As the only child who is also a firstborn, I have the luxury of getting new things for everything ranging from books to clothes to toys. In fact, I don't remember owning any hand me down items from my childhood.
However, while my family isn't frugal and is in fact, slaves of consumerism, my parents set a good example of maintaining their stuff and they always try to repair their things instead of throwing them right away when it's not working, so I emulated them and grew up learning how to take care of my things as well.
As I learnt more about sustainability, the cycle of consumption, how depreciation works and the concept of utility cost, I started to explore bartering, inheriting pre-loved and buying second hand as an alternative means to source for things instead of buying them from the stores
When it comes to buying something used, there are some rules that I have set for myself:
- I do not buy fabric furniture
Unlike clothes, linen and carpet that can be easily washed and cleansed, you can't exactly clean a fabric sofa or office chair on your own. Fabric traps dirt and a dust and dead skin cells from the previous owner. - I do not buy electronics
I can repair electrical appliances, do some minor fix to wooden furniture, and resolve computer software issues. I just can't deal with electronics. Electronics are too vulnerable and are intentionally made to phase out in a couple of years. They also come with a higher risk of malfunctioning and have shorter life span. Gaming consoles are exceptions, though. - I do not buy skincare/ make up/ toiletries or anything that you apply to the skin directly
Not just because of expiry and hygiene issues, but also you really won't know what kind of condition has those product went through that could have make them less effective, or even harmful for you - When it comes to anything that requires electricity, I do not pay deposits before I test it
Buying pre-loved helps to save not only your wallet but the environment too, but it's a waste of your time, money and mood to buy something that is entirely useless, and as pre-loved doesn't come with warranty, it's your own responsibility to fix it at your own cost or trash it (responsibly)
This month, I have started using Carousell to acquire pre-loved items as I needed some stuff and I didn't want to spend too much money on them, so allow me to share with you my seven new acquisitions
Do note that the original price, usage term, and reason-to-sell (RTS) is entirely based on what the sellers said, which means it may not be accurate as they may claim it to be newer or more expensive to make me feel it's worth the deal. Also, I did not factor in any depreciation due to usage term and existing condition.
1) Full Leather Office Chair ($80)
Original Price:
Over $200 from a furniture warehouse, unknown brand
Savings:
$120
RTS:
Leaving Singapore for good thus selling items that the seller doesn't want to bring along
Condition:
Used for 6 months. There was a slight abrasion at the back, probably from brushing against the wall. The left arm was wobbly, but it was easily fixed with a screwdriver. The stuffing in the left arm is a bit unbalanced as it tilts more to the outer side. Legs were a bit oxidised but it's still shiny. No issue with the seat, backrest, moving up-down, reclining all the way to almost horizontal. Self pick up since it's around the neighbourhood
Why I need it:
My back hurts from seating on a stool while working long hours from home, so getting an office chair is a saviour to my back.
IMO:
It's really comfortable and I like how it can recline low enough to be a nap chair, so it's not only comfy to sit but to lie in it too. I will probably use it lesser once I have to go back to the office, but it will still serve as a nice chair for sitting at the desk.
Expected Resale Value:
In the event when I really don't need this chair anymore, I should be able to fetch at least $60 even after using it for a few years as long as I maintain it well.
2) 36" Full Leather Punching Back ($50)
Original Price:
$285 from Ting Fong Enterprise
Savings:
$230
RTS:
Leaving Singapore for good thus selling items that the seller does not intend to bring along (same seller as above)
Condition:
Used minimally for less than a year. The chains were rusty due to the humidity as it was placed outside the house in a sheltered area. No issue with the bag itself. The bag is still very firm and there's no sign of wear and tear in the leather and stitches at all. Self pick up since it's around the neighbourhood
Why I need it:
I have been wanting it for two and a half years, but it's too expensive for my wallet and there wasn't room for it. Thanks to the circuit breaker I have managed to take some time and clear out a large space to accommodate the punching bag. Whacking the punching bag twice a week in the dojo just isn't enough.
IMO:
Despite the rusty chains, it is still a really good deal. The rust doesn't really matter as I'm replacing it with stainless steel chains (no cost) so I don't have to deal with rust again. The only thing that remains rusty is just the triangular metal parts that connects the bag to the chain, which is already scrubbed off and oiled
Expected Resale Value:
I don't see myself getting rid of it as I still enjoy my martial arts a lot and will probably be committing for life, but just in the case I will be living in a smaller space or be relocated to overseas at work, I should be able to fetch at least $150 for the bag with the stainless steel chain.
3) 160 cm x 200 cm Turkish Carpet ($80)
Original Price:
Over $500 after discount in a sale, so the original price should be higher. The brand is Angora, and it's in the Minerva collection. Made in Turkey.
Savings:
$420 + $15 (delivery)
RTS:
Leaving Singapore for good thus selling items that the seller do not intend to bring along (not the same seller as the first two)
Condition:
Steam-cleaned. Has a couple of stains and watermark but have verified with the seller on the cause and it's nothing gross. The seller was very kind to deliver it to my place as he happened to be around the area, thus saving me a lot of time and at least $15 on transport on the assumption that I made my way there by public transport and take a grab home.
Why I need it:
Since I cleared a large space in my room, there is more room for activity so a carpet can help to 1) keep my feet warm, 2) let me roll/sit on the floor more comfortably, 3) cushion any impact from my exercise.
IMO:
I wouldn't lie to say I don't mind the stains at all, but there's no odour and they blend in quite well into the carpet so it's not something I will be too bothered by. I'm looking at the bright side and see it as an opportunity to experiment with various stain removal techniques.
The touch of the carpet is really nice, though, and I find myself on the floor more often than the bed. It is indeed the kind of luxury you can feel at your feet.
Expected Resale Value:
I'm really not sure on this but given the stains and watermark coupled with the fact that I plan to use it for at least another few years, and not many people are looking at carpets of this size (the most popular is 2m x 3m), I think the resale value will be close to nothing, but I will put a 75% off and count it $20
4) Dyson AM06 Table Fan ($80)
Original Price:
$479
Savings:
$399
RTS:
The family got a tower fan as a replacement. Initially, they intend to rely on just fans for cooling, so they got quite a few fans (including a ceiling fan) at home, but they have finally succumbed to the heat in Singapore and decided to install air conditioner after the circuit breaker, so they are looking for a really fast deal to en-cash the fan.
Condition:
Just a few scratches that are not obvious unless you look really close. In perfect working condition. The interior is very dusty but I managed to clean it out extremely well. Self collect since it's in the neighbourhood
Why I need it:
I don't turn on the air-con when I'm working in the day, and due to the recent rainy seasons, it has been very humid in my house, that I'm usually drenched in sweat before lunch even when all doors and windows are opened for ventilation.
There is a small wall fan in the living room but it's too far from the other end of the corner where I sit (with the power) and it's inconvenient to move my whole computer along with the desk and its peripherals, so I have decided to get a desk fan.
Of course, I could have gotten a cheaper desk fan but I have a cat hopping on to desk when we are not looking so it's a convenient excuse I can use to justify a Dyson in the name of the cat's safety.
IMO:
It's apparent that the fan has been well utilised and rarely maintained, given the amount of dust revealed when I removed the head of the fan. The head is easily washed with a spray tap ( Tip: Spray the water from the outlet to prevent dust from clogging).
Honestly, I was very curious about the fan and wonder what's the hype about, so I took the base of the fan apart (3 levels and 7 screws) which thankfully I did because there was more dust in the interior of the base and the blades of the fan (in the base) that is powered by a motor. I carefully cleaned out all the dust I could in the interior and examined the structure to figure out how it works before I assemble all the parts again.
The fan works perfectly at all speed and there's no issue with oscillation. It also gives me peace of mind to know that it is cleaned thoroughly. However, this is just a temporary relief for me after all and I probably won't be using it once I resume work in the office, so unless my parents want to keep it as a spare or we decided to keep it to feel atas for owning a Dyson fan, I will most likely sell it off after circuit breaker officially ends.
Expected Resale Value:
The next lowest price on the same model is $180 and it's not even working (the seller gave the reason that you can buy it to trade in with Dyson when you buy a new fan and thus still have savings even after you deduct the $180 cost). A used working fan of the same model starts at $200. I'm pretty sure I can easily sell it for $150 or even higher especially when I could do another throughout cleaning without spoiling it. Or I can trade-in for a higher value if I ever want to get a new Dyson fan, which I doubt so.
5) Professional Hot and Cold Facial Steamer with UV for disinfection ($30)
Original Price:
Around $60 +. I checked on the Chinese website and buying a single unit would cost $63.80, and even a unit price for bulk purchase cost RMB 220, or around $44. The seller mentioned that she got it from an agent, so factoring import, logistics, and commission cost, I think $60 is believable.
Savings:
$30
Condition:
It is a few years old, but electrical appliances don't break down easily and it is working perfectly after a detailed inspection and testing on all 3 functions. The device is also clean and well maintained. Self pick-up as the beauty salon is just a block away.
RTS:
The seller is downsizing her beauty salon and moving to the adjacent block where she can share the rent with another tenant, so she doesn't need as many equipments and is looking for fast deal
Why I need it:
Because I missed the golden opportunity to take care of my skin so all the problems are starting to catch up (Girls, please start your skincare regime as early as possible).
Just in case you are interested to know why girls spend money on facial steamers, the hot steam is used to open up the pores and help loosen any buildup of dirt for a deeper cleanse, and softens whiteheads/ blackheads for easier removal, whereas the cold steam helps to close your pores and hydrates your skin.
IMO:
I think this is definitely better than the personal facial steamers that are sold in stores or promoted online, which I deemed either inefficient, overpriced, or both. This device also allows me to enjoy the mist while lying down, instead of sitting up like what other facial steamers require.
Expected Resale Value:
The seller listed the device at a higher price but I negotiated lower. I think I can sell it at the same price, but it's a matter of demand because most beauty salon would have already bought it, and it's unlikely I would know if anyone is about to start a salon.
In addition, not every girl is comfortable to get a professional-grade steamer without a professional beautician to keep an eye on it, but in case you are looking for one, just let me know and I will refer you to her as she still has a few of those left.
In the mean time, I will factor a 50% loss and set the expected resale value to $15
6) Bokken & Jo - wooden sword and staff used in martial arts ($15)
Original Price:
At least $70
Savings:
$55
Condition:
Perfect. No scratches, no cracks no chips, as if it was never used before. Just two simple long pieces of wood. Self pick-up from the neighbourhood
RTS:
The seller used to train in the same martial art but has quit for many years without any intention of returning, so he's just clearing some old stuff.
Why I need it:
It will be required in my training. While I can borrow it from the dojo during classes, having my own set will still be better for my own practice and improvisation.
IMO:
It's a standardised wooden weapon made to last, really can't comment much about it because it's too simple, without wires like the steamer, motors like the fan or parts like a chair. It's just a simple long piece of wood used for attacks.
Expected Resale Value: A full second hand set of three with a pouch starts at $70, I only have two but supposed each of them can still be sold for at least $20
7) Antique Rosewood Table with Marble Top and Mirror ($290)
Original Price:
$2000. The seller bought it from an antique store in Orchard for $2000 and have used it for nine years.
Savings:
$1710
Condition:
Other than some light scratches, there are two slight openings at the back of the side of the mirror, most likely due to expansion, which I can try to fix when I have the time. Even if I can't fix them, they are at the back which will be against the wall so it's not really visible.
RTS:
They have changed the overall home colour scheme and the table no longer fits in.
Why I need it:
I was looking for a dresser, one with a large mirror so I can stop using the circular table mirror ( the one that flips) for my make up, and have a proper place to put my array of products that do the magic to my face.
IMO:
I opted for pre-loved because those with really good wood are too expensive and I don't want to compromise on quality, which is why I ruled out Ikea immediately because of how notorious its wood quality is.
To sum it up, my criteria for the dresser are: 1) comes with a large mirror, 2) made of good quality wood that can last for a very long time, 3) must be aesthetically pleasing since it is a piece of large furniture that will be placed in my room, and 4) below my budget of $300
Expected Resale Value:
There is no proof that this a real antique and I'm no expert in the field, but I don't think the seller lied about their purchase price because even a 10-year-old $500 wooden drawer chest can fetch a resale price of $250 so there is no perk to inflate the purchase value to that extent.
Furthermore, I have witnessed a few rich families throwing out the remaining set of a luxurious collection just because one was broken, and even pieces of good furniture and perfect-condition linen just because they no longer suit the theme that they change every few years, so I guess it's common for the affluent not to consider much about their loss or resale value when they are getting rid of unwanted products
Even if it's not an antique piece but just a normal wood dresser with marble top, the quality, design, craftsmanship is already at a high standard that it would still fetch a higher resale price. Nonetheless, the demand is low since dressers are not something that is essential (my mom never had one and I lived past two decades without it), and people generally don't change their dresser frequently, I will just assume that it can at least be re-sold at $250 for a fast deal.
Since there is no way I can verify the original prices, I will not do a summary of the hypothetical savings but conclude how much I am actually spending on these things
Total Cost: $ 80+50+80+80+30+15+290 = $625
Total Expected Resale Value = $ 60+150+20+150+20+40+250 = $690
Assuming I were to sell all of this away after using them for a year, not only am I spending nothing at all, I will even have a conservative surplus of $65!
Even if I can't sell them off at all, the low acquisition cost of $625 for these seven items would allow me to enjoy all of these for many years and therefore further lower the utility cost.
So that's it from me on my Carousell shopping spree. Do you think it's unrealistic to expect such resale value? What are your views on getting second-handed goods? What are the things that you are willing to buy used or insist on getting them new? Please share your thoughts with me and many thanks for reading.
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