Last holiday season I blogged a few times of ways to save money on gifts. One of the techniques I emphasized was taking advantage of craig's list for almost new electronics. To be found are cameras, game systems, all manner of digital gadgets. Therein lies the perfect answer to your needs so long as you research online before buying (such as on cnet.org), ask the right questions (what does it not include) and exercise good judgement with respect to the seller (judge for honesty).
In fact, I've bought and sold on craig's myself: airsoft rifle, digital cameras, basketball hoop, and more.
At that time I sought to satisfy the male types in my life. But it turns out the digital phase is entering the female types around here.
The item wished for happened to be an iPod Touch. Now these are nifty little things, somewhere above a handheld game console, but a notch down from a tablet. A bit indulgent, for sure, but not without educational advantages (internet access in any free WiFi zone). The new ones (now on its 4th version) are about $200. WHOA. No way jose, that's half the cost of a complete laptop.
The wishful young person in this story was saving aggressively toward that goal. And doing a commendable job. But I did not approve. So I explored what was available un-new but that completely fulfilled the need.
Not easy, it seems the iPod Touch's are very hot. In search of a good buy, we had to visit ebay. WHOA again. Intense bidding. But lots of choices, such as: some damaged items, some sold refurbished with warranties, some sold by first owner no returns, etc. We zeroed in on a version 3, with a 30 day return allowed from a computer biz. And let the bidding begin!
Anyone else bid on ebay before? If it is a highly desired item, the bidding will be fast and furious the last 1 MINUTE. Yes, I pounced on the keyboard at the last 30 seconds and won. Our final price was about 1/2 the cost of a new one.
Now awaiting delivery. Return here to find out if the purchase was a smart move!
In the meantime, check out the paper, glue and scissors creations from my work bench.
Not Your Usual Collage
Funny, clever, sassy, but never rude. Cards with a big idea, at a small price. Two new ones (special order only).
You're AMAZING
You Are Perfect
FUN TRIVIA Q: Who's hair do you think that is at the bottom of the 2nd card?
Took my own Advice; and Who's Hair is that?
March 26th, 2012 at 09:03 pm
March 27th, 2012 at 12:31 am 1332808293
I could not imagine paying retail for all our toys. We buy and sell frequently off of Craigslist, as you probably know. Of course, last year we hit the free gift cards hard (holy cow on the new electronics, for free!). Living in silicon valley before, we always got employee discounts or refurbished items very cheaply. I haven't gotten any of those deals for a while, though, but don't seem to be lacking in free/used/discount opportunities.
March 27th, 2012 at 12:31 am 1332808315