Why some people opt for second-hand goods
Feb 19, 2009
OLDIES are goodies,†some people say. Given the growing trend of shopping where second-hand items are highly-priced, compared to new ones , one may be tempted to think the saying is true.
By Thomas Pere
OLDIES are goodies,†some people say. Given the growing trend of shopping where second-hand items are highly-priced, compared to new ones , one may be tempted to think the saying is true.
A shopper, Robert Nsubuga, says he was shocked when he discovered that some second-hand flat irons cost sh50,000. About sh20,000 more than new ones.
Dealers seem to opt to sell second-hand products instead of the new ones. This is not because the second-hand items are cheap but because they generate better sales revenue.
Samuel Muwanguzi, a car parts dealer at Kiseka market, says: “Some second-hand car parts are expensive. Fortunately, they are durable, compared to some spare parts from places such as China, Thailand and Taiwan.â€
Lucy Palia, an advocacy and awareness officer with Consumer Education Trust, says: “Most second-hand items are from developed economies such as the EU, US, Canada and Japan, where high quality standards are adhered to.
Not many people in developing countries can afford to buy these items when they are new; that is why they bring used ones.â€
However, Palia cautions that some items have disadvantages such as lack of guarantees and lack of information on the changes made on the item by the first owner. Some of them are harmful to the environment, as they release poisonous gases.
Used fridges, for instance, may emit a poisonous gas called cloro floro carbon into the air.
Michael Bwisho, a consultant with International Financial Empowerment Consultants, says: “Because of their origin, people think second-hand products have been tested and are durable. That is why they get persuaded to purchase them.â€
OLDIES are goodies,†some people say. Given the growing trend of shopping where second-hand items are highly-priced, compared to new ones , one may be tempted to think the saying is true.
A shopper, Robert Nsubuga, says he was shocked when he discovered that some second-hand flat irons cost sh50,000. About sh20,000 more than new ones.
Dealers seem to opt to sell second-hand products instead of the new ones. This is not because the second-hand items are cheap but because they generate better sales revenue.
Samuel Muwanguzi, a car parts dealer at Kiseka market, says: “Some second-hand car parts are expensive. Fortunately, they are durable, compared to some spare parts from places such as China, Thailand and Taiwan.â€
Lucy Palia, an advocacy and awareness officer with Consumer Education Trust, says: “Most second-hand items are from developed economies such as the EU, US, Canada and Japan, where high quality standards are adhered to.
Not many people in developing countries can afford to buy these items when they are new; that is why they bring used ones.â€
However, Palia cautions that some items have disadvantages such as lack of guarantees and lack of information on the changes made on the item by the first owner. Some of them are harmful to the environment, as they release poisonous gases.
Used fridges, for instance, may emit a poisonous gas called cloro floro carbon into the air.
Michael Bwisho, a consultant with International Financial Empowerment Consultants, says: “Because of their origin, people think second-hand products have been tested and are durable. That is why they get persuaded to purchase them.â€