Melbourne woman Tamara DiMattina has saved an astronomical number by buying used goods, including expensive dishes that can cost thousands.
Tamara DiMattina is far from just a hobby, the Melbourne woman has developed into an expert in buying used goods.
It’s a skill that the PR director and founder of the people and eco-friendly lifestyle program The New Joneses perfected while at a high-end auction house in London.
The job required her to look good, but her low salary required resourceful use of her budget – that’s when Ms. DiMattina discovered op shopping.
She now views it as a lifestyle and habit that allows her to divert her money into her mortgage and better shop for less.
“If people can get over the thought, ‘It’s second hand, it’s not that good,’ then they can make fantastic deals and afford this fantastic quality,” she told news.com.au.
“That’s how I live my life. I buy everything second hand and I always buy nice quality things.
“That means I save money on pretty much every purchase, and that money is then taken off my mortgage.”
From buying $ 60 fully functional speakers for $ 150 to paying $ 800 for a Thermomix that was expensive but well below the MSRP of over $ 2000, Ms. wants DiMattina is redefining how people view second-hand shopping.
Not only is it a more sustainable choice, the founder of Buy Nothing New Month says it’s also a way to be able to afford higher quality things that might otherwise be out of their price range.
“I think it’s really important to understand that this is a fantastic opportunity to get great stuff at a very discounted price. (Second hand) doesn’t mean it’s no longer good, it just means the person doesn’t need it anymore, ”she says.
“For example, I’ve never bought a new iPhone, I always buy a used iPhone. It may mean that I’m a few generations behind the newest model, but I don’t need the newest and I save a lot of money. ”
How do you buy used better?
Some of the easiest things Ms. DiMattina to buy second-hand are kitchen appliances, as she can get significant discounts on top quality brands that would otherwise be beyond her budget.
Kitchen knives and high quality pots and pans are two other areas where it is easy to find a good buy, as people either want to get rid of their excess, unused pieces that they bought too much or received as gifts.
Ms. DiMattina says it’s important to remember that superficial blemishes can also be removed with professional cleaning, a simple DIY repair, or upholstery.
Ms. DiMattina gives the example of a used Jardan couch made in Australia that she bought on eBay 10 years ago and has since given to a neighbor.
Sofas from the acclaimed Melbourne brand can cost more than $ 6,000, but they are only $ 800. While it looked a little worn, Ms. DiMattina simply had it re-upholstered with new fabrics.
“It had gotten a little grubby, but underneath it was of excellent quality. There are many ways to do this with furniture, ”she says.
“You can also do that with high-quality carpets. People often let them go but have them cleaned professionally and they can get going. “
Facebook Marketplace is your friend
For people just starting out, Ms. DiMattina says that Facebook Marketplace is the platform she finds most accessible. The human component also makes the buying process more transparent and you are less likely to be “confused”.
Searching for demolition sales can also be a great way to find ovens, pendant lights, appliances, and dishwashers for free.
“It’s really good quality stuff. People’s whole house is being demolished and rebuilt, ”she says.
“A kitchen that might cost you $ 30,000 to buy might not cost you anything – all you have to do is remove and move it yourself.”
Other ways to access high quality second hand goods are also peer-to-peer platforms like Depop, SWOP, or the online version of your local op-shop or charity shop.
For Ms. DiMattina, buying secondhand has enabled her to rediscover the joy of shopping, albeit in an ethical and less wasteful way that allows her to “buy less but buy better”.
“I don’t waste money buying in excess,” she says. “I’m very proud and happy to say, ‘Wow, look at this and it only costs me that much’, but not in a way that makes me think cheaper is better.”
Tamara DiMattina is the founder of The New Joneses – a lifestyle project that focuses on people and the planet.
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