Buying used or second hand, sports gear can help you save a lot of money and stress. Not to mention, weights, baseball bats, and football pads are all durable enough to last for a number of users. However, not all items are as durable and flexible as others. It’s important to identify what you can and can’t purchase used or cheap. Follow our guide to learn more about buying second-hand sporting goods.
Where to Buy Used Sports Equipment
Yard Sales
One of the easiest places to look for used sports equipment is yard sales. If you had a neighbor that went off to college and played sports, their family may be selling cheap used sports gear that you can benefit from.
Check out eBay or Amazon
Online retailers, such as eBay or Amazon can offer great sales or discounts on both old and new sports equipment. You will also be able to find more of a variety than junk sales, as well as having the benefit of checking out alternative cheaper prices and reviews from trusted customers.
Look on Facebook
If you’re on Facebook, you can easily join yard sale groups in your city or another location that is easily accessible to you. You can then view a variety of sports gear listings that may peak your interest. Plus, you can also generally search for sports gear exchanges on Facebook and find great deals in your area.
Browse on Freecycle and Craigslist
Checking sites like Freecycle and Craigslist can help you find sports equipment that is either for sale or free. Just look under the category marked sporting goods; you can find a variety of sports gear and clothing that is discounted because the owner either no longer needs it. You can also join your local community on Freecycle and browse the latest sports gear listings.
Purchase Sports Gear from Consignment Stores
You don’t need to buy all of your sports gear brand new. A great way to save, is to purchase sports equipment at second-hand and consignment stores.
Ask Other Sports Parents
If you’re looking for free, older sports gear, it’s worth asking other parents on your child’s sports team. If their children have already outgrown their gear or sports uniforms, you can try getting theirs for free or at large discount. You can offer them help spring cleaning and see what kind of leftover gear they wouldn’t mind giving away to another sports parent.
Things to Consider When Purchasing Used Equipment
Before you purchase used sporting goods, there are a few factors you should keep in mind. When deciding whether or not you should make the purchase, consider the items below.
Price
When buying used, you can expect to pay less than you would at a regular sporting goods store. The first thing you should do is determine the average price for a new product. Browse a few ads for the used product you are looking for, this will help you to determine a fair price to pay.
Quality and Safety
This is perhaps the most important factor to keep in mind when shopping for used equipment. Make sure that the item that you want to purchase works and is safe to use. View the item in person and try it out before you purchase it. Consider bringing somebody along who knows a lot about sporting goods, he/she can help you examine the equipment and determine if it is usable. Look for common signs of wear and tear and focus on details like the seams, zippers, tethers and areas that experience a lot of friction. Directly ask the seller any questions that you have about the condition of the product and request to see pictures too. Double check any safety features the equipment has and make sure that it’s still functional. Determine whether the gear you want to buy is considered high-end or low-end. High-end gear typically has a longer life than mid- and low-end gear, meaning you can use it for longer even when purchasing it second hand.
Storage Space
If you are buying large pieces of exercise equipment or sports gear, think about where you will put it in your home. Measure the space you plan to store it before you make your purchase. Measure the equipment or ask the seller for the measurements to make sure you have enough room for it at home.
