10 Things You Should Never Buy Used

I am a thrifty/frugal shopper who loves finding deals at consignment or thrift stores. However, we really should draw a line sometimes.
The Top Ten
1 Underwear

Most of the items on this list are totally unacceptable since Covid-19 because it can spread diseases from other people.

Why would ANYONE think of selling their used underwear. That's just wrong and someone could get sick

Imagine, if you bought underpants and there was a poop stain. Nope not in a million years

Ah, a great way to make money. A skidmark here, some knob cheese there, add in some urine, & voila, recycled chic

2 Adult Toys

This one should be number 1. Do NOT buy a used sex toy because it can spread STDs and the recent Covid-19. Another reason why is because they made be damaged (ex. scratches) so they can irritate your genitals.

Yeah, no. Just no.

3 Bathing Suits

Yeah. That's just gross. My son is the only exception, as his are bleached heavily and he wears swim diapers under his, so there is no direct contact.

What to do? Splurge. They aren't that expensive at Target.

See comment on adult toys.

4 Mattresses

Okay, this one just seems gross to me. However, even if you can get past the concept, you really only should buy new mattresses. There are several health-related reasons for this including dust mites, bodily fluids (yes, it's gross, but it is true), and bed bugs. Yes... I said it, bed bugs. What are they? They are not just part of a cute little rhyme you use when putting your children to bed. They are real live blood-sucking insects that live in mattresses. They were almost eradicated in the 1950s, but have been on the rise worldwide recently. Speculation is that the increase in world-wide travel has taken these creatures abroad and they are rampant in some places. Most places have regulations that either prohibit the sell of used mattresses or require tags that require markings noting that the mattress is not new. Same thing goes for refurbished mattresses, which are made with recycled mattress parts. That's why that big annoying tag that says "all new material" is on your mattress. ...more

I wanted to buy some stuff from the Riviera Las Vegas and the Trump Taj Mahal liquidation sale but my parents wouldn't let me. Mattresses wasn't even on my list.

Bed bugs and body fluids are quite commonly produced. It's always best to get rid of your mattress after 4-5 years with it.

How do you know no one laid on the mattress naked?

5 Make Up

This should be either #1 or #2. Underwear is very bad too. Bathing suits are third.

That's not good because people put makeup right on their face.

6 Helmets

Let's face it, a helmet may seem fine on the outside, but the inner shell might be damaged, thus affecting shock absorption. Helmets can only withstand one crash. You may don't want to buy an old helmet either, as materials can also degrade after a few 5-7ish years even when it's unused - erodes faster yet if it's made of polycarbonate.

Same as with car seats, if these have been in an accident, it is best not to endanger your skull by putting it in there. And some internal, hidden damage could have occurred, so there is no guarantee that your self-inspection would catch any damage done to the shell. This goes for helmets of all types - motorcycle, bicycle, skating, etc. What to do? Same as child seat - buy new or from someone that you literally trust your life with.

These things mould to only one head. Protection is not guaranteed, & besides, a decent, brand new one is only slightly dearer

7 Catheters
8 Mouthguards

That is just gross. The last thing I want is to put something in my mouth that's been in someone else's mouth.

I would never buy a used mouth guard no matter how many times they've washed it.

Why would anyone try to sell this in the first place!?!?!?

9 Deodorant
10 Pillows

You could get lice from using a used pillow.

The Contenders
11 Car Seat / Booster Seat

Unless you know the people who are the previous owners (and by know, I mean well - like they are your sister or something), never buy a vehicle safety device for your child second-hand. If these seats are in accidents - even minor fender-benders - they can be rendered unsafe. Without knowledge of the driving history of the previous owners, you do not want to risk using a car seat that would not protect your child in the event of an accident.

12 Hot Tubs

Seriously, people. Disgusting. Have you ever seen a set of jets properly cleaned out? It takes a LOT of chemicals and a LOT of work - more than most people are willing to invest (yeah... it's easier to sell if than really clean it good). And who knows who/what has been sitting in that tub. Ughhh.

What to do? Buy brand new only or find something else to spend your money on. Even if it is family you want to buy from... you just don't want to know them on that level.

13 Children's Shoes

Children's feet are developing at an intense speed and are still very pliable. While it is uncomfortable to wear adult shoes that have been broken in by another person, it can be downright detrimental to the development of a child's feet. Serious foot problems could result that would require corrective surgery later in life for that child. Please take the time to buy good, supportive shoes for your child - especially the ones that they will be wearing for an extended period of time. And never put hard-soled shoes on your infant. Infants really don't need shoes until they are ready to walk, and then they need "walking shoes" designed to assist in the correct development of their tootsies. As long as it is not a safety issue, barefoot is always best, so if they are inside or you have a foot-friendly yard, let them run barefoot (or with socks indoors in the winter)

What to do? My advice is this - splurge on the pair(s) that they will wear regularly. For instance, our son has one ...more

When I outgrew my toddler-sized sneakers my mom gave them to my little cousins

14 Bras
15 Hard Drives
16 Skates

Just like shoes, above, even if you can get over the thoughts of what might have lurked between the toes of the previous owner and have heavily sanitized them as well, skates - if have been used for any length of time - will mold to the foot of the user and therefore, will never properly fit. They will then cause you much discomfort and possible actual foot damage.

What to do? Unless you really know what to look for, buy only from known sources who don't skate, but really wanted to learn. If they gave up quickly, there is your opportunity.

17 Microwaves
18 Game Consoles

I bought a used xbox 360 and it had family controls on it, I couldn't play any m rated games or t rated games without the password I only had call of duty games and bully scholarship edition, it was unplayable, I gave it back for a refund

I'm going to get PlayStation 5 for Christmas 2022 but without family controls.

Might have someone's gamertag signed in or might not even work at all.

I bought a used ps3 and they had parental controls turned on I didn't know the password I couldn't play any m rated games on it or t rated games most of my ps3 games were rated m and t, only one game was rated E10+ and I was able to play it, only one game, I got a refund for the game

19 Color by Numbers

Then they would already be complete!

20 Certain Car Parts

Okay, I'll admit, this one I know nothing about, but in my research for this post, I found a list of parts that could cause either some serious headache or a real safety hazard by purchasing used. I am throwing it in because although I don't rebuild or fix cars, I can see why it would be appealing to buy second-hand parts. Since it could be a huge mistake, I am including it.

Old parts could explode..

21 Pets

All pets are technically used.

22 Face Mask

Do not buy a used unclean/unwashed mask because it can spread Covid-19 to the buyer.

23 Plasma TVs

With the cost of these TVs, I can see what this could be appealing. However, due to old technology, you can easily get your hands on a set that has images burned into the screen. If you are buying an older model (which I'm guessing you are since someone is selling it), you might have a TV that was made before all of the kinks were worked out and plasmas were failing left and right. Without a store to return it to or a warranty to call on, you are out some big money.

What to do? Sit on that want. As technology advances, the cost of these will plummet eventually. Even last year's model can be found at a huge discount already - especially when stores are trying to clear the way for the newest version. Like computers (which I am not adding to the list, but I will give them a quick reference here), the designers are working way too quickly to justify buying used and dealing with outdated technology.

I like these plasma

24 Jockstrap
25 Video Game Cartridges
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