Used Sports Equipment: Tips Before Buying
Buying used sports equipment offers many opportunities for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts, sports enthusiasts and athletes. However, it is essential to proceed with caution to make the best choice.
Are you interested? You want to save money by buying used sports equipment, but you don't know how to go about it. It is advisable to be vigilant since some people with bad intentions allow themselves to put defective or counterfeit products on sale by making you believe otherwise. This is why, in this article, we give you our advice to know before you start purchasing sports equipment on the platform.
Évaluez l'état et la qualité du matériel
Lorsque vous envisagez d'acheter du matériel de sport d'occasion, prenez le temps d'évaluer attentivement l'état et la qualité des articles. Vérifiez s'ils présentent des signes d'usure excessive, de dommages structurels ou de pièces manquantes. Assurez-vous que les fermetures éclair, les sangles, les poignées ou les cordes fonctionnent correctement.
Si vous achetez des équipements électroniques, tels que des montres de sport ou des trackers d'activité, vérifiez qu'ils fonctionnent correctement et qu'ils sont en bon état de marche. Demandez des informations sur l'âge et l'utilisation antérieure de ces appareils pour vous assurer qu'ils répondent à vos besoins.
Evaluate the condition and quality of the equipment
When considering purchasing used sports equipment, take the time to carefully evaluate the condition and quality of the items. Check them for signs of excessive wear, structural damage, or missing parts. Make sure any zippers, straps, handles or ropes work properly.
If you are purchasing electronic equipment, such as sports watches or activity trackers, check that they are working properly and are in good working order. Ask about the age and previous use of these devices to ensure they meet your needs.
Safety standards
It is crucial to check whether the equipment meets safety standards. This is particularly important for protective equipment such as helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, etc.
Also check them for signs of damage or cracks. For electronic equipment such as heart monitors or activity trackers, make sure that they comply with standards for wave emission and electrical safety, for example on these types of products, there must be have registered the CE standard which indicates that the product meets health, safety and environmental protection standards. The EN 60601-1 standard should also be included, it covers aspects such as electrical insulation, safety and risk management.
It is also important to check that the weight training equipment and machines you wish to purchase are in good condition. To do this, you can perform some tests like:
- Test the locks: The locks on the weights and bars should work properly by locking and unlocking them several times.
- Visually inspect cables and straps: Look for signs of wear, tear, or damage on cables and straps. Make sure they are intact and in good condition, with no exposed threads or loose seams.
- Check the welds and joints: Check the welds and joints of the different parts of the weight training equipment. These must be solid, without cracks or signs of weakness.
- Test adjustment mechanisms: If the weight equipment has adjustment mechanisms, such as seats, supports or supports, make sure they move easily and lock into place securely.
Maintenance history and warranties
It remains essential to check the maintenance history of the equipment, if applicable. Ask the seller if they have any invoices, proof of previous maintenance or repairs. This will give you an idea of how the equipment was used and maintained.
If the hardware is still under warranty, be sure to transfer the warranty to your name. Find out about the warranty conditions and how to claim them if necessary.
Are you curious to learn more about potential second-hand scams? Find our articles on second-hand bikes, or even on second-hand griddles.
Buy your used sports equipment with Obvy
If you want to buy your used sports equipment on peer-to-peer resale platforms such as Leboncoin or Vinted, we advise you to go through Obvy to secure your transaction.
With Obvy as a secure means of payment between individuals, you easily avoid scams thanks to the funds escrow system which allows the money from the transaction to be secured in a safe while the transaction is finalized. In fact, you have 72 hours once the package is received to certify the authenticity of your second-hand bag. If necessary, you will be reimbursed without difficulty.