Words used to describe the condition of secondhand stuff?

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alphaprincess
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Joined: Thu Apr 16, 2009 12:58 pm
Status: Learner of English

Words used to describe the condition of secondhand stuff?

Post by alphaprincess »

Hey, I know lots of people are fans of online shopping. It's considerably easy for sellers to describe their brand new goods but when it comes to the exact description of used(second-handed) stuff, I am totally at a loss.

What kind of words would you use to say about the (newness)condition of those secondhand commodities, corresponding to their wear-and-tear?

e.g. In terms of clothing, can I say: fairly new shirts, vintage dresses, moderately worn sandals?

What if when we talk about used cars?

I am aware there's a term called depreciation rate in the field of real estate, dealing with the decrease in value of assets, so is there any similar word usage that can be applied when we assess the value of other secondhand stuff as mentioned?

Sorry for my wordy question and looking forward for your kind replies!

{-:

Millions of thanks in advance,

Sarah

P.S. My apologies if this post is deemed in the wrong place. I'm new here so haven't figured out how this forum works completely.. Cheers
hermit
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Status: Teacher of English

Re: Words used to describe the condition of secondhand stuff?

Post by hermit »

hi alphaprincess -
here are some descriptive terms in descending order :

re: wear and tear, 1) like new or 2) used, good condition.
3) sandals just broken in. (suggests nice and comfortable.)

used cars: 1) showroom condition (or 'vintage', usually meaning old but restored)
2) excellent condition - good condition - needs some work - needs TLC (which
means Tender Loving Care, and suggests poor condition, but reparable.
3) 'for parts', or 'for salvage'

real estate: new - like new, or 'one owner' (ok for cars, too.) - 'nicely restored' -
needs paint - needs work, or needs handyman - for salvageable lumber
hope this helps, hermit
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