Tips for buying second hand

Buying second-hand takes some preparation. Thrift stores are not like traditional stores where there is endless inventory. Often it is a unique opportunity for that one item. And you don't want to miss that opportunity because you are not prepared.

With these tips for buying second-hand, you can get started right away!

1. Don't be in a hurry

We are used to ordering something today and having it delivered tomorrow. This is often not the case when buying second-hand. If you want to buy second-hand, you have to be patient and especially not in a hurry.

2. Know your dimensions

Are you looking for a coffee table, a sofa or another object that has a certain size (needed)? Make sure you save this and always have it with you. That way you never have to doubt whether it fits in your space.

Also make sure you know what will and will not fit in your home. Do you have a narrow stairwell? Write down the dimensions, because you want your brand new second-hand sofa to fit through your stairwell.

3. Make a list

If you are looking for different things that are less of a priority, it is nice to make a list. Make a note on your phone for example. And add to the list when you think you need something.

For example, I recently needed a new glass measuring cup, which I never buy new. I put it on my list and as soon as I'm at the thrift store and I find one, I can cross it off. If I don't find it, it just stays on the list. If you don't write it down, you run the risk of forgetting it or buying new, even though that probably wasn't necessary.

4. Set notifications

Do you buy via Marktplaats or Facebook Marketplace? Then set notifications. You set a notification on a search query. For example 'coffee table glass', you can also set your kilometer radius and possibly price limit. This way you will be automatically notified when there is a listing with your search query.

It's so convenient, you don't have to check your phone every hour to see if something new has been added.

5. Be creative

One of the downsides of second-hand shopping is that you (almost) never find the exact item you want. But with a little creativity, you can often go a long way. Have you found the perfect set of dining chairs, but they are not the right color? You can easily solve this by sanding them down and varnishing/painting them.

Materials such as wood, plastic, stone and synthetic materials are often easy to paint in a different colour.

6. Know what fits in your car

From experience I can say that I am sometimes a bit too optimistic when it comes to the space in my car. And I have been in a parking lot (or more often) and my purchased cabinet just didn't fit in my car.

You learn from that too (after a few times...). Measure your car and know what fits and what doesn't. If it doesn't, most thrift stores offer a delivery service for an additional fee.

Are you buying something on Marktplaats? There are several transport companies that will pick up your purchased (large) furniture from the seller and deliver it to you. You can easily do this via the internet.