December 19, 2010

Retro Game Collecting 101 Lesson 2 -Thrift Stores-

So it's time for your second lesson. Lets get into the topic of thrift stores. Thrift stores are everywhere and believe it or not, there are different kinds of them. Some specialize in clothing, others in furniture so it will be very important if you get to know these stores as you will only need to visit the one for you. It's helpful to ask around the store to either people or employees. They will either give you a good answer or an answer that will present you even more questions! It can get quite confusing but just hang in there and use the best of your judgment, you'll pull through. It's always good to spend some time at thrift stores, what that means is that you should not just go in and out but rather stay for an hour or so to see how the flow of the store goes. Thrift stores usually bring new items out during the business hours so it would be a good idea to be the first to see the new merchandise. Be sure to look everywhere at the thrift stores' electronics section. You might have missed something so double checking is crucial. You never know if you will find some great gems hidden in a corner.


You can always just drive around your area and look for the local thrift stores but you can always do your research online before driving. Use such search engines as www.google.com to search for thrift stores in your area. You can either use your zip code and “thrift stores” right after it or use the name of your county or city and “thrift stores” next to it. You'll be surprised how many stores are around your area. It's also helpful to write down their info especially the phone numbers as you can call them before driving to ask if they carry video games at all. Be very cautious if you do this as some people won't even know if they have video games so it's always best just go to see it yourself. There are also times that there might not be video games at that moment, but they could be added later that day and you don't want to miss that. Only be willing to call if the place is so far that you have to make sure it's worth the drive, you don't want to waste your gas after all.


There are certain thrift stores that have specials on certain days. Try to find out when merchandise is on sale so you can get the better deals. You have to make sure that you get there early on the sale day so that they have deals because I'm sure you will not be the only one eying a console or game and is willing to come the day it's half off. There is competition everywhere so don't think you are the only one out there interested in them. It's one of the many reasons people visit thrift stores, for great video game deals! Furthermore, it's always a good idea to ask if they are going to bring some video games out because it never hurts to ask. Try to keep optimistic when hunting at these stores because like in any other place or occasion, you never know what you are going to find. That's the most exciting part of this hobby, you are expecting the unexpected.

As I mentioned before, there is quite a competition out there and to be in top shape for the competition you have to savvy mind. There are certain people that will spend all day at the preferred thrift stores waiting for the merchandise to come out, I call these people “trees”. These “trees” won't move a muscle and will be ready to jump off their roots at the view of new merchandise. Be sure not to get pushed around by these people as the majority of them are very greedy and won't care for anyone else but themselves. I have gotten a game taken away from my hand by them many times which ended in a big discussion, not only because of the game but mainly the rudeness used by the person. They are the least mannered individuals you'll encounter at the stores.


Thrift stores are vast and all around us. They will make us scream from a great score or cry from the people in it. These things just happen and we must accept them, fight, not physically of course but maintain your ground and make yourself respected by them because it's a jungle out there! Class dismissed!


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