Smart Shopping
You or your child wants to play hockey. Before you start training to be the next Wayne Gretzky, think about what you have to buy: skates, stick, puck, jersey, pads and helmet. But don't let the high cost of equipment spoil your love for sports and recreation. You can cut the cost in half by buying used equipment.

Where to Buy Used Equipment
Look in the yellow pages under "Sporting Goods" for stores that sell used equipment or search the Internet. The time and patience you take to find used equipment that fits is well worth the work: used gear can cost half of what you would have to pay for new equipment.

Some communities sponsor used equipment sales. These events are usually held in parking lots, church basements or fairgrounds. People with equipment to sell set up their goods on tables. Then customers can browse through the assortment and ask the owners questions about how the equipment performs.

How to Buy and Sell Equipment
Be sure to inspect any used equipment very carefully. Expect some wear and tear, but don't buy any equipment that looks as if it won't last more than a season. Double check weak spots such as seams in skates.

Stores that sell used equipment are great resources for getting rid of your old sports gear. Call a store to make an appointment. Someone there will assess the quality of your equipment and offer to buy it then and there or offer to sell it on consignment. (Consignment means that the store won't pay you for the equipment until it is sold to a customer. Then the store gets a portion of the selling price and you get the rest.) To get a better price, take the time to clean up the equipment before you bring it to the store.

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Click on the best summary of passage.
A.
Buying and Selling Used Sporting Equipment

You or your child might want to play basketball or hockey. Before you start training, think about what you have to buy. You can cut the cost by buying used gear.

To find a used equipment store, look in the phone book. Call the store to make an appointment.

B.
Buying and Selling Used Sporting Equipment

You will pay less for sports gear if you buy it used. You can buy used gear at stores or used equipment sales. Anytime you buy something used, look it over carefully.

You can resell old gear. A store will price the equipment, and then you get a portion of the selling price.

C.
Buying and Selling Used Sporting Equipment

You can sell your old sports equipment at a store that specializes in that area. It's a great way to get rid of old sports gear. Just call to make an appointment.

The store will give you a portion of the selling price. Make sure you clean up the equipment before you sell it.