Monday, June 24, 2013

Buying Junk

I'm just venting here for a few minutes.......
     For years I've traveled to local thrift stores looking around for junk that could potentially be turned into something useful or decorative. Places like the Salvation Army and Goodwill carry tons of items that are no longer useful to the owners.  Many items are in need of paint, repair work and just someone that sees its potential. You need vision, a creative mind and some time to work on these items.  Prices were never a consideration because it's all cheap...........at least it used to be.

     I am now just amazed, but troubled by how expensive these places have become considering most of what they carry is plain, old junk.  Sometimes I see furniture that needs so much work that it's not even worth purchasing it.  Then I see the price and really want to scream.  What's happened here?  The media.  Television shows that give everyone the impression that there is so much hidden value in junk.  Not so.  Not for most of us. Internet and newspaper stories about million dollar items found at the Goodwill.  Yes, it has happened a few times but when was the last time you bought a painting at the Goodwill that was worth one million bucks? No me, not you...not very often.  I guess this gives thrift stores the right to charge $10.00 for a scratched up, broken picture frame (because maybe it's worth lots of money). Most of the stuff they carry is worthless junk.  Someone like me looks around, finds something for a few dollars, takes it home and converts into something nice. That usually takes lots of time and work on my part. So why do we have to be scalped?

just sayin'

     I know that these places do great things for people in need , but I think they are trying to take advantage of the public who is falling for stories of great riches at the Goodwill. So.....if anyone is listening out there, lower your prices on broken, scratched junk.  There, I said it.

And.......garage sales lately?  Really?  I've had them in the past.  Usually I do it for several reasons. Spring cleaning, things that are starting to collect-in mass and because, they can be fun.  I don't put anything out there unless it's junk.  I can't even bring myself to go to garage sales anymore.  People think their "junk" is actually worth more than what they paid for it! Wow, they all must think people are stupid.

Ok. I'm done venting now.  You may or may not agree with me, but it seems like the price of "junk" has gotten out of control.

Happy Hunting and I hope you find some good junk for a good price!

Christy


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2 comments:

  1. I definitely agree, as I've witnessed it too.

    I rather liked the "old school" way of thrifting because a lot of the thrill was in the hunt and discovery.

    Now, Im finding price tags with bar codes, staged vignettes and a lot of over priced things. I have found things at garage sales that were priced more than what I could get it for at Ross, Marshalls or TJ Maxx!

    Marilyn (in Dallas)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Marilyn,
    Well I'm glad that I'm not the only one that noticed this!!

    ReplyDelete