Craigslist and thrift stores

[Big Daddy Audio]

Was thinking - it seems like the second to last place someone tries to get rid of stuff is Craigslist (then a garage sale, then the thrift store donation route).  If we buy from Craigslist, are we causing harm or simply eliminating the "middle man?"

It also saves a lot of gas and hunting time if you are looking for specific items, but that's besides the point.

Here's a good one.  Found a good Uniden CB (PRO538W for those who care) on CL with mounting bracket, microphone, and owner's manual.  $15.00.  Steal.  Then spied a Cobra compact chassis radio (DX19 IV for those who care) for a friend and this came with everything, including box, manual, all hardware, etc. for $25.00 also on CL.  Excellent shape - also a steal.  The friend bought that one.

Then later in the day, found ANOTHER DX19 IV at a GW for $12.99, but with the ubiquitous coupon was 10 and change - picked that one up - It had the mic and the power cord, but not the mounting bracket, manual, extraneous hardware, etc.

Which one was the better buy?

I think the $25.00 purchase was better because it was complete and in better condition.  On the other hand, I spent less money and got essentially the same thing at GW.

This is what gets me into trouble.
 

[Skip]

My experience with CL hasn't been so great. I find that sellers are usually asking top dollar. Many times they are asking more than what you'd pay on eBay.

[Big Daddy Audio]

On CL, there's always room to negotiate.  They key is also to know what the value of something is, so that you can spot a good deal when you see one.  Not everyone knows what they have.

[GatorDude]

Generally, you'll find fewer robbers and flim-flam men at Goodwill.   

I'd try CL, but I remember that scene in Joe Dirt when he finds himself down in a hole with a madman above him yelling, "It puts the lotion on the body..."    Besides, GW helps a good cause!

[Frchgrl]

My experience with CL is that it seems to be people who don't want to deal with eBay yet want to sell like eBay, ie, pricing.

[livinggreen]

And with Craigslist, it helps to have an idea of what you're looking for.  I like the surprise finds that I often get at thrift stores.  Something I see that I didn't even know I needed/wanted 

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