“Smells I like:
Smell of morning when you get up early
And the smell of the pillow before I fall asleep.
Smell of mowed grass
And dad after shaving.
Soap that costs dearly
And a car of bread in the morning.
Grain store smell
And a new car inside.” (Yehuda Atlas)
Most of us derive pleasure from tearing the rustling wrapper of a new product and knowing that we are the first to touch the item, but, with a little rummaging and legwork (in stores and on foot) you can find what you need at a considerable discount and get back in control of your spending.
The dictionary definition of second-hand goods is: “A commodity belonging to a person or entity that is not engaged in commerce, and is offered for sale by him after he has bought it with the aim of using it himself and usually also used it.”
Used goods are significantly cheaper than new goods. The profit is double – the seller can get back some of the money they invested in buying the product, and the buyer earns a good quality product at a much cheaper price. Moreover, sales of used goods help protect the environment and reduce our ecological footprint.
Why not pay less and get more?
You can find almost any product imaginable – electrical appliances, furniture, clothes, mobile phones, computers, books, gym memberships and even airline tickets.
The Consumer Protection Law does not apply to the sale of products by a private person, but applies only to the contract between a dealer (limited liability company or authorized dealer) and a private consumer, so there are no “regrets” or the possibility of canceling the purchase and getting the money back, so the goods should be checked carefully before payment.
There is no price list for the products, the price is determined according to several factors: the price of the same product when it is new, the age of the product, its condition (“like new”, never worn) – and beyond that – how much you are willing to pay. If the seller is indeed a private individual and not a trader, there is no problem bargaining. The rules for purchasing used products are similar to the rules before going shopping – conduct market research, compare prices and bargain. Check the price of similar products advertised online for sale to get general price information.
Payment – Despite our habit of pulling out a credit card and asking to pay in installments, when buying from a private person you pay in cash. Insert the purchase into the expenses category for that month.
Technological products (phones or computers) – technology is changing and renewing rapidly. Companies come out every year or two with a new product. A phone or laptop from one generation less than the newest product costs thousands of shekels less than the same product when it is new. You can definitely give up on the status icon and on your browsing speed and still be up to date. The differences between a new product and a used product in the technology product category can be up to half the price. It is also possible to purchase refurbished products, new products that have been on display or that have been used and renewed. These products can often also be purchased with a warranty.
Electrical and electronic products – there is no reason to buy new products for a student apartment, and you have no need for a 3-door refrigerator. Air conditioners, washing machines, and used refrigerators are sold for only a few hundred shekels, but you must take into account the costs of transportation/disassembly/assembly. Check with the seller if there is a product warranty in case of malfunction.
Cell phones – purchasing second-hand mobile phones (in stores or from friends) requires examination: the external condition of the device, how long it was in use, the warranty status, and who you are buying from. Check that there are all the necessary accessories, memory cards, headphone wire, etc. depending on the device.
Furniture – Don’t be intimidated by furniture that doesn’t complete your dream or doesn’t fit the set you have in the dining area. You can always paint/upholster to make it look new.
Clothes and designer clothes – A well-known saying goes: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Second-hand stores or home sales make it possible to purchase clothes from well-known brands for just a few dozen shekels. Buying second-hand clothing allows you to be unique, the items you wear you probably won’t see on anyone else. Forget the shopping experience, air-conditioned fitting rooms, and the answer to the question “do you have it in black?”. Check what you need at home in front of you closet – a warm coat? A dress for an occasion? Tailored pants? Don’t be tempted by products you didn’t think you needed at home. Bring patience, cash, and check the garment carefully before purchasing: holes (moths are good friends of old garments), stains, make sure the zipper/buttons are in working order. Never purchase underwear or a swimsuit, and ideally put all items in the washing machine before putting it in your wardrobe.
Free is also possible: Agora and Yad 2 are sites that allow people to give away their unnecessary items for free, instead of being thrown away or left unused, to other people who are looking for them. On the site you can pass along items and request items that others have posted. The responsibility for transporting the items rests with the recipient, so look for products from your area of residence. The advertiser is responsible for accurately reflecting the condition of the items. You can find electrical appliances, furniture, clothing, books and media, musical instruments, and sporting goods.
Garage Sale: Although most of us live in condominiums or in a private house that lacks a garage, many families who move prefer to sell the property they have accumulated rather than move with it to their new home – furniture, decorative objects, toys, and clothes. Notices about these sales are usually posted in the neighborhood, and your house can be furnished cheaply. Payment is in cash, it is worth haggling, there is no possibility of regretting and returning, and the transport/assembly is the responsibility of the buyer.
Sharing is caring. Why buy if you can borrow?
Sometimes we need tools, camping equipment, animal supplies, or – hopefully not – medical equipment. Right before you spend hundreds of shekels on an object that will take up space in your house and will hardly be used, turn to social projects to borrow equipment. Yad Sarah is the leader in lending medical equipment, in many cities in Israel bicycles can be borrowed, in the Florentin neighborhood of Tel Aviv there is a lending library for objects, and Lendu is a social network for lending objects between friends. Be sure to return the product after use intact.
