Playback time: +/- 3min
The second-hand market has been booming for some time now. Initially mainly reserved for the high-tech and then fashion markets, it is now spreading to furniture purchases.
In addition to the financial benefits, it’s also a great gesture for the environment. But you still need to understand what a second-hand product is. What’s the difference between a new, used or reconditioned product? Is refurbishing the solution?
Before drawing out the advantages and disadvantages of each product category, a few words of clarification are in order:
–The new product: By definition, it has never been used by anyone other than you, and benefits from the legal warranty (usually 2 years).
Second-hand products: These can be sold by both private individuals and professionals, and may have had several uses and owners. It will be sold to the future buyer without having undergone a condition inspection, known as “sold as is”, and generally without warranty. This is the case, for example, when you buy on platforms such as Ebay or Vinted. You’re buying with full knowledge of the facts, so you need to be very careful.
–Refurbished products: Halfway between new and used, they combine the advantages of both. Your product will already have had a first life, but before being sold to you, it will have been checked and, if necessary, reconditioned. Specialists such as BackMarket and Certideal have made this their specialty.
So how do you find your way around and make sure you’re making the right choice?
It all depends on your needs, and your budget!
With a new product, you’re assured of a product that perfectly matches your expectations. You have complete control over the various functions and options you want. This is obviously the most expensive solution, but also the most reassuring, since you’re sure to benefit from all the legal guarantees.
As for second-hand products, apart from their environmental impact, they often offer the best discount rates, with savings of up to 50% on the new price. But beware: you can’t be sure that the product is in good condition, and many brands will refuse to carry out repairs on a product whose provenance they don’t know. So it’s important to know the product and its market value, to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
Which brings us to the refurbished product. Combining the financial and environmental appeal of second-hand with the peace of mind of new, it seems to be a good compromise. With discounts ranging from -15% to -30%, it will have been inspected, and may in some cases benefit from guarantees, or even be customized! Admittedly, it may not have all the functions you want, or be the latest model to come out, but it’ll save you a lot of money!
This is the case, for example, with our “second life” products, which will have been taken back to the customer, enabling the wood to be recycled. The products are then inspected down to the last detail in our factory by our craftsmen. If a part is damaged, it will be replaced by a new one, and all worn parts are also replaced by new ones. Proof that your product is fully controlled, every part of our mobile beds is stripped, allowing you to choose the color! Your bed is given a new lease of life, and Espace Loggia will take care of its upkeep over the years.
Now you have all the keys you need to make the right choice in the second-hand furniture market.
Click here to see all our available “second life” models.