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SeaStar
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| Posted: May 17 2008 at 3:56pm | IP Logged
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Books, of course, I nearly always buy used. But recently I bought a "gently used" version of the "Little Stories for Little Folks" program... hmmm, "gently used" obviously has many different meanings. I wound up ordering a new copy after all.
So, I have determined that not everything is a good buy used, especially if anything "hands-on" is involved. The LSFLF was my first "lemon", though. Should I give up buying used curricula other than books?
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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
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folklaur
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| Posted: May 17 2008 at 4:39pm | IP Logged
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No...just ask lots of questions beforehand  . I try to describe the items I sell very well, as I would want them described for me. I have been disappointed a few times by things being "gently" used too - so I know how you feel!
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MommyD
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| Posted: May 17 2008 at 6:28pm | IP Logged
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I try to never buy used. When you buy used, the person who worked hard to create that material doesn't get any of the money. Most of my stuff is from smaller companies (CHC, MUS, Hillside, etc.) I feel like it is important to support them so they can stay in business and make beautiful new material for me.
We have a few authors on this forum. If they wouldn't mind, I'd love to hear their thoughts on finding their books being re-sold.
Melissa
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TracyQ
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| Posted: May 19 2008 at 9:02am | IP Logged
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I buy books used often when I can. I try to buy new when I can, especially when what I want is from smaller companies, and authors who don't create tons of material (and from friends  ). I agree that's a good thing to do. But there is no possibility for us to buy everything new, or we wouldn't be able to homeschool, as it's just not possible financially. So we try our best to create the balance, to support the smaller companies, and try to buy new when we can, use the library when it's possible to find what we need, borrow from homeschooling friends (and lend out our resources), and to find used books and resources when we must, particularly for things like math, science (if it's a bigger text, etc.).
I do think you take your chances when you buy used, but of all of the used buying I've done in our 13 years, I've only been displeased a few times, thankfully.  I agree with Laura, ask a lot of questions! I know that I too try to give a good idea of the condition and be very honest when I sell any curriculum, because I don't want anyone to be disappointed, so I expect the same from others when I'm buying from them.
I also have a bit of a sick feeling to think of resources/books that are in excellent condition going in the garbage instead of being sold or given away, because there's a lot of paper waste in doing that. I hate when I have to throw things out because I know they won't sell well, or for whatever reason, it just bothers me for some reason. So I think it's a bit of a difficult thing for several reasons. I guess that's why I try to create the balance between all of them, so that I'm thinking of everyone concerned, if that makes sense???? Maybe it doesn't, it's just what I do, which doesn't always make sense.  
I also like to bless other homeschooling moms and others as well with resources that I have that will make them happy, so I give a lot away too. That helps ease my aching heart, rather than throwing things in the garbage as well. 
This is very interesting to ponder, and discuss, and I too would love others' thoughts as well, because I'm always open to hearing wisdom from others to help make good decisions for our family.
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Blessings and Peace,
Tracy Q.
wife of Marty for 20 years, mom of 3 wonderful children (1 homeschool graduate, 1 12th grader, and a 9th grader),
 homeschooling in 15th year in Buffalo, NY
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insegnante
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| Posted: May 19 2008 at 4:36pm | IP Logged
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I agree with Tracy. I won't waste materials that could be of use to others just because the makers can earn more money that way. Besides, the used materials can also serve to advertise the company to people who aren't ready to buy them new (or even buy them at all, if they get them given away free). As a buyer I take supporting the company into consideration when deciding on new v. used, but it seems that there are many homeschoolers in a better financial situation to make up the market for the new products when used are available.
I was actually more interested in buying Math-U-See new after I saw their used materials guide which provides guides for both buying and selling their curriculum used, and says they "encourage the use of used books and manipulatives" -- I liked the final tip "Sell unto others as you would have them sell unto you :-)" and felt like they were truly selling their product according to that belief if they were vocally supportive of us making the decision for our own family whether it would be best to buy used. I found no serious discounts anyway on what I was looking for where I looked, and we did buy new, but if I had found better prices for used materials, whether I bought them used or supported the company more financially by buying new would have had a lot to do with whatever our financial condition was at the time.
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Theresa
mommy to three boys, 3/02, 8/04, and 9/10, and a girl, 8/08
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: What will you/won't you buy used?
