Maybe you are looking for something and not looking for something new. Buying used home appliances can be an effective way to obtain one of the most necessary appliances at a fraction of the original price. The Kenyan marketplace for used appliances is huge, with online selling platforms like Jiji, PigiaMe and Facebook Marketplace, it’s as easy to shop around.

And how do you know you’re getting a quality product that will last?

Check out these key tips that you should adhere to:

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Measure Your Space

Just like any appliance, it is important to ensure that the appliance will fit before purchasing it. Most sellers do not allow returns so make sure that you get the measurements (length, width, depth) of the space where the appliance will be placed.

Consider Your Budget

Used appliances come in a wide variety of price ranges depending on the make, model and age. Set a budget with what you can afford and try as much to look within that price range. It all depends on what you are looking for.

Research, Research, Research!

Before making any purchase, do a lot of extensive research on the appliance. Check out the sort of repairs, maintenance costs and experiences that owners have had with that appliance. Brand name reputation does matter at this point.

Search For Various Options In The Marketplace

Don’t just settle on the first appliance you see, ensure you have various options. You could most likely find the appliance you are looking for in either the same marketplace or different at a cheaper price. Once you find what you are looking for, contact the seller.

Ask Questions

Always make sure you ask the seller as many questions as possible. You should have that ‘feel’ for whether the appliance is fit for you or not. You can start by asking questions before meeting and inspecting the appliance.

Some questions that can be asked are:

1. How old is the appliance?
2. Is the appliance intact?
3. Has the appliance been repaired?
4. Are all parts original?
5. Why are you selling it?
6. Is there anything wrong with it?
7. Are you the original owner?
8. Do you have the original receipt?

Inspect The Appliance

Make sure that the appliance that you saw on the ad that you found is as-is. Be wary of sellers who put up a downloaded photo, they are most likely con artists. Ensure that what the seller told you about the appliance is true, like if the appliance is intact, no signs of damage etc.

Now you are ready to buy ‘new’ used home appliances. Go forth and search!