Buying Second-Hand Goods: Know before you buy

Buying second-hand items from online ads, garage sales, social media marketplaces, or neighbours, can save money, but it also comes with much higher risk. Unlike purchases from traditional retailers, second-hand sales are governed by the legal principle of caveat emptor (“buyer beware”), meaning you are responsible for checking the item’s condition before handing over your money. Refunds, returns, and legal protections are extremely limited.

Before You Buy: Essential Steps for All Second-Hand Purchases

Consumer Affairs strongly recommends taking the following precautions before completing the sale:

• Inspect the item thoroughly

• Make sure the product works, is safe to use, and is suitable for your needs.

• Test electrical items by plugging them in.

• For technical or mechanical goods, bring someone knowledgeable or make the sale conditional on inspection.

• For vehicles, ask for service records and request time to have it checked by a mechanic.

• Ask the seller to confirm the item’s age, condition, and whether any warranty remains.

Be cautious if anything feels “off”

If a seller is vague, evasive, or makes unrealistic claims, walk away. Second-hand sales are final once you exchange money, the contract is complete.

Get proof of purchase

If you are comfortable with the item and proceed, ask for a simple written receipt including:

• date of sale

• names of buyer and seller

• seller’s contact information

• conditions of sale

• signatures of both parties

• Even a handwritten note is sufficient.

If paying a deposit

There is a risk the seller may sell the item to someone else. Protect yourself by getting a signed deposit receipt that includes:

• deposit amount

• terms for final payment and collection

• both parties’ signatures

Special Guidance for Second-Hand Children’s Products

Children’s items require extra caution because older products may not meet current safety standards or may have been recalled.

Before buying, Consumer Affairs recommends:

• Researching whether the item has been recalled.

• Reading online safety reviews.

• Cleaning and disinfecting the item immediately after purchase.

Key safety checks by product:

Strollers

• Wheels roll smoothly

• Frame is sturdy

• Brakes work

• No sharp edges or exposed springs

• No recalls

• Not older than 10 years
  

Cribs & Car Seats

• No recalls

• Slats less than 2⅜ inches apart

• No missing/loose slats or hardware

• No drop-side cribs (all recalled)

• Mattress fits snugly (no more than two-finger gap)

• No decorative cutouts or tall corner posts

• Sturdy and free of hazards
  

Highchairs

• Wide base

• 5-point harness

• No sharp edges or gaps

• Tray locks securely

• No rips in padding

• If wheels exist, rear brakes must function
  

Baby Bath Items

• Bathtubs are fine if free from mold or mildew

• Avoid second-hand bath seats, bath rings, and inflatable tubs (linked to safety risks)

• Inspect for cracks or wear, old plastic can leach chemicals or harbor bacteria

  
  

Buying Second-Hand Appliances

Used appliances require special care because repairs can be expensive and warranties are often expired.

Before purchasing, Consumer Affairs recommends:

• Compare the price to new models

• Sometimes new appliances with minor cosmetic damage (“scratch and dent”) cost only slightly more and come with a warranty.

• Check functionality

• Ask the seller to demonstrate all key features and confirm the appliance works properly.

• Verify any existing warranty

• Many warranties apply only to the original owner. Request a copy and read the terms carefully.

• Review age and condition

• Ask for proof of original purchase to confirm age. Inspect for wear and tear.

• Determine fair market value
  

Use straight-line depreciation:

• Divide original price by expected lifespan to calculate yearly value loss.

• Multiply the yearly depreciation by remaining useful years.
  

If an appliance is in poor condition, Consumer Affairs advises not to buy it.

Check for discontinued parts or recalls

• Confirm replacement parts are available and service is accessible.

• Check whether the appliance has been recalled under U.S. CPSC rules (which apply in Bermuda).
  

Check with your home contents insurance

If you want the appliance insured after purchase, your insurer may request the original invoice to confirm its value.

Bottom Line

Buying second-hand can be cost-effective, but it comes with significantly higher responsibility and risk. Always inspect carefully, get written proof of sale, verify safety, especially with children’s items, and be prepared for the possibility that you may have no refund or recourse once the purchase is complete.