[victoria]

These are an interesting aspect of budget living. I'm unsure how many there are about but for those on a tight budget I would reccomend a look see. Popped into one in Levin. It's a shop (grandma's attic type of thing) full of anything you can think of.Sellers put in their property for sale ... buyer makes offer ... proprietor phones seller with offer straight away ... negotiate with him\her .... deal done then & there. Bought a badly needed petrol mower for $200 that had pnly come in the day before from a chap who was moving into a rest home. Then came across a Fisher\Paykel fridge'freeze (in excellent cond.) for $350. If you can't find what you want, leave it with him & he'll contact you if something comes up. Of course be mindful of the "authenticity" of some items. Saw what looked like a chinese lacquer chest & it's sprayed painted MDF\chipboard. Beautifully finished but not worth the seller's expected price. Anyway, just loved trawling around all the rooms & looking at other people's treasures. It was worth the visit just for that.

[Smiler]

Victoria

Is that the one on the main SH1 near the traffic lights? I enjoy having a trundle round those places.

I had my eye on a scotch chest they had in the window but he wanted $3500 for it. :(

[ourquest]

Don't disregard Cash Converters, either. I don't know if there is one in Wellington, but certainly AKL has a few and CCH has one. The secondhand items are usually in good condition, and at least you can buy it straight away at the advertised price. Great for sports goods, appliances, etc.

[ourquest]

Yes, just checked and there are 5 in the greater wellington area. Check out their website (I just searched google nz for "cash converters") and there is a list of addresses and tel nos for all the stores.

[victoria]

Smiler .... yes it is the one you speak of. Friendly Frank runs it & is a very enthusiatic chap. I know he has a mark up (business is business) but he responded quickly to our offer. I did overhear the bottom price a seller would accept so we did take advantage but also bought some other goodies.
Ourquest ... There is one of these at Coastlands at Paraparaumu. The level of condition varies wildly but as you correctly say, a quick sale after some haggling.
I'll now include these places in my searches.