25 years shopping thrift stores, estate, garage, rummage, flea markets and tag sales. 10 years in interior design. Current DIY projects have been renovating two turn-of-the century brownstones and commercial/residential property development. 
(4.33 out of 5)Institutions of Higher Education Can Spell Big Bargain$ at Government Surplus Sales
July 8th, 2007 by markdownmom
Checking the classifieds can bring home some local finds especially when governmental institutions advertise surplus sales. Of course, state highway departments will deal solely in cars. Educational institutions will from time to time sell utility vehicles and vans and not only deal in electronics such as computers, overhead projectors and the like, but are a resource of many items, some that may surprise you.
Tomorrow, July 9th, a local university-the University of Wisconsin, Superior– will be selling a potpourri of items ranging from a 1000 gallon propane gas tank, air compressors, a diesel generator, sports & exercise equipment, files, office furniture including a sofa, microwaves, televisions, popcorn machines–even wooden snowshoes. Really there is something for everyone from the small business owner to the rural homeowner. Some educational facilities that update labs will often have wonderful cabinets that can be recycled into any modern kitchen giving a unique look mirroring expensive designer kitchens.
TIPS
1. To get the best bargains, it’s important to get there early. This sale starts at 9 a.m., but you can be sure that people will be lining up much earlier than that.
2. If possible, preview merchandise. As with any sale, if you can get a preview either online, as in this case, or by getting a list of items up for sale for the governmental body–do so, this will allow you to focus on those items you are interested in and skip others.
3. Be sure to bring a vehicle to haul home purchases. Usually these sales are cash and carry. It’s always good to have a tape measure handy.
4. Although most electronics at educational facilities are in good shape since these institutions usually have maintenance agreements with the vendors of the equipment, it is always good to bring someone along with a rudimentary knowledge of how the item works. However, as in the case of a laptop computer since they are so popular, first grab then check it out. You can always put it back, but it really is bad form to wrestle it from another bargain hunter.
These events are worth the extra effort of changing the time of your coffee break to check it out, or coming in late if need be, and who knows you might see Markdown Mom there, too! If you do, say "Hi!"
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July 20th, 2007 at 10:48 am
I have been reading your column for a while now. The article on the plug in air fresheners such as
(AIR WICK AND FABREEZE). Also I noted a company selling replacement wicks that last up to four weeks. I have come up with a permanent wick replacement that we are trying to sell. Also we have a device (adapter) that will allow you to use the original wick over and over. Note this has to be installed on your original wick either before you use it the first time or, when the bottle is empty .If you try and refill before using our adapter, which we call (Wick Savers) as you know the wick will be ruined. The problem I’M having is marketing. I will enclose a copy of the add I tried and see what you think, any advice would be appreciated. Note I tried to advertise these on Yahoo and Craig list and have been rejected for apparent trademark infringment. I’m just a person with a God given excellent idea with no marketing skills what so ever. Would appreciate any help.Thanks,Ted
New item:
Wick Saver for air wick and fabreeze plug in diffusers. Use your present wick with our adapter, Allowing you to refill your Air-Wick room freshener over and over with your own fragrant oil, save money by using our wick savers. Also our wick savers make the fragrance last longer by not allowing as much of an evaporation draw on the wick but still giving you a full aroma. Price is $3.00 Free Shipping. Comes complete with easy instructions. Note! This item is intended only for application for new Air fresheners to prepare them for future refills or on empty bottles that have never been refilled. If you refill your present bottle after empty it will work one time, then the wick is ruined and cannot be reused. Our wick savers prevent this if applied before you attempt to refill!!!!!!!
It actually does work and will save you when you figure that a 32oz bottle of fragrant oil at wal mart is approx $2.20, I estimate the diffuser bottles hold no more than 1.5 oz. That equates to 21 refills for around $2-$3.This product will work on Fabreeze diffusers also, you need two kits for fabreeze as it has two wicks, or $6.00
We also sell a new replacement wick for Air Wick and Fabreeze plug in air fresheners. These wicks can be used over and over with your own fragrant oil purchased from Wal-mart or your favorite craft center. Comes complete with instructions. Price is $4.50 and includes Free Shipping. Note for Fabreeze air fresheners it takes two wicks or $9.00
E-mail sheets7@netscape.com