Tales from Good Will / Salvation Army 2008

I hate to sound like I'm hating on SA but is it just me or are they a bit higher priced than the general thrift stores (Like Goodwill, Arc...etc)? Today was my first visit to SA in years and everything seemed several dollars higher than say at Goodwill or the local thrift stores (Which are awesome for finding great stuff).
 
[quote name='tiggerkiddo']I hate to sound like I'm hating on SA but is it just me or are they a bit higher priced than the general thrift stores (Like Goodwill, Arc...etc)? Today was my first visit to SA in years and everything seemed several dollars higher than say at Goodwill or the local thrift stores (Which are awesome for finding great stuff).[/quote]

Each store is different.
 
Not much, checked a SA I rarely go to, found a rubiks cube and a Saiyuki dvd for $1 each. Not bad.

Also saw some Xbox games, old sports titles. Found a SW: Battlefront II but the case was empty :(
 
I live in Michigan and earlier this year I went to a goodwill about an hour from my house. Really wasn't looking for anything in particular but I stumbled upon a copy of WII Play with the remote for $10. Now I don't personally own a wii but my cousins happens to own one. Needless to say she was looking for an extra wiimote and being the great guy and cheapass that I am i bought it for her. The Wiimote actually worked which was amazing and the people there did not realize how much the game was worth. So yeah lol.
 
[quote name='Trikip']Each store is different.[/quote]

Not the ones around here, they're all universally crappy on prices. :whistle2:# Possibly dead Playstation for $20, anyone?
 
The ones around here vary GREATLY on games, if you can FIND games at them, which you never can. The one thing you can be assured of though is to find lots of washed out, overpriced clothing at all of them around here. Honestly they seem to think used clothing and quilts are gold. Some of the prices are more than what walmart charges for brand new clothing, if you can stand to shop there. When I have found games they were priced pretty reasonably, however its usually only a single NES game buried with the cassettes or something. Books are universally priced at 1$ for a hardcover or 50 cents for softcover so you can make out there, the ones around here don't have the 90% off retail thing although I've seen it at some out of the way stores. CD's are 2.99 at our SA.

I did find a good Tshirt at one SA over the weekend, it was a GBA classics Ice Climbers shirt, and the right size too, it had 4.99 on the tag with 50% off for family clothes day, well when I got to the register they only charged me 2.99 + 50% off so I got it for like 1.50. I look a bit younger than I am and I guess I give off the poor college student vibe, so I am not sure if they profile their customers when buying clothing and give discounts as they see fit or what. I have been behind well dressed old ladies who they charged the full price for for all the clothing they bought..
 
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[quote name='SaraAB']When I have found games they were priced pretty reasonably, however its usually only a single NES game buried with the cassettes or something.[/QUOTE]

This is how the Salvation Army is near me that I stop at when I'm at the mall since it's nearby. I usually only see 1-3 old games put out at once. I think these small batches of games most likely come in boxes of random junk donated.
 
[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']Not the ones around here, they're all universally crappy on prices. :whistle2:# Possibly dead Playstation for $20, anyone?[/quote]

I don't see what's so bad about paying $20 for a working game system. I bought a $20 SNES last summer without even thinking about it. The price is better than almost anywhere else you can find them. As long as the price is lower than eBay, I've got no problem paying it.
 
[quote name='Trikip']I don't see what's so bad about paying $20 for a working game system. I bought a $20 SNES last summer without even thinking about it. The price is better than almost anywhere else you can find them. As long as the price is lower than eBay, I've got no problem paying it.[/quote]

I bought a PS1 from one of them one time, system only, for $5.

I got it home to realize it was a brick. I took a chance because it was only $5, but when they told me they don't test things before putting them out and they STILL sell systems for $20-30 apiece, then I'm less likely to take a chance.

I mean, how hard is it to figure out which wires go where and to plug it all in and make sure it at least powers up? I understand they may get in a ton of stuff during an average day and all, but from the sheer number of people I've seen doing nothing at their stores, how hard would it be to have ONE person dedicated to solely testing all electronics?
 
If anyone's willing to list the SNES games their thrift shop has, possible old-gen systems/accessories, and other miscellaneous interesting items... I'd be very appreciative. If I ask you to buy something, I'd be happy to pay you for the items, as well as shipping and your time. Thank you!
 
[quote name='Trikip']I don't see what's so bad about paying $20 for a working game system. I bought a $20 SNES last summer without even thinking about it. The price is better than almost anywhere else you can find them. As long as the price is lower than eBay, I've got no problem paying it.[/quote]

Have I got a couple of systems for you! ;)
 
[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']I bought a PS1 from one of them one time, system only, for $5.

I got it home to realize it was a brick. I took a chance because it was only $5, but when they told me they don't test things before putting them out and they STILL sell systems for $20-30 apiece, then I'm less likely to take a chance.

I mean, how hard is it to figure out which wires go where and to plug it all in and make sure it at least powers up? I understand they may get in a ton of stuff during an average day and all, but from the sheer number of people I've seen doing nothing at their stores, how hard would it be to have ONE person dedicated to solely testing all electronics?[/quote]

They said I could return it if it didn't work, but it worked great. It was in great condition, not yellowed, had all hookups, controllers and everything. Good deal IMO.
 
Saw a Sega Genesis at mine today - no AC brick. I just happened to look at the shelf directly across from it, and ... THE AC BRICK. They were charging two prices for the separate items. The funny thing is, there was also an N64 with all the cords priced decently. o_O

....and somebody bought the psp games for $20. :whistle2:(
 
^At least your Goodwill/Salvation Army was selling the AC brick. I always find systems missing hook-ups, especially the power supply for the SNES and NES! :(
 
[quote name='PsovazHunter']Which Marvel?[/quote]

The Marvel Ultimate Alliance/Forza Package that came with 360's for a while.
 
Went to a couple of goodwill's this weekend. Did not see anything till i was looking through their VHS tapes.

Upon closer inspection it was a nes game sealed in its box. Jeopardy 25th anniversary edition.

So i looked around for more and found pinball complete and Little mermaid complete in mint boxes.

Crazy find for only $6 total.
 
Picked up the guide for Soul Blade (ps1) today for $.49 :)

Passed up a Sega Genesis ($4.99), SNES (total = $23.98, no cords). Alright, but not great.
 
[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']Actually, many of the Salvation Army stores around here charge $3.99 a pop for a CD. Shame really, since the one store had about 12-14 CD's I would've wanted, but not at $4 a pop, namely since I was going to flip 'em to FYE during their trade promo.[/quote]

Pricing seems to vary depending on how management wants to price em. The Goodwill I frequent prices CDs at whatever they want - typically $4.99. However the SA I frequent is $1.99. The funny thing is that I have purchased many more CDs at SA not just because of price but also because it seems that they get better stuff donated.

Then again... I won't complain since I got my "Holy Grail" edition of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon" there for $1.99. That typically goes for at least $60 to $100 on eBay. Its considered by many including myself to have the best sound quality of the album on CD as well. :D

What gets me is that CD-R copies of CD's and games are put out fairly frequently with a $4 pricetag too. I guess that besides charging silly and high prices, you can put down that SA supports piracy as well.
Click to expand...

I don't think its them supporting piracy as much as it is the employees/management at that particular location just not aware of it. I can very well imagine that an employee is going through donations. He/she finds an stack of CDs then slaps the price tags on them without verifying if they are legit or CD-R.

What's even worse is the potential of someone not only buying an pirated CD-R for $4... but buying an pirated CD-R for $4 that is mp3 sourced. :puke:
 
Pretty decent find today. I picked up:
A Tribe Called Quest: Beats, Rhymes and Life w/ front and back cover and mint disc
Alice in Chains (self-titled album) w/ front and back cover and mint disc
and finally, the prize of the day...
Parasite Eve for $2.99. Discs are mint, but it is missing the demo disc and instruction manual. If anyone has the instruction manual and willing to sell or trade for it, PM me please. Thanks
 
[quote name='Demolition Man']

I don't think its them supporting piracy as much as it is the employees/management at that particular location just not aware of it. I can very well imagine that an employee is going through donations. He/she finds an stack of CDs then slaps the price tags on them without verifying if they are legit or CD-R.

What's even worse is the potential of someone not only buying an pirated CD-R for $4... but buying an pirated CD-R for $4 that is mp3 sourced. :puke:[/quote]

Sorry to say this but It's probably due to the fact that 90% of employees are mentaly slow, at least in my local store, Most employees cant answer a question such as "Are there any videogames in stock." and i have asked about the burnt CD's before and they say, "Oh thats a burnt copy? How do you tell the difference?"
 
Found a sealed copy of F1 Formula One: Championship Edition PS3 for $9.99. Will probably sell it on Amazon since it goes for $38 and I don't like racing games that aren't Burnout.
 
I've said it before and I'll say it again - Mondays + Goodwill = MFW sometimes.

No games, but I picked up these strategy guides today:

Soul Blade (Gamefans official guide ???)
Grand Theft Auto Vice City

and the big ones

Final Fantasy VII (official guide)
Final Fantasy VIII (bradygames)

all for $0.49 a guide. MAN I love my store.
 
Poop. Nothin' but women's clothing and dirty, ancient housewares during my SA visit today.

Excluding clothing, more than half of the items sold at this location must be older than 25 years.
 
[quote name='Sinnbox']Sorry to say this but It's probably due to the fact that 90% of employees are mentaly slow, at least in my local store, Most employees cant answer a question such as "Are there any videogames in stock." and i have asked about the burnt CD's before and they say, "Oh thats a burnt copy? How do you tell the difference?"[/QUOTE]

Well and that too. The truth is that most thrift stores tend to hire pretty much anyone regardless if they are actually qualified or not. So its really hit and miss when it comes to if an employee knows anything beyond... say..... "well the exit is right in front of you durr."

[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']I mean, how hard is it to figure out which wires go where and to plug it all in and make sure it at least powers up? I understand they may get in a ton of stuff during an average day and all, but from the sheer number of people I've seen doing nothing at their stores, how hard would it be to have ONE person dedicated to solely testing all electronics?[/quote]

The concept seems to be too much for them. ;)
 
I broke down and got a new copy of :ps3: Stuntman for ~$8. They finally cut the price from the initial $15. Now to try the demo again to see if I'll keep it.
 
I haven't been to one in forever but a few years back i got Final Fantasy 7 for pc for 3.99. Needless to say i was happy when i sold it recently and got 43 bucks.
 
[quote name='mguiddy']I broke down and got a new copy of :ps3: Stuntman for ~$8. They finally cut the price from the initial $15. Now to try the demo again to see if I'll keep it.[/QUOTE]
It's kinda fun but there is a crap load of trial and error
 
[quote name='MikeHoncho']It's kinda fun but there is a crap load of trial and error[/quote]

That's exactly how the original was on the PS2 and the MAIN reason I returned the damn thing less than 3 days later after buying it used from Gamestop back in the day.

If you miss your mark by even a millimeter, you have to redo the whole fucking thing. It was VERY frustrating.
 
The Goodwill in Greenwood, IN has a bunch of Genesis sports games priced at $5. I've been in there once and I don't think I'll ever go back to look for games.
 
[quote name='MikeHoncho']It's kinda fun but there is a crap load of trial and error[/quote]

[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']That's exactly how the original was on the PS2 and the MAIN reason I returned the damn thing less than 3 days later after buying it used from Gamestop back in the day.

If you miss your mark by even a millimeter, you have to redo the whole fucking thing. It was VERY frustrating.[/quote]

Yeah... That's why I put off buying it so long. I wanted to wait for another drop, but this one took about 4+ months. :whistle2:# I never really liked the Stuntman games. I'm gonna give the demo a thorough playthrough though.

:lol: Sometime I just can't not buy a game... We need CAGers anonymous.
 
[quote name='depascal22']The Goodwill in Greenwood, IN has a bunch of Genesis sports games priced at $5. I've been in there once and I don't think I'll ever go back to look for games.[/quote]

SAme with the Decatur store, but i have noticed that sometimes a different person prices the games and they are so cheap they dissapear if i dont go in the day they get there. like .99 SNES games.
 
Just got back from the thrift store with a nice little tow. Most of the time it's just crappy genesis games. This time I got the collectors edition of simcity 2000 (for the mac, I was surprised too) for 1.50, Cruis'n World (complete) for the N64 for 1.38, and three really old books for a dollar. They were all printed about 95 years ago and I found an 80 year old postage stamp in one, so that's pretty cool.
 
[quote name='ohram']Just got back from the thrift store with a nice little tow. Most of the time it's just crappy genesis games. This time I got the collectors edition of simcity 2000 (for the mac, I was surprised too) for 1.50, Cruis'n World (complete) for the N64 for 1.38, and three really old books for a dollar. They were all printed about 95 years ago and I found an 80 year old postage stamp in one, so that's pretty cool.[/quote]
I wonder if the stamp is worthy anything...
 
[quote name='mguiddy']I wonder if the stamp is worthy anything...[/quote]

It's got a tiny little tear in it, so I'd have to fix that if I ever wanted to sell it.

It's a picture of Santa riding his sleigh under some sort of a red cross with two horizontal lines and it says "Merry Christmas and good health!
 
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[quote name='ohram']It's got a tiny little tear in it, so I'd have to fix that if I ever wanted to sell it.

It's a picture of Santa riding his slay under some sort of a red cross with two horizontal lines and it says "Merry Christmas and good health![/quote]

It also depends if its been canceled. I remember I did some research on stamps a while back, some from 60 - 70 years ago can only be worth as low as 25 cents to hundreds of dollars. Well, yours sounds like a seasonal stamp, so it might be worth something. There should be a year on it if possible, look it up, it probably wont fetch you an Inverted Jenny, but who knows.
 
Just got back from my monday runs at Goodwill. This was this week's haul:

- 10 pack of clear jewel cases - $1.99 (now I can finally fix a s*** ton of my ps1 games)
- guide for Coded Arms (psp - Bradygames) - $0.49
- Zelda: The Wind Waker (Prima - no poster :whistle2:() - $0.49

and the two that I almost peed my pants about:

- FFVII guide (the versus one with poster still attached!) - $0.49
- FFIII guide (the old Nintendo Power one. It was turned around I had happened to catch it out of the corner of my eye. I pulled it out and got the BIGGEST smile on my face!) - $0.49

No new games, except a compelte "Jurassic Park" for the Genesis :3

I'm really starting to look forward to Mondays.
 
Wasn't a goodwill or salv. army but just a local thrift store.

$22

Sega Saturn System (the thing doesn't even look like it was used)
3 controllers
1 official sega arcade joystick
Panzer Dragoon
Mystaria The Realms of Lore
Sonic 3d Blast
Cyber Speedway
Sega Rally Championship
Daytona USA Championship Circuit Edition
Gex
Virtua Fighter 2

All the games are complete like new.
 
Not a bad run today as my store had a "Buy 5 for $1.00" on all PC, music CD's and VHS titles. Brought up all my stuff to a different cashier and she rang it up as a buck! This is what I got:

The Matrix: Path of Neo (bradygames guide)
Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn (versus books with poster!)
VHS - Zelda: Majora's Mask promo from Nintendo Power
VHS - The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog "Slowwwwwwwww Going" (couldn't resist! I hope a certain sonic-aholic will be PMing me soon)
...and the finale..
PS1 - Gran Turismo 2 (complete and minty!)

Nothing to really write home about, but a good deal for a buck.
 
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Went back today thinking that they'd bring out any new stuff that the clearance was making way for and grabbed these gems:

SNES:
-Super Mario World
-Donkey Kong Country
-Killer Instinct (black cartridge)
-Super Pinball: Behind the Mask

all for $0.99 each! Finally someone sane got behind the pricing gun. They also had a complete SNES (cables & everything + two controllers) for $24.99. Pass.

Also grabbed this little ditty for a 5 spot

- TI-92 graphing calculator.

I just gotta throw in some AA batteries and we're set!
 
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