You gotta know what it cost when....

[junquecol]

Today grandson and I went pawn shopping in Durham. We hit a total of nine shops. Prices were all over the place. One shop had a HF compressor for $189. Currently HF has it on sale for $99, and you can add a 20% off coupon, bringing it down to $80. Porter Cable brad nailers ranged from $25 to $89.99. All were in the same basic condition. One shop had a Delta 22-540, 12 " planer for $299.99. I paid less than that for mine new, 15 years ago. Another shop had same planer for $99, but in poor condition. So before going pawn shopping, you gotta know what stuff is worth.

 

[ss600r]

I went by one while I was out today and found the same things.There was a PC compressor for $200 with nothing, Home Depot has the same for right at $238 with a brad and finish nailer. There was a rough looking hitachi miter saw for $90 that I have seen at Lowes for $99.

 

[Dean Maiorano]

Hmmm...

Isn't it amazing, I have seen this phenomena numerous times at pawn shops. My wife wonders why I 'breeze' through the tool aisles at the big box stores every time I'm in one, despite the fact that I'm not shopping for toyls. "Pricing" I always tell her, I have something left of the photographic memory of my youth and it still serves me well enough to avoid overpaying on a "deal".

Ebay has the same crazy dynamic. Recently I've started to use the phrase "fool retail" to describe auction prices that were at (or often well above) full retail when a sale closed. It's insane to spend more than 1/2 to 3/4 for a used tool. I don't care how drool inducing a "toyl" is, one should never pay such ridiculously bloated prices.

Dean

 

[Rob]

Flea markets aren't much better. I once saw a sabre saw I wanted, but he priced it at new. Told him that's what I would pay at Sears for a brand new one, his answer was, "this is brand new in the box" He couldn't understand why I would rather buy new from Sears then new from him.

 

[Mt. Gomer]

Yeah, I've yet to find anyting at a pawn shop that was worth buying for the asking price. I know it happens, I've just not found it's worth the effort.... Had much better luck on Craigslist although there are a fair number of silly prices there too....

 

[Trent Mason]

Yep, I don't shop at pawn shops or flea markets for the same reasons. :nah:

 

[Dean Maiorano]

Flea Markets might be better than you think.

I was at the Raleigh Fairgrounds a couple weeks ago and there were several 'traveling' flea market vendors from up north, that were really giving great deals. Again, 'you gotta know what it cost when', and I did. There were some great deals to be had, especially if you haggle with them. The spaces each run $25 per day, I think, so there was less attention to 'overhead' as there might be elsewhere. What's more, many sellers were offering deep discount deals as the heat grew more unbearable.

Dean

 

[LeftyTom]

Dean, I've seen the people over bid in estate auctions as well. The fun of a bargain is overwhelmed by the desire to win at all costs (pun intended).

 

[Dragon]

I have to disagree here. I've been known to get some pretty good deals at flea markets and pawn shops. My last score was an almost new Porter Cable router for $65.00. I still stop in every now and then to see what might be there..............:dontknow:

 

[CaptnA]

Its always a coin toss
I'm amazed to see people get sucked into the bargain and spend too much.
Not that I've ever done it. Nor have I ever bought something for a reasonable price on fleebay and spend more than retail price on shipping/handling and not realize it until it was too late....
*(where is the fingers crossed behind my back icon???)
You're right -you've got to know costs - and values

 

[Glennbear]

Good advice Bruce, to paraphrase an old men's clothing store commercial "An educated consumer is his own best friend". :wsmile:

 

[algustaf]

Pawn shops will sell at good deals if you make an offer and be prepared to head for the door. I have picked up several tools at various shops including a great Unisaw for $500 (asking price was $999). Just make your offer and make them decide if they want to sell something today or collect dust for a few more months.

 

[LeftyTom]

I stroll through the pawn shop in Yadkinville, looking for the ever-elusive good deal. You can see 3 or 4 miter saws, and they are all the same price. Yet some look rougher than others. Do they not think to even get the surface rust off a tool before putting a price on it? :nah: