I make my living selling furniture and other household items, so maybe you think it’s funny that I’m talking about not buy right now? But really there are a few household items that I would highly recommend you avoid buying at thrift and consignment shops and you’ll see why in a minute.
Avoid Buying These Items at Thrift or Consignment Shops: Cribs
I understand that for some people there aren’t many options other than second-hand baby items. Baby staples are ridiculously expensive. Cribs, however, should be avoided at thrift and consignment shops whenever possible. Whether you’re a parent, a grandparent or a care provider, child safety is of the upmost importance. This is extremely important when it comes to cribs. According to The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are roughly “…30 deaths annually from crib-related incidents involving infants and toddlers.” In most cases, the agency also reports that “the cribs involved are older models…”
If deaths of babies is not enough of a reason, also consider that vintage cribs, made prior to 1978, can also be finished with lead paint. Kids chew railings all the time. Lead paint exposure in children can cause a host of health issues. These include damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems. That’s what makes cribs one of the items to avoid buying at thrift or consignment shops unless they are new in the box and made within the last decade.
Other Items to Avoid Buying at Thrift and Consignment: Bed Pillows, Sheets and Bath Towels
For the same reason you need to avoid undergarments and bathing suits on thrift, you should avoid bed pillows, sheets and towels. These items are germ magnets just by the nature of their use. If they are new in the package, by all means consider it a score, but if they aren’t and can’t be washed in hot water or with bleach, run.
CDs and DVDs Are Not A Great Buy at Thrift or Consignment Shops Either
There are a lot of people who are going to disagree with me on this one. I say stay away from CDs and DVDs on thrift. If you’re into them for the jacket designs only, then go for it. But if you actually want to play them, you may want to think again. Few shops (except those specializing in used movies and music) have the staff or time to check the condition of this media. Some may do a cursory look-see for scratches on CDs, but that’s about it. It’s one of the reasons we don’t sell them at Consignments Ltd., except for charity sales. Who wants to get half-way through a cliffhanger only to find out the rest of the movie is fuzz? Or be bopping down the highway listen to Rascal Flats only to get the endless skip? At a minimum, ask the question: Do You Test These? And Are They Returnable If Defective? It will save you a lot of heartache.
If you know someone who you think would like this blog, please feel free to share using the buttons below. And for more information on consignment shopping, check out some of my previous blogs like: Items You Should Always Thrift and Never Buy Retail and Consignment and Thrift Your Back-to-School Home Office.
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