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Wednesday, March 07, 2012

The Swiss Second-hand Scene

Nothing demonstrates the cost of living in a country more than the price of its used goods. If you consider the second-hand scene, Switzerland is clearly not a buyer's market. But it is definitely a seller's market. In fact, this Frau can sell used items in Switzerland for more than she paid for them new in the U.S.

Over on swissinfo.ch this week, the Frau discusses living in a country where flea market sellers won't bargain, where the Salvation Army equivalent has change for a thousand-franc bill, and where sellers on the Swiss version of Ebay start the bidding for their used strollers at SFr 350.

Have you been amazed by the Swiss second-hand scene?

16 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:24 PM

    I couldn't agree more! I've been utterly stunned at prices for second-hand goods on Ricardo & at flea markets. I'd much rather pay full price for something new, rather than 3/4 of the price for something used. For me, I sell/give away things to get them out of the apartment (cellar, attic, etc.), not to get nearly the full price back for my old stuff!

    Keep up the great work. I love reading your posts!!

    Stephanie

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  2. I've sold a boatload of baby gear on Ricardo, I am always pleasantly surprised how much our gently used gear fetches!

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  3. This is so true. There is no such thing as bargain hunting because I'm convinced there is no such thing as "rummage" for sale in Switzerland.

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  4. Thanks Chantal. We are heading back to the sunny coast of Australia to live in July after two years here. I find the money focus disconcerting, the people without smiles sad, the lack of emotion and empathy for us foreigners pathetic. I don't think I'm generalising. We have done some amazing things here and made some good friends who were born here but unfortunately they are still considered 'foreigners'. I keep telling Swiss people that I'm not a foreigner, I'm an Australian. I'll keep in touch with your blog just so I can see the progress in this culture. Best wishes

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  5. Thanks for reading and commenting, everyone! It makes the discussions a lot more fun.

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  11. komal laylay11:39 AM

    Great post!! very informative.
    any body here interested in buy or sell 2nd hand things try http://bechdaal.com. world largest 2nd hand shop.100% delivery guarantee.

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