Some thoughts on buying used stuff...

[litefoot]

I used to spend hours looking at used saws, guns, hunting gear, backpacking equipment and other "stuff" on eBay, Craigs List and on-line forums. I was sure proud when I found that "great deal".

Well, if "time is money", then I spent far more than MSRP for those "great" deals in wasted time. Nothing wrong with looking and getting a good deal. But now if I need it, I don't fret, I buy it...git-r-dun...so to speak. Saves time AND money. Your thoughts?

However, I still stop at every yard sale I see.:biggrinbounce2:

 

[computeruser]

If I *need* it, then yes, buying it and getting it done with is the way to go. But the shopping for used stuff, well, that's as much recreation as it is commerce, at least for me. This is particularly true in the case of out-of-production saws, antiques, etc., where there is no way to just plop down the coin at a store and walk out with a brand new item.

When it's all said and done, I think it's about finding a balance in much the same way that we use the bit about work going better when you've got the "right tool for the job": sometimes fast/retail is the appropriate method, and sometimes used/bargain is the better technique.

EDIT: I forgot to add that your theory completely falls apart when applied to shopping on craigslist/eBay/etc when at work, because then you're actually being paid to find bargains and save money.

 

[LarryTheCableGuy]

I have recently "got into" craigslist and I have found some excellent deals.

Today I bought a Delta planer (model 22-580) from a lady who's husband passed away. She told me that "he didn't get to put very many miles on it..." but the truth is that it was never used. The knobs are still in the sealed bags and the protective film was still inside the machine. It came with a stand and an extra set of knives. She had a garage full of tools in that condition.

I bought several other items from her and didn't need to ask for any sort of "package deal" or volume discount. Her prices were fair and I figured that she has already lost enough.

Anyways, I have had several experiences like that recently with craigslist. I don't bother with tools that have been beat on or used hard.

YMMV.

.

 

[2000ssm6]

I like craigslist. You can go see the item in person and see if it is a good deal. Fleabay is more of a gamble...

 

[LarryTheCableGuy]

Yeah, I've never really felt any love for e-bay but craigslist has really worked well for me...so far.

.

 

[rreidnauer]

Well, if "time is money", then I spent far more than MSRP for those "great" deals in wasted time. . . . . . . . Your thoughts?

Sounds like you're just trying to convince your competition not to use Ebay and Craigslist so you'll have all the good deals to yourself. :monkey: :hmm3grin2orange:

 

[Lakeside53]

I'm all over craigslist... My barn is full of "great deals". One day I'll use what I buy... :hmm3grin2orange:


I use ebay for my NOS 056 stuff... Got a new cylinder, full wrap handle, bearings, inner cover and more in the last month... Don't bid against me.. you'll never see me coming... I snipe high...

 

[bigbadbob]

I use craigslist lots, seems good, no bad deals yet. I am awaiting a email back from a craigslist ad "Stihl 044 runs good needs chain $50" I could use it for that price!!!! We also have one called "usedvancouver.com" and a bunch of other citys, works good to. And "listforall" has some stuff, so does buyandsell.com.

 

[rickyrooster]

my hobbie is looking for deals on the computer. I am addicted to it. if you find a good deal, doing something you injoy then how can you count your time. Hey litefoot,now that your saving so much time and money buying new things. what do you do with all that free time and extra money. that is the question????????opcorn:

 

[rreidnauer]

I just missed a deal on Craigslist for a 70's Case CK580 backhoe for $500!!!! Needed a clutch, but whoop-dee-do.

After making arrangements to come and get it, I drove 100 miles, arrived 1 1/2 hrs before our agreed time, and she already had sold it to someone else. :bang:

"Furious" was a mild description of how I felt. Not because she sold it, but because I'll never see a deal like that again.

 

[litefoot]

To be clear, I'm not bashing eBay, Craigs or anything. I'm just saying that when I need something, I buy it rather than think, re-think and fret over whether I'm getting the best deal or not. That's all.

I too like taking a peek at what's on sale here and there. We all do.

 

[sperho]

About the only time I buy used tools (including OPE) is when I want or psychologically need a tinkering project, because it's quite plausible that tinkering will be necessary. There are always exceptions, but I'm like litefoot: 98% of the time, when I need it, I buy it, new.

 

[shawn.m]

I buy stuff on craigslist.org and then part them out on ebay. My speciality is used street bikes. I think I have bought and sold almost 100 bikes in the last 3 years as a hobby. Just bought a Husky 257 24" bar 2 chains and a Granberg 12 volt sharpener for $125 off craigslist

For searches on craiglist it is much easier to use http://snarfware.com you can search multiple cities with it and email yourself when you find what you are looking for.

I usually search a half hour at work every day on craigslist looking for deals. hmm get paid to save money

on ebay it helps to buy from higher feedback members. I try to make every deal right and it shows at 650+ feedback 98% positive

 

[blackoak]

I hit every weekend auction I can and go every Friday night to a large public auction ran by the Amish. Nothing makes my day like buying a "junk saw" for 5.00$ and all thats wrong with it is a gummed up carb and rotted fuel line. I have gotten some great deals on some real nice saws. It's starting to be addictive. When they are put up for bid, the one that don't start are the ones I usualy get for nothing. I have never owned a new saw except for an Echo 520 saw that I got with the recall that involved the old 500 EVL's . I got that old 500 EVL for 2.00 at a local auction. Best 2.00 bucks I have ever spent.

 

[crashagn]

I just missed a deal on Craigslist for a 70's Case CK580 backhoe for $500!!!! Needed a clutch, but whoop-dee-do.

After making arrangements to come and get it, I drove 100 miles, arrived 1 1/2 hrs before our agreed time, and she already had sold it to someone else. :bang:

"Furious" was a mild description of how I felt. Not because she sold it, but because I'll never see a deal like that again.

Same thing happened to me last year when we was looking for a tractor and loader, Made arrangments to show up when he had time, had greenback in hand, also borrowed a 26ft goosneck trailor. Had everything ready to go, even had a buddy of mine to go along for a spare driver, called the night beofre and the guy forgot we was even coming, said he sold it. Verbal agreements dont mean crap nowadays

 

[Fubar411]

Here is my latest adventure in CL land.

The description:
I’m moving up north and both items are no longer needed.

Huskee log splitter, 10hp, 34 ton, hydraulic 2-stage pump, 5” X 24” cylinder.
Barely used and in excellent shape.
$1,200

My response:
Are you open to offers for that splitter? $1200 seems high.

Thanks,
Rob

His response:
It is a $1600 splitter that I bought for my father (he passed away last Saturday) to split logs at his residence in Southern Illinois, it has been used about ten times in four years. Being in the construction trade I know as do others, equipment like this does not lose value as quickly as other items because they make money. I also have a Poulan 18" chainsaw with 12 extra blades (some need to be sharpened) and sharpening tools, that I'm selling for $200. It is a $170 chainsaw but has some hours on it.

I will drop $100 on the log splitter if you take the chainsaw and blades as well for a total of $1300 CASH. Today is the last day for this deal as I will be bringing everything back to Chicago with me on Saturday, I will have no problem selling all the items up there and will probably list them on the Chicago craigslist tonight.

You will need a trailer or pickup to haul the splitter away as it has never been on the road and still has the small tires on it.

If interested call me (Mark) at (), today will be the last day I'll will be dealing with this down here, we have a busy day tomorrow loading for the move and once it is on the trailer it will stay there until it is unloaded in Chicago.

So, basically, he raised the askin price $100 and is trying to stick me with a Poulan

 

[rreidnauer]

Here is my latest adventure in CL land.

So, basically, he raised the askin price $100 and is trying to stick me with a Poulan

Ha, now that is funny.

 

[carvinmark]

Here is my latest adventure in CL land.

The description:
I’m moving up north and both items are no longer needed.

Huskee log splitter, 10hp, 34 ton, hydraulic 2-stage pump, 5” X 24” cylinder.
Barely used and in excellent shape.
$1,200

My response:
Are you open to offers for that splitter? $1200 seems high.

Thanks,
Rob

His response:
It is a $1600 splitter that I bought for my father (he passed away last Saturday) to split logs at his residence in Southern Illinois, it has been used about ten times in four years. Being in the construction trade I know as do others, equipment like this does not lose value as quickly as other items because they make money. I also have a Poulan 18" chainsaw with 12 extra blades (some need to be sharpened) and sharpening tools, that I'm selling for $200. It is a $170 chainsaw but has some hours on it.

I will drop $100 on the log splitter if you take the chainsaw and blades as well for a total of $1300 CASH. Today is the last day for this deal as I will be bringing everything back to Chicago with me on Saturday, I will have no problem selling all the items up there and will probably list them on the Chicago craigslist tonight.

You will need a trailer or pickup to haul the splitter away as it has never been on the road and still has the small tires on it.

If interested call me (Mark) at (), today will be the last day I'll will be dealing with this down here, we have a busy day tomorrow loading for the move and once it is on the trailer it will stay there until it is unloaded in Chicago.

So, basically, he raised the askin price $100 and is trying to stick me with a Poulan

OMG, It takes all kinds. What a jerk!!!!

 

[stihlaficionado]

With power equipment I only buy new, never used. Too many bad experiences. Now if someone donated an item, well OK.

 

[Stumpcutter1]

Everything i own is used,lol