When I was in college and when I had just graduated, I often turned to used furniture as a way of filling up my apartment or home. If you ever walked into a furniture storeroom, you probably were as shocked as I was to find out the prices of many of the items there (then you realized they must have had a huge markup because there’s hardly anyone ever there and about 23049823094 salespersons milling about). A couch set can easily set you back a few thousand, some nice bedroom furniture can run close to 8 grand, and even the simple stuff will be a few hundred bucks. Even with the advent of bargain stores like IKEA, the cost of getting something used always pulls it down into the affordable range. So, here are 5 tips on buying used furniture and saving a few dollars:
- Never buy a used mattress. First off, it’s unsanitary and many places have laws against the sale of used mattresses! Second, a mattress is something that is used every single day and the chances of it still retaining the same quality years after it’s been purchased is very slim. Lastly, it’s unsanity!
- The fewer the moving parts, the better it holds up. Bookcases are great to buy used because they have absolutely no moving parts. There are some weight bearing parts, the shelves, that may bend a bit but there are no parts that can break down and potentially break. The opposite of this would be drawers. I know that if I see an IKEA bookcase for sale somewhere, it’ll probably be in reasonably good condition when I see it. If I see a set of drawers, the chances of it being as sturdy is quite slim.
- Some manufacturers are better than others. IKEA is cheaper for a reason, it’s cheaper because everything is particle board and plastic. Other manufacturers often make more sturdier products that hold up better in transit or under normal wear and tear. Do not be fooled though, just because it “looks” more sturdy doesn’t necessarily make it so.
- Minimum discount is 50% off. If someone wants something for more than 50% of the original price, negotiate. There’s no reason why someone should get more than half the value of something back unless there is a very good reason (they bought a desk that won’t fit but they can’t return it).
- Try to get it for free! If someone is selling something and it’s something you’d like but you don’t 100% love, shoot them an email saying you’ll offer to take it off their hands for free. For larger and bulkier items, the seller may decide that selling it is too much of a pain and will give it to you if you’re willing to haul it. This may not work too often though because the person could always donate it and the Salvation Army will pick it up too.
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