---
source_url: "https://www.consumerreports.org/shopping/be-smart-about-buying-secondhand/?utm_source=openai"
title: Be Smart About Buying Secondhand - Consumer Reports
mirrored_at: 2026-08-09T01:02:24.668Z
host: www.consumerreports.org
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mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.consumerreports.org/shopping/be-smart-about-buying-secondhand/index__q__utm_source_openai"
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> **Original source:** https://www.consumerreports.org/shopping/be-smart-about-buying-secondhand/?utm_source=openai

"In the past, buying secondhand was looked down upon as something people did when they didn't have money to shop new, but now it's seen as trendy," says Elizabeth Basa, owner of Family Tree Resale, a Chicago-based store that also offers online thrift shopping. It's also good for the planet, not to mention your wallet. You can save about 80 percent by buying used, she says. Try these tips for savvy shopping:

**Think "local" for large items.** Basa suggests looking at local thrift stores and sites like Facebook Marketplace for [furniture](https://www.consumerreports.org/furniture-stores/best-places-to-buy-furniture-for-your-home/) and [appliances](https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/used-appliances-should-you-buy-one/) so that you don't have to ship them.

**Shop sites that authenticate.** Browsing for designer clothing? Sites like Poshmark and The RealReal authenticate items, so you can be confident you're not buying a fake.

**Check seller reviews and policies.** For higher-end purchases, buy only from online sellers who have a substantial record of positive feedback and reviews. And check their return policies; some are very strict.