15d • General discussion
What NOT to buy 2nd hand
When you're out hunting for treasures, it's easy to get caught up in the "great deal" mentality. However, as a Thrift Ninja at Glass Coach Journeys, I often tell my clients that some "savings" actually end up costing you more in safety risks or replacement fees.
Here are the top 10 things you should generally skip at yard sales:
1. Car Seats
This is the #1 "no-go." Car seats have expiration dates (usually 6–10 years) because the plastic degrades. More importantly, you have no way of knowing if the seat was involved in a minor accident, which can compromise its structural integrity even if it looks perfect.
2. Bicycle & Motorcycle Helmets
Like car seats, helmets are designed to withstand one impact. Even a drop onto a concrete driveway can create hairline fractures in the internal foam that render it useless in a crash. Always buy these new to protect your head.
3. Mattresses and Pillows
The risk of bed bugs is the primary concern here. These pests are incredibly difficult and expensive to eradicate once they enter your home. Additionally, used mattresses can harbor dust mites, allergens, and years of someone else's sweat.
4. Non-Stick Cookware
If a non-stick pan is scratched or flaking, it can release toxic chemicals into your food. Most non-stick coatings have a lifespan of only 3–5 years; unless it’s brand new in the box, it’s safer to pass.
5. Cribs (especially Drop-Side)
Safety standards for cribs change rapidly. Drop-side cribs were actually banned in the U.S. in 2011 due to strangulation risks. Older cribs may also have slats that are too far apart or contain lead paint.
6. Makeup and Skin Products
Once a beauty product is opened, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Even "unopened" items might be years past their expiration date, leading to skin irritation or infections.
7. Upholstered Furniture
Similar to mattresses, couches and padded chairs can hide bed bugs, fleas, and deep-seated odors (like pet urine or smoke) that are almost impossible to clean out completely.
8. Puzzles and Board Games
There is nothing more frustrating than getting to the end of a 1,000-piece puzzle only to find one piece missing. Unless you can verify every piece is there, it’s a gamble that often leads to disappointment.
9. Electronics (without testing)
"It worked the last time I used it" is the unofficial slogan of the yard sale. Without plugging it in, you don't know if the internal battery is dead, the wiring is frayed, or if it's simply obsolete technology that won't connect to modern devices.
10. Shoes (especially Running Shoes)
Running shoes are engineered for specific support that wears out after 300–500 miles. When you buy them used, they have already molded to someone else’s foot shape and gait, which can cause you foot or knee pain. Plus, there's the hygiene factor of fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
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What NOT to buy 2nd hand
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