Has Anyone Ever Bought Retro Systems From Goodwill?

[BurningDoom]

Yep, and I've had nothing by bad luck.

I bought a Commodore 64 there, and the color chip was bad. I had no way to test it there, because they didn't have the power cord, I had to order that online.

I bought a Windows '98 system, and the hard-drive was corrupted. I didn't want to take the time to hook up the entire system in the store, I just plugged it in and listened to it boot-up; so that one was on me.

I also just bought an Intellivision Plug-N-Play from them. Got home, and the screen jumped around all over the place no matter how much I messed with the cables. They had another one, so I took back and got that one. It had battery corrosion all over the inside of the battery compartment, and didn't work either. Can't test those until you put batteries in them (which are at home), and I didn't think to look for battery corrosion.

The good thing is, though, that I didn't pay more than $10 for any of it.

[Bikeage]

Locally Goodwills' will not accept returns on electronics. I've got an NES, a few Gamecubes and an N64 that worked fine without testing at the store, and several XBoxes and PS1's that were only $5 and at least powered on. Can't imagine they would have a problem if one asked to test something out though, usually the price was such a steal and they were so busy I decided not to bother, despite the no return policy.

Speaking of which, I do pop in a couple stores two or three times a week, and almost every time there is a call over the intercom for a manager to do a return... cannot believe so many people return items from Goodwill! Sure it's probably mostly clothes, and I can see folks getting stuff for their kids or such and they don't fit or don't like them, and you only get store credit, no cash refunds, but seriously, nearly every visit there is a return, so this has to go on all the time, weird.

[CRTGAMER]

Yep, it had a giant sticker on it saying "As Is.. No Returns".

I'm just going to ask them if I can test it out one of their CRT TVs. The Genesis I saw had all the cords and cables.

I have not went to Goodwill since the 90s, and this was the first time I went to seek retro gaming systems.

Going to check eBay out too.

Buying the console at the Thrift Store over Ebay does have a significant advantage. You can test them BEFORE the purchase, all it takes is going just a little effort.

[8bit]

Honestly a model 2 genesis could probably be had for the same amount from just about anywhere including here on Racketbyo... but if you want instant gratification I'd say even with no return policy it is worth taking a chance on the one at goodwill because in my experience model 2 genesis' are very reliable... it's only the model 1 systems that have ever been broken or crapped out of me. Again this is only from my experience... others may say something completely different.

[Aar1012]

I've been lucky with my Goodwill pickups. I picked up a PS1 and an Xbox for about $20 and both worked very well. Heck, the PS1 looked like it had been used sparingly. The Xbox had a copy of Halo 2 in it. Sadly, the next PS1 I saw there had separate composite and stereo hookups. I passed on it since I had mine. I prefer the Goodwill over the salvation army

[Cronozilla]

I'm still not understanding this, "I have to ask to test" logic ... they have this stuff out so you can test things if you want.

[Aar1012]

I'm still not understanding this, "I have to ask to test" logic ... they have this stuff out so you can test things if you want.

I could see it as a means of protecting themselves. There is the (highly unlikely) chance you could hurt yourself while testing something so they might want someone there to help you. It is untested electronics...someone could get shocked.

[Cronozilla]

They have a wall of electrical outlets on an egg timer. You have to manually crank, to a maximum of five minutes ... I'm pretty sure they expect people to test the electronics that are there.

[Hobie-wan]

I could see it as a means of protecting themselves. There is the (highly unlikely) chance you could hurt yourself while testing something so they might want someone there to help you. It is untested electronics...someone could get shocked.

How the hell else am I supposed to test those lamps if there's no light bulb around. Geez!

[Mad_Hatter]

Well these Genesis 2 had all the wires and it looked in mint condition, which is why I am fond of this one.

Buying the console at the Thrift Store over Ebay does have a significant advantage. You can test them BEFORE the purchase, all it takes is going just a little effort.

Yes it does. On eBay so many sellers are annoying. They list the console as "New" or "Used", so it will attract more buyers using the filters, but in their description they say "I don't know, never tested, it is as is, but I believe it works".

I'm going to check out the Goodwill again.

I'm still not understanding this, "I have to ask to test" logic ... they have this stuff out so you can test things if you want.

Well that is the thing. These retro gaming consoles were not just "out there". They were locked up behind glass on the counter, wrapped in plastic and bagged. I would have to ask an employee to unlock it if I wanted to buy it or maybe try it out.