Second Hand Shopping – Definition, Advantages and Where to Buy Second Hand

Do you want to buy second-hand more often in the future or simply learn more about buying second-hand? Then you've come to the right place! Second-hand goods are currently experiencing their second spring, and quite rightly so. It is environmentally friendly, affordable, fair and, last but not least, available both online and locally. The boom is particularly noticeable in clothing - any:r third fashion consumer:in also buys "second hand instead of "new".₁

In this article, I would like to give you everything you need to know about second-hand. From the definition, benefits and popular second-hand items to where to buy and sell online and locally. Let's go!

You can find a brief overview here in advance:

1. Definition
2. Advantages
3. Objects
4. Contact points
5. Closing words

Definition: What does Second Hand actually mean?

By second hand (German: aus zweiter Hand) one understands Goods that have already been used by someone but are still in good condition and functional. Who buys secondhand, buys something used. For example, worn but still as good as new pants, dresses and sweaters, a two-year-old smartphone, an interesting book or a vintage chair.

Advantages: Why buy goods used?

I have already mentioned some of the advantages, but I would like to explain them to you in more detail here. After all, they provide the fundamental motivation to avoid buying new items and prefer a used item instead.

Conserving resources and protecting the environment

No new material consumption, no production, no packaging waste, no environmental pollution - Whoever buys used goods is already protecting the environment and the natural resources of the planet earth.

Buying second-hand makes a decisive contribution to more sustainable lifestyle and also promotes acceptance of the resource-conserving Principle of the circular economyas is the case, among others, with stores such as Medimops is exemplified. This makes it even easier for consumers to buy used items more often instead of new ones.

Save cash

Another, and for many very decisive, argument for second-hand goods is the cost saving. As they have already been used by other people, they are nevertheless used goods in mint conditionsuch as dining tables, clothes, children's toys or even crockery sets, are logically available at significantly lower prices. Through sustainable action can save money.

Enjoy individual variety

Consciously buying second-hand is a wonderful way to counteract the production of cheap mass-produced goods. On the one hand, because there is no temptation to buy new goods - on the other hand, because many second-hand goods (also due to their past) real unique pieces and stand for individuality.

Appreciate things

Buying second-hand means respecting and appreciating the work of those who were involved in the production, the material, the natural resources and, of course, the product itself. Besides Respect and appreciation buying second-hand is also a real, personal experience. Statement against the Disposable society.

Important Notice: These are some of the most important Advantages of Second Hand in the short version. I explain these and other reasons in more detail behind the link.

Items: What is suitable for buying second-hand?

You can buy pretty much anything second-hand! So it would be much easier to just list the things you shouldn't buy second-hand. I just do both - because of course I want to give you an overview and some inspiration at the same time for what you can get hold of second-hand.

What all can you buy used?

So which consumer goods can you save money on and avoid buying new ones while conserving resources? The following used goods (and suitable examples) are particularly popular:

• Fashion (e.g. worn jeans, evening dresses or knitted sweaters)
• Books (e.g. novels and non-fiction books read)
• Household utensils (e.g. used cutting boards, dishes and sieves).
• Electronics (e.g. second-hand smartphones, computers or sound equipment).
• Decoration (e.g. curtains or vases)
• Jewelry (e.g. necklaces or watches)
• Instruments (e.g. saxophones or guitars)
• Furniture (e.g. dining tables, wing chairs or cupboards)
• Office items (e.g. stapler, hole punch or file folder)
• Toy (e.g. Lego bricks or wooden building blocks)
• Board games (e.g. Monopoly or Mensch ärgere dich nicht)
• Vehicles (e.g. vintage cars or motorcycles)
• Game consoles (e.g. PlayStation or Xbox)
• Movies and music (e.g. on DVD, CD or record)
• Antiques (e.g. books or handcrafted furniture > 100 years)
• …

What should you rather not buy used?

As cheap and environmentally friendly as second-hand goods may be - to be honest, there are also some things that you should not buy second-hand, especially for health reasons:

• Mattresseswhich may contain bed bugs or mold, for example.
• Bicycle helmetswhich may no longer offer sufficient protection because they have already been involved in an accident.
• Soft toyswhich children also put in their mouths and which are breeding grounds for germs or lice. This is where the word "flea market" takes on a very special meaning.
• Shoesthat have already been worn by someone with a different foot shape, which can lead to foot misalignment.
• Vacuum cleanerthat contain germs or allergens that accumulate not only in the bag, but on the entire appliance.
• …

Places to go: Where to buy and sell second-hand goods?

You are inspired and motivated, Buy things you really need second-hand and sell things you no longer need as second-hand goods? Then there are now countless opportunities - both online and offline. Here I would like to introduce you to the best second-hand addresses on the Internet as well as in your local area.

Second Hand on the Internet

Whether classified ad portals, online stores or platforms for refurbished technology - here are some places to go online to find second-hand products and offer them for sale:

• Medimops: If you are looking for used books, movies, music CDs or console games, you should definitely take a look here.
• Amazon*: You can also get used or returned goods (from basically any product category) from the e-commerce giant at a low price and save resources.
• ebay classifiedsOf course, the popular classifieds portal is also a must for used goods on the Internet. Here you can buy and sell almost anything second-hand.
• ABOUT YOU: Under the term "Second Love" you will find a large selection of second-hand fashion in mint condition in the online store for clothing.
• eBay*: Of course, you can also offer and sell used goods on eBay itself.
• Backmarket: Used technical devices such as smartphones and laptops are checked and professionally refurbished by Backmarket. The company is a flagship in the Refurbished-Branch.
• …

Do you know of any other good places to buy second-hand items? Then feel free to share them with me and the community in the comments.

Second hand local on site

Most second-hand deals nowadays take place online in the digital world - but there are also classic ways and means to score a bargain or two in the analog world. You should try out the following places:

• Flea markets and bazaars: Flea markets or bazaars are held at regular intervals in almost every town. Just keep an eye out for the dates in the daily newspaper. Whether on a small scale in the garage or on a large scale on market squares and other open spaces - you are guaranteed to find and sell one or two highlights there.
• Second-hand store: Of course, there are also countless stores that sell second-hand goods. Often specialized (e.g. clothing), but often with a much broader range.
• Auctions: Whether it's auctions or household liquidations - every now and then you find out about one or two additional opportunities away from the usual places to get used items in mint condition at reasonable prices.
• Classified ads in daily newspaper: The principle of ebay classifieds also exists in the offline world - classified ads in the daily newspaper. You can also offer, buy or request used goods there.

Second-hand shopping - sustainable, fair, affordable, appreciative and absolutely uncomplicated!

Buying and selling used offers the ideal opportunity to protect the environment and save or earn money. Second hand is usually worth it. Especially if you are looking for used items such as toys or books that will only be of use to you for a limited time anyway.

Just because something is second-hand does not mean that it is inferior. On the contrary: the quality and workmanship of older goods is often even better. And longevity is the decisive factor when it comes to sustainability.

I hope that I could help you with this article about second hand. Do you have any questions, suggestions or tips? Then I look forward to your comment.

Stay sustainable,

PS: Preferring second-hand items is a wonderful way to avoid waste. You can find out what else you can do to reduce the load on your garbage cans in the detailed blog article on the Zero Waste Lifestyle.

References:
₁ O. Feldforth; Norddeutscher Rundfunk: Gebrauchte Kleidung - Second Hand im Trend (as of 01.05.2022), available at https://www.tagesschau.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/second-hand-boom-textilindustrie-101.html. [20.01.2023].