Sell your second-hand electricals - there's a market for them

More and more people are looking to buy second-hand goods.

People wishing to remain eco-friendly while also trying to make money in this time of economic uncertainty and spending cuts tension could find they can kill two birds with one stone.

Rather than throwing away their old electricals - which would not be a very environmentally-friendly thing to do - individuals might want to try and sell the products to other people who are in need of the items but do not have the cash to splash out on expensive originals.

By flogging second-hand gadgets, people will be safe in the knowledge they have done their bit to slow down climate change while at the same time heading home with a few extra quid in their back pocket - which could come in handy when the effects of the government's Comprehensive Spending Review really start to bite.

And what's more, it appears there is currently a huge market for used goods, so finding a buyer for the items shouldn't be a problem.

According to new research from independent price comparison website uSwitch, many Brits - keen to tighten their purse strings - are looking at different ways they can save the pennies when making necessary purchases.

The study found that a whopping 87 per cent of those questioned would be willing to buy second-hand goods.

Moreover, it revealed 92 per cent of respondents are happy to shop in budget stores and 82 per cent even claimed they would be prepared to haggle - so those who choose to offload their electrical goods could find there are a number of willing takers.

Ann Robinson, director of Consumer Policy at the website, said these findings are evidence of "desperate times calling for desperate measures".

The expert noted nearly everybody should be looking to make and hoard as much cash as they can in this age of austerity.

She added: "Saving money where possible … is a simple and painless first step and is often the easiest way of making ends meet."

And this view is echoed by Jonathan Davis, economist and wealth manager at Jonathan Davis Wealth Management, who claimed that after more than a decade of debt culture, people are starting to become more aware about the importance of saving and are attempting to put more money aside.

His comments follow the release of Mintels' predictions for consumer trends in 2011, which estimated consumers will adopt a defensive approach to buying goods because there is now a heightened sense of what economic collapse is like and adults are aware of the impact of a global recession.

The report revealed 43 per cent of Brits consider "trying to add to my rainy day savings/emergency fund" as one of the biggest priorities for this year, which is an increase of 15 per cent on that recorded 12 months earlier.

So, it appears selling second-hand electricals could be beneficial for all.

The person offloading the goods will be acting in an eco-friendly manner and doing his or her bit to protect the planet, while the buyer - wanting to ensure they are not spending too much on items because they are mindful of how tight and unstable their money situation is - feel they are scooping up a bargain.