In our parents’ era, everything had to be brand new. It’s easy to scoff at people who purchase second-hand furniture or anything else. Trash isn’t always trash. Some things are just garbage.
In this guide, we talk about the pros and cons of buying second-hand furniture and where to find them in Singapore. Let’s get started.
Why buy furniture that isn’t brand new?
Secondly, it’s environmentally friendly, and it also helps you save money. No, not unless you want your home to be full of clutter. On the other hand, it’s easy to pick up a $12. Obviously, this isn’t great for the environment. That means you also tend to buy new furniture and replace it without really thinking about whether or not it’s good for the environment. It’s definitely not the most sustainable thing to do!
It’s better to buy second-hand furniture than to buy new furniture. It would be more impactful if you didn’t reuse your plastic bags, carried a metal straw around, and tried to be conscientious about reducing your use of single-use plastics. Buying used is always better than buying brand new, but furniture is even cheaper than ever.
Well, that really depends. The more expensive an item is, the more expensive it is to buy new. You can often get a good deal by buying used items, which means you don’t have to pay as much as if you were to buy a new item.
Besides those two reasons, there are several others who like to shop second-hand as well. You can get more unique, one-of-a-kind items. Why not buy a second-hand couch? It’s a good investment and it’ll add a little character to your home.
Is it difficult to find second-hand furniture that is in good shape?
You can sell your items to other sellers. Some people try to sell their furniture second-hand, but there are also many other sellers who are trying to get rid of something that is new or barely used.
When people move into their first homes they usually get housewarming gifts like an air fryer, a rice cooker, or a toaster. That’s why it’s important for them to get them. Many home buyers are selling their appliances on Carousell, so you can easily buy a BNIB appliance on Carousell.
Carousell has three conditions: brand new, like new, and used. This feature is great for those seeking items in good condition.
Should you purchase second-hand?
Photo by Martin Péchy: https://www.pexels.com/photo/2-seat-orange-leather-sofa-beside-wall-1866149/
A second-hand mattress should not be used. Germs, bacteria, and bugs that are invisible to the naked eye can still be found on a mattress. If you buy an old mattress, there is a good chance there will be some kind of mold.
For the best choice in furniture, choose hard wood or other furniture that isn’t upholstered. There are more cost-effective ways of reupholstering a chair or sofa than paying to have it professionally done.
There are tips to keep in mind when shopping for furniture
Here are some things to keep in mind when buying second-hand pieces:
- A clear idea of what you want is what you should have
- You shouldn’t get swept away by cheap deals
- Don’t pay a lot for vintage items
- Think about transportation.
Knowing what you want
First rule of buying furniture? Don’t browse aimlessly if you know what you want.
It’s because of the sheer volume and variety of items that are available that it’s easy to get sidetracked. There is no such thing as “wrong” purchases; however, it can take time for you to become more familiar with some products.
You’ll want to measure and determine the size, style and function of the piece you’re considering buying before you commit.
Don’t get taken away by cheap deals
Sometimes people will give away their furniture for free in exchange for cheap pieces on marketplace apps. It’s tempting to get a free item, but think about whether you really need it and whether it works with your furniture.
Don’t pay a lot of money for vintage pieces
One caution: don’t pay too much for vintage pieces.
If you are planning to purchase something because it’s rare, valuable, or vintage, be cautious. Rare items should be treated with respect and caution. If you aren’t a vintage furniture collector with expertise in evaluating furniture (or if you don’t have someone who can help you assess it), take the seller’s description with a grain of salt.
Think of transportation
Third-party sellers offer some of the best deals in used and vintage goods. But you have to consider logistics and costs when shopping online.
If you’re buying online, they should be able to arrange delivery. This is usually an extra charge, but worth paying if you don’t want to spend hours driving around town on your own. If you’re going to buy peer-to-peer (ie from an individual), it’s important that you find out how the company is run and what it’s like to be a member.
Yes, you certainly can move your furniture by yourself. If you want to have it shipped to your home, then make sure you know how the item can be disassembled. If the seller offers to break down the item, it’s a safe bet that the item is made by the same manufacturer as the rest of the items in the set.
You can either take public transport for small pieces, grab a ride via Grab, rent a car, or engage movers. Don’t assume that buying and using a Grab is more expensive than hiring a car or moving company. LAALOVE, GOBOX, and The Lorry are the best moving companies.
When buying second-hand furniture, it is important to check it out
Buying second-hand furniture isn’t all about finding low prices, but doing your due diligence. You’ll want to check the furniture and decide if it’s worth buying or not.
Here are a few things to look for:
- Check the dimensions
- Check the original price
- Check for signs of damage
- Check the upholstery
- Check the structural stability
Check the dimensions: You should check the dimensions of the furniture the very first thing you do. It will not be possible for you to get it if it does not fit.
Check the original price: If the item is in great condition and still functions as expected, you can get $10 to $15 off the original price. Before buying your ride, do a little research. When calculating what it will cost you to buy a Grab, take into account what it will cost you for your transportation method.
Check for signs of damage: You can also check for any damage here. Look at the surface for any signs of damage, including scratches, chips, marks, and stains.
Don’t worry – if you aren’t an expert in woodworking, you’ll be fine with products that are slightly damaged. The more skill you have with a saw and hammer, the better you will be able to hide any imperfections, so it really comes down to your own level of comfort.
When it comes to describing a new product’s condition, sellers might be selling themselves short. Furniture can be prone to a variety of problems that can make it difficult to sell.
Check the upholstery: We don’t recommend buying used upholstery. It might be in good shape, but it might be in bad shape. If you do not know what to expect, take a seat and give the padding. Don’t wear pieces with cushions. It’s important to avoid pieces that look like they’ve begun to fall.
Now that you know if the piece has been invaded by bed bugs, you should get rid of any remaining bugs. Bed bugs are small and easy to miss in the cracks of furniture. There are dark and rusty spots on your bedding, clothing, and mattress. Bed bugs have odors.
PS: bedbugs are much more prevalent in sleeping spaces or near sleeping spaces. Bedbugs are more likely to live in beds and couches than they are in upholstered chairs.
Check the structural stability: Stress-test the furniture is the best way to do this. Sit on it if it is a sofa. Put some weight on the shelf. Check to see if the weight is distributed evenly.
A good price is advertised by furniture sellers in order to make a purchase. The seller needs to have multiple pictures of the item from different angles. If possible, you should ask for a photo of the inside, a good-quality lock, and a key.
It’s always good to let your seller know that you’re interested. Just make sure to get a look at the item in person first. It’s easier to review an item in person than to commit to a purchase and later find out it doesn’t meet your needs.
Buy second-hand furniture in Singapore
Are you ready to take the leap? There are some places in Singapore where you can buy second-hand furniture.
- Thrift stores or second-hand stores
- Online marketplaces
- Facebook groups
- Classified ads
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