Never, ever buy on sale….
Plastic surgery
I don’t care if it’s buy one-get three free; that’s how you end up like Heidi! Any reputable surgeon will not offer discounted surgery. Even “minor” procedures like Botox and chemical peels shouldn’t be purchased on sale since there’s a lot that can go wrong- and Hello! That’s your face on the line.
Haircuts
Unless you know the stylist, don’t risk it. If a stylist is offering cheap haircuts, there’s a reason- often, they can’t keep their clients coming back because they don’t like their hair cut. It’s hard enough to stand up for yourself if you don’t like the cut, but if you’ve only paid part of the price, you feel downright obligated to grin and bare it. Just like the plastic surgery, this is your appearance on the line. Don’t risk it!

Never, ever buy new…
Office furniture
Office furniture doesn’t take a whole lot of wear, and nothing gross happens on it (well, usually). However, desks are a huge pain to move, so you can almost always score one that someone doesn’t feel like moving with them on Craigslist or even Freecycle. I actually found a little coffee table in the dumpster next to my house the other day- I took it home, cleaned it up & am now using it as a craft station!
Pets
I’m an animal lover & I would like to suggest that if you are looking to add a furry, scaly, feathery or otherwise friend to your family that you check out your local shelter or various online rescue groups before heading to the pet store. I get choked up thinking about all the animals that get put to sleep just because they don’t have a loving family (cue the Sarah McLaughlin song..) so I won’t go on but seriously- adoption is the way to go. Still not convinced? Keep in mind that you’ll pay about $100 for a dog from the shelter, but about $2300 for a puppy from the pet store.
Carol Conway-Fleisher says
Great tips! ๐
Kelly says
These are great. I also never buy shoes used. I know many people do, but have you seen people's feet?
Carolina Girl says
DITTO! Enough said.
The Professional Family Manager says
I agree with you completely! Of course, there are always exceptions (except never with a used mattress or lingerie). I spent $60 on a haircut that made me look older than my grandmother…the guy was supposed to be good, but my "cheap" stylist (aka ME) did a better job. The only time I think it's right to buy a "new" dog is when you plan on doing AKC-sanctioned conformation showing (like my oldest daughter does) from a reputable breeder–not a back-yard breeder or a pet shop. This year we bought my daughter's conformation golden retriever, AND we rescued a super-sweet three-year-old Tibetan Spaniel. As pets, both are equally sweet, so it really doesn't make a difference if you buy the dog "new" as a pet.
The Step In Mom. . . says
Great tips! Pregnancy tests from the dollar store are a no-no also… I know a guy who took one and it said he was knocked up… lol.
MamaOtwins+1 says
I came by to visit one of my newest followers! Thank you! I love your post -but I do want you to know that while manning my mother's garage sale early one saturday morning, the first guest arrived. Their only purchase, my mother's used bras.
mrs_muffins says
I nodded all the way down…. 'specially the lingerie (eew). But when I read what you put about pets I wanted to hug you! Yay for shelter doggies (and kitties!!!)
xx
Shannon says
I'm with you on the lingerie…ewwwww…that is just disgusting and enough said! Yay for rescuing shelter animals…
The mad woman behind the blog says
AMEN! All those things you shouldn't buy used? I've probably tried to sell at a garage sale. Can't give that stuff away!
Rene W. says
Seriously! And shelter dogs are WONDERFUL used ๐ Great blog!
Linda @ My Trendy Tykes says
Eww! I agree on all of the above.
Tara says
Hi I am your newest follower from Friday Follow. I'd love to have you join in over at Trendy Treehouse's Follow Me Fridays too!
http://thetrendytreehouse.blogspot.com/2010/03/follow-me-fridays.html
Have a great weekend. Tara @ Trendy Treehouse
MageeMommy says
Yikes! Yep, good info on what not to buy used and not to buy new! LOL
I'm a little late but am a new follower through Friday Follow. If you get a chance stop by for a visit at
MageeMommy
http://mageebaby.blogspot.com
Ali @ Mommie Life says
Good points!! Seriously sometimes you think things should go unsaid but there's always that ONE person out there that just doesn't get it… ๐
I fully agree about the puppies!! ksl.com in utah has thousands of dogs online that need homes! The pet stores are a joke! ๐