There are a lot of advantages to buying things secondhand. It’s light on your wallet. It’s eco-friendly. You can stumble upon some truly cool and weird treasures in thrift shops. And there’s a deep sense of satisfaction when you give new life to items that would have otherwise ended up in the junkyard. However, this doesn’t apply to all used objects. Some things are best completely avoided if you ever spot them at a secondhand store!
One redditor started up a very interesting thread on r/AskReddit, asking folks to share their opinions about what they’d never, ever buy secondhand. Their answers were illuminating (with the exception of a few dumb jokes), and you’ll find them as you scroll down, dear Pandas. We’d love to hear what used items you’d be on the fence about getting. Be sure to share your thoughts with all the other readers in the comments!
Bored Panda got in touch with the author of the viral thread, from the UK, and they were kind enough to answer our questions. They noted that for some people, like them, secondhand items can be literal life savers. Read on for our full interview with the redditor.
#1
Makeup, never know what germs or smth they have
Image credits: iatecake0
#2
Skydiving equipment / climbing equipment / anything safety related.
Image credits: nofrigginway
#3
Pacifiers.When I was pregnant, my mother in law gave me a plastic baggie of used pacifiers. She had bought them at a garage sale and told me they'd be fine to use if I just boiled them first. No. Hard pass. They went straight in the trash when I got home.
Image credits: youneednewshoes
#4
Mattress.
Image credits: lilbittypp
#5
Twitter.
Image credits: LongTimeHuman
#6
Baby carrier or child seat. Only from friends were i can be sure that they are accident free and clean.
Image credits: Justeff83
#7
Earphones.
Image credits: paintingsunset
#8
My local goodwill sold bathing suits, used bathing suits. Used lingerie too (just the tops), once my big sister was going to buy both but assumed they were new but given to goodwill because the person who bought it ended up not liking it or something. She even asked the lady at the desk about it. When we got to the car she found out both were stained especially the lingerie. You can assume with what.I could never buy either of those used, especially after that.
Image credits: unkempt-ghoul
#9
Breast pumps. Unless it’s a closed system. When mine were small, most were not closed systems, which allows aerosolized breast milk particles to get places you can’t clean. FDA does not recommend it.
Image credits: Guilty-Web7334
#10
Puzzles.I couldn't handle not knowing if ONE piece is missing until the end
Image credits: HellbornElfchild
#11
Prosthetics.No second hand second hands for me
Image credits: NonCompliantGiant
#12
Air Conditioners. I bought one from a thrift store once. I gave it what I thought was a thorough cleaning on the inside. Then, for the next week, I suffered awful flu-like symptoms. Runny nose, headaches, the works. Turns out it was mold poisoning from the AC. Took that unit out and was fine by the next morning. Never going to risk that again.
Image credits: Sinaskafitch
#13
I never understood the used tire market. I know they’re expensive, but for something that literally separates you from a 70mph fiery death, I’d rather make sure I’m getting ones that are new.
Image credits: SnooEpiphanies2931
#14
Dentures and hearing aids. I have seen used hearing aids for sale
Image credits: Helly_BB
#15
Plunger.Hard pass. I'll buy it new.
Image credits: Draknamar
#16
Medication. It will probably taste a bit nastier.
Image credits: Jabber-Wookie
#17
Bed sheets. No thanks. Hard pass.We don't even bother trying to give them away to other people. Best we can do is donate to animal shelters so the furry ones have something soft to snuggle around in.
Image credits: devilmaycode
#18
Mens pj pants. My husband started to look at some and I said, “nope. no way!” Some men wear pj pants all night and all day with no underwear for days at a time. Like the same pair for multiple days of sitting around the house not showering. Also not to mention teenage boys. I can’t get myself to let my husband buy used ones. It grosses me out.
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Image credits: oxabexo
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