In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Doing a bit of research before buying used gear will guarantee that you're getting a deal without sacrificing function or safety. Ask your coach or trainer if they know of a good secondhand seller. If you're the parent of a young athlete, talk to their coach or other parents about the best local options to buy used items. While buying new gear in-season gives you a greater selection, shopping at the end of a retail season can land great deals. When shopping around consignment and secondhand shops, however, remember that most locations will only accept and sell season-specific gear. If you're shopping for winter sports gear in August, you're less likely to find used items at a good consignment shop. Check zippers and seams for obvious signs of wear and tear, especially if they need to be waterproof or warm in order to function properly. If an item smells bad, don't buy it. Check carefully for small cracks, abrasions, or other easy to miss flaws that might develop into a more significant issue given a little time. Look for obvious discoloration to gauge how old an item might be. Online marketplaces and Craigslist can offer great deals, but avoid purchasing anything without a bit of research. If you make arrangements online to purchase from a local seller, make sure to inspect items before finalizing the deal. If you're shopping on an online marketplace, check the seller's credentials and feedback. Look for items online that are well-photographed. Avoid buying gear from sellers who offer no images. Steer clear from sellers if they have any negative reviews from past customers. Be wary of sellers who have no feedback available.
Summary: Ask a coach or someone with lots of experience about reputable sellers. Save money by considering your timing. Inspect used items for wear and tear. Shop for deals online with caution.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Meet up with your team one last time before beginning work on the project. Go over the plan together again to ensure that everyone knows what the project is and what's expected of them. This is a good time to explain any expectations you have about status updates. This should not be the first time your team, bosses, or clients hear about your project plans. Keep them updated during the planning phase. Your team should regularly update you on their work. Let them know that they should immediately tell you about any concerns or problems they have. You'll need to know these things so you can keep the project on track. One way to do this is to pick a certain time, such as at the end of the week, to have a mandatory check-in. If a project member forgets to update you, reach out to them. Ask them how the project's going and what progress they've made. Whether the project creator is a boss, buyer, or teacher, tell them about how the project is going. Send them a quick email or make a phone call when a major stage is completed or a problem arises. Good communication provides reassurance that the project is in good hands. For example, a university professor may require you to submit milestone reports on your PhD project to ensure that the work gets done on time. Projects usually don't go perfectly, so you'll need to alter your plans. When a step can no longer be completed, figure out new ways to reach the end goal you envisioned earlier. For example, you might adjust the deadline, adjust the budget, cut out some steps, or ask your team to do extra work today. When the project is finished, go back and look at your plans. Ask yourself what was good and bad about the project as well as what could have been done better. Decide if the project met your original vision for it. Ask your team for feedback. They'll most likely have a lot of insight for you that can improve your next project.
Summary: Hold a kickoff meeting to begin the project. Stay in contact with your team to monitor the project's progression. Update the client on the project's progression. Adjust the plan as needed to get the work done. Review the project and learn from what happened.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Use a tape measure to get the width and length of your balcony. These dimensions will help you determine whether something will fit when you're shopping for outdoor furniture. If your balcony is somewhat square, instead of long and skinny, you may have enough room for a small table and a couple of chairs. Bistro sets are often designed for small spaces and have a small footprint. Look for one with chairs that fit all the way under the table when not in use, or a set that folds up for easy storage. A round table will allow for more people to gather around it than a square table would. This allows people enough space to pull out a chair and move freely behind the chairs as well. You can have less clearance as long as you're comfortable squeezing into a tight spot between your chair and the table. If your balcony is more in the long-and-skinny category, a bench is a good way to add seating without eating up all the space. Look for a bench that has a storage compartment under the seat so that you can stow cushions, pillows, or any other balcony accessories. If you don't want to buy a bench, you can make one out of a couple of wooden crates laid down next to each other. If there's no room for a bistro set on your balcony, then pick out one outdoor chair and put a small side table next to it. This will allow you to sip coffee or tea, or even have a snack outside. Add cushions to make it a comfortable place to read a book. Choose a folding chair to save space and make it easier to transfer inside and out. Your balcony furniture has to withstand your climate, whether that's hot and dry, wet and humid, or cold and snowy. Look for metal, teak, cedar, and all-weather wicker in your furniture. These can stand up to a variety of weather conditions with little maintenance.
Summary:
Measure your space. Shop for bistro sets. Aim for 3 feet (1 m) of clearance all around the edge of a table. Add a bench. Pair a chair with a side table. Shop for weather-resistant materials.