REI Garage Sale Finds

[brewcrew1514]

Just attended an REI garage sale yesterday, and I was able to score a great deal on a Thermarest Xlite, which was great since I was looking for a light, insulated sleeping pad. I also saw a couple get a great deal on some Osprey packs. It just made me wonder what great gear people have found on their own REI garage sale outings.

[Venchka]

I'm curious. What time did you get in line? Which REI location?
Glad you found something functional and useful for you.
Wayne


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[brewcrew1514]

Doors opened at 9, and we got there at 8:45. The REI was in Atlanta.

[Venchka]

I have been to one garage sale. Arrived at 7am & store opened at 9 or 10. I was almost a block away from the front door. By the time the store opened, everyone in front of me who were "place holders" for their buds had attracted several friends. On top of that, folks who arrived after me wormed their way in front of me. That one experience cured me.
You were extremely lucky.
Wayne


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[brewcrew1514]

I've heard they can be that way. People were actually pretty considerate for the most part. I've never seen so many puffy jackets, mine included, in one place before.

[G-FOURce]

I have been to one garage sale. Arrived at 7am & store opened at 9 or 10. I was almost a block away from the front door. By the time the store opened, everyone in front of me who were "place holders" for their buds had attracted several friends. On top of that, folks who arrived after me wormed their way in front of me. That one experience cured me.
You were extremely lucky.
Wayne


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My one and only experience was similar. It was at the REI at Perimeter Mall in the Atlanta area. The line literally wrapped around the building and people were letting their friends in with them in their spot well after the line had formed. When the doors opened, people sprinted to the higher valued items, grabbed as much as they could carry, and went outside to sort through what they grabbed to decide what they actually wanted to buy. It was an awful event and one I'd never repeat. Selfishness, compounded by a general lack of courtesy, was the order of the day.

[johnspenn]

I went to an REI garage sale twice. First and last. Experience much like previous posters. Not worth it IMO, but glad some people had success.

[johnnybgood]

I have scored great deals on a hammock for $69 , REI Backpack for $15 with its only blemish being a torn mesh side pocket and in need of a good scrubbing.
Also like new pair of Leki trekking poles for $39 . Both Merrell and Keen hiking boots for $5. The one drawback to getting great deals is you need to be the first group in.
When I go to these I get there INSANELY early. Unlike some states where there is a lottery system in place, to alleviate overnight campers, here in VA it's first come first in the door.

[damskipi]

I've always had a great time at the Garage Sales and have found many deals over the years. On Saturday I got:

- an REI Flexlite Chair for 75% off (one of the shock cords on the legs had snapped, but it works fine if you just stick the legs in the ports. Just need to be careful not to leave it behind since it isn't attached)
- a shirt and skort that I will use for travel, both 50-60% off and in like-new condition

I've never had more than one rude person try to cut me in line at any GS, and those were both solved with a firm look in the eye and an "excuse me, can you please back up?" Unlike johnnybgood, I find in VA that I don't need to arrive that early for my location. I've been to two GS at this location and each time arrived ~30 min before opening; both times I was about the 40th person in line. Since they let everyone in at once, that means I entered the sales within a minute or two of the first people in line. It's been different in other states.

I found Saturday's sale odd. I stayed late because there were a few items I couldn't make up my mind about, and when I left about 3 hours after the sale started there were still a ton of great items including about 10 new-with-tags or like new backpacks at 40-75% off. I was quite surprised. Other items that didn't sell were three never-used tents (only 25% off), most of the bikes, and a ton of clothing. I was one of only 4 people in the GS area at that point. In Nevada they cut the prices by an additional 50% at 2pm; I wonder if they did that here? Otherwise they are going to continue to have a ton of leftover inventory.

[SkeeterPee]

I went to the one in Delaware. I got there about 5 minutes after it opened and there were a lot of people in the back but we just walked right in, no line at 9:05. There were at least 50 people. They had a lot of stuff, but I did not find a lot. I was able to get a nearly new pair of trail runners for $33. Almost bought a nice pair of boots for 1/3 price, but they had metal lace holder broken off so that would have cost some money to fix. Also looked a bags saw a exos 58. it had a broken buckle, I was told Osprey would send a new one. The guy in the store did not think it fit well on me that I needed bigger size. Also he said it was best for those carrying under 30lbs. So I did not get that. I think it pays to go early and stake out a few things you might like say a couple tents. then you put them out and see if they meet your needs. Seemed like a bunch of people were doing that. I.e. Carrying thing around not sure they wanted them.

[Mags]

I've never been to a REI garage sale. In Colorado, they tend to busy from what I understand. And getting there early was suggested.

The idea of lining up on a Saturday so I can buy stuff for the outdoors rather than be outdoors never made sense to me. Esp as a full time working stiff where every free weekend is precious.

[dervari]

Thought about a Hennessy but decided against it and put it back. Only things for me were an Osprey pack cover and a Nalgene. Almost got a rooftop rack but the mounts weren't correct for my vehicle.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T337A using Tapatalk

[scrabbler]

The REI's around here have a lottery system. I arrive 5 mins prior, and have just as good a chance as someone there 2 hours prior. I get a bad #, I go home. I dont like this system.

[NJdreamer]

I go to most REI garage sales for the past few years, unless I am backpacking. I was first in line in our local store in south Jersey. It helps to be in the first 25 or so people. The line always gets long, and first in line, get first look and picks, but people get in fast and then it doesn't matter so much after the first ten minutes. If you want a new bike or kayak or tent, being early helps lots. Having 2 of you helps even more. That being said, I have been at one where they forgot to bring an expensive bike out until 90 minutes after the sale started. They made a late comer very happy. There were lots of airpads and sleeping bags at this sale. Always lots of shoes, including new ones. I got some stuff I needed at a good discount. The best prices are on items that need minor repairs. I go because I enjoy this type of shopping. If it isn't your style, skip it. (Some stores in the area let x number of people in for x minutes, and then push you out. Ours doesn't do that.) Over the years, I have bought gaters, a sleeping bag, air mattresses, shoes, great everyday boots, and clothes.

[NJdreamer]

I go to most REI garage sales for the past few years, unless I am backpacking. I was first in line in our local store in south Jersey. It helps to be in the first 25 or so people. The line always gets long, and first in line, get first look and picks, but people get in fast and then it doesn't matter so much after the first ten minutes. If you want a new bike or kayak or tent, being early helps lots. Having 2 of you helps even more. That being said, I have been at one where they forgot to bring an expensive bike out until 90 minutes after the sale started. They made a late comer very happy. There were lots of airpads and sleeping bags at this sale. Always lots of shoes, including new ones. I got some stuff I needed at a good discount. The best prices are on items that need minor repairs. I go because I enjoy this type of shopping. If it isn't your style, skip it. (Some stores in the area let x number of people in for x minutes, and then push you out. Ours doesn't do that.) Over the years, I have bought gaters, a sleeping bag, air mattresses, shoes, great everyday boots, and clothes.

One more note - I have also bought new boots on the bearfoot's facebook site that others bought at their local REI garage sale. For me, they were a bargain. For the seller, they are selling something they ended up having buyer's remorse (or possibly wanting to make a few dollars).

[chknfngrs]

Went to the new flagship store in DC, lined up twoish hours early, it was 30 degrees. Once doors opened at 9, leaned unsettling news about their sale layout. All garage sales I've attended prior were set in storage spaces off of the sales floor. The D.C. store dispersed their garage sale items around the store. I was told they were trying the format out. In the end it kind of worked better because it wasn't so crowded. But no one should have been lined up like that.

Scored a pack for $6. Had ill-fitting hiking pants in hand but decided against. In general lots of clothing items that I didn't need and some packs.

[Ktaadn]

I have found a lot of great things at REI garage sales. My local store recently started passing out tickets at 8:00 and opening at 9:00. I think they let in 15-20 people in 15 min shifts. This weekend we slept in and went over at noon to see what was left. I was still able to find a like new pair of solomon's for about 40 bucks.

Over the years I have bought about a dozen pairs of shoes, a few tents, some coats, etc. My wife has found a bunch of stuff also.

[H I T C H]

I went to an REI Garage sale at the Columbia MD store last year. I scored 4 pair of shoes (2 for me and 2 for my wife) for about $100.

They let people in in groups. Each group had 20 minutes to shop. The groups were formed on first come first serve basis. Tickets were passed out at 8 an the first group was allowed in at 9. I was in the 3rd group.

I think that in my experience the 3rd group was a better spot than the second group. People go in and grab lots of stuff and then go out into the store to try it on, call friends to see if they want it, or just deliberate a purchasing decision. The items that they don't buy go in a bin and get put back on the sale tables.

My theory is that none of the unpurchased items from group 1 have made it back to the sale table by the time group 2 gets in.
20 minutes is not a lot of time.

Everyone that I met was nice and I did not see any rude behavior from shoppers.

I am wondering why some stores use a lottery and others use first come first in.

Hitch

[chknfngrs]

I think one size doesn't fit all, what works for one store may not work best for another

[Guyler]

I just got a Thermorest Neolight as well at the garage sale this weekend, $95 and return tag said "wife hated the sounds it made"

[G-FOURce]

I went to an REI Garage sale at the Columbia MD store last year. I scored 4 pair of shoes (2 for me and 2 for my wife) for about $100.

They let people in in groups. Each group had 20 minutes to shop. The groups were formed on first come first serve basis. Tickets were passed out at 8 an the first group was allowed in at 9. I was in the 3rd group.

I think that in my experience the 3rd group was a better spot than the second group. People go in and grab lots of stuff and then go out into the store to try it on, call friends to see if they want it, or just deliberate a purchasing decision. The items that they don't buy go in a bin and get put back on the sale tables.

My theory is that none of the unpurchased items from group 1 have made it back to the sale table by the time group 2 gets in.
20 minutes is not a lot of time.

Everyone that I met was nice and I did not see any rude behavior from shoppers.

I am wondering why some stores use a lottery and others use first come first in.

Hitch

This sounds like the best approach to me so far. The cattle call method or the lottery method see to have more flaws than this one.

[Ktaadn]

I went to an REI Garage sale at the Columbia MD store last year. I scored 4 pair of shoes (2 for me and 2 for my wife) for about $100.

They let people in in groups. Each group had 20 minutes to shop. The groups were formed on first come first serve basis. Tickets were passed out at 8 an the first group was allowed in at 9. I was in the 3rd group.

I think that in my experience the 3rd group was a better spot than the second group. People go in and grab lots of stuff and then go out into the store to try it on, call friends to see if they want it, or just deliberate a purchasing decision. The items that they don't buy go in a bin and get put back on the sale tables.

My theory is that none of the unpurchased items from group 1 have made it back to the sale table by the time group 2 gets in.
20 minutes is not a lot of time.

Everyone that I met was nice and I did not see any rude behavior from shoppers.

I am wondering why some stores use a lottery and others use first come first in.

Hitch
My wife is a big believer in the 3rd group theory.

[EO.]

I've been to two garage sales in Indianapolis. Last weekend, I showed up 10 minutes before open and stood in line with about 500 other people. The store was fairly crowded and not enjoyable for me, but I made it out with a pair of pants (on sale), pair of socks (not on sale), and a footprint (not on sale).

As soon as I got home, I realized that in a rush to reach around people I grabbed the wrong footprint. Fortunately, living only a few minutes from the store, I headed back the same afternoon. The store was quiet, and I was able to calmly browse what was left of the sale items. Having been 6 or 7 hours since opening, the piles had been reorganized. Much to my delight, I found a (basically) brand new pair of Oboz that had been on my wish list for awhile. Worn outside once. Only $60. A win for me.

The buzz of the early morning line was exciting, but not worth the grabbing crowds. I'll settle for afternoon leftovers at future garage sales.

[damskipi]

Went to the new flagship store in DC, lined up twoish hours early, it was 30 degrees. Once doors opened at 9, leaned unsettling news about their sale layout. All garage sales I've attended prior were set in storage spaces off of the sales floor. The D.C. store dispersed their garage sale items around the store. I was told they were trying the format out. In the end it kind of worked better because it wasn't so crowded. But no one should have been lined up like that.

Scored a pack for $6. Had ill-fitting hiking pants in hand but decided against. In general lots of clothing items that I didn't need and some packs.

Dang, the DC flagship ended up having the sale? I've been wanting to check it out but when the sale wasn't on their store events site I figured it was because they didn't have enough returned items to sell yet. Maybe I'll check out the store this weekend.

[B.j. Clark]

I don't go often but one GS a couple of years ago I made a killing. Copper Spur 2 and 4 both 50% off and basically new, not a mark on them. And also an Osprey Porter 30 travel pack like new and 50% off. The cashiers were stunned when I checked out!

[TNhiker]

Dang, the DC flagship ended up having the sale? I've been wanting to check it out but when the sale wasn't on their store events site I figured it was because they didn't have enough returned items to sell yet. Maybe I'll check out the store this weekend.



i wasnt impressed by the place...

was just the same REI as every other one ive been in....


except for the fact that i used to see many a punk rock show back in the 80's there.....

[TNhiker]

I don't go often but one GS a couple of years ago I made a killing. Copper Spur 2 and 4 both 50% off and basically new, not a mark on them.



not even the sharpie X that they put on to signify its a garage sale item?

[B.j. Clark]

Yes, big old X on each item. But I couldn't find anything wrong with any of them. Not even a little dirty. All three get used a lot!

[chknfngrs]

Best thing about the D.C. Store is the national park service ranger detailed there. Full time, knowledgeable and super friendly. The architecture is interesting and it's right down the street from me. No complaints. I already have all I need (in red AND blue) but always a good time to waltz through

[damskipi]

I don't go often but one GS a couple of years ago I made a killing. Copper Spur 2 and 4 both 50% off and basically new, not a mark on them. And also an Osprey Porter 30 travel pack like new and 50% off. The cashiers were stunned when I checked out!

At my last GS I found an Osprey Farpoint 40 with tags still on it for 50% off. Reason: the store had lost the shoulder strap. Not a problem - I was never going to carry a 40 liter bag messenger-style anyway! I use it exclusively with the backpack straps and it's perfect for carry-on only travel. I also found an Osprey AG Premium Child Carrier for a friend for 56% off, also new with tags, because the store couldn't sell it as new because there was a tiny rip in the fabric.



Best thing about the D.C. Store is the national park service ranger detailed there. Full time, knowledgeable and super friendly. The architecture is interesting and it's right down the street from me. No complaints. I already have all I need (in red AND blue) but always a good time to waltz through

Always a good time, plus (for me) it's significantly closer than the next closest REI. So it'll probably become my main store.

[saltysack]

I'll OPTOUTSIDE on the garage sale day....reminds me of Black Friday shopping. I'll PASS.....don't need anymore crap! Once was enough for me!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BigSarge]

I went to the one in College Park, MD. I got there at 0630 in the morning and the doors did not open until 0845. It was annoying to stand there shivering in the cold for 2+ hours, then a lady came out from her warm truck to join her daughter in front of me 10 minutes before they started to hand out tickets. She ended up with the last ticket for the 1st group and I got a ticket with the 2nd group. There were others that set out camp chairs and left them empty until it was ready to pass out tickets. The whole this turned me off and I think it will be my last.

That being said, I did get an Osprey Atmos 65 AG for $128. It was missing a couple of buckles and small hole in the front mesh pocket.

[Venchka]

It's a jungle out there hey.
Good score. Hope you like it.
Wayne


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gritty]

The fact that REI often has so many of these "garage sales" across the country signals to me that they have serious issues that need to be addressed.

[scrabbler]

The fact that REI often has so many of these "garage sales" across the country signals to me that they have serious issues that need to be addressed.

Please elaborate ...

[Offshore]

The fact that REI often has so many of these "garage sales" across the country signals to me that they have serious issues that need to be addressed.

No need to call in McKinsey and Company - it's not rocket science. They have the garage sales to clear out and recover some costs for merchandise that was returned to REI but not returnable to the REI's vendors. They also use the garage sales to sell off equipment that was retired from the rental inventory. Most of it comes from returns, but the business model, including their return policy, seems to be working for them. They adjusted the returns policy not too long ago, so one might infer from that that they do actually manage and monitor their business.

[damskipi]

The fact that REI often has so many of these "garage sales" across the country signals to me that they have serious issues that need to be addressed.

What issues? I think it's brilliant. The store makes a bit of money and a lot of loyalty, the customers get a discount, what's the problem?

I've had issues with other stores where I purchased what appeared to be a brand new item for full price only to open the box and find old, destroyed equipment inside. Now, THAT'S a problem!

[Offshore]

What issues? I think it's brilliant. The store makes a bit of money and a lot of loyalty, the customers get a discount, what's the problem?

I've had issues with other stores where I purchased what appeared to be a brand new item for full price only to open the box and find old, destroyed equipment inside. Now, THAT'S a problem!

Sounds like Zappos!

[llittle_llama]

Wife and I went a few weeks ago to the one in Greensboro and spent close to $1k. about $600 was on the GS and the rest was on normal priced items. The GS is a GREAT model! I would have held off on a lot of items, but being I was able to buy some items at a discount it let me buy others at full price that I would normally wait for a sale for.

Back on topic: The one great grab for me was the Eno Solo Pod. Picked one up in box (beat all to hell) with the only issue being rust (pretty common issue) for $80!!!

[Traveler]

The fact that REI often has so many of these "garage sales" across the country signals to me that they have serious issues that need to be addressed.

Not sure what kind of serious issues there are in selling used and returned merchandise that vendors will not take back. I'm not sure what kind of serious issues there are in bringing a lot of people to the store for a special event sale (some stores can generate crowds of several hundred people). And I'm not sure what leads one to believe why bringing all these people into a store for a special event sale where they can mill around and purchase new gear at retail prices would be a serious concern.

As a marketing platform, a special event sale like the "Garage Sale" can generate standard retail sales far beyond an average day while reducing the overhead costs of returns and creation of good will/higher retail loyalty with customers who get some pretty fair bargains in the process.