Buzz
Photo: Iuliia Zavalishina/Getty ImagesSustainability
Opting for secondhand shopping is an excellent way to minimize your environmental impact, as it essentially rewards you for making eco-friendly choices. By purchasing pre-owned items, you prevent them from ending up in landfills and decrease the need for new manufacturing, which in turn reduces the emissions associated with production and transportation.
Prices
Unique and Exclusive Treasures
Begin With an Initial Exploration
Kick off your search by casually browsing the platform. Enter keywords for items you’re interested in—such as a round dining table, an accent chair, or decorative vases—to gauge availability and pricing. The more you explore, click, and save preferred items, the better the algorithm will adapt to your tastes, saving you time and effort in future searches.
Look Beyond the Listing Photos
Be cautious of listings that rely solely on stock images from retailers. Authentic photos taken in a home setting provide a clearer picture of the item’s true condition, potential flaws, and legitimacy, helping you avoid scams.
Always Verify the Measurements
Consider Transportation Costs
While browsing the platform for desired items, you’ll gain insight into typical pricing and how to adjust your budget accordingly. A key aspect to account for is transportation. If you own a vehicle capable of transporting large furniture, this may not be an issue. However, if not, you’ll need to arrange for an UberXL, rent a U-Haul, hire a Taskrabbit, or enlist a friend with a truck—all of which can add to your expenses. For instance, a $50 coffee table might end up costing nearly $100 after factoring in transportation across town. In my experience, this is often still worthwhile, but it’s easier to accept the additional costs when you plan for them in advance.
Practice Politeness and Clear Communication
Negotiation Is (Almost) Always Recommended
One of the standout advantages of shopping on Marketplace compared to other online retailers is the ability to negotiate prices—and I strongly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity. Listing prices are often akin to initial salary offers; they’re typically set with the anticipation of negotiation, so don’t hesitate to engage in it. (Sellers unwilling to entertain offers usually mention this in their listing descriptions.) A practical approach is to request around 20% off the listed price, but always use your discretion.
Take note of when an item was posted. If it was listed just a few hours ago, the seller is less likely to accept lower offers—and making a low bid might even reduce your chances of securing an item that’s in high demand and likely to sell fast. On the other hand, if the item has been listed for several days or weeks, you’re in a much stronger position to negotiate a better deal.
Factor in Seasonal Trends and Timing
In areas with a high number of renters, consider shopping toward the end of the month when many leases expire. For instance, if you’re searching for a couch mid-month and the selection is limited, waiting until the month’s end or the start of the next month could significantly improve your chances of finding what you need.
