If You Go the Thrift Store Route.......

[michael_1265]

........you definitely need to be patient, but you also need to know that some locations are more equal than others.

I like the treasure hunting aspect of shopping in thrift stores and Goodwill. It takes me a few minutes a week (I catch them on the way home from work), and a nice find makes the day a little brighter.

After 1.5 years of doing this, I see a definite pattern. Most of my better finds are coming from one Goodwill. Below is a summary of most of the nicer racquets I’ve found. What is the lesson? Well, I probably should be frequenting Goodwill #4 at twice the rate of most of the others. It’s odd; there is nothing that would lead anyone to believe that this store would be different than the others; it just produces. For anyone who lives in a metro area with many Goodwills or SA Stores, it is good practice to be aware of where you are actually finding stuff.

Goodwill #1-Largest in the area
Nothing!

Goodwill #2: Second largest
Yonex R-7
Wilson Force

Goodwill #3: Medium size
Lawford with vintage Dupont nylon and a one piece leather grip.
TA Davis Hi Point
TA Davis Classic

Goodwill #4: Medium-Small Size
Fin Genius
Head XRC
Dunlop Max 200G
Rossignol GW200 Open-Throat Woodie
Pro-Kennex Copper Ace
Wilson Force
Head Graphite Edge
Wilson T2000
Wilson T 3000
Wilson t 5000
TA Davis Imperial
Yonex YY7500

Goodwill # 5: Small size
Nothing!

Salvation Army Store #1 : Large
Slazenger Challenge #1
PK Bronze ACE

Salvation Army Store #2: Small
Yonex R-22

Thrift Store #1 : Huge
Prince CTS Precision 110 (mint!)
Bancroft Borg Personal
Prince Response 110 (x2)

 

[jorel]

maybe store 4 is where Joe Sch lives

 

[dak95_00]

Regarding Volunteers of America, Goodwill, & Ohio Thrift:
I also visit many thrift stores but not on a regular basis. I find the pricing to be different from store to store at the donation only stores.

In one area, they'll have really nice racquets and want $1.91 and in another area want $5-10 from the same name store.

Recently, I picked up a nearly new Wilson Triad 3 w/ a broken string for $1.91 and the same day down the road at another of the same store refused to buy a Wilson Hammer #.# worn through the headguard & nearly through the frame for $10.10. It's laughable at times because the store workers will not negotiate prices either. Managers are also reluctant so I've quit asking. I'm not going to buy a beat up warped, cracked, or broken woody for $1.91 but for a wall hanging and I'm certainly not going to pay $10 for it!

Regarding Play-It-Again Sports:
I used to frequent all of them in central Ohio. I quit going to one because they price their stuff at market value; good for them. The last time I was there, I saw a young worker researching the Internet to set prices. I won't be going there.

The other ones must just go on feel. I've bought some really nice racquets for under $20 and some under $10 like POGs, Prestiges, etc.

There is nothing like a good score. I only buy if I think I'll use it, can make money worth my time on a racquet (usually 3 times the price), or think I should collect it (only wooden racquets and other famous old frames; T2000, etc.).

 

[retrowagen]

It all has to do with the geographical/demographical relationship of the store. Racquets are sourced from donations probably originating from those living closest to said store. And what demographic groups play tennis more than others? Consider the neighborhhoods in proximity to the stores. And, of course, in some areas, tennis simply isn't played.

retrowagen's best bet: stores in proximity to more affluent areas, perhaps in college towns, in regions with better year-round weather. Or, alternately, vacation or retirement hotspots where there are many tennis courts or facilities. People either leave gear behind after a holiday, or older retirees finally turn in their sticks when they either get newer stuff, or can't play anymore (or die). I notice a preponderance of more classic tennis gear in shops run by Humane Society chapters in those areas.

 

[Fearsome Forehand]

Rossignol GW200 Open-Throat Woodie

I can't believe you found one of these in a thrift store. Very obscure frame, you almost never see those.

Michael, if you have it handy, what is the string pattern and tie offs?

 

[coachrick]

On a side note, IF you have Entertainment Book(s) in your area, they may contain a coupon for 20% off at PIAS. In Austin, the E Books pay for themselves in BOGO lunch coupons or half-price car washes. The PIAS coupon just might make that 'find' a slick deal!

 

[Thepowerofchoice]

Goodwill, Fleamarket, Salvation Army

All in Orange County, CA

 

[Thepowerofchoice]

And more...

 

[michael_1265]

Regarding Volunteers of America, Goodwill, &
Regarding Play-It-Again Sports:
I used to frequent all of them in central Ohio. I quit going to one because they price their stuff at market value; good for them. The last time I was there, I saw a young worker researching the Internet to set prices. I won't be going there.

Don't give up on PIAS. I walked in and picked up a really nice KFactor 88 for $69 in trade in money (which I think is probably less than $50 in actual cash). Someone was clueless, and there were plenty of overpriced racquets on the rack as well. It all depends on who is on duty when the racquet come in.

 

[michael_1265]

Rossignol GW200 Open-Throat Woodie

I can't believe you found one of these in a thrift store. Very obscure frame, you almost never see those.

Michael, if you have it handy, what is the string pattern and tie offs?

I was amazed at finding it as well. Just about flawless, too. That Goodwill store is magic. I found a Fin Genius there in flawless condition yesterday. How about that for obscure?

I don't string, so I don't know how you reference tie off points. Does this help?

 

[michael_1265]

Wow. I am amazed at the high quality of racquets you are finding.

 

[michael_1265]

It all has to do with the geographical/demographical relationship of the store. Racquets are sourced from donations probably originating from those living closest to said store. And what demographic groups play tennis more than others? Consider the neighborhhoods in proximity to the stores. And, of course, in some areas, tennis simply isn't played.

Another factor is the traffic in the store. The largest Goodwill is on the main business route in Richmond, close to a lot of tennis, and is right across the street from PIAS. I'm sure the racquets just fly out of that place. My main source is much farther off the beaten path.

 

[Fearsome Forehand]

I was amazed at finding it as well. Just about flawless, too. That Goodwill store is magic. I found a Fin Genius there in flawless condition yesterday. How about that for obscure?

I don't string, so I don't know how you reference tie off points. Does this help?

A picture is worth a 1000 words, my friend, Thank you.

 

[zapvor]

wow....you guys have a goldmine!

 

[netman]

Have to agree with the opinion that the thrift stores reflect the local demographics. I'm in the greater Atlanta area, which has had a huge tennis playing population for over 40 years. So there are always amazing finds at local thrifts. I have built a collection of over 200 frames that represent just about every high dollar collectible racquet just from shopping local thrifts. Don't think I ever paid more than $8 for a frame, with most in the $2-4 range.

That said, the new class of "professional" pickers have wised up to the value of older racquets, so they hoover up anything that has recently sold on **** for a decent amount. You'll know their listings by the use of the term "Minty" and the fact the starting bid is the highest value of most recent 95+ condition version sold, regardless of the condition of the one they are selling. So the personal hit rate for great classics has declined a good bit, but occasionally I stumble upon a jewel. Be patient, visit often, and you will be rewarded.

-k-

 

[max]

For me, the thrill of the chase counts for much!

 

[MAXXply]

For me, the thrill of the chase counts for much!

+1
Absolutely, that's what motivates me to schlep all over town. I've racked up 37,000 miles/60,000kms in my car that I needn't have, solely in pursuit of the next classic. That intoxicating mind-altering dopamine that makes me believe the next big score is just around the corner at the next thrift shop. And the next one. And the next. And then I go to bed and do it all again tomorrow. It's an addiction, and I'm under its control.

 

[michael_1265]

+1
Absolutely, that's what motivates me to schlep all over town. I've racked up 37,000 miles/60,000kms in my car that I needn't have, solely in pursuit of the next classic. That intoxicating mind-altering dopamine that makes me believe the next big score is just around the corner at the next thrift shop. And the next one. And the next. And then I go to bed and do it all again tomorrow. It's an addiction, and I'm under its control.

Same here. Don't even think about moving to this part of the world. The last thing I need is someone strafing my local thrift shops ahead of me:evil: