Re: Ripoff Thrift Stores, Was: New Apple II BBS

[Byron Desnoyers Winmill <wbdesnoy@ucalgary.ca>]

On Sun, 8 Feb 2004, Sheldon Simms wrote:
> I agree, only this seems to be exactly what some thrift stores are
> doing

Perhaps this is the case today, but I ran into over priced items at
thrift stores long before before eBay became popular.

> I do want to point out that ebay does not and cannot have (by
> definition) hyperinflated prices. Ebay connects buyers and sellers.

I meant hyperinflated in two respects: sometimes bidding gets out of
control (an inexperienced buyer or misleading advertising), or there's
something special about the item.  Then some dimwit comes along and
says, "I have that," and thinks that he will fetch a similar price.  Of
course, the dimwit is usually wrong.

> How does reselling thrift store items impact the ability of the thrift
> store to do this?

There are two ways: it cuts down on the good merchandise, so thrift
stores may not be able to attract new customers.  And this whole
argument started over over priced items at thrift stores, with some
implication that resellers cannot profit.  I would rather see that
extra money go to programmes which thrift stores support.

And there is some validity to the lower priced items sold in thrift
stores going to people who cannot afford it otherwise.  For most of my
life, thrift stores have been my only source of entertainment (both in
the hunt and with my aquisitions).

Byron.