Buying used furniture: how to make a good catch

At a flea market, you discovered a beautiful side table, or a nice cabinet from the Victorian era in an thrift store? There are plenty of offers on online classifieds, at flea markets, or in thrift stores.

Buying used furniture can be a good idea. It's often cheaper, and you might find a piece that not everyone has at home, perhaps even one with a unique history and special charm.

However, as with any purchase, careful consideration is necessary. "It's risky to rely solely on photos," warns furniture expert and author Olaf Günther from Backnang ("Smart Furniture Buying"). Photos can be retouched, and potential flaws may not be apparent. Or the furniture may look different in color in reality than it does in the photos.

Inspecting the furniture

So, examine the furniture piece as closely as possible in person and check it for any signs of wear. This will help you better assess its true size and determine if it will actually fit in your living, working, or sleeping quarters.

Take a closer look, perhaps even with a magnifying glass, for scratches and other damages. "It's a good idea to try sitting on a sofa or chair," suggests Günther. For cabinets and dressers, test the doors and drawers to make sure they open easily.

Do you notice two millimeter-sized holes in wooden furniture? This could be a sign of a woodworm infestation. Woodworm larvae burrow through wood and leave behind hollow spaces. If wood flour comes out of the holes in your desired piece of furniture, it's clear: keep your hands off.

The risk of new used furniture being infested with woodworm is generally low, according to Günther. "Today's furniture is rarely solid wood, but made of wood composite panels," he explains. Most of them contained glue and the surfaces were usually varnished. Woodworm find this unappealing.

Does the furniture piece meet your expectations? Often, it's possible to negotiate the price. Inform yourself about this beforehand by finding out how much other sellers are asking for similar furniture pieces. "Only then can a discount be realistically negotiated," says Günther. Don't forget to clarify with the seller beforehand if and when they will deliver the furniture to your home and what additional costs are involved.

Warranty claims

Great, if the new furniture piece finds a place in your home and fits well with the rest of your decor. But what if defects appear after the purchase, such as a drawer that won't open or a door that falls off when opened?

In general, a used furniture seller, whether private or commercial, is obligated to ensure that the goods are in a contractually acceptable condition. There is no requirement for disclosure of normal signs of wear. However, if the goods are defective, the buyer may be able to make so-called warranty claims. This means that the seller repairs a defective product or provides a new one.

For new products, the statutory warranty period is two years. "Dealers can legally reduce this warranty period to one year for used goods," says Peter Lassek from the Consumer Center Hessen. In transactions between private individuals, the warranty can be completely waived. In such cases, an agreement is made, for example, with the following words: "Bought as seen/inspected without any warranty." Such a warranty disclaimer must always be individually agreed upon by both parties, according to Lassek.

When buying used furniture, a consumer has a statutory right of withdrawal within 14 days - if the product was bought from a commercial dealer. The period begins with receipt of the goods. However, be careful: "This right of withdrawal does not apply to private sales," says Lassek. And in the case of purchases in stationary stores, such as flea markets or antique shops, there is no right of withdrawal - at most a return policy on a voluntary basis. "This should be agreed individually," says the consumer advocate.

Flea Market or Antique Shop?

When buying used furniture, should one prefer a flea market, classified ads, online shops, or antique or junk shops on site? It depends. Because everything has its advantages and disadvantages. With a classified ad, one may come across exactly the furniture piece one is looking for. The disadvantage: One cannot see the product and must ask the seller for a viewing appointment.

The advantage of a flea market: One can see the item, often haggle well with the seller. The disadvantage: If it turns out later that the furniture piece has defects, the buyer would usually have poor cards to play.

In online shops, potential buyers only see photos, so they cannot make a realistic overall impression of the condition of the furniture piece. However, the buyer has a statutory right of withdrawal within 14 days, if the seller is a business.

And in flea markets or antique shops? Here one can see the furniture and examine it in detail and for possible defects. However, it is often difficult to negotiate the price here.

When purchasing furniture online from platforms like eBay, it's essential to consult an advisor or seek advice from online consumer centers to understand the legal issues surrounding warranty claims and returns.
In the furniture industry, establishing a connection between real estate developers and online trading platforms can lead to setting up consumer centers within apartment buildings, providing easy access to advice and support for buying used furniture.
An advisor from a legal firm specializing in real estate and online trading could provide valuable insights into the potential implications of legal issues arising from buying used furniture online, protecting both buyers and sellers.
Trade organizations in the furniture industry could advocate for the creation of industry-wide standards and regulations, ensuring both the quality and accountability of used furniture sold through online trading platforms, while also addressing legal issues and protecting consumer rights.