My daughter has been in need of a scientific calculator for her high school algebra class. As many of you know these calculators cost around $100 each.
I put the word out that she needed one and someone told me to check at a pawn shop, which I did. They sell them for $49.95, which is a good deal compared to the price of a new one.
I also decided to check out our favorite bookstore, McKay Used Books located in Chattanooga, TN. They also have stores located in Nashville and Knoxville.
One of the reasons we like McKays is because we can trade our used books, movies, cds, video games, and receive credit to buy similar items. Here is a photo of one of the vouchers we've received:
How much credit we receive depends on how many items we've traded. The vouchers never expire and you can spend as much or as little as you want. After your transaction, the cashier will print out a new voucher with your new total and you can keep it in your wallet until you are ready to go back again. We've been trading with McKay for years and the amount always varies.
Yesterday I made an effort to trade a lot of items because I wanted to be sure I could trade for a graphing calculator. I went through all of my books and traded some I no longer use and even traded a board for our Wi game system that we were no longer using. You can see we definitely had enough for a calculator.
So, we were able to get her the calculator she needed and not spend any money since we traded items we were no longer using for this. It's a great way to get the things you need and not have to spend any money. The $49.95 deal at the pawn shop was good, but not as good as trading for the calculator.
This has been a busy week here. I have several things I've been wanting to share with you, but haven't sat down and taken the time to post. Hopefully I will do that today, so expect several more posts from me either today or in the next few days.
Belinda
© Belinda Richardson and Frugal Workshop, 2011-2013.
“Use it up, wear it out, make it do, do without”
That is awesome! We don't have a store like that here.
ReplyDeleteI wish you did, Shara. You would love it!
DeleteThat's fantastic, Belinda! We have a used book store here, but they just carry books. I agree, trading is definitely the better deal.
ReplyDeleteNow that it's yard sale season. . .I've known people who hit the yard sales late in the day on the final day of the sale, and make a low-ball offer on any books. They then take the books to their nearby used book store, who accepts them for credit, and gain credit at the store, for a minimal cost.
Thank you, Lili. I'm glad you agree that trading was the better deal.
DeleteI have bought books before at yard sales to trade if they are a good deal. If I can get more for them at the book store, the more stuff we can trade for, which is always a good deal! :)
Belinda, that was an awesome score! Wish I had a trading store set up like you do, I'd certainly take advantgage of it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol. I wish you had something similar. I was happy to not have to shell out "real" money for one of these calculators.
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