Originally Posted by
darkmatter7 
I think it's time for me to defend myself a bit. The doubting and accusing hasn't bothered me before now. I've taken it in stride, and at at times have found it funny. I just figured that I know what I've found, where I've found it, and how I've found it.
Recent posts have been inflammatory, and disrespectful. This forum is a community that I value, and part of a hobby that I enjoy, and I'd like to keep it that way.
As for the origin of my finds, here are the stats (the amount of times that I have bought from each):
Garage Sales: 2
Estate Sales: 1
Consignment Shops: 0
Discount Stores: 0
The rest of the items have come from true thrift stores (Goodwill, Salvation Army, and smaller local stores)
When buying from Garage and Estate sales, the prices have been very similar to thrift stores.
The most I have paid for a single item by a large margin was the Chanel Boutique piece that I found. It was $69.99.
As for connections I have, or people on the inside giving me tips to large hauls, there are none. I am very friendly to any employees that I get the chance to talk to, but I don't do this expecting any favors. I just find it nice to walk into a familiar store with familiar employees. Several times (3-4) these employees have given me Senior or Military discounts (usually 10%), however, I didn't ask for this.
Finding large hauls has either resulted from the pure volume of stores that I visit, or in some cases by doing a bit of thinking and legwork.
For instance: These Marc Jacobs jackets came from a large chain. This chain uses a central distribution network in such a way that all donations get processed through a single warehouse, then shipped off to various stores in the area. I first found a small number of the jackets at one of these stores. I knew which stores would possibly have more jackets based on several previous orphans that I had matched between stores. I found a few more jackets at other stores. By looking at some price tags, I determined when these stores would be getting a new shipment. I arrived at the largest of the stores 15 minutes before they opened, and picked up a bunch more jackets from that shipment.
Hopefully someone will find that helpful!
Now Valium, I'm speaking directly to you. Before now, the only times that I have quoted you, or referenced you, has been to congratulate you on a find. There is always a fair share of bickering in this thread, but until now it has maintained maturity and respect. Several of your posts show neither.
Quite a few prominent veterans on here have come to my defense from time to time. I appreciate it. It's not the amazing finds, or ebay bickering that keeps this thread alive and kicking: It's you guys who maintain a friendly, helpful, and complimentary community here.
- Tell me that was at least at a high-priced consignment or a department store outlet. Even still . . . DAMN!
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