Friday, March 9, 2012

Friday Fun: To Buy Or Not To Buy?


I was driving past my favorite thrift store the other day and had to turn around and stop and check on a vintage desk I saw sitting outside. It definitely caught my eye!



What do you think about it? Would you buy it? Should I buy it for my booth? It's slightly affordable - I wish it were $5 cheaper - there would be more "meat on the bone" if it were. If you were shopping for a cool desk, what's the most you would pay if you saw it in an antique mall?

I'll be transparent - it's $14.99 at the thrift store. Is that high? Low? Just right? If I pay $14.99 for it, how much should I charge for it? I have no experience with this kind of merchandise!

In the fall, I bought a $14.99 table at this store and recently sold it for $75! Cha-ching!

Let me know what you think - you might be able to sway me to buy it!!

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9 comments:

  1. cute desk. I'm the worst person to ask because my stuff comes to me mostly free. You should go with your gut. If you really like it you can always keep it for yourself!

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  2. I can't remember if I've posted before---but if not, hello there! I'm Liz and I'm a thrift store junkie too.

    I've seen those for WAY cheaper here in Michigan ($5.00-$7.00) so I would say that is high. Unless you are going to do something really cool to it I really don't think you would turn much of a profit. That's just my opinion based on how many of those I've seen in thrift stores before. Maybe there is more of a market down there, I hope I'm not steering you the wrong way! :-)

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  3. I agree with MissShapes. I've seen them around here for less than $10 at a thrift. I'd say it's a great price if you're wanting to keep it.....not sure for resale though. I'm a cheapskate though when it comes to booth stuff. ;)

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  4. I'm forever ASTONISHED at how much people will spend on vintage school furnishings in this neck of the woods...I was spoiled because my dad, as a teacher, was always bringing home stuff they were ready to get rid of at his place of work. My gut is that while $15 is a lot to spend a)from a thrift store and b)if you're going to keep it; however, you could probably get someone who doesn't shop the thrift/estate sale/yard sale/side of the road circuit to pay $35 and think they've gotten a decent deal. Little do they know! :)

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  5. Thanks for your thoughts so far! I LOVE old school furniture and it seems to be kinda rare around here. This is the first time I've ever seen a desk like this at a thrift store. I have seen the 2 pieces desks that are more 80s than 60s but never something like this... I was surprised when she said it was 14.99 because this store is pretty cheap. It's the same one where I almost bought a couch for $35! Maybe I'll stop by again today and doublecheck the price. :)

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  6. hi there, i'm a fellow nashvillian. i see vintage chair + desk combos (and vintage school desks) pretty regularly at the goodwill locations on charlotte and on berry rd. i've also seen a couple at the habitat restore on 8th. i seem to recall them being priced under $15 but i'm not totally sure... either way, i think they're pretty easy to find around here.

    what thrift store is your fave? also, how much are you charging for the brass cart... i've been looking for a nice one for a while and may be interested. want to see more pics!!

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  7. I'd say that is pretty reasonable for Portland prices. Chris has bought a few of those, but they've always been herman miller. So he was able to sell them for around 75, I think... But I'm sure he made a profit. If you could get it for 10, go for it! ;)

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  8. I'd say it's a fair price for someone who really wants one. But I'm so cheap that I don't know if you should listen to me!

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  9. Curious minds want to know.....did you get it? CA they are expensive, I paid $25 for the one I just re-painted, but I am not selling it and it is different style. I posted some pictures I think last week on Facebook itbis for my nephew

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