I’m a big believer in buying things second-hand when possible. First of all, in theory you save money. Second, I like that I’m giving something a new lease on life instead of ending up in a landfill. In my younger days when I had a lot more time, I would spend every Saturday afternoon scouring the shelves and racks at Salvation Army and Goodwill, often finding some real treasures. These days I don’t have quite as much time (obviously) so I tend to turn to sites like Ebay and Craigslist (as well as our local eCycle chapter). But lately the prices people are asking for items on Craigslist is getting ridiculous! Someone was asking $150 for a used travel system. (I can buy a brand-new one for less!). Even things like maternity clothes or baby clothes that should be cheap (if people indeed want to get rid of them) are pretty pricey. If I am going to pay $50 for something to put my television on, I’d rather check out new tv stands for that price, rather than spend my money on a boring scratched-up one that probably didn’t even cost that much new.
It’s too bad people are so money-hungry, you know? I understand wanting to get a fair price, but they need to be reasonable at the same time. Isn’t it better to unload the item for less rather than have it sit around your house because no one wants to spend what you’re asking? I don’t know… maybe it’s just me.
I completely agree with you. I think people hear others talk about how much money they’ve made on craiglist, etc…and think it’s a good way to make quick money…and rip people off.