Parent and child sorting second-hand school supplies and sports equipment at home

By Niamh Kavanagh

Back-to-school second-hand buying and selling guide for Ireland

Save money and reduce waste by checking uniforms, books, desks, devices and sports gear carefully before the school term begins.

Published 13 August 2026 - 9 min read

Start with the confirmed school list

Before buying, compare every item with the current list supplied by the school or teacher. Editions, workbook requirements, calculator models and uniform details can change. A bargain is not useful if it cannot be used. Sellers should photograph edition numbers, size labels and included components clearly, while keeping a child's name, school account details and handwritten personal information out of the listing.

Buy uniforms by measurement, not age alone

Sizes differ across manufacturers and garments may have altered through washing or tailoring. Ask for chest, waist, inside-leg and garment-length measurements where relevant. Inspect seams, knees, cuffs, zips, fasteners and areas where crests or labels have been removed. Sellers should state stains, repairs and permanent name markings instead of describing every clean item as like new.

Check each common category

Books: correct title, author, edition, binding and absence of missing or unusable pages.
Devices: model, charger, activation status, battery health and compatibility with required software.
Desks and chairs: dimensions, stability, adjustment and safe collection arrangements.
Sports equipment: size, cracks, worn fasteners and whether protective items are still suitable for use.
Musical instruments: included case and accessories, visible damage and whether professional setup is needed.

Treat protective equipment differently

Some safety products have a limited service life, can be damaged invisibly in an impact or may be subject to recalls. Check manufacturer guidance before buying used helmets, protective pads, child restraints or similar equipment. If history cannot be established, replacement may be safer than resale. Sellers should never make unsupported safety guarantees or conceal an impact simply because the item looks intact.

Price bundles transparently

A bundle can save time, but buyers need to know the price and condition of its main contents. Photograph items separately as well as together, list sizes and editions, and say whether the bundle can be split. Compare realistic used prices, not original totals, and account for missing accessories or consumable workbooks that cannot be reused.

A smoother local handover

Agree the exact items and total price in the message thread before meeting.
Choose a practical public location and check everything before payment.
Keep children's names, timetables, school IDs and account details private.
Test electronics without signing into a child's school or family account.
Mark the advert unavailable promptly so families do not make unnecessary journeys.

Demand rises quickly before term begins, but urgency should not replace verification. Buying earlier gives families time to check fit, editions and device condition, while sellers can prepare clearer photographs and realistic bundles. Accurate local listings help useful items stay in circulation without turning school identity or a child's privacy into public marketplace information.