Buying Used Goods – Is it safe?
Author : teriannWe have all seen the advertisements of products that are described as ‘slightly used’ and wondered if it would make sense to purchase the item.
Often the price for used products are significantly lower than what it would cost if the item was new. As tempting as it is to purchase used items, consumers must be careful as there are several areas of concern.
The following list highlights some items that should never be bought used as they pose a health hazard.
- Mattresses – These are often a breeding ground for dust mites and you would have no way of knowing
- Make up – Cosmetic brushes and wands come into contact with skin and can’t be cleaned very well. A use tube of lipstick might be hosting illness-causing bacteria.
- Tires – Old or used tires can pose a safety risk. As tires age, they lose elasticity, which could compromise the safety of your vehicle
- Underwear- (No explanation necessary
- Baby Products – This includes car seats as they may look good but there is no way to test if they were previously in an accident which would put your child at risk
- Electronics – Electronic games, laptops,desk top computers and other electronics are best bought new with the added protection of a warranty
What do you buy used? Next time I will outline how to find a bargain! Let me hear from you.
Teri Ann Renee Paisley
Gleaner Online Writer
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7 Responses to “Buying Used Goods – Is it safe?”
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Paper or plastic? How has Jamaica benefited?
7 ways to live Green!
Pet Care Basics – How to keep your pet healthy!
10 things to consider when buying a car!
Delivery options – Navigating the shipping world!
Rolling with the punches! Businesses need to reinvent their products and services.
Getting to the meat of the matter! Are vegetarian consumers being accommodated?
Making financial goals that are attainable!
The do’s and don’ts of using social media!
How to enjoy your ‘staycation’!
Mattresses: Don’t stay at hotel. New York hotels have been having problems with bed-bugs. Imagine how many have slept on those beds. And do you know that the overcast is not washed after each guest?
Make-up: Remember that with the samples and demonstration in store or expensive salons.
Old Tires: The same go for your new tires when they get old.
Underwear: Washing does the trick.
Baby Products: New products have the same problem.
Electronics: if you know your product you can get good buys; you can buy new products that are lemons.
When I first moved to New York I discovered I could get better quality used clothing than the new ones I was buying.
Living in countries with wide swing in temperatures children cloth are best bought used. The can wear them for such a short time. My grandson seems to change shoe size every two weeks.
I am an avid buyer of used books.
I purchased a crockpot & an electric iron in the 70s in NYC, they were used but they lasted long, its not much more things I would buy
used, mattresses & clothing is a definate no no for me
Teri Ann,
I am sure you meant well but this is a part of Jamaica’s problem.There are some of us who cannot afford new products and have to get by on second-hand.How do you suppose articles like your own will make them feel? As if by now being able to afford new products they are inferior? How will children going back to school with second-hand; old-brucks; or whatever we are calling them these days feel? How would you feel if you were a ten-year old clad in second-hand clothing and heading out to school on Monday after reading your take on life? You should try to make people feel better not worse about their cricumstances. Try being part of the Jamaican solution; not the problem.
Electronics? Really? If buying electronics used was such a bad idea, then eBay would be out of business. Personally, when it comes to consumer electronics, which most times is under $300, I’m buying used all the way. New stuff comes out every six months, and some people simply have to have the latest and greatest. They’ll buy the new iPhone for $600 when it comes out, then sell it for $300 to get the new one next year. That’s $300 more that remains in my pocket.
Also, re: warranty. Most extended warranties are a complete rip off. Products never break during the warranty period. 1 year warranty? It breaks on day 367.
Terri . Glad you are back.
But You can buy used electronic goods. its very safe to do so. there are thriving legitimate store here selling these things. any how what do you thing the name refurbished means?. its used goods that are reconditioned and put back for sale!.
[...] a previous post I made mention of several items which I thought it unwise to purchase second hand or used. I read with much interest the varied responses I received from my [...]
The only thing i have ever bought used is a car.. Used electronics, especially laptops is a definite no no for me