Save Money at Resale Shops

Many consumers know that you can find good deals on pre-owned items at flea markets, Ebay, Craigslist, and various classified ads. In recent years, many franchise specialty resale shops have emerged on the retail market. These stores allow shoppers to shop for specific specialized goods and also may give you cash for your unwanted items. Below are some descriptions and web sites that have a growing number of locations across the nation. Purchasing from resale shops can help you control your personal debt management budget.

Once Upon a Child:
With more than 230 stores nationwide, Once Upon a Child buys and sells gently-used children’s toys, furniture, and clothing. Most parents know that kids outgrow everything very fast. Therefore, this resale shop can save families money on items that children use for a short time. Those bags full of gently-used clothes that children wore for a few months could also earn parents some extra cash. For more information, visit www.ouac.com.

Plato’s Closet:
This store has a similar concept to Once Upon a Child, except it is geared towards teens. Plato’s Closet, a franchise resale shop that buys and sells gently-used teen apparel, specializes in designer brands such as Express and Abercrombie & Fitch. In addition to purchasing stylish clothes for a fraction of the cost, your teen can also get cash for clothes that they do not wear anymore. Visit www.platoscloset.com for a store near you.
 
Play It Again Sports:
Participating in school or community sports produces positive results for your child. However, parents are sometimes burdened with bills for costly equipment and transportation fees. Play It Again Sports allows you to turn in your used sporting goods for credit towards new purchases. This store also gives cash for used fitness equipment. View them on the web at www.playitagainsports.com.
 
Half Price Books:
By the name of this store, it is easy to assume that it carries a wide variety of used books. However, they also stock pre-owned music, movies, and games. Most items are at least half off of the publisher’s original price. If you are an avid reader, this store may be a good alternative to the pricey bookstores that sell only new items. Half Price Books also gives you cash for your used books, CDs, movies, etc. According to this store’s web site (www.halfpricebooks.com), associates will make an offer on every one of your items.
 
CD Warehouse:
This resale store buys, sells, and trades used CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, games, and vinyl records. The amount of cash you receive for CDs depends on the current inventory of the individual store. The CD Warehouse also provides a great way to unload the music that you no longer listen to or have converted to MP3 format. Music buffs can also find interesting and rare tunes for a low price. Visit www.cdwarehouse.com for more information. This franchise also operates under the names of Disc Go Round, CD Exchange, and Music Trader.
 
Computer Renaissance:
Keeping up with the latest computer technology can be a costly endeavor. Computer Renaissance offers consumers refurbished name brand computers and also custom builds new computers. When it comes time to upgrade your system, you may be able to receive trade-in value for your equipment and apply it to the cost of a new computer. For more details, visit www.compren.com.
 
ReTool:
Household tools can be a surprise expense because some people may only buy them when they absolutely need them while others like to tackle various home improvement projects as a hobby. ReTool offers an array of new and used tools which includes everything from table saws to nails. All used tools are inspected to ensure they are functional. This store will also buy your unwanted tools or give your credit to trade up to a different model. Find a location near you at www.re-tool.com.