How to save money buying second-hand in 2026: a practical guide

1. How much you can actually save

The million-dollar question: how much money can a household save by buying second-hand? The answer depends on each family's spending habits, but the figures are surprising. According to estimates based on average prices from the main platforms, a typical household that replaces part of its new purchases with second-hand items can save between 2,000 and 3,000 euros a year.

Here are the typical savings ranges by product category:

• Electronics (smartphones, tablets, laptops): 40% to 60% cheaper than new. An iPhone that costs €1,200 in store can be found in perfect condition for €500–700
• Furniture: 50% to 80% savings. A sofa that costs €1,500 new can be picked up for €300–500, and solid wood pieces barely lose functional value
• Branded clothing: 60% to 90% off the original price. Garments that cost over €100 in store sell for €10–30 on platforms like Vinted
• Baby and children's items (clothes, toys, prams): 70% to 90% cheaper. Children grow fast and many items are sold barely used

If we add up regular purchases like a smartphone every two years, clothes for the whole family, occasional furniture and children's items, the accumulated savings are enormous. And the best part is that the quality of what you buy need not be lower: many second-hand products are in excellent condition simply because their previous owner grew tired of them or replaced them with a newer model.

2. 10 things you should always buy second-hand

Not everything is worth buying used, but there are products where the savings are so great and the risk so low that it makes no sense to pay full retail price. Here are the ten that offer the best value.

1) Smartphones (especially iPhones)

High-end phones lose between 30% and 50% of their value in the first few months. A second-hand iPhone in good condition offers exactly the same experience as a new one, with years of updates ahead of it. It is probably the second-hand purchase with the greatest financial return.

2) Solid wood furniture

Second-hand solid wood furniture is practically indestructible. An oak table, a pine bookshelf or an antique chest of drawers can last for decades more and are sold at a fraction of their original price. Many vintage pieces also have an aesthetic value you simply cannot find in modern production.

3) Branded clothing

Second-hand branded clothing is one of the fastest-growing segments. Platforms like Vinted are full of Zara, Mango, Nike or even luxury-brand items at bargain prices. Many have been worn once or twice and are as good as new.

4) Books

A second-hand book serves exactly the same purpose as a new one. Novels, manuals, university textbooks... You can find them at 50–80% off and, in many cases, buy complete sets for just a few euros.

5) Bicycles

Good-quality new bikes are expensive. On the second-hand market you can find well-known brand models at half the price or less. You just need to check the condition of the brakes, drivetrain and tyres before buying.

6) Games consoles and video games

Previous-generation consoles sell at very low prices, and physical video games lose value quickly after launch. It is common to find games from just a few months ago at 50% of their original price, and consoles with controllers and accessories included for far less than they cost new.

7) Small kitchen appliances

Coffee machines, food processors, vacuum cleaners, blenders... Many appliances are bought on impulse and end up barely used. It is very common to find virtually new items, still in their box with warranty, at a much lower price.

8) Sports equipment

Sporting trends change and many people sell their gear after trying it a couple of times. Padel rackets, gym equipment, skis, surfboards... Savings can reach 50–70% on professional-quality kit.

9) Toys and baby items

Babies and young children grow so fast that many items are barely used. Prams, cots, high chairs, educational toys and children's clothing are sold in pristine condition at prices that represent savings of up to 90%.

10) Tools

Good-quality tools last a lifetime. A Bosch drill, a Makita saw or a Stanley wrench set work exactly the same second-hand as new. Many professionals sell their tools when upgrading their equipment, which means professional quality at hobbyist prices.

3. What NOT to buy second-hand

Not everything is advisable to buy used. There are products where the savings do not outweigh the risk to your health or safety. These are the ones you should always avoid:

The general rule is simple: if a product directly affects your health, safety or personal hygiene, buy it new. For everything else, second-hand is an excellent option. If you are unsure how to verify the condition of a product before buying, see our guide to buying second-hand safely.

4. Strategies to maximise your savings

Buying second-hand already represents significant savings, but there are ways to squeeze even more value out of every euro. These are the strategies used by the most experienced buyers.

The "patient buyer" strategy

Most people buy second-hand when they need something right away. But the biggest savings come when you are not in a hurry. If you know you will need a laptop in a few months, start monitoring prices now. Sooner or later a deal will appear that is well below the average price. Patience is the most powerful savings tool there is.

Always negotiate (but politely)

Negotiating is the norm in the second-hand market. Most sellers list their products with a 10–20% negotiating margin. A friendly message proposing a reasonable price works surprisingly well. The key is to be respectful: explain why you are offering that price and offer advantages such as picking up the item yourself or paying immediately.

Buy bundles and lots

Many sellers offer significant discounts when you buy several items together. If you are looking for clothes, buying a bundle of 10 garments is much better value than buying them one by one. The same applies to books, video games or tools. Search for terms like "bundle", "lot" or "all together" to find these deals.

Take advantage of seasonal moments

There are times of year when the second-hand supply surges and prices drop:

• After Christmas (January): People sell what they have replaced with new gifts. This is the best time for electronics, consoles and toys
• September (back to school): Families sell clothes and equipment their children have outgrown. Ideal for children's clothing, backpacks and textbooks
• Spring (moving season): With the change of season many people move house and sell furniture and appliances at clearance prices
• Post-sales: After the January and July sales, impulse buyers sell barely used items

Search at off-peak hours

Most buyers browse in the evening. If you check new listings first thing in the morning or at lunchtime on weekdays, you will face less competition for the best products. Listings published in the early hours can go unnoticed until someone searches at unusual times.

5. Searching across 3 platforms at once

One of the most common mistakes when buying cheap second-hand is limiting yourself to a single platform. The three major ones are Wallapop, Vinted and Milanuncios, and each has its own ecosystem of sellers.

The reality is that many sellers only list on one of them. A younger seller may use Vinted for clothing and Wallapop for electronics, while an older seller may prefer Milanuncios. If you only search on one app, you are seeing less than half of the available supply.

Each platform has different prices

The same product can have very different prices depending on the platform. A phone listed at €400 on Wallapop might appear on Milanuncios at €350 because there are fewer buyers competing. Branded trainers that cost €25 on Vinted might be €40 on Wallapop because the seller is less familiar with the second-hand fashion market. Comparing across platforms gives you a much more accurate sense of the fair price.

Different categories, different strengths

Wallapop is the most general-purpose platform and is particularly strong for electronics and furniture. Vinted dominates in clothing, footwear and fashion accessories. Milanuncios has impressive volume in vehicles, real estate and professional products. Knowing where you are most likely to find a specific type of product saves you time and money.

For a detailed comparison of all three platforms, see our Wallapop vs Vinted vs Milanuncios comparison guide, where we analyse the strengths and weaknesses of each one.

6. Automating your search with price alerts

This is where the "patient buyer" strategy becomes practical rather than purely theoretical. The problem with waiting for the perfect moment is that you cannot spend all day checking three different apps. The solution is to automate your search with smart alerts.

Set your target price and wait

With MitikLive you can create alerts with the maximum price you are willing to pay. For example, if you are looking for a PS5 and know that the average second-hand price is €350, set an alert with a maximum price of €280. MitikLive will continuously monitor Wallapop, Vinted and Milanuncios and notify you the instant someone lists one below your target.

The bargain comes to you

Instead of wasting time browsing three apps, the deal arrives directly on your phone. You receive a notification, open the link, contact the seller and close the purchase. While other buyers have not even realised the listing exists, you are already negotiating. It is the most efficient way to save money buying second-hand without investing hours of your time.

Android app + browser extension

MitikLive works both from the Android app and from the browser extension. You can receive push alerts on your phone when you are out and about, and monitor searches from the browser when you are at your computer. To get started, you can download the app for free and set up your first alerts with a free account.

7. Frequently asked questions

How much can you save buying second-hand per year?

It depends on your spending habits, but a typical household can save between 2,000 and 3,000 euros a year by replacing regular purchases of electronics, clothing, furniture and children's items with second-hand products. In categories such as branded clothing or toys, the saving can exceed 80% compared to the retail price.

Is it safe to buy second-hand online?

Yes, as long as you take basic precautions: use the platform's built-in payment system, check the seller's reviews, ask for real photos of the product and arrange to meet in a public place if the handover is in person. For more tips, see our safe second-hand buying guide.

Where do I find the best second-hand prices?

The best prices are found by comparing across multiple platforms. Wallapop is ideal for electronics and furniture, Vinted for branded clothing, and Milanuncios for professional products and vehicles. The most efficient approach is to search all three at once with tools like MitikLive Alerts, which monitors all three platforms simultaneously.

What are price alerts and how do they work?

Price alerts are automatic notifications you receive when a product matching your search is listed within the price range you define. With MitikLive, you set what you are looking for, the maximum price and which platforms to monitor, and the system notifies you instantly when a match appears. That way you do not need to keep checking the apps all day long.

Is MitikLive free?

When you sign up you get a free account to set up alerts and start hunting for bargains on Wallapop, Vinted and Milanuncios. No credit card is needed to get started. You can download the app and try all the features with no commitment.