Skuthus

The Power of Buying Used

I don’t think I’ve bought something new in a long time. I don’t have to. When I find something I want, I first research the hell out of it - I pour over every minute detail of its operation, watch guides on how its used, how to modify and repair it, and then, if I still want it, I look it up on eBay, OfferUp, and sometimes Craigslist. Typically, I can find barely used newer items (read: less than 30 days old) for 45-65% off their retail prices, and older items for much less.

I then confirm that the listing is legitimate by reverse searching the images (use tineye), checking the post for egregious grammar and spelling mistakes, and messaging the seller with some initial questions. If all goes well, and the seller responds appropriately, I offer to meet the seller wherever they are - I am always prepared to pay cash, drive to meet them, and I don’t try to lowball the price ever.

This pattern of buying items has worked extremely well for me since high school. I have been able to acquire tons of computers, electronics, games, books, records, and countless other things for a fraction of their original price. I take good care of the things I own and, as a result, I can usually re-sell things I no longer want or need for the same price as I bought them, sometimes for even more than I paid.

The key to all of this is to adopt a new mindset around things, especially things you want. I covet things just like everyone else, maybe more so. However, the value I assign those things is not based on my own demand. I center myself and my wants around real-world value. If I can get an object that would normally cost 500for400, what am I willing to sacrifice for the difference of $100?

The answer is usually the spectacle of getting something brand new, not having that initial unboxing experience, and sometimes not having a warranty or return period for an item. I negate these risks with the initial research phase of my purchase, where I determine if the thing needs a warranty at all, and how to fix it (if possible) if it is damaged. I factor all these things into my purchase decisions.

The other thing you need to be prepared to do is repair and/or maintain your item yourself. I purchased several film cameras over the last few years and when I got them I made sure that they were easily repairable, and avoided purchasing ones that did not have spare parts easily searchable online. When I bought my gameboy collection, I purchased along side it spare screens, buttons, and casings in case I dropped something. This is the kind of thing that increases the initial purchase amount slightly, but will save your ass when you drop a gameboy down the stairs on accident.

Finally, the last thing I make sure to do is assess the items compatibility with my existing collection. I will not purchase something that is wholly incompatible with my workflow. Using the film camera example from above, I ended up purchasing mostly Canon film cameras because of their compatibility with the EF lens system, which I already own and use for my digital camera. If I hadn’t thought about it, I might have gotten a Nikon film camera, requiring me to buy additional lens that are only compatible with Nikon, or a lens mount switcher, which cuts off the usable area of your lens and decreases quality slightly. I apply this thought process to everything I buy.

Basically, follow these steps: