The Unsuspecting Place To Get A Secondhand Refrigerator For Less

If your current refrigerator has stopped cooling and is leading to spoiled food, you might consider buying a new unit. Alas, a basic model with a built-in freezer will set you back by at least $500. And the price will go up dramatically if you want something roomy or with the latest features. Now, this can be an issue if you're on a tight budget. In such scenarios, go for secondhand units to get the best of both worlds. Facebook Marketplace is a great place to start your search.

Just go to the "Marketplace" tab in the app and set your search radius before you start looking up gently-used refrigerators for your home. When you find something that catches your eye, click "open the page" to check out its details. You can even contact the seller to learn more about the unit and determine whether there's some wiggle room in the listed pricing. 

In case all goes well and you both agree on the price, coordinate the pick-up details to bring your "new" fridge home. That being said, there are a few trade-offs to buying appliances secondhand from the FB Marketplace. For starters, the unit might no longer be covered by a warranty, and the seller likely won't issue a guarantee. Plus, you'll have to take the seller at their word, and may have to shoulder repair or replacement costs. You'll also have to coordinate the installation as well as the removal of the old one.

The first thing you want to do is figure out the kind of fridge you want. Narrowing down your search terms will allow you to look up the right models, so you don't get lost in the melee. And if you want a decent ROI (return on investment), make a list of the most trustworthy and reliable appliance brands, and target their fridges. Also, don't forget to measure your doors, hallways, and clearance space in the kitchen. This way, you won't accidentally buy a model that won't fit.

Another tip is to drop the seller a text when you find a unit you like. Try tailoring the message and be polite, as following this etiquette rule when thrift shopping will help you stand out from the crowd. Obviously, take this step only if the seller has a good rating on the marketplace. You can roll the dice with a new person if you don't mind taking a little risk. If you hear back, ask additional questions, like why they're selling the refrigerator, if there are any current issues, and if the unit is still under warranty. Moreover, ask for a picture of the serial number, so you can conduct your own research and find if the model has bad reviews online, has been recalled, or the manufacturer is untrustworthy. In case it's an LG appliance, here are five of the most common problems with the brand's refrigerators.

No matter how much you like a seller or their listed fridge, never make a final decision until you see the appliance in person. Following this approach, you can ensure it exists in the real-world and will reduce your chances of getting scammed by AI-generated images. You can also get a feel for the seller and decide whether you can trust whatever they've told you. Bonus advantage: you won't get strung along by a warehouse that might not have the listed model in stock. You can even check if the shelves are clean or not. Since you want to ensure the cooling box works as expected, it'd be best if you visit the seller's house.

However, avoid going alone for a couple of reasons. For starters, you'd be visiting a practical stranger and having backup never hurts. Also, having another person examine the refrigerator might help you discover certain problems, like dents, a stuck freezer, or a chewed up wire, you'd have missed otherwise. When you reach the seller's residence, request them to plug in the device and take your time checking it out. If the warranty has lapsed and the unit seems to show signs of wear and tear, quickly run a cost vs benefit analysis. To elaborate, a fridge generally lasts 10 to 15 years, and if it's already crossed the 10-year threshold, spending hundreds of dollars on it might not be worth it. But in case everything seems in order, finalize the deal, make the payment, and lug the appliance home (or schedule it, but don't pay the seller in full until then).