What items should you not buy second hand?

mommy&wifeisme · **What items should you not buy second hand?**

Now that garage sale season is among us, this thought has come to mind. I would think mattresses would be something that should only be bought new. But what else should I stay clear of?

Cookie2 · 05-01-2007, 11:08 AM

Underwear - bras and panties. The fit is important and they wear out too fast to be a second-hand item. I'll buy a slip secondhand, though.

Bathing suit. I MIGHT buy a child's bathing suit secondhand but I wouldn't buy one for me. The fit is just too important. I've bought bathing suit tops at thrift stores but only after being able to try them on first.

Pillows for sleep. Again, this is an item that tends to wear out too quickly.

I appreciate that people sell, or try to sell, opened and partially used toiletries and cleaning products but I wouldn't BUY them. If there is anything like that at my garage sale, I tend to put them in my 'free' pile.

MandaRenee · 05-01-2007, 11:15 AM

I agree on open toilitries. That's something I would never buy. You just never know. Also the underwear, bras, swimsuits, things like that are a no go for me.

2bearsmom · 05-01-2007, 11:19 AM

I agree with everything listed so far and will also add kids everyday shoes to the list of things I wouldn't ever buy second hand.Kids feet grow differently and they should break in their own shoes, if they're already broken in it can result in an ill fitting shoe and be very uncomfortable for the child.

golightly · 05-01-2007, 12:05 PM

I'd be careful of buying secondhand kitchen appliances if they use electricity. You never know about the wiring with those things, and you definitely don't want that kind of surprise in your kitchen!

momof2boys · 05-01-2007, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golightly

I'd be careful of buying secondhand kitchen appliances if they use electricity. You never know about the wiring with those things, and you definitely don't want that kind of surprise in your kitchen!

I have bought second hand kitchen electric appliances, but I always ask to plug them in first before I take home with me.

I agree about all the rest. Though I confess I just bought ds a pair of hardly used soccer shoes, but hey they only play 8 games before he grows out of them

now if he were older and playing more serious soccer I would not do that.

MoneyMommy · 05-01-2007, 12:22 PM

CARSEATS! You never know the history, even a VERY low speed bump can alter the safety. It's not worth saving $ on something so crucial!

Teethers & Bottle Nipples-I see them alot, but it just seems like a germ farm waiting to breed!

Diaper Genies-I know they're probably fine, but I just can't get past all of the stranger's poop that's passed through that thing...

It's always a good idea when purchasing baby gear to look it up before you use it (or before you buy if you can) I keep a pretty close eye on recalls & I find LOTS of recalled items at Garage Sales.

MandaRenee · 05-01-2007, 12:33 PM

Good point about the baby stuff. I see a ton of baby stuff at garage sales but pass up a lot of it because you just never know. I would never buy used bottles or pacifiers.

amethystaa · 05-01-2007, 06:43 PM

Bike helmets. You never know if they've been dropped on a hard surface or involved in a crash and have a hairline crack in the foam that you can't see. Also, they may be over 5 years old and I believe that you are supposed to replace your helmets every five years due to deterioration and depending on usage, care, and abuse.

vioburn · 05-02-2007, 09:37 AM

People actually sell USED pacifiers? Gross! I would never even have thought that I could do that! Aren't those supposed to be replaced every couple of months due to possible cracking and weakening of the rubber or silicone? I agree with carseats and bottle nipples, too. You never know with a carseat and they are always making improvements to safety items.