"Rich" people sould never buy a second hand things

Firstly, I’d like to thank my opponent for taking part in this debate. I’m looking forward to a strong exchange of ideas.

Let me start with a simple question: who actually needs second-hand goods the most? The answer is obvious — people with limited financial resources. Second-hand markets exist as a safety net, offering affordable clothing, furniture, and everyday items to those who cannot afford brand new.

When rich people come into this market, they are not helping. Instead, they bring in competition with poor consumers. Thrift and second-hand shops already have their prices rise because affluent consumers and resellers are driving demand. Something that the poor could afford is now being sold as "trendy" or "vintage" so that it is less accessible to those who genuinely need it.

And now, some recommend buying second-hand battles overproduction. Come on — overproduction happens before a foot enters a store. Whether a billionaire ends up buying used later on or not doesn't matter to the fact that 100 billion new clothing items are still being made every year. If change is what we really want, affluent individuals should invest in sustainable brands, mindful production, and innovative fabrics — all of which actually address the problem at its root.

And finally, rich people wield power. They spend money that speaks. When an actress is seen wearing a $10 dress, it may be philanthropic, but think about all the designers, workers, and companies that live off new purchases. By shopping new — and shopping responsibly — the rich keep jobs alive, put food on the table for creativity, and pay for progress.

In brief: second-hand shopping is essential, but should be reserved for those who require it most. The affluent have an obligation not to tap into that pool, but instead to use their resources to support sustainable, first-hand economies that drive genuine solutions.

Thank you