With so many different products available on our network of Used.com sites, I thought it might be interesting to discuss a few items you might want to avoid or at least exercise caution when you’re shopping.

Helmets

With any personal safety item, you have to consider its history. If the foam inside of a helmet is damaged, it needs to be replaced (and that won’t be visible to the new owner). The helmet doesn’t even have had to be an accident to be unsafe. If it’s been dropped or thrown, it can be damaged. So, while it’s a perfectly good idea to buy a used bike/motorcycle or skateboard, buying a new helmet would be a safer bet!

Make-Up

Even make-up that has only been used a few times can be a breeding ground for bacteria. In general, it’s not a good idea to share make-up (even with your closest friends) because you could expose yourself to pink eye or cold sores. If cost is an issue, there are a lot of websites that will teach you how to make your own beauty products. So unless the ad specifies that the products are new or unopened, used make-up is just not worth the risk.

Laptops

Buying electronics second-hand is a great idea, but you want to exercise caution. You have to be especially careful with laptops given their purpose (they are built to be transported). As a consumer, you have no idea how that used laptop has been treated in the past (was it bumped around or did the previous owner allow it to overheat?) Computers can also contain of a lot of sensitive information, so as a seller, you’d want to be 100% certain that your information had been completely wiped. If you’re really lucky, some used laptops are still under warranty. If not, take some time to get to know the seller. Ask lots of questions, and if you feel uncertain, walk away.

Lingerie

Given lingerie is such a personal/intimate purchase I would steer clear of buying used. While lingerie can be washed, many pieces are made of delicate materials and heavy duty washing (hot, soapy) is not recommended. Size is also a potential issue (we all know that there is no such thing as a standard size). And then there is the hygiene concern. You do not know the past of the used item and whether it has been cared for to your standards.

Car Seats

There have been new regulations published by Transport Canada updating the safety standards for car seats and booster seats bought and sold in Canada. Check out our blog post with more information or you can review the regulations on the Transport Canada website and by calling Health Canada 1-866-662-0666.

Do you feel there are other products you should avoid buying used?