Skip to main content

Warnings for Secondhand Shoppers: Safety and Quality Control Tips

Aug 31, 2022 09:30AM ● By Sheila Julson
Person wearing secondhand purchased clothing including hat, jacket and pants next to a used children's toy spinning top

Renthel Cueto/Pexels.com; Anthony/Pexels.com

Children’s Items 

• When purchasing toys or children’s furniture, parents should check for safety recalls and be sure the product contains no lead paint, recommends WebMD. Check for broken or missing parts and make sure the item is stable. Products manufactured many years ago may not have the same safety features as newer items.

• Avoid car seats and booster seats which may have been involved in an accident. The same is true for bicycle and motorcycle helmets. Federal safety standards for cribs frequently change, so avoid used pieces if they are more than a few years old. 

Clothing

• The condition of items donated to thrift stores or posted by resellers can vary greatly, from brand-new items to well-worn pieces, notes LifeSavvy. Carefully check the item, especially under the sleeves and the inseams, for stains, tears, third-hand smoke odors or other defects.

• Whether shopping for secondhand clothing in person or online, Glamour UK recommends  ignoring the size on the label of vintage items, because they can vary greatly. When unable to try a garment on, check the measurements. Many vintage sellers on Etsy post them along with the label size.

Secondhand wooden chair with headphones on it next to chest with used radio on top of it

Skylar Kang/Pexels.com

 

Furniture

• Consumer Reports recommends buying local for large items like furniture to avoid shipping costs and allow for close personal inspection.

Electronics

• For those unable to afford or justify the cost of a new $1,000 smartphone, Apple, Best Buy and Walmart sell refurbished phones, computers and TVs on their websites at a reduced cost. If using an E-commerce seller of refurbished electronics, make sure it uses programs such as CheckMEND to be sure the item wasn’t stolen. 


pImage courtesy of AshevilleToolLibraryorgbrp

Conscious Consumerism: The Rise of Sharing and Reselling

Local shared enterprises and secondhand shops are saving people money and reducing the impact of excess consumerism on the environment. Read More » 

 

In-Print National Content September 2022

 

 

Upcoming Events Near You
The Tick Tackler Tutor: Three Impactful Tick Remediation Strategies for the Homeowner

By Jennifer Meisenbacher

Did you know most tick bites occur in and around the home—and that ticks spend more than 95% of their life off a host?

With more than 19 years of field experience, Tick Tackler offers a practical, easy-to-follow approach that empowers homeowners to significantly reduce tick activity on their properties. From gardening and yard work to children’s play areas, this guide outlines essential adjustments to help protect your outdoor spaces from ticks.

The Tick Tackler Tutor introduces three impactful strategies designed to identify high-risk areas and minimize exposure. These methods are versatile and adaptable—whether you’re a homeowner, pet owner, beekeeper, or managing a larger property such as a doggy daycare or horse farm.

Inside, readers will discover how education leads to confidence, how small changes can yield visible results, and how breaking tick control into manageable steps restores a sense of control. The book simplifies complex concepts into three core strategies, guiding readers in creating a personalized plan to reduce tick activity effectively.

For those eager to reclaim their yards but unsure where to begin, this guide delivers clear, actionable solutions. Transform your outdoor environment into a safer, more enjoyable space for family, pets, and everyday living.

Available now on Amazon.

Follow Us On Facebook