What to Check Before Buying a Used Couch, Fridge or Bike

Before you pay for a used couch, fridge or bike, check 3 things in person: does it work, is it clean and safe, and does it match the ad. Sit on the couch and look under the cushions. Ask to see the fridge running and feel that it is cold. Ride the bike, squeeze the brakes and check the frame for cracks. On FlyerBoard you meet the seller nearby, so you can always inspect before you hand over money.

A good secondhand buy is cheaper than new and keeps something useful out of landfill. A bad one is a smelly couch, a fridge that dies in a week, or a bike with a bent frame. The difference is 10 minutes of checking. Here is what to look at for each item, and the questions to ask before you turn up.

What should I ask the seller before I go?

Save yourself a wasted trip. Ask these in the chat first:

How old is it, and why are you selling? Honest answers are short and specific. "Moving house" and "upgraded" are normal.
Any damage, smells or repairs? Ask directly. Sellers often forget to mention a wobble or a mark.
Can I test it when I come? A good seller says yes. If they say no, walk away.
Can I see a photo of the label? Fridges and bikes have a model or brand label. It tells you the real age and size.
Will it fit? Measure your doorway, lift or car before you go. Ask the seller for the item's width, height and depth.

If the price is far below what similar items sell for, be careful. Our guide to spotting secondhand scams covers the warning signs.

What should I check on a used couch?

Couches are easy to get wrong. Fabric hides a lot. Check these on the day:

Sit on every seat. Bounce a little. A sag or a creak means the springs or frame are worn.
Lift the cushions. Look for stains, crumbs, pet hair and small dark spots. Dark spots along the seams can be a sign of bed bugs. If you see them, leave.
Smell it. Lean in close. Smoke, damp and pet smells rarely wash out of foam.
Lift one end. A solid frame feels heavy and does not twist. A light, flexing frame is cheap particleboard.
Check the feet and the back. Scratches on the back and loose feet are easy to miss in photos.
Look at the fabric in daylight. Fading on one side means it sat by a window. Pilling means the fabric is cheap or old.

A couch that passes all 6 checks will usually last years. One that fails 2 or more is not a bargain at any price.

What should I check on a used fridge?

A fridge has to work the moment it reaches your kitchen. You cannot test it fully in 5 minutes, but you can rule out the big problems:

Ask the seller to leave it plugged in. It should be running and cold when you arrive. A fridge that is "just been switched off" is a fridge you cannot test.
Feel inside. The fridge section should feel cold, and the freezer should feel frozen. Ice build-up on the back wall can mean a seal or defrost problem.
Listen. A steady hum is fine. Loud rattling or clicking is not.
Check the door seals. Close the door on a piece of paper. If the paper slides out easily, the seal is worn and the fridge will work harder.
Look at the back and underneath. Rust, dust build-up or oily marks are signs of leaks or neglect.
Check the energy label. Older fridges can cost a lot more to run. The Energy Rating website explains the star label and lets you compare models.

Moving a fridge takes two people and a trolley. Keep it upright in the car, and let it stand for a few hours before you switch it on at home. Ask the seller how they moved it last time.

What should I check on a used bike?

Bikes are easy to inspect because you can test every part by riding it. Bring a friend if you are new to bikes.

Check the frame. Run your hand along the tubes. Look near the joints for cracks, dents or fresh paint hiding a repair. A cracked frame is unsafe at any price.
Squeeze both brakes. The lever should stop well before it touches the handlebar. Spin each wheel and see that the brake pads touch evenly.
Spin the wheels. They should run straight. A wheel that wobbles side to side needs truing, which costs money.
Check the chain and gears. A rusty chain or worn, pointed teeth on the gears mean a new drivetrain soon. Shift through every gear while you ride.
Press the tyres. Look for cracks in the rubber. Cracked tyres need replacing even if they hold air.
Ride it. Two minutes around the block tells you more than any photo. Listen for clicks and feel for play in the handlebars or pedals.
Ask for proof it is theirs. A receipt, the original box or a photo of them with the bike. Ask for the frame number too. It is stamped under the bottom bracket, where the pedals meet the frame.

Expect to spend a little after you buy any used bike. New brake pads, a chain and a service are normal. Factor that into what you offer.

Quick comparison: what matters most for each item

Item	The one test that matters most	Walk away if
Couch	Sit on every seat and lift the cushions	Dark spots along seams, strong smell, sagging frame
Fridge	Arrive with it running and feel it cold	Seller will not plug it in, loud rattle, worn seals
Bike	Ride it and squeeze the brakes	Cracked frame, brakes reach the handlebar, no proof of ownership

How do I pay and pick it up safely?

Inspect first, pay second. Pay in person with cash, or transfer while you are both there and wait until the money shows in the seller's account. Never pay a deposit to hold an item you have not seen. Bring the right vehicle and a helper for heavy items. If something does not match the ad, it is fine to say no and leave. A fair seller will understand.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Is it worth buying a secondhand fridge? Yes, if you can see it running cold and the energy label is not too low. Old fridges can cost more in power than you save on the price. Check the model on the Energy Rating website before you buy.

Q: How do I know a used bike is not stolen? Ask for a receipt or a photo of the seller with the bike, and ask for the frame number. A seller who cannot answer basic questions about the bike, or who sells many bikes very cheaply, is a warning sign.

Q: Can I return a secondhand item bought from a private seller? Usually not. Private sellers are not shops, so you often cannot return an item the way you can with a business. Inspect carefully before you pay. This is why meeting in person matters.

Q: Should I negotiate the price? It is normal to offer a little less, especially if you find a fault during your check. Be polite and specific: "The brakes need pads, would you take $20 less?"

Found something nearby? Browse couches, fridges and bikes on FlyerBoard, chat with the seller in the app, and go see it before you pay.