For bargain shoppers, hitting up secondhand stores, garage sales and online resellers can be a no-brainer.
Actually, in most cases it
is a no-brainer.
But while buying used is a great way to
save money and ease our
savings accounts – and score some unique items – there are some things that are best purchased brand-spanking new.
Forget infamous online sales like a half-eaten piece of toast or pair of dirty socks; there are some cases where buying second hand isn’t just gross, it can be downright dangerous and maybe even an
FDA violation.
Baby cribs
Many parents fantasize about giving their babies the best — until reality hits.
Baby stuff costs a fortune and most kids grow out of it before the credit bill even arrives. That’s why buying used clothes, toys and other accessories for babies and young children is a great option.
But there’s one exception: cribs and children’s furniture. That’s because the safety standards for these items continue to evolve.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Administration enacted new mandatory safety standards for cribs that went into effect in 2011, which means cribs purchased before that time may not meet them.
Cribs are also occasionally subject to recalls, which can be difficult to determine years after the fact. Wear and tear as well as missing parts can also affect a used crib’s safety.
Does all this make a used crib a hazard? Not necessarily, but the problem is that it’s much harder to determine whether it’s safe enough for your baby.
Car seats
Did you know that many car seats have expiration dates?
Manufacturers often voluntarily stamp car seats with these dates (which tend to be about six years in the future) to ensure that parents are using seats that meet the latest safety standards.
Even if a car seat appears to be in good condition, it’s much like a crib: you just don’t know its history. If the seat has been in a crash, this can compromise its integrity, making it less reliable in a future collision.
Used seats might also be missing parts and/or instructions, which can make proper (and safe) installation nearly impossible.
Couches and other upholstery
Whether you’re trying to save money or just looking for some cool vintage furniture, there are some pieces you shouldn’t buy
secondhand.
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