Should You Buy ex-UK goods? Yes and No

Once upon a time, ex-UK products were the holy grail of affordability. You got high-quality, gently used goods at a fraction of the price. But these days? It’s more like paying full price for someone’s leftovers. The term “ex-UK” has become a marketing gimmick, convincing you that anything from across Europe must be worth your hard-earned cash. Spoiler alert: it’s not always true. And when it comes to appliances, the whole “used but quality” thing is starting to lose its shine.

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The ex-UK quality

Let’s not pretend Europe doesn’t make good stuff. They’ve got strict standards for efficiency and reliability, and compared to what we have here in Kenya, it’s like night and day. You could easily find a used ex-UK appliance that outlasts a brand-new one from a local shop.

But that doesn’t mean you should pay through the nose for it. These days, the pricing has gone way beyond what makes sense. You’re no longer getting the value you once did—sometimes you’re just getting conned.

There is one area where ex-UK still makes sense—furniture. Let’s face it, local fundis can’t always match the design flair of European pieces, and if you were to buy from a Kenyan showroom, the price tags are eye-watering…

Ex-UK furniture? Mostly a solid bargain. You’ll get better designs for less, without feeling like you’ve sold your soul. So if you’re looking to upgrade your couch or dining set, this is where ex-UK can still shine.

Appliances – The Real Debate

When it comes to electronics and appliances, things get tricky. Sure, you can find great deals on ex-UK kitchen gadgets, but it only makes sense if you’re after specific brands that aren’t sold in Kenya.

If you’ve always wanted a KitchenAid mixer, Vitamix blender, or Ninja air fryer, you’re stuck either going the ex-UK route or paying a small fortune to import it yourself. In that case, ex-UK makes sense—but don’t get carried away. Remember, it’s still used, and the price should reflect that.

The Art of Bargaining

If you dive into the ex-UK market, you’d better brush up on your haggling/ bargaining skills. Don’t be the person who pays nearly full price for something used.

Do your research. Look up the new price, convert it to local currency, and keep that number in mind when negotiating. Knowing the price of a new unit that you are buying used gives you the upper hand in bargaining.

Personally, I won’t pay more than a third of the new price unless the appliance is in excellent condition. So, if a new blender costs KSh 30,000, don’t shell out more than KSh 10,000 for a used one. And if the seller won’t budge? Walk away.

When to Walk Away

The ex-UK game is all about value. If you’re not saving a significant amount—say, more than half the original price—then you’re probably better off buying new.

At least when you buy new, you get warranty support and the comfort of knowing that if something goes wrong, you’re covered. With ex-UK appliances, once it’s yours, it’s your problem. And trust me, repairs and spare parts aren’t always easy to come by here.

My Personal Approach

I’m all for buying new whenever possible. I only go ex-UK if I have no other option, or if the deal is just too sweet to pass up.

And even then, I stick to brands that are known for reliability—stuff that’s built to last, like KitchenAid mixers, or items with no moving parts, like iron boxes. They’re unlikely to fail on you.

But don’t let sellers hype you into overpaying for something just because it’s “ex-UK.” If you’re not getting at least half off, seriously consider importing a new one yourself. At least that way, the only thing you’re waiting for is shipping time.