For instance, I routinely look for a few items on Craigslist. Now, I want to try to buy locally, so I will go to http://newjersey.craigslist.org. In the search box for the For Sale section and I might type in some of the following keywords to see what might be for sale (All results below will be in northern NJ):
- dehydrator: http://goo.gl/slEB
- backpack: http://goo.gl/piP0
- generator: http://goo.gl/Y0zE
- camping: http://goo.gl/Vto7
- camper: http://goo.gl/NGVY
- camp: http://goo.gl/87L1
- survival: http://goo.gl/S5ZX
- knife: http://goo.gl/gG8O
- Coleman: http://goo.gl/s3ey
- solar: http://goo.gl/XBSr
- solar panel: http://goo.gl/1MdT
These are just a few of the keywords for products I might be looking for. To boot, this past week I found a guy selling his surplus solar panels for 40.00 each, and they are in good condition. I have emailed him and will probably pick up two of them.
Craigslist is not the only service you can use to look for gear deals as well. Here are a couple more for you to explore:
Be aware, however, that these sites may not have near as many listings as Craigslist will have. You will also have to sift through a ton of ads to find what you are looking for, assuming what you are looking for is listed there. It is a great resource for finding inexpensive gear if you are willing to be patient. Also, feel free to low ball or try negotiating the price of your future gear. People may be looking to just unload it less expensively than they listed it for.
Good hunting!
I think the key with all this is “buyer be ware”.
You may save some $$ initially but if it turns out to be crap soon upon using it is it really a bargin?
Especially if you’re counting on it in an emergency.
True, my experience with Craigslist has been pretty good though, with the exception that the sellers are sometimes flaky and don’t get back to you telling you what they are selling is sold already, or they just are lazy and don’t respond to emails… I am going to look at several solar panels next week, I think and have to email the guy today…