I probably shouldn't suggest this but, what the hell, the world's going to end anyway.
Run an ad in your local newspaper saying that you buy used stereo equipment. The response may not be overwhelming but you will have some very exciting opportunities. There are a hell of a lot of people who never heard of Audiogon and figure nobody would want their old junk.
If that old junk was made by Marantz or McIntosh, you might be interested enough to give her $12.
'Also the Hispanic immigrant population is increasingly turning to the secondhand stores for nearly anything they need.'
Wow Elizabeth! Between the Mexicans and the Turks, it's really tough times for all of us honest, hardworkin folk!!! Something interesting going on there....
I found at the salvation army I used to go to, The folks working there ( mostly new immigrants, who I refer to as 'new north Americans) seem to lack the reference needed to fairly price items The day I saw a half empty jar of hand cream listed for $6, I knew the jig was up! Haven't been back since. There is a Mennonite thrift store near my neighborhood that is a vinyl goldmine!! I've found dozens of fantastic classical albums at 50 cents a pop! Still awaiting that 'holy grail' McIntosh 275!!! I love hearing about these amazing finds! Cheers
My wife and I have a box that when filled goes to Goodwill. There are many nice things in that box, and it goes frequently. I'm not one to pass up a bargain when one presents itself.
Correct me If I am wrong, but it is not the custom for the Thrift stores, to erm, make a small profit so they can donate money to needy and well deserved causes, such as maybe retired ex-military personnel and the needy? I dislike selfish people who would probably haggle with the staff when visiting these sort of stores.Shame there is always someone out to make a quick buck out of what should be a good cause.That gripe aside, I am a big spender in charity shops, this year alone (since April), I have bought more than enough cd;s to fill two 500 cd cases, not including approximately 45 operas, various books etc. I would be embarrased to hand over only 10c for an item that cost many times that amount. Sure is a dog eat dog world.
I live near Grand Junction, Colorado where Goodwill recently built a big, shiny new store from the ground up. Acres of parking right across from Home Depot store causes me to question just exactly what is going on with thrift stores and "good will".
They have very little in the way of electronics.
Elizabeth is probably right about what is happening in these places. They are being mined constantly for resale possibilities.
Profit has moved over time from a priority to main priority to sole priority. It is our reason to breathe.
as an inveterate thrift store junkie, i abide by the adage that anything can be anywhere at any time--it's all a matter of persistence. what i have noticed recently is that cdps (like vcrs) seem to be frequently donated--i've recently picked up a marantz cd63se ($15) and a pristine sony ca70es ($9.95); also an adcom gfa 535 and matching tuner for $20 and fantabulous hk 730 rcvr for $25. i'm still searching for that ten buck macintosh, but i know it's out there.
One store had someones whole collection of excellent quality lp's. The guy ahead of me got there first, so his shopping cart had many more than mine, but mine had quite a few. We're talking a couple hundred. Purchased so much vintage electronics I can't begin to even try to list it all. I once had a vintage Dual turntable at the checkout that only needed a new stylus and mentioned that to the checkout gal. She said since it was defective, it goes at half price, which was $7.50! Once I found a huge pair of vintage Altecs that were not labeled, but I could just make out the chrome dust caps on the woofers, so I asked them for a screwdriver to remove the back to check the drivers for names. No problem! $25 bucks! Most of these finds were during the stock market boom years when everybody was making money, and were getting rid of the old to buy new. I was always finding excellent vintage gear nobody seemed to want anymore. Those days are few, and far between now.
Calbrs- nice score on the Wilson Pickett! I scored a nice Rotel pre and have seen some very good turntables there. Lots of LPs. several six-eye labels. Hendrix, Stones, etc. Something I really appreciate (to a fault sometimes) is the classical music offerings. I am not too familiar with what to look for, but for a buck, I am willing to buy and try. I have found some fabulous music which allows my system to shine brightly in other genres besides Jazz, bluegrass and rock and soul. Of course, books. Spending $ is good for the community and the soul.
On various forums there are lots of stories about finding classic speakers, amps and such a GW and consignment stores. "I scored (fill in the blank) for $15!" Never been so lucky myself. My buddy got his wonderful Bedini 25x25 for $250 at a pawn shop. That was pretty sweet.
Maggie MG-1 for $80, enough polk speakers to build an HT for sister-in-law-$30, tons of cd's-mostly oldies- $3 each. Infinity BU-2 sub for the sister-in-laws system for $20. Much more but these are the latest. from family thrift in Albuquerque.
Lots of records not just at Goodwill but at several thirft shops, I have 3 that I go to at least once a week. On certain days of the week usally Wednesday everything is 50% off so you can get records as cheap $0.50.
Some of my finds are a promo copy of Keith Richards Talk is Cheap vinyl for $1, RCA Living Stereo shaded dog and Merury Living Presence lps for $1 each, Super Tramp Breakfast in America the audiophile series MCA $1, MFSL Steely Dan Aja $1, a japanese pressing of Dire Straits Dire Straits $1. Several jazz records but they will usally keep these in a glass display at the front of the store so you have to ask the clerk for assistance and there are $3 to $5 each.
I got the Lovan rack that's in my system page for $40 from my local goodwill. What you see in my system pic plus 2 additional shelves that I use elsewhere. A little elbow grease and they look brand new. I priced them and new they'd be in the neighborhood of $400.
A first pressing of Sticky Fingers in scratch-tick-pop-free condition, with all artwork and inserts for $0.99. 2 mono-pressings of Wilson Pickett, which have to be heard to be believed. Again, $0.99 each. Mono-pressings of early Bob Dylan. Many other lps, too. Never found any decent electronics, but for me, Goodwill has been a great place. What you find depends on where you live. I live in an area of Florida where a lot of Baby Boomers are divesting themselves of their past.
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