
Filipinos are big on buying secondhand items. According to a recent study, the country is one of the biggest markets for secondhand fashion in Southeast Asia, with 8 of every 10 Filipinos claiming that they bought used fashion items in May 2022. In addition to clothes and accessories, the people in the country also have a soft spot for preloved furniture.
There’s an abundance of second hand furniture Philippines stores in urban and rural areas. These spaces see a lot of traffic in their online and physical outlets, especially on days when they have new arrivals or after they update their catalog on their online selling platforms. Today’s consumers are quite willing to line up to get great deals for furniture pieces that still have a lot of life in them.
If you’re planning to do the same and purchase secondhand furniture for your home, there are a few things that you should take note of to get the most bang for your buck. Here are some practical considerations every smart buyer needs to think of when buying secondhand furniture.
The Amount That You’re Willing to Pay for the Item
One of the main draws of secondhand furniture is that they cost less compared to brand-new sets. Even so, you still have to decide on a number when shopping for preloved items, especially if you’re working with a tight budget. If you’re in need of a sofa, for instance, there’s no question that you’ll find plenty of options from secondhand sellers.
Having a specific number or a budget range in mind will help you narrow down your options to ones that will not put a dent in your coffers. You can take home a plush couch in poor condition or a wooden sofa that’s in excellent shape, for example, if you don’t mind either options as long as they fit in your budget range. In short, your budget can help you make a decision when you’re inundated by plenty of options.
The Condition of the Item That You Want to Buy
Secondhand furniture pieces come in all shapes, sizes, and conditions. It’s highly likely that tables and chairs that are notably free of scratch marks, dents, and chips cost more than pieces that have a lot of visible wear and tear on them. There are also pieces that have wobbly legs, creaky doors and drawers, or sections that don’t look like they can tolerate more abuse.
Carefully inspect the item that you are eyeing for these imperfections. After spotting all of them, consider if the asking price is still worth the item in its present condition or if you’re willing to shell out a bit more to restore it to its former glory. If you want something you can use immediately, then it’s better to move on to other pieces. But if you’re ready to put in the additional work to maximize the potential of the piece, then you can probably go for rougher-looking used furniture.
How You Are Going to Alter or Improve the Item You Bought
Buying a piece of furniture with the intent on altering it is another factor to consider. Perhaps you want a plush couch and you’re simply looking for an item that will serve as a base for the seating option you have in mind. In this case, you’re better off getting a couch with worn-out exteriors for cheap. Then, you can use the money you saved to strip the piece of its old exterior, have it refurbished, and add details that will let your vision for it come to life.
It’s also an option to go with a newer-looking couch and simply improve its overall look with the addition of a couch cover and some well-placed pillows. This way, the condition of the couch’s original exterior will not matter to you. Knowing whether or not you will alter the piece in the first place can help you save a lot of money while shopping for used items.
The Amount of Space You Have In Your Home for the Piece
Finally, you need to make sure that you have enough room in your home for thrifted furniture. Aside from checking the space where the table, chair, or sofa will be placed, it’s also imperative to see if the piece will complement the overall look of your home. After all, you don’t want your latest find to clash with the existing theme of your living room, kitchen, bedroom, or garden.
Secondhand furniture pieces have character, and their addition to your home can help enhance the look, feel, and overall functionality of the space. On top of their aesthetic contribution to the rooms of your home, furniture pieces from online and offline secondhand shops cost less compared to their brand-new counterparts. Get the best value for your money by having a standard when shopping for used furniture. Use the considerations on this list when deciding on the quality of the piece that you want to take home, and you’ll certainly have an easier time shopping online or visiting thrift shop outlets.