7 Things To Remember When Buying Segunda Mano Items
This handy guide will help you enjoy your next trip to yourl local ukay-ukay or garage sale
Sometimes, secondhand items can amp up the look of a space in ways that brand-new pieces can’t. While upgrading old pieces can do the trick, it can also be really fun to visit shops that offer vintage goods. But if you decide to take a trip to these stores, there are several things to keep in mind. Here are some of our helpful tips when purchasing secondhand pieces.
1. Go for wooden furniture
Compared to upholstered pieces, wooden furniture are easier to inspect for signs of wear and tear. Unless the seller allows you to rip open the upholstery to check the springs inside, wood is the material of choice. When buying wooden seats, try sitting on them like a child would. If the chair remains intact, it must be of good quality.
2. Test the lights
Test all lighting fixtures such as chandeliers and lamps before taking them out of the shop. If possible, check how they are wired, as well as the screws and threads in the fixtures to make sure they don’t easily come off when you try to unscrew them. Some of the electrical connections may be outdated or damaged.
READ: 6 Important Tips To Remember When Shopping in Divisoria
3. Hit the garage sales
The best bargains are often found in neighbourhood garage sales. Try checking these out every time the opportunity arises in your building or village. Every trip is sure to be an exciting experience because you’ll never know what you might stumble upon.
4. Demand for returns
Especially when buying gadgets, always ask the shop owner if you can return your purchases if they unexpectedly don’t work when you take them home.
5. Befriend secondhand shop owners
Making rapport with owners of second-hand shops has a lot of benefits. A call from your suki will ensure you that you’ll get text message updates and first dibs on newly arrived items, and perhaps even reservations of some of those items.
6. Know what you need
When it comes to shopping especially for items for your home, stick to buying things that would complete the style and look you’re going for. This way, you house won’t end up looking like a garage sale.
7. Snap it up
When you see something you really like and have the budget for it, buy it! Don’t wait for another day, because that item may not be there anymore tomorrow.
This article originally appeared as “The P10,000 Challenge: Decorate This Room” in the July 2006 issue of Real Living magazine.
