Know what this is?
An ironing board cover.
I bought a cover back in 1997 when I got married, and it lasted until about a year ago (at which point we cut it up and salvaged the good parts to make Christmas gift bags!)
I happened across a new-in-the-package ironing board cover at Goodwill at just the appropriate time, and I was very pleased since I wasn’t about to buy a truly used ironing board cover (besides, who donates a cover to Goodwill without the board?), and I wasn’t inspired enough to make my own.
Sadly, though, this cover was apparently made for people who don’t actually iron on their ironing boards, because after only a year of use, the fabric has gotten burnt and now tears if you even look at it too hard.
So, now my ironing board has a new, heavy duty cover, just like the old 13-year-tour-of-duty cover I originally had.
It’s made of the same metallic fabric.
And I’m quite sure it’s going to last more than a year.
It cost $20 at Amazon
, and if it lasts for 13 years, that’s $1.53/year. Definitely worth it.
And the Goodwill purchase was decidedly not worth it. Sure, it was a smaller upfront cash outlay, but the cost per year was astronomically higher.
Fortunately, most of my Goodwill purchases have worked out much better (I’m looking at you, new-in-the-package queen bed mattress cover!)
You win some and you lose some, but the Goodwill win/loss ratio is definitely in my favor.
Have you ever bought something from Goodwill and then regretted it?
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Today’s 365 post: I took this with my new point and shoot.
Joshua’s 365 post: Clouds and Fog
EngineerMom
Wednesday 14th of December 2011
My biggest resale store fails are kids' clothes and boots. I used to frequent Once Upon a Child because every other mom kept telling me how the clothes there were such a great deal. Well, for a kid who won't try things on in the store (he's 3), trying to find things that fit are challenging, since the best method for me is to buy them, then try them on at home.
The Once Upon a Child is not near any of my regular shopping areas, so I have to make a special trip to go there. My son seems to like the clothes I buy for him at Target and Meijer (usually $5 or less for shirts and $10 or less for pants), I know their sizes, the Target is next to the Meijer, and I do all my grocery shopping at Meijer. So in terms of convenience, ease of return, and knowing the sizing of that brand, I've given up on Once Upon a Child. It seems like the prices aren't much better than the Meijer and Target stuff. Maybe if I had an urge to put my kids in brand-name stuff, it'd be a "good" deal, but for now, I'll buy new.
Oh, and because of the many Once Upon a Child stores around here, Goodwill has terrible selection and quality in kids' clothes!
Stef
Friday 16th of December 2011
I don't go to Once Upon a Child anymore because they are much pricier than a regular thrift store and for a better quality find, try going every 3 days to your local thrift stores, you will find more good stuff, the good stuff flies fast!
Lucy
Tuesday 13th of December 2011
Two major fails: a flea-infested blanket, a sweater that only smelled of cat pee after I washed it. About $1.50 all told.
Melissa Montoya
Tuesday 13th of December 2011
I was at Goodwill last week and saw a brand new box of very pretty ornaments with the original Target brand price printed on the tip corner; Target price $4.50 cents and then I looked at the Goodwill tag and they were pricing it at $6.00. I thought it might be a mistake and asked the clerk and she informed me no that was the right price. It was what they were pricing all their "fancy" boxed ornaments set at, it kinda made me laugh and no I didn't buy them.
Linda
Wednesday 14th of December 2011
I've had the same experiance at Value Village. The least they could do is remove the lower price tag.
Heather :) :) :)
Tuesday 13th of December 2011
I can't think of any real Goodwill stuff that I've regretted purchasing. I've bought some impulse stuff only to decide later that I didn't really want it...like a set of heart-shaped wicker baskets with lace trim, that hang on the wall. So I left donated those back.
I'm sorry about the ironing board cover...but I"m glad you bought one that actually works well. I'd be curious to know how long it lasts.You'll have to be blogging a long time now, so we can find out ;) :)
Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :)
Mrs. A
Tuesday 13th of December 2011
I've picked up some children's clothing that quickly lost buttons, zipper pulls, etc, once the kids started wearing it. I've become more skilled over the years at finding the items in good shape...more discerning would be a better way to put it! I'm still 100% devoted to buying second-hand! :)