15 guides
Secondhand buying and selling guides
Plain-English guides to buying used with confidence and selling what you don't need. Always check recalls for safety items. We don't post deals or earn affiliate fees.
Buying used
What to check, furniture, electronics, cars and clothes.
- Before you buy anything used
Five checks that prevent most regrets.
- Buying used furniture
Solid wood is a great buy. Upholstery needs a closer look.
- Used and refurbished electronics
Certified refurbished is often the safer bet.
- Used car basics
History, inspection, recalls, and the total cost.
- Secondhand clothes and shoes
Kids' clothes especially: they grow out of them fast.
Stay safe
Recalls, items to buy new, scams and meeting safely.
- Check for recalls before you buy
The model number and two minutes online.
- Items to always buy new
Safety gear with an unknown history isn't worth the risk.
- Online marketplace scams
Fake payments, deposits and verification codes.
- Meeting buyers and sellers safely
Public places, daylight, and a friend.
Selling your stuff
Decluttering, pricing, donating and taxes.
- Declutter and sell: where to start
Sell the valuable few, donate the rest.
- How to price and list items to sell
Check what similar items actually sold for.
- Donating, and the tax deduction
A deduction usually only helps if you itemize.
- Do I owe tax on things I sell?
Usually not on personal items sold at a loss.
Where to look
Thrift stores, yard sales, swaps and marketplaces.
- Thrift stores and yard sales
Go often, go early, and bring a list.
- Buy-nothing groups, swaps and libraries of things
Sometimes the best price is free.