Factors influencing the choice of buying used or new items
I have purchased used items and enjoyed some of them. On the other hand, I have had unpalatable experiences with used items. Let's take a ride on some relatable experiences.
What influences most purchases in Nigeria is affordability, meaning we are most often at the mercy of what we can afford rather than what we would love to opt for. There are two factors here: the durability of items in the perception of used or new, and their affordability.
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THE CHOICE OF USED ITEMS
Over the years, I have procured used items, such as furniture, electronics, cars, laptops, etc., and most often than not, I have regretted the purchases when it comes to electrical items. My most recent experience was with a supposedly UK-used Elite Corei7 16-gig touchscreen laptop, which I procured for N400,000 (about $270), but guess what? I had to return the laptop after four days due to some technical issues. The irony of the matter is that the current laptop I've been using was bought two years ago as a used item and has been serving me fine, except for a cursor issue and, recently, being slow (although I'm working on expanding the storage). Here are two examples of a product where both are bought as used items and one has served me for a fair time. The first laptop I used was bought new and was used for almost ten years. I bought some furniture in my sitting room as used, and they were sold to me by someone relocating out of the country. The chairs still serve me well and are as neat as new. I have shared my relocation purchases as an example; it was a bad experience, especially since I didn't have a direct interface with the sellers. What about the car that I bought as a Nigerian used car (second-hand) and ended up disposing off after five months of use? When purchasing used items, the truth about what the problems are with the item you are purchasing is usually not told by the seller. Most items are sold as a form of disposal to unsuspecting buyers. Some items are neatly packaged but the core materials are often damaged or of low quality.
THE CHOICE OF NEW ITEMS
It is not awkward to see people patronize used items in preference to new items. I have noticed this often with car parts. However, new items carry the preferences of most items, and except for their cost, they seem to come with fewer problems. The laptop aforementioned costs about N750,000 ($505), which I definitely could not afford, even though I desired it. New cars in Nigeria, for example, are expensive, and what we make is used or accidental cars from the UK or US, which we popularly call Tokunbo. These cars are more assuring and satisfying than the Nigerian used cars, and to us, we can view them as our 'new' items. One assuring thing is that new items will serve their purpose even if it won't be for a long time (rarely though), and we can get value for money with them. New items are often aesthetically appealing, and people are often proud to disclose their newly procured items compared to used items.
Personally, I will recommend the purchase of new gadgets if they are electrical items. The warranty is often present, and the mind is more assured that the item has significant durability. Of course, resources are limited in the face of unlimited wants and needs. Used items are relatively cheap, but the consequences of the choice may be frustrating. The pocket and affordability of the individual often influence which category of item (used or new) is to be procured.
If, however, there is an abundance of resources, it is possible that individuals would preferentially choose new items over used ones.
Care to share your choices and preferences for used or new items?
Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.
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