Whether you are trying to join a local softball league, one of your kids wants a set of golf clubs, or you are trying to find some gently-used free weights, a used sporting goods store can be a great place to find all of the above.
What Can You Expect to Find at a Used Sports Equipment Store?
Used sports equipment stores sell just about everything you can think of for your sporting goods needs. Typically, you will find the usual sports gear like soccer balls, baseball gloves, and football cleats. However, you will likely also find gear you may not expect such as hockey masks, disc golf discs, lacrosse sticks, treadmills, and mountain bikes.
Because these stores are stocked with primarily used goods, the inventory is quite dependent on their suppliers. Suppliers can include companies as well as people who come into the store looking to get rid of their gently-used sports gear. If you've ever been to a GameStop, where customers buy, sell, and trade video games, the idea is pretty similar.
How to Find The Best Used Sports Equipment Stores?
Okay, now that we've covered what to expect, let's talk about how to find the best store for your used sports gear.
Play It Again Sports
There is one major player in the space - Play it Again Sports. With multiple locations across the country, they are the most well-known used sporting goods business. Whether you are looking to buy or sell used sports gear, this can be a great place to go.
Local Stores
There are more than likely a few mom-and-pop used sporting goods stores in your local area as well. A simple google search will give you a good idea of what is near you. These stores can be a great option as well. You can not only support a small business, but they may be able to negotiate a little more when buying or selling.
Thrift Shops
Another option is to check out your local Goodwill or thrift stores. These stores are known for occasionally having some hidden gems and deals if you look hard enough. From sporting goods to fitness equipment, you can find it there and normally at a pretty good price.
The biggest downside to thrift stores is that there is no guarantee they will have what you are looking for. However, if you are patient and visit frequently, you will likely find something close to what you need at a great price and supporting a great cause.
Who knows? Maybe you will even pick up a nice 70s plaid couch while you are there.
Looking to Sell?
If you are looking to sell some old gear to a used sporting goods store, just be aware that you will not get the same resell value as you would on your own.
There are a few reasons for this. First, you aren't having to do the hard work of actually selling your gear. Second, the sporting goods store has to make a profit in order to stay in business so they can't offer you what they need to resell it for - overhead and employees can be expensive.
As long as you know this going into the store, selling to a used sporting goods store can still be a great option - especially because you don't have to go through the hassle of listing your equipment on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or even that ancient website known as Craigslist.
Other Options
Maybe you live in an area without a Play It Again Sports or similar used sporting goods store. Or maybe you are looking for a very specific piece of sports gear and you don't want to shell out the money to buy it brand new. Fortunately, there are a few other places to check.
Let's take a look at a few.
Facebook Marketplace
This is one of the best options for buying used sports gear, all while often finding some great deals. Marketplace has taken over Craigslist as the online classified website of choice. Updated daily, you really can find about anything here.
If there is something very specific you are looking for, you can set a notification alert to be sent to you if someone posts a listing with the keywords you are looking for.
With options for local pickup or shipping, this can be a great way to get the sports gear you want without having to go to a store.
This can also be a great place to sell old gear - like that set of golf clubs you never use or the Peloton bike you promised yourself you would finally use this year - for some extra spending money. It takes a little more work than going to a store like Play It Again, but it may be worth it to get top dollar.
eBay
The biggest advantage of eBay is that it offers products from around the world. eBay has a massive catalog of listings for everything from car parts and t-shirts to, of course, used sports gear. Simply search, filter, and find what you are looking for without ever leaving your couch.
The biggest advantage is also the biggest disadvantage with eBay. Because it is international, shipping becomes a huge factor, and unfortunately, because barbells and football helmets weigh more than t-shirts, shipping can become expensive if you aren't careful.
Freedom Fitness Equipment
If you are looking for used fitness equipment - Freedom Fitness Equipment is the place to go. From dumbbells and barbells to machines and power racks, Freedom Fitness Equipment has it all.
We offer nationwide shipping as well as local pickup, allowing us to serve you no matter where you live.
We not only sell used fitness equipment but also new equipment as well. Whether you are looking to build a custom home gym or just add a piece of equipment to your workout routine, we have you covered.
Wrap Up
There you have it, the best used sporting goods stores near you. Be sure to check out all the options and see which one helps you find the equipment you need, when you need it, at the right price.
At Freedom Fitness Equipment, we want to make sure you have all the equipment you need to crush your workouts. Let us know if you have anything we can help you find.
Please reach out with any questions, and leave a comment below. We'd love to hear from you!