stores today since it was made back when things were built to last and not be disposable.

Antiques and mid-century modern furniture could even be considered investments as they tend to increase in value over time. Whereas when you buy brand new cheap furniture it loses value as soon as you make the purchase.

And you can often find great deals on used furniture at thrift stores, on the curb (free!), at auctions, on craiglist, at yard sales.......

Posted by leighvand on July 19, 2009 4:11 PM

.................................

Dresses, including prom dresses and wedding dresses can save you tons of money if you buy them used.

I bought a couple of dresses from a friend from a neighboring town when I was in high school, so for two prom dresses with matching shoes (it was the 80's dyeables were in!!) I paid $60. And my friend got to unload her dresses that she was never going to wear again. When I was done I donated the dresses to charity. Today there are charities like the Glass Slipper (http://www.glassslipperproject.org/dress.htm) that collect used prom dresses to give to young girls.

Also you can find gorgeous used wedding dresses. A shop recently opened up near me that sells used wedding dresses that are amazing. You figure they only get worn once, so why shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars if you don't have to. Some vintage dresses are truly one of a kinds.

Posted by christyp on July 22, 2009 4:27 PM

.................................

I would add plants and flowers to the list.

My entire garden consists of flowers and plants that were given to me when friends 'split' their own flower gardens. I have irises, lilies, hydrangea, lilacs, hostas, ivies, lambs ears and on and on, all given to me over the years from dear friends. It wasn't long before I was passing on my bulbs, plants and cuttings of my own.

Really feels like it is a garden built with love because I can name all of the people whose plants grace my garden.

Posted by grammaj on July 22, 2009 4:39 PM

.................................

Not buying at church thrift store so the pastor doesn't drive a Lexus? Most pastors don't make squat and the ones that do are doing so because their church is successful. Not buying a good deal there is cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Posted by anonymous on July 23, 2009 1:27 PM

.................................

I can't help but laugh at a previous posting about used clothing and germs. Of course all new or used clothing needs to be washed before wearing. There are no germs left on the clothing after washing.

I am a medical professional and have never heard of used clothing being related to increased risk of cancer. Ludicrous!

Posted by anonymous on July 23, 2009 4:22 PM

.................................

Our church has had several rummage sales over many many years, and the money NEVER goes to the pastor. The money goes toward improving things at the church, such as education material, remodeling or repairs. I am the Administrative Council chair, and our council and along with possibly the trustees and financial chair decide where this money goes, not the pastor.

Posted by anonymous on July 23, 2009 5:57 PM

.................................

The majority of my clothes are gotten at thrift stores, I don't have any problem with them, as long as they are in good condition, and then I wash them.

When buying books I find great deals on very Good books. I have bought 1 CD from a thrift store, and I love it! I love those places, and yard and garage sales to, I get the most for my money. : D

Posted by Kathy D. on July 24, 2009 3:32 AM

.................................

one can find wonderful clothes at consingment stores. There is one in our area that sells gently used name lable clothing for very little!!! These items have only been worn once or twice.

An example is a Coldwater Creek dress that would have been 89.00 to 100.00 brand new, sold for $9.00 at this store!!! Check out thrift stores and consignment stores, they really work!!!!

Posted by Karen S. on July 24, 2009 1:48 PM

.................................

I can't believe a nursing school would tell someone that used clothing is dangerous! I'm a medical professional also and that's the first time I've ever heard that-I buy used clothes for myself and my kids. My daughter is a "stain magnet" and I never buy new clothes for her if I can help it.

Posted by anonymous on July 24, 2009 3:31 PM

.................................

re the person not wanting to buy from a religious thrift store. Where does he/she think the money comes from to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, nurse the ill etc. etc. that religious organizations of all faiths do? If these organizations withdrew their support that they so lovingly give to those in need, Honey it falls on the tax payers shoulders. As for me and my house, we will continue to shop at the Salvation Army; a WONDERFUL religious thrift store.

Posted by Sonja on July 24, 2009 7:25 PM

.................................

I am not a religious person but I find nothing wrong with buying from religious thrift store. Religion works for some people and if it makes them happy, why should that bother you? Just as Sonja up above states, these organizations support those in need. As long as someone is getting use out of used clothing and furniture, it is staying out of landfills and helping our planet in the long run. So look at it that way, a form of recycling and comfort for those in need.

Posted by Shawna on July 25, 2009 12:49 PM

.................................

Re: the religious thrift stores. Find out exactly how the proceeds are used from thrift sales. If it is going for upkeep on the church building, administration, trying to recruit/save souls, I won't buy there.

However, religious thrift stores do help others directly in some cases: I buy at a thrift stores where most of the proceeds go to homeless shelters and feeding the homeless & aid to domestic violence victims -- so check it out FIRST, then buy if you feel it is a worthwhile cause (according to your own ethics/values).

I'm also a published author, and I'm always HAPPY to know someone has enjoyed my books -- whether they were bought new, used or were passed along free. The reward is in the creative process and knowing readers enjoy your work. Any other "monetary reason" should be a bit suspect; or perhaps the writer should be employed in the PR field.

Posted by anonymous on July 25, 2009 4:44 PM

.................................

The very best bargains I have ever found are from church bazaars and church run yard sales. I find lots of goodies that still has a price tag on it showing it's new. At these sales I buy most of my Christmas. I bought a coffe pot for $.50 cents that all it needed was cleaning the inside with some vinegar, it works perfect and the original price was $118.00. To those of you, 'whom opened the can of worms'about religion, I have a few words for the non-believers. I WILL PRAY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!this is not the place to be expressing our personal feelings about faith, which ,by the way, has nothing to do with religion. AMEN

Posted by Gale Osborn on July 25, 2009 8:18 PM

.................................

SALVATION ARMY, whether a "religious" thrift store or not, is literally an Army of volunteers whose dedication can mean salvation in its most literal sense to survivors of catastrophies.

I learned this as a child from my father who told often of being stuck in a 'foxhole' under fire in World War II for two weeks,when suddenly, a Salvation Army volunteer risked his life and made it past flying bullets to jump in the foxhole with sandwiches and a thermos of hot coffee.

our local Salvation Army store's shelves were bare and the workers were taking their shots and gearing up to take the necessary shots to travel by the time Hurricane Katrina made landfall. The Goodwill store,on the other hand, was business as usual. i asked the district manager who happened to be in the Goodwill store that day why they weren't busy making preparations and was told:

"GOODWILL IS NOT A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION,AND DOES NOT PROVIDE RELIEF SERVICES -WE SUPPLY JOB TRAINING".
Well,DUH...so does Walmart and McDonald's !

Please,please,please...donate to SALVATION ARMY whenever possible. They really do fight a battle for those of us in need!!!

Posted by Gloria on August 04, 2009 2:42 AM

.................................

Our church members donate items they no longer want for a church "yard" sale. Our youth group kids help set up, price and run the sale and the proceeds help our kids afford the price of a week at summer camp. The neighborhood we live in is not wealthy and many folks get helped by the available low-priced items. One lady comes late and buys all the leftover clothes items for 25 cents a piece and sends them to Mexico where there is REAL need and suffering.

The man who pastors our church has gotten nothing out of these sales except the good feeling of knowing our kids are learning some things about real life while earning money for a fun trip to camp.

The God I serve cares about all people and will help anyone who asks Him for help. He has done so much for me in my life that anything good I do for anyone else is small thanks for His love and kindness.

There are phoney people in some churches and even dishonest ones at times, but that is true of any group of people anywhere - ever gotten ripped off at a car mechanic's? Did that stop you from ever getting your car fixed when it needs it? Don't blame all people with spiritual values/practices for some bad examples. Faith in God saved my life in 1971 and any good I may have done since then I credit directly to God and some good people I've known since then. (sorry if this got long,but the purpose of this website is tips to help other folks. We need spiritual help/tips too!

Posted by Lisa on August 22, 2009 3:33 PM

.................................

my comment about never buy used clothing is hogwash. i went through nursing school and have never heard a statement like that about used clothing might have belong to a dead person, the first and foremost thing to do when buying used clothing is wash them. i have had used clothing all my life and have never caught a germ from them. I believe that more people could save a lot of money by buying clothes at thrift stores and yard sales. A lot of clothes are new are priced way to high for the average everyday family to afford. so i would agree with a lot of prople to buy at yard sales and thrift shops.

Posted by fayra mickle on August 22, 2009 7:37 PM

.................................

Regarding germs and used clothing:

What about school sports uniforms that get passed along each year... all that teenage sweat.

Or how about using a cloth napkin at a fancy restaurant?

What about hotel/motel sheets... and to think how many people had sex on those same sheets.

Think about what would happen if every article of clothing previously worn by someone else was thrown away... including once-worn baby clothes.

Posted by anonymous on August 23, 2009 8:01 PM

.................................

We shop at thrift stores exclusively for our clothing, and we wear "better" brands than we ever could afford paying retail prices. I buy only brands like Ann Taylor Loft, and often, the items are new (with tags), or they have drycleaning tags on them.

Agreed on the cloth napkins and hotel sheets... my MIL hates that we buy used clothes...and I always tell her: You eat in restaurants numerous times a week. I KNOW that I washed these clothes and they're clean. Do you KNOW how clean the silverware is at those restaurants??

As for supporting religious-affiliated thrift stores/yard sales, let me say that my husband is a pastor. We both drive used cars (a Saturn and a Dodge), and I just said we buy used clothes. We don't eat out, we cook at home. We do that because he does not make a huge salary...AND the fact that it's good stewardship to spend less, if/when you can. We have an annual yard sale, and the proceeds go to missions, NOT to our personal bank account!

Posted by Rhonda on September 01, 2009 12:29 PM

.................................

Where do you find second hand clothes with the tags on them? So often what I see is so worn, so faded, that I wouldn't wear them to paint in.

Posted by Cherie on September 03, 2009 4:21 PM

.................................

GOODWILL: provides employment opportunities for people who may not be able to find other employment, i.e. developmental disabilites or mood disorders. many employers do not have the patience to deal with individuals with developmental disabilities, the understanding to deal with individuals suffering from mood disorders, or jobs with activities they are capable of doing. Goodwill does a good job of helping people learn skills that are marketable and employing people who otherwise may not be able to find suitable employment. Goodwill, too, deserves support.

i have a mood disorder, and goodwill has been an excellent, understanding employer. i know many individuals with developmental disabilities and mood disorders employed in "production"--the activities involved in sorting and retailing gently used items, as well as the programs in place to help individuals reach their full potential.

Posted by heather on September 03, 2009 4:47 PM

.................................

@Cherie: your basic thrift stores, good will, salvation army etc, do often have items for sale that are brnad new with tags. some overstock and some that people have brought in. you might have better like at consignment stores as they edit their inventory and are more likely to take newer clothes. or go to a wealthy town, they'll have better thrift selections!

Posted by smrtshppr on September 03, 2009 5:49 PM

.................................

My husband and I are such a strange body build that we have not had any luck at consignment shops other than my once buying a gorgeous pashmina shawl. We are very tall, with 34" and 38" inseams, respectively, have long long arms and are thin. For me, clothes that are small enough around are for people much shorter than I am. I wish there WAS a place to buy second hand clothes!
How I save money in the long run is to buy classics, made of good cloth and wash nearly everything by hand in Woolite. It's laborious but my t-shirts, for example, last for many years. The cost-per-wearing is quite low.
Another tall friend only wears black, white or red. So her wardrobe pieces can be used in so many interesting ways.

Posted by Madeleine on September 03, 2009 6:43 PM

.................................

Medical professionals DO know the causes of cancer. Use Google for goodness sake, don't rely on age old "medical" advice.

Posted by anonymous on September 04, 2009 11:14 AM

.................................

I wonder if the person who "hates" the religous thrift stores and the person who won't shop there if it helps maintain the church realizes that most of the people that work at the stores have hit bottom and these churches are giving them a second chance at life (and in a lot of cases, sobriety).

One of my favorite lesser known thirft store employs ex-alcholics and ex-druggies who have lost everything and are getting a second chance.

I wonder if they inquire into the personal and private beliefs of the owners of non-religious thrift stores and garage salers to see if they measure up.

I am happy to buy at stores that are helping people with a job, faith and hope. If my money helps one person, then that's a damn good thing.

Religious-racism is as bad as every other racism.

Posted by anonymous on September 05, 2009 10:45 PM

.................................

-----------------------------------------

Share Your Comments:

Comments may need to be approved before they are displayed.

Comments:

Name (leave blank if you want to be anonymous):

Email Address (your email address will not be displayed):

Website URL (not required; please do not include "http://"):