Secondhand Shopping Savings Calculator

Your savings percentage (discount) is calculated as: ((Retail Price − Secondhand Price) ÷ Retail Price) × 100. For example, if a jacket retails for $120 and you buy it secondhand for $35, you save $85 — that's a 70.8% discount off the original price.

Yes — significantly. Manufacturing new products consumes raw materials, water, and energy. When you buy used, you extend the life of an existing item and avoid the carbon footprint of producing a new one. Clothing, electronics, and furniture tend to have the highest environmental impact per item manufactured, so buying these secondhand offers the greatest eco benefit.

The CO₂ estimate is based on average carbon footprint figures per item category. For example, a new clothing item averages roughly 15–25 kg CO₂e to produce, while electronics can be 50–150 kg CO₂e. Buying secondhand avoids most of that production footprint. These are approximate figures — actual savings vary by brand, material, and supply chain.

A commonly used benchmark is paying 50% or less of the original retail price. However, for high-value items like electronics or designer goods, even 70–80% of retail can still represent meaningful savings and lower total cost of ownership. Always factor in condition, remaining lifespan, and any repair costs.

Enter your estimated total annual secondhand spend and the average markup (how much more expensive new items are compared to secondhand prices). The calculator will estimate how much money you would have spent buying all those items new, and show your total projected yearly savings.

Clothing and apparel typically offer the deepest discounts — often 60–90% off retail. Books, toys, and sports equipment are also excellent for savings. Electronics can offer strong discounts but require more care to verify condition and functionality. Furniture and tools also tend to hold up well secondhand and can be bought at a fraction of new prices.

Absolutely. This calculator shows the raw price difference, but if a secondhand item needs repairs or cleaning, those costs reduce your net savings. A quick rule: subtract any expected repair or refurbishment costs from your 'Total Money Saved' figure to get your true savings after any extra spending.

Popular options include thrift stores, charity shops, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Depop, Poshmark, ThredUp, and local garage sales or estate sales. For electronics, certified refurbished programs from manufacturers like Apple or Dell can also offer savings with added reliability guarantees.