Has Anyone Ever Bought Retro Systems From Goodwill?

[SNKnicotine]

I make a point to test them out. if they say it works I buy it and write the employees name that assured me, it worked, just in case if it doesn’t I can hold someone accountable and better my chances of a refund. (might sound like a d*** move but I dont like to wast money)

[Cronozilla]

Oh, it's behind the glass? (You didn't say that ) There's a good chance it'd be in working condition if they put it there.

But, you can still test it in the electronics area. It'd be really weird if they said no.

[BoringSupreez]

For my own use, I've bought 2 PS2s and a PSone from Goodwill. One of the PS2s broke, but the other two systems still work great. As long as the price is low it's worth buying from them.

[BurningDoom]

I make a point to test them out. if they say it works I buy it and write the employees name that assured me, it worked, just in case if it doesn’t I can hold someone accountable and better my chances of a refund. (might sound like a d*** move but I dont like to wast money)

If it's the same place as the actual "Goodwill" chain, then I'd be a little weary about a promise like that from an employee. They hire the disabled (mental and phsyical). It's great that they give these guys a chance, I work with the disabled myself. But working with the disabled, I can tell you that when they get confused, they get embarrased. So many of them often will make themselves sound like they know what they are saying or doing even when they don't have the slightest idea, just to try and save themselves the embarrasment. It's very common at my work where I teach basic computer skills.

[GirlGamer55]

I'v bought everything from games to wires and even some consoles. Most of the goodwills have some sort of return system. Thinking back on it I think the only thrift stores around here that you can't return to are Salvation Army (which we only have the huge one in downtown Seattle now...gee I wonder why..) and St Vincent depaul's.

I actually have a funny story about St Vincent's. I was meeting up with someone on a Genesis lot I found on craigslist for 40 bucks, I did the deal and saw there was a St Vincent's I had never gone to nearby. So I stopped in and low and behold the same Genesis model was sitting in the electronics for like 5-10 bucks. I was mad lol...but I didn't have the plugs or controllers or any games so eh...btw the lot all worked and the Genesis in the store worked as well so at least I have something to resell.

Back on topic, as of yet I have not had a system from Goodwill end up broken. I say this and now all the next ones will be broken...but I also know what I can and can't fix, and what may or may not be broken, so while I pass on the STACKS of original Xbox's, I'll grab a NES any day because I can fix those. I did end up buying a Dreamcast that had an issue with it, can't remember the exact issue but it had something to do with not loading right..anyways I fixed the issue by opening it up and taping down a little plastic hook like thing. Works fine now. I also found a SNES (sadly yellowed) with something raddling around inside for 5 bucks, I took a risk and got it, works fine...still need to open it to see whats raddling lol. Oh and I bought a Gamecube that has a semi broken lid, sometimes it won't shut right. But it plays games just fine.

As for testing...very rarely do I find whole systems in any thrift store. Sometimes yes Goodwill will have them in a locked case near the front all wrapped up, but I pass on them because they over price them. I'd rather find the console and spend a little time in yard sales or whatever finding the plugs and peicing it all together.