I'm about to move back to the UK after living in a different country for a couple of years. This experience has really helped me to understand that Cost of Living isnt just related to the price tag on food, energy, etc. Its about far more than that.
Second hand buying/selling In the UK, as an example, there is a large second-hand market for consumer goods: eBay, Facebook marketplace, free cycle etc. Buying second hand is often even seen as fashionable or virtuous, depending on who you ask. In the country im currently in, there is a cultural element at play, which means that buying things second hand is far less common, with many people not wanting to appear like they are poor. I used to be able to get almost everything second hand whereas now I'm stuck buying most things new.
I'm also unable to sell used goods as well as I'd like to. I used to purchase high quality goods used. If/when I no longer needed them, I'd resell them and recoop most or all of my expense. This is basically undoable here. Even though quality consumer goods are quite pricey here, the percentage of people who seem willing to/know how to buy used is very small.
Would be interested to hear other people's thoughts. What is buying / selling second hand like in your country?
November 15, 2022 at 06:18AM
