Skip These 5 Thrift Store Bargains Never Worth the Risk
Thrift stores are an important part of the retail industry, providing a unique shopping experience for customers and a great way to recycle and reuse items. As consumers continue to stretch their dollars and change their spending patterns, the "re-commerce" market is booming and expected to grow progressively over the next few years.
Thrift shops help save millions of pounds of clothing from landfill dumping annually, operate in aid of community development and are often associated with local charities. There are also big savings to be had at secondhand stores, but they may come with unexpected costs. Bargain buyers need to beware of these five things you should never buy at the thrift shop.
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1. Infant Car Seats, Strollers and Baby Cribs
Everyone knows babies are wonderful -- and wonderfully expensive. Parents should take advantage of baby essentials at thrift or consignment stores as kids grow out of things every couple of months.
However, while gently worn clothes and furniture are reasonable secondhand purchases, stay away from well-used cribs, strollers and car seats that have outdated warranties, may not meet safety standards or have been previously recalled.
2. Mattresses and Pillows
Bedbugs can crawl into the tiniest seam or fabric crack and can go a year without eating, per Terminix. Once you have them in your mattresses or bed and sofa pillows, they're difficult to get out. New mattresses are extremely expensive, so if you're trying to find a secondhand deal, check them out very closely and look for bugs, eggs and tiny black dots.
3. Used Makeup and Skin Care Products
Used on hands and near your mouth, nose and eyes, makeup containers, brushes and skin care products are breeding places for all sorts of other people's germs. If labels have fallen off makeup packaging, unknown ingredients and warnings may result in skin rashes and serious infections.
4. Hats and Bike Helmets
Hats and helmets are not ideal buys at thrift stores. A used hat could potentially carry lice or other harmful infections and allergens. Same with helmets, which have the extra potential of not meeting required safety standards.
According to WebMD, "From bikes to horse riding, most helmets are made to hold up through only one crash. Or one drop on a hard surface. Once that happens, the foam inside squeezes and won't protect you the same way, even if it looks fine."
5. Undergarments
Unless a thrift store has received a donation of new, unused underwear or swimsuits in sealed packages, it's best to stay far away from buying these items -- for obvious reasons.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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