Looking to get started in a new sport? If so, you need the right equipment. Using the right equipment and donning the correct gear will make you confident and improve your performance in the sport.

However, sports gears does not come cheap. Depending on what you wish to engage in, you can end up spending thousands of dollars.

Luckily, if you know your way around the internet, you can score great deals on quality sports gear. Here are some tips that will help you save more than just a few bucks on sports equipment.

Check Consignment Stores

Consignment stores are a haven for quality sports equipment at a cheap price. Some top brand sports equipment are made to last for years. For example, it takes years of hard battering for a golf club to wear out.

Some consignment stores that specialize in sporting goods allow equipment trade-ins. These stores usually sell quality used sporting gears at bargain prices. The stores inspect and repair the items they carry on the shelves to ensure they are of good quality.

If you don’t mind some cosmetic damage, you can find great equipment at sporting goods stores.

Use Rebate Apps

You can also save money on sporting gear by using rebate apps like Swagbucks and Ebates. Simply sign up for an account with them, add a plugin to your browser and start shopping to earn cash rewards.

For example, a store may be offering 3 percent cash back on purchases. This means that for every $100 you spend, you will get back $3. $3 may not seem like big savings, but over time, the rewards add up. If you shop frequently, you can receive a check for earned cash back.

Take Advantage of eBay and Amazon Deals

Amazon and eBay are the ultimate online marketplaces for sporting equipment deals. Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer and stocks nearly all types of sporting equipment. On eBay, you can get cheap gear if you keep a close watch on the listings.

Amazon runs multiple offers and deals on sporting equipment during holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving Day as more people start to purchase for their friends, families, and gift exchanges. These are the best times to shop for new gear. Amazon also curates products based on your interests and will alert you in case of price changes.

Sell or Trade Old Gear

Kids usually outgrow their sports equipment quickly. Instead of leaving the gear cluttering the garage, why not sell or trade it online? You can list your item for a trade-in or sale on Facebook, Craigslist, eBay and similar sites. Alternatively, ask your friends whether anyone would be interested in the equipment you have.

The money you get from selling used equipment can help to fund your purchase for the gear your child will need in the next season.

Buy from Craigslist

Craigslist had a bad rap some years back regarding scammers. However, things have drastically improved in recent years and the platform can be a goldmine for cheap sporting equipment. However, your success here will depend on where the seller is whether you are willing to meet him/her.

With Craigslist, you want to check the “For Sale/Wanted” section whether there are any sporting equipment you need. Just make sure you meet with the seller in a public place and inspect the item before buying.

Sign Up for Rewards Programs

You should also take advantage of reward programs to save money on sporting gear. If you have a favorite store where you often shop, sign up for rewards. Check whether the store offers loyalty cards, which you can amass shipping points and redeem them for discounts.

Most stores offer free loyalty cards to their customers. These cards come with various perks, including occasional special deals.

Buy from Facebook Users

Use Facebook to search for sports equipment sold within your city. Join “yard sale” groups that cover your city or region and search for sporting equipment there. You can also search for equipment exchanges in the groups.

If you need even more help, post a Facebook status update on your profile indicating the item that you’d like to purchase. Make the status “public” and enable sharing. You will be surprised at how the people you know will be willing to help you find used or new sporting gear available at bargain prices.

Search for Clearance Sales

Be on the lookout for clearance and end-of-season sales that your favorite store may be holding. When a sporting season ends, most stores lower their prices to sell the gears fast to make room for new stock. Plan ahead and purchase the equipment you will need for the next season at the end of the current season.

Getting cheap sporting equipment is all a matter of knowing when and where to look. Follow the tips above to save on your next purchases.