Bargain Hunters Unite!

**CMcG** · 15th April 10, 07:18 AM

I love a bargain and am always looking for ways to get top value for my money. Being a student in a crummy economic climate, that means trying to do more with less.

Just to be clear, I'm not advocating cheap junk though! What I'm talking about is getting the best quality I can find for the lowest price I can afford. Everyone's economic status will determine a different result of these variables and that is to be accepted.

I'm sure other members of the rabble must have their own take on thrift and I'm hoping everyone will share

What are your favourite bargain hunting strategies, tactics, and stalking grounds? It would be wonderful if the rabble would explain their methods and choices; tips and tricks are most welcome!

- vendors with the best deals?
- haggling?
- eBay?
- second hand/vintage/thrift store/consignment?
- off rentals?
- ways to get discounts?
- sales and/or clearance?
- barter and trade?
- D.I.Y.?
- joining a Highland regiment?

**D.A. Guertin** · 15th April 10, 07:26 AM

DIY and bartering!!

**Hothir Ethelnor** · 15th April 10, 07:32 AM

DIY and bartering seems to be working for me too. I've also done a bit of ebay stalking.

**CMcG** · 15th April 10, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by D.A. Guertin

DIY and bartering!!

Originally Posted by Hothir Ethelnor

DIY and bartering seems to be working for me too. I've also done a bit of ebay stalking.

Cool. What are you making and did you learn those skills just because of kilts or have them previously? Who are you bartering with, what is your collateral, and how do you find them?

**thescot** · 15th April 10, 08:10 AM

Low price does not necessarily equal thrift or bargain. The old saw that you get what you pay for usually holds, and I have found that buying cheap is often disappointing and requires quick replacement.

However, I have also found that watching the reputible vendors for sales, overstocks, etc. can pay off handsomely. For example, Matt recently moved some hose from the Tartans Museum at a very attactive price because the newer models were a slightly different color. (I think that was the case; don't quote me, it was something like that.)

Keeping up with several vendors and watching the prices and pricing will pay off over time. And there is that haggling thing: cash and a willingness to part with it for the right price can be persuasive. No price is etched in stone, so why not make an offer? I have found that the real goal is to create a win-win situation.

Add to that the names of a few who generally have reasonable prices--j.Higgins comes to mind as do most of those who advertise right here on good ole Xmarks!

**Hothir Ethelnor** · 15th April 10, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by CMcG

Cool. What are you making and did you learn those skills just because of kilts or have them previously? Who are you bartering with, what is your collateral, and how do you find them?

Well, I've been sewing most of my life and I make kilts (which means around here I have a big bargaining chip...)

I have also taken up knitting and working with leather.

**NewGuise** · 15th April 10, 09:23 AM

Having a daughter who manages a fine vintage clothing store a few blocks away works well for me...

**guitarmatt** · 15th April 10, 10:06 AM

Once I've done a few more pairs of kilt hose for myself and friends, I'll be up for doing swaps. I've loved looking at the diy projects on this site and have started a wish list in my head.

**CDNSushi** · 15th April 10, 10:37 AM

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**Catdad** · 15th April 10, 01:51 PM

Be careful about buying kilts on ebay. I once bought what I thought was a great bargin on a wool kilt and it turned out to be a woman's pleated skirt. Thankfully the seller quickly refunded my money once I sent it back. It was an honest mistake by the seller, so you have to be careful about the uneducated ones who don't know better.