José Segura was sent from USA used hardware items and sells them in the Las Pulgas market. His stall is packed on Sundays and no wonder: a drill, which costs up to 12,000 pesos new, he sells for 5,500 pesos and a chainsaw, valued at more than 8,000 pesos, he sells for up to 5,000.
José guarantees the durability of his commodity proudly saying: “This is original USA“. The phrase seduces those buyers of articles used goods that, between haggling and a nod to quality, go to markets, stores, workshops, marquees and digital platforms, such as CorotsMercado Libre, Marketplace and instagramin search of articles of opportunity in good condition.
Although buy articles of second hand It is a very intrinsic practice in population less wealthy, is also widespread in the middle classwhich sees in objects that have depreciated due to previous use, the opportunity to acquire goods at a more affordable price.
From the so-called “paca” clothes, shoes, household appliancestoys, vehicles, car decorations, tires, wheelchairs, mobility tools and countless products can be found for sale.
“The attitude of resorting to what is used is closely related to a fundamentally socioeconomic problem. The Dominican likes new and good things, but one thing is desire and the other is possibility,” says sociologist Celedonio Jiménez, consulted by Free Diary.
The population busy perceiver income in the country it was 5,002,384 in the second quarter of 2024, 50% dedicated to work informalaccording to data from Central Bank. The formal one that contributes to the Social Security Treasury, had an average contributory salary of 35,402.48 pesos as of last September, an amount below the national average for the family basket that exceeds 45,000 pesos.
From these official figures it can be inferred why a new vehicleshoes and new clothes “good brand”, they are not an option for families of income low and medium.
“For the poor to get something original they have to buy it used, because they can’t afford it new.”Used shoe seller
Las Pulgas Market: escape valve
The used goods trade in the country is essentially managed between informality, haggling and a nod to quality. Anyone who wants to sell an item can sell it and set its price. Some go further and establish themselves as sellers usual.
Such is the case of the sellers of the Las Pulgas marketnow located in Merca Santo Domingo. here there is merchants who have been in the trade for up to 30 years. More than 50% of articles that are offered are imported, purchased from third parties or repaired, details the president of the Section of the aforementioned market, Luis Lora.
For him, the sale of articles used serves as a exhaust valveboth for the less well-off who benefit from the low prices, and for those who dedicate themselves to selling any item to support their families.
That is the reason why every Sunday people gather at Juan Morel’s stand in search of the car ornaments, electronic devices, and repair and construction tools that he sells. An LED bulb for cars, which can cost up to 2,000 pesos, is sold for up to 350 pesos.
Dányelo Pineda buys household appliances damaged, repairs them and sells them. In his stall he offers microwaves, scales, washing machines, devices that he buys from “metal” guagüitas. “I fix it up and sell it,” he said. At first glance, your commodity It looks deteriorated and useless, but it guarantees durability and has outlets to test against its customers the articles repaired.
“Here the buyers find articles “They are very expensive in stores and here they are at auction,” he says. For example, a new microwave costs between 8,000 and 11,000 pesos; I’ll sell it to you for 1,500, so it’s better to buy used things. Durability is guaranteed; It’s almost the same as the store, because I fix it well.
Haggling is also valid. Dányelo sells a repaired scale for 2,500 pesos. “And if they give me 1,500 pesos, I’ll give it, because I don’t want to have a mess in my house.” Antonio Minaya sells a plasma television for 10,000 pesos; If they offer you 5,000, you sell it. “I can even offer you another television, the important thing is not to let the client go,” he says.
The used shoes They have their audience, although, according to Benita Muñoz, over the years they are losing appeal due to the proliferation of stores that sell affordable footwear. “The customers They tell me that it is no longer worth giving 1,000 pesos for a used shoe, when with that money you can buy a new one, even if it is disposable, that will not last long.
The digital world
In the digital markets Haggling also works, but sellers They are not so willing to make their products cheaper.
Corotsthe country’s main classifieds website, has been among Dominicans for 14 years. Herein platformAs in the others, an endless number of products are sold, the most in demand being vehicles, dining rooms, cell phones and cribs, according to Javier Piña, its manager.
“Corots is one of the platforms that has had the most impact on the circular economy of the Dominican Republic, since they sell articles new and used. “When a person buys a used product, they are extending the life of that item,” he says.
Daily, in the platform more than 80,000 are offered articles. In the last five years, more than 25,000 million pesos in used merchandise have been sold, Piña estimates.
“There are many sellers who have grown with us over these 14 years. They are people who started selling inventory from their home and now have three or four stores,” he points out.
Recognizes that there are those who offer their merchandise at an excessive price in the platformHowever, the buyers They can filter the prices and find a more competitive one, they can even negotiate the final price.
Advertise businesses on the social network instagram has also been key to new entrepreneurs. The algorithm of this social network made Daury Santana find an audiovisual equipment store, where he bought a used Cannon 80B camera for 40,000 pesos valued at about 90,000 pesos.
“I checked that everything was fine, the memory ports, the chargers. They gave me a five-month warranty,” he says.
The kingdom of used vehicles
He new vehicle The cheapest is currently around one million pesos, therefore, it becomes an unattainable good for the majority of the population. populationthe used one being the one in greatest demand.
“It is widely known that only a minority of people who have good income and appropriate credit history can potentially have the opportunity to obtain a credit for a new vehicle“says the president of the Board of Directors of the Association of Used Vehicle Dealers and Importers (Asosivu), Félix Pujols.
It indicates that for the used vehicles There are a large number of banks that make possible what is called the “democratization of the credit“Well, although it will also depend on the cost of the chosen vehicle and its incomethere are financing facilities, with competitive rates.
It highlights that the new vehicles They have certain disadvantages compared to used ones: their rapid depreciation, insurance and parts costs.
Free Diary tried to get current figures and official information on the trade of second handbut at the time of this edition they had not been received.
Disadvantages of buying used items
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They have no guarantee, with exceptions.
You have to check them well before buying them. -
The vehicles only have a one-month warranty, regulated by Pro Consumidor. Some dealers offer three months on the engine and transmission.
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You can fall into a scam.
