HOW TO... find a bargain

Following in the footsteps of fashion, fast furniture has become a real issue in recent years. There is a solution, however, as you can save money, reduce landfill and give a new home to a preloved item by purchasing from a private seller.

• Online sites, such as Facebook Marketplace, Preloved, eBay and Gumtree allow you to search for specific pieces and pay a lot less than you would when it was new.

• If you have something specific in mind you can search for that item. You may want to create a wider search to furnish a whole room. Get as much information as you can from the seller by asking to see photos from all angles and ask if there are any defects, scratches or marks. It’s a case of buyer beware, so never hand over money until you are sure of what you are purchasing.

• The safest way is to buy local so you can go and see the item in person and pay upon collection or delivery. Read the small print on the site to check if you are entitled to a refund should the item not be as described. PayPal’s Buyer Protection will cover your costs for any online purchases in the case of a dispute.

• Facebook has now introduced a paid-for Hermes postal service for its Marketplace, where the buyer or seller pays a delivery charge. You can avoid this by arranging delivery or collection yourself.

• There are also free sites, such as Freegle and Freecycle. Freegle is like online dating for homewares as it matches you with someone local; you can also ask for stuff as well as give it away. Freecycle is a non-profit movement of people who give and get things for free in their own towns. You can also visit local reuse organisations for great secondhand furniture finds. Check with your local council for such schemes in your area.