If you’re looking to buy second-hand white goods to save some money, you need to make sure you’re buying safe, used appliances that are still in good working order. To find out what you need to know before purchasing a second-hand appliance you are interested in, read on. This blog will cover the risks and benefits of buying used home appliances and share valuable tips from our experts who have decades of experience buying and selling used white goods.
What are the dangers of using home appliances bought second-hand?
Buying and using second-hand electrical appliances from people online can certainly help you save money, but it comes with its risks. First of all, you don’t know how the previous owner treated the unit and if they are being honest about its working condition and age. Moreover, they might not disclose if the home appliance in question has been repaired, and if so, by whom? These are important factors to consider because they can significantly shorten the lifespan of a used household appliance and could void any existing guarantee that the item might have come with.
5 tips and checks to ensure you are buying a safe second-hand appliance
- Check for obvious damage to the exterior of the product, including the base. While some superficial scratches might not be visually appealing, a dented or broken section can indicate the item has been dropped and is possibly damaged inside.
- Inspect the power cords and ensure they are not frayed or damaged.
- Test all of the switches, dials and locks to ensure all the small mechanisms are working. Although less costly than major repairs, they are certainly a nuisance.
- Ideally, the product will come with any original spare parts and the owner’s operating manual included in the original purchase. While this is not a deal-breaker, as nowadays you can find anything online, if the previous owner still has these items it’s a good indication of the care they have taken of their appliance.
- Jump online and check that the product hasn’t been the subject of a safety recall. This can easily have been missed by the seller, especially if the item was kept in storage for a while.
Does second-hand equipment need testing?
Yes, absolutely. Otherwise, you just don’t know what you are putting in your home. You will be using your new appliance every day to keep you and your family fed, clean and comfortable. Spending a few extra bucks to make sure you are not wasting your money or introducing a hazardous product in your home is well worth it.
When getting second-hand equipment tested, you need to make sure you are paying a trained professional to do it. If the tradesperson you have called is an authorised service provider who has been trained by the appliance manufacturer, they will be able to assess the status of the used appliance and evaluate the quality of any work done on it with efficiency and certainty.
So, is buying second-hand appliances safe and smart?
Used electrical goods are some of the best products to buy second-hand. Fridges, freezers, washing machines and dryers are built to last up to two decades with little to no maintenance. There are a variety of factors that bring people to dispose of their used appliances, the most common ones being moving, upgrading and remodelling their homes. In most cases, their old goods have only been used for a few years, meaning their life expectancy is still very long. Moreover, since most of these items are bulky, they rarely get moved after being installed. Essentially, all of these factors add up to suggest that buying and using second-hand electrical appliances is a smart and safe choice.
How long can I expect second-hand white goods to last?
The answer to this question is highly dependent on the specific item, its condition and age. However, this is a general summary of the life expectancy of a new appliance as summarised by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and a good guideline to keep in mind when assessing a used appliance:
- Top-freezer refrigerator: 14 years
- Bottom-freezer refrigerator: 11 years
- Double door refrigerator: 12 years
- Dryer: 12 years
- Top-load washer: 12 years
- Front-load washer: 11 years
Browse our safe second-hand electrical goods
If you want to save money with a second-hand appliance and don’t want to deal with the time-consuming process of determining whether it’s safe, take a look at the Sydney Wide Discounts range of refurbished white goods. All of our second-hand products have been professionally tested and repaired, if necessary, by qualified technicians with over 40 years of experience in the industry. So whether you need a new washing machine, fridge, dryer or any other household appliance, you know you are buying a safe used appliance when you shop from us. To back up our claim, we offer a three months replacement warranty to guarantee they work perfectly.
Buy used and safe appliances online at Sydney Wide Discounts for a hassle-free and secure purchase
We don’t take shortcuts when it comes to second-hand electrical goods safety, and neither should you. Shop from our online range today for good quality and safe to use second-hand white goods and join the growing number of Sydneysiders that have saved money furnishing their home thanks to us. With truthful photos, excellent service and inexpensive delivery, nothing is holding you back from buying a safe second-hand appliance online today and saving money.
For any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can email us at sales@sydneywidediscounts.com.au or phone us at 0431 203 882 during business hours.