A Sad Opportunity

[Rick]

The country now has 13.2 million out of work according to the latest numbers. A terrible situation for sure. Like many of you, I watch posts in places like Craig's List. I've seen an increase in people selling just about anything to make money. I've also seen an increase in people at thrift stores as they try to stretch their dollars.

For those of us still working or retired it presents an opportunity to pick up items pretty cheap. Just remember that donations to places like Goodwill will decrease in this economy and the number of people picking over those donations will increase. Places like Craig's List, on the other hand, will have an increase in adds. So focus your search where it is most likely to be productive.

It's still about survival and "hunting" in the right fields will yield the best results. Just an observation I thought I'd share.

[RunsWithDeer]

You can find super deals on about anything, even new items. I bought a new horse trailer, two horse, aluminum slant. I got this directly from the manufacturer who was really hurting on cashflow, and might go bankrupt. Paid $4000 under dealer cost.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/glnmiller/P1030087-1.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/glnmiller/P1030089-1.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c387/glnmiller/P1030091-1.jpg

[Sourdough]

RWD, that is nicer than my cabin. And about the same size.

[Rick]

(sniff) (sniff) Do I smell a trade in the air?

Nice grab, RWD. And you outline another excellent opportunity for great deals.

[Ole WV Coot]

We haven't been hit yet. Morgantown, WV has the 2nd lowest unemployment (3%+). Our economy is based on coal. If the laws change, which is promised we will go into double digit unemployment. Lots of jobs "disappear" using the excuse of a poor economy around here. We can do well on big ticket items but not basic items. Survival around these parts means back to larger gardens & canning. We can survive around here, but folks who live in cities or areas where farming isn't an option are beginning to feel the effects or so I have been told. We are already in a "survival mode" and life for most of us hasn't changed. We farmed on hillsides when I was a kid and can do it again.

[Rick]

I assume hard times for you would be 50 quarts of shine instead of 75?