You often have a choice: Buy it new, or buy it used.
Finding a great bargain on a used item online, in a secondhand store or at a garage sale is a great feeling, but sometimes you’re better off paying more and getting the item out of the box. On “The Early Show”, CBS News Business and Economic Correspondent Rebecca Jarvis had the scoop on some things you can save on by purchasing used ones, and some items that are best bought brand new.
THINGS YOU SHOULD BUY USED;
Timeshares: Buying timeshares isn’t for everyone, but if you decide that it suits your lifestyle, purchasing the property as a resale would be a better deal than buying it brand new: On average, you’ll save 67 percent on the price for a comparable new timeshare. If you’re new to timeshare ownership, give it a test run first by renting short term.
- View Great Timeshare Resale Deals in Lake Tahoe, Hawaii or Hotel Resorts in All Areas.
Office Furniture: Good office furniture is built to withstand heavy use and handling. Really solid pieces will last a lifetime, long after they’re resold the first or second time. A great used desk or file cabinet will work as well as (or better than) a new one, but for a fraction of the cost. And with the recession shutting down so many businesses, you can easily find lots of great office furniture deals.
Home Accents: Home decor and artwork are rarely handled on a day-to-day basis, so they’re generally still in good condition even after being resold multiple times. If you like the worn-out look of some decor pieces, you can be sure you didn’t pay extra for something that comes naturally with time. And don’t forget, for most of us, discovering a true gem at a garage sale is 90% of the fun!
THINGS YOU SHOULD BUY NEW;
Digital and video cameras: Like laptops, used digital and video cameras are likely to have been dropped and banged around. It may not be obvious, but once the damage kicks in, it’ll be expensive to repair. If you know what to look for in a digital camera, you can get a great new camera without breaking the bank.
Plasma and LCD TVs: The cost of fixing or replacing the parts on plasma or other HDTVs is high. Sometimes it costs as much as buying a new TV. Considering the repair costs, you’d want to get an extended warranty, but that isn’t an option if you buy your TV used.
Vacuum cleaners: Vacuums are among the heavy-duty household appliances that tend to get a lot of use and abuse. They can also cost more to fix than to purchase new. Oreck vacuums, for example, are well worth the price for their sucking power. Keep in mind that older models tend to spew more dust than they suck up. So suck up and pay out the cash for a good vacuum. Your nose will thank you.
This article was paraphrased from © MMX, CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Read entire article at: https://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/09/20/earlyshow/living/ConsumerWatch/main6883766.shtml?tag=mncol;lst;1
