Let’s be real—the secondhand market can be a bit like the Wild West. For every amazing deal (like my ₹3,200 Yamaha), there’s someone out there trying to sell a “barely used” item that’s actually one fall away from the scrap heap.
I’ve spent a lot of time hunting for gear for Thrifted by Zane, and I’ve developed a bit of a “BS detector.” If you’re shopping on marketplaces or local ads, here are the red flags I always look for so you don’t have to learn the hard way.
1. The “Too Good to Be True” Price
If you see a Fender Stratocaster or a high-end laptop for 80% off retail, your alarm bells should be ringing. Scammers use “heart-attack prices” to make you act fast without thinking.
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The Rule: If the price is so low it feels like a steal, it probably is—or the item doesn’t exist. Always compare the price with other used listings, not just the brand-new price.
2. Blurred or “Stock” Photos
If a seller is using photos they grabbed from Google or a manufacturer’s website, run. * The Rule: You want to see the actual item in a real room. Look for specific details—a scratch on the corner, the texture of the carpet, or even a messy background. It proves the seller actually has the item in their hands. (That’s why I take detailed, high-res photos of everything in my shop!)
3. The “Urgent” Seller
“Need money urgently,” “Moving tomorrow,” “Multiple buyers interested.” Scammers love creating fake pressure to stop you from asking questions or inspecting the item properly.
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The Rule: A legitimate seller will give you time to ask about the condition or see a video of it working. If they’re pushing you to pay right now, something is up.
4. Avoiding the “Lurking” Damage
Some things are easy to hide in a quick photo.
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For Electronics: Ask for a video of it powering on and the buttons working.
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For Books: Ask if there’s any highlighting or “hidden” water damage in the middle pages.
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For Instruments: Look closely at the “neck” of a guitar or the inputs of an amp.
5. Trust Your Gut on the Person
At the end of the day, you aren’t just buying an item; you’re buying from a person. Do they answer your questions clearly? Or are they being vague?
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My Approach: This is exactly why I started my own shop. I wanted to take the “guesswork” out of it. When you buy from a curated place, you know the “BS detector” test has already been passed.
The Bottom Line
Buying used is the smartest way to shop, but only if you keep your eyes open. Don’t let the excitement of a deal blind you to the red flags.
Want gear that’s already been vetted, cleaned, and tested? Browse the Thrifted by Zane collection here →