A lot of people put the task of buying a new garden table and chairs on their list of ‘things to do’. But it often gets put to the bottom of the list until summer time rolls around – and then it gets to be a rush to buy something suitable. And of course, you tend to find that garden tables and chairs then go out of stock, because everyone wants to be buying the same thing!
But there is another possibility you can go for instead of buying brand new, and that of course is buying second hand. But is it worth it? Will it save you money, or will it simply result in getting something a little less than desirable?
The main place to go for second hand items online today is of course eBay. But there are other sources as well – for example many newspapers and publications have online sites that show all their classified listings. You might be able to pick something up here.
But is it going to be worth the time it takes you to search? Or are you better off buying a brand new set?
There are pros and cons to this of course. One of the main advantages is that you might be able to get something very cheaply – cheaper than you would if you were to buy it brand new. It depends quite often on the type and style of garden table you are considering. For example, wrought iron tends to be very expensive, and you might make a genuine saving if you were to buy one second hand from someone who no longer needs or wants it.
The biggest disadvantage is probably the fact that you won’t have any guarantees attached to it. If you buy something brand new and you find that something is wrong with it, or an essential part or bolt is missing, you can go back to the store you bought it from and get what you need. But you can’t do that if you have bought it second hand.
It can also be difficult buying second hand when it comes to being practical. Most brand new garden furniture sets will either be delivered to your home, or supplied flat packed in a box. That won’t happen if you buy second hand! You will either have to dismantle the table and chairs – which isn’t always easy – or you will have to get hold of a van or open backed vehicle to be able to put them in to transport them to your home.
Suddenly it seems a lot easier to choose something from a website or catalogue and buy it brand new, doesn’t it? And in most cases it is. It will also be cheaper in many cases too, especially when you bear in mind the cost of going to get a second hand set and taking it back to your home.
So buy new – you won’t regret it.