In good economic times and bad, it's always smart to save. Learning how to buy used Halloween costumes is another tool in your saving toolbox. Most people only wear costumes once, so buying used is a great way to get an almost new item on the cheap.

• Carefully inspect a used costume before buying it

• Buy used costumes locally from thrift stores, second-hand shops, and garage sales

• Make sure a used costume will fit before buying it

• Negotiate the price of a costume based on its condition, point out any flaws to the seller

• Make sure you can easily wash the costume

Finding a used Halloween costume is about as difficult as finding a new one. The only trick in buying used is knowing where to shop. The great thing about buying used is that you can often save 50-90% off the original price of the costume! Read on to learn more about buying locally, online, and what to look out for when buying a used costume.

You can find used Halloween costumes at local thrift and second hand stores. Old costumes are often donated to Goodwill and the Salvation Army. Garage sales are also a great place to look for old costumes, and are often the cheapest way to go. Clothing resale stores are another good option, and the larger ones will generally have a costume section. Finally, flea markets are another place to look, it's your best place to find a local vendor that specializes in used costumes.

There are several places to buy used costumes online. eBay and Craigslist are the best places to start your search, as individuals will often sell costumes at better prices than brokers.

The trick in buying online is making sure the costume fits. If you buy on eBay, buy from a reputable, well-reviewed vendor, pay with Paypal, and ask about the return policy. Most Craigslist purchases will be done directly with the person selling the costume, and you should have the opportunity to try it on before committing to the purchase.

There are caveats for buying used costumes, but these follow the same rules for buying used clothing. Make sure that the costume is clean and inspect it thoroughly. Note any tears, frayed edges, and missing buttons. If there are zippers, ensure that they operate normally. If you encounter any problems, but still want the costume, it's a good idea to negotiate the price down.

You should also determine the washing instructions for the costume. Costumes made of silk or other difficult-to-clean materials will be costly to clean. It's also good idea to always wash any used clothing before wearing it.