Ready to find out more about the things to never buy from the thrift store?
If we take a quick look at the retail industry, we can easily see that thrift stores are an important part, and people love them for the unique shopping experience and the affordable prices. But there are some things to never buy from the thrift store.
The “re-commerce” market is more popular than ever, and if we look at the statistics, there are more than 25,000 retailers all around the United States. Some call them thrift shops; others prefer non-profit shops or consignment shops, but no matter the name, they all have the same purpose.
Each year, thrift stores prevent millions of pounds of clothes from ending up in landfills, promote neighborhood development, and are frequently connected to nearby nonprofit organizations.
And even if you can buy some good stuff, such as some clothing or even a new couch, you should know what things to never buy from the thrift store.
1. Stuffed animals and other plushies
Even if they are quite popular and people prefer to buy them for such cheap prices, plushies are one of the things to never buy from the thrift store.
We know that some brand-new toys can be costly, and when you see one for less than half the price, you are tempted to buy it; it’s a bargain after all, but we think it is a better idea to always buy them new.
These cute plushies are the perfect home for dust mites and many other pests, and you don’t want to bring them home. Also, they are dangerous for kids and can trigger various conditions.
Moreover, given their age, these toys can carry hazardous materials or substances harmful to the young. Purchasing plushie toys from the shop is preferable if you want to protect the health and safety of the children.
2. Vaccum cleaners
Your vacuum cleaner is probably your best find when you’re cleaning your house. And if you like to have a tidy home, you know how important a performant vacuum cleaner is.
These machines are made from different sensible parts, such as filters, tubes, and hoses, that need to be in exceptional condition to be able to keep all the dust particles inside and never let them out in the air.
This is the exact reason why vacuum cleaners are on the list of things to never buy from the thrift store. Only testing will tell you whether these components are functioning correctly, and even then, it might not be sufficient. Therefore, it’s best to get a new one rather than compromise your health.
If you want to be sure that you bought a good vacuum cleaner that is safe to use and that has customer service and warranties, you better buy a brand-new one. In this way, you can be sure that your money was well spent.
3. Underwear and swimsuits
This is one of those things that just kind of makes sense without any further explanation. Undergarments are simply some of the things to never buy from the thrift store. Underwear that has been used before can be, first of all, unhygienic, and second, you might not feel comfortable wearing it.
Even if they seem new and are also brand new, this doesn’t mean that the underwear has not been used before, and it can carry bacteria and other germs from the previous owner. This can cause disease and skin infections, and we are sure you don’t want that.
Also, swimsuits are another one of the things to never buy from the thrift store. It is all based on all the reasoning behind what we already told you about the underwear, but when you add up some water, things can turn out even worse. Bacteria thrive in water, and this increases your chances of getting a disease.
Furthermore, they could not fit you well in terms of size, which means you won’t get the comfort you need from a swimsuit. It’s always preferable to spend money on something better and new for your comfort and well-being.
4. Car seats and baby cribs
If you enter a thrift shop, it is not that unusual to stumble on a baby crib or a car seat. Both are items that people use for a limited amount of time, and after that, they become more or less useless.
But these are definitely some of the things to never buy from the thrift store because if they are damaged or outdated, they can put the lives of the babies in danger.
It’s possible that older cribs don’t comply with modern safety regulations, such as those requiring drop-side bars or certain slat spacing. Car seats may not adequately protect a child in an accident if they have expired or have been in a prior crash.
That being said, we don’t recommend you thrift for anything safety-related. Better buy the items new, and in this way, everything will go according to plan. Nobody wants to have their lives put in danger because of inadequate equipment.
5. China and vintage crystal
Maybe this is a surprising fact, but vintage porcelain or crystal that is sold at thrift stores could include traces of lead that are harmful to people.
Up until the late 20th century, lead was frequently added to glass to give crystal an extra layer of weight and clarity. Thrift stores might not have the resources or experience to identify ancient crystals, and it can be challenging to confirm their authenticity without the right knowledge or tools.
If you need to identify whether your crystal has lead in it or not, you can use the following tip: Take a knife and gently tap it. If it makes a chiming sound, it is most probably lead crystal. If the sound is duller, you probably have some regular glass.
6. Skincare products and makeup
If you want to keep a skincare routine, you will need some products, and the prices that you can find in a thrift store might make you think that it is a good idea to purchase your products there. But is it?
Experts say not at all. They consider makeup and skincare products some of the things to never buy from the thrift store. Generally speaking, it is not advised to purchase skincare or beauty goods from thrift stores since there is a chance that they may be contaminated or expired.
If you use expired makeup, there is a chance that you will get some type of reaction, such as irritation or even an infection. It’s also possible that certain items have had their labels changed or mislabeled, which makes it challenging to determine what is inside the item and whether it is safe or not.
7. Electronics
Second-hand electronics are one of the main draws of thrift shops. While that isn’t always the case, you may occasionally get branded, high-quality products at a significant discount.
But if you ask us, electronics are among the things to never buy from the thrift store. Before making any big purchases from a thrift store, make sure to do your research carefully. Only a few items can be repaired for a good price or function properly.
It is wise to keep purchasing new devices since doing so will ultimately save you a great deal of hassle.
If you need a new vacuum cleaner, this one is a good choice: Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor
You should also read: 6 Amazing Online Shopping Hacks to Save Hundreds of Dollars
