Locals Turn to Secondhand Goods to Fight Rising Prices

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From groceries and gas to furniture and home goods, the United States is seeing record high prices. In July, inflation eased slightly from its 40-year high to 8.5%, but still higher than a year ago. To help combat the steep prices, cash-strapped Americans are scooping up used items at a mind-blowing pace. As a result, experts estimate the resale market to climb to $54 billion this year, an increase of more than 50%. CT Bids is a digital resale platform that Caring Transitions of Richmond uses for estate sales or to sell people’s everyday household items left after downsizing or transitioning into new homes. Experts at CT Bids are seeing this retail rewind trend appearing locally. The top items people are turning to buy used over new include clothing, books, electronics, and furniture.

“The benefit of buying used household items and furniture comes down to a combination of cost and quality,” says Dani Washington, owner of Caring Transitions of Richmond. “Older furniture was built with the idea that it would be passed down through generations of families. Thus, we have 50 to 100-year-old pieces of furniture that are both cheaper and better quality than newer models.”

Washington says people can find secondhand goods that are up to 50% cheaper than buying new. It’s not only saving money, but it’s also environmentally friendly and reduces waste. Buying used eliminates the need for natural resources. It also cuts out energy depletion and emissions that would have been needed to manufacture those goods. For example, on average, it takes 1,800 gallons of water to make a brand-new pair of jeans.

“It is also great to know you are doing your part to keep quality furniture out of the landfill and giving the item another life,” says Washington.

Another benefit to buying used is finding unique treasures. Secondhand shoppers aren’t getting the same mass-produced sweater or bed frame sold in the big-box stores. Instead, through places like CT Bids, they can find rare items like designer furniture from the 1960s. Some unusual pieces Washington says she’s found during her estate sales include a trade treaty from the 1430s, a German battle helmet from the 1600s, and a 50-pound cannonball found locally.

The experts at CT Bids suggest people use it with other online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Offer Up to find gently used and sometimes new items. Buyers can pick up their items locally in Richmond. Richmond CT Bids suggests that if someone buys an oversized item to bring another person with them or hire a moving or delivery company. Washington says they also have many out-of-town buyers, and Richmond CT Bids can help with shipping.

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