Electronics, like televisions, sound systems, kitchen appliances, and computers, can be among the priciest items in our homes and are often among the most frequently used. Buying them secondhand is a smart way to save money, and it’s also a sustainable choice that helps reduce waste. However, buying electronics at the thrift store does require a bit more attention to detail than other secondhand purchases.
If you’re not careful, you may think you’ve found an incredible deal on a vintage record player, or new-to-you stand mixer, only to bring it home and find it doesn’t work. We asked our experts to share their tried and true strategies for scoring great deals on electronics at the thrift store and how to avoid making purchases you’ll regret as soon as you get home.
Meet the Expert
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Nicolas Martin, flea market expert and founder of Fleamapket
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Ken Murphy, vice president of product at OfferUp
Related: 14 Valuable Collectibles to Look for in Thrift Stores
Know What You Need
It can be tempting to visit the thrift store without a shopping list, but it’s best to have an idea of what you need first. “Consider what kind of electronics you’re looking for before shopping, such as mobile accessories, computing or electric, as well as any specific details or features,” says Ken Murphy, vice president of product at OfferUp. Set a budget for how much you’re willing to spend on each item and search for options that fall within that range. When you know what you need, it’s easier to refine your search, and the process becomes less daunting, says Murphy.
Do Some Research
Before you set foot inside the thrift store, do some research on the item you’re hoping to buy. “Familiarize yourself with the products you are or may be interested in,” says Murphy. This will help you determine a reasonable price range for specific items ahead of your visit.
If you find yourself eyeing an item on the fly, there’s still time to do a little bit of research, and you definitely should. “Use your phone to check the item’s retail value and reviews,” says Martin. At the very least, you’ll get a sense of the most current pricing and possibly identify potential issues.
Don’t Rule Out the Imperfect
In a perfect world, every secondhand find would be in near-mint condition, but that usually isn’t the case. While it’s important to check each item for signs of excessive wear and tear, don’t overlook an item just because it has some scratches, scuffs, or small dents. “Minor imperfections can often be fixed with a little bit of DIY work, or simply by cleaning an item thoroughly, you can bring it back to life,” says Murphy.
In some cases, an item may need repairs by a professional, in which case you’ll have to factor the time, effort, and costs of those repairs into consideration. “While some problems can be fixed inexpensively, others, such as broken screens or proprietary parts, can be very costly,” says Nicolas Martin, flea market expert and founder of Fleamapket. In these instances, it might be more cost-effective to buy new.
Try It Before You Buy It
If you can, always test electronic items before buying them from the thrift store. “If it’s a plug-in device, ask the store if you can turn it on,” says Martin. “For battery-powered items, bring some batteries or see if the store has spares.” Taking a few extra minutes to test a device, like playing sound if you’re buying speakers or checking ports on a laptop, can prevent you from bringing home a faulty device.
Avoid Outdated Technology
You’re likely to find all different types of electronics at thrift stores, including plenty of obsolete and outdated items. Purchasing items that are no longer supported by the manufacturer, can’t receive software updates, or require third-party services to operate, can leave you vulnerable if something goes wrong or breaks, says Martin.
Outdated technology can be virtually impossible to fix, or may not function at the level you need it to in the first place. “Similarly, items that are missing essential cables or accessories could cost more to repair or replace than they’re worth,” he adds.
Watch Out for Red Flags
If you find a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is. An absurdly low price can be a big red flag, as it’s usually an indicator that something isn’t quite right with the product. For example, a PS5 for $100 or a Thermomix for $300 can indicate that the item is damaged, inoperable, or stolen, says Martin. Always be cautious and remain wary of prices that seem too low.
Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate
Thrift stores, secondhand shops, and other resale stores typically allow and sometimes even encourage negotiation. Negotiating can help you get the best possible price, so don’t be afraid to make an offer that fits within your budget, says Murphy. You can also ask questions about the item you’re hoping to buy to learn more about its backstory and the history of its ownership. Additionally, pointing out flaws or missing accessories can often help you get a discount, says Martin. Some retailers also offer discounts or deals when you buy multiple items, so don’t be afraid to ask.
Understand the Return Policy
It’s important to understand a store’s return policy before buying any electronic items. “Some places offer a short return window or limited warranties on electronics, while others sell everything ‘as is’,” says Martin. Knowing the return policy prior to making a purchase can help you decide if it’s worth spending the money on. Also, always keep your receipts, even if the store doesn’t offer a return policy, adds Martin. “It can help if you need to troubleshoot the item or track your purchases for other reasons,” he says.
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