One man's garbage is another's gold...
The use of Good Common Sense is definitely indicated. As much as possible, know what you're getting into before you buy! With that in mind...
You will want to read 'So you want to be a Scrounger?' before going ANY farther!
Check out these links...
This site is devoted entirely to facilitating scrounging in the electronic and computer surplus arena. The qualifications for a listing are:
For swap meets: The event must happen on a recurring basis (at least once per year), and must be at least 75% dedicated to non-consumer electronic, test, and/or computer equipment.
For surplus stores or wholesalers: An actual storefront ("Bricks-and-Mortar" is the slang term) must exist! Stores or suppliers that are entirely web-based, and that do business only through mail order, are not eligible for listing. In addition, the store must sell at least 50% surplus/used non-consumer electronic or computer equipment.
As some examples: A Radio Shack store would NOT be eligible for a listing because they only sell new equipment. HOWEVER, if you have, say, a TV repair shop that regularly sells used test gear and computer hardware, and that activity makes up at least 50% of their regular business, the shop would then be eligible for a listing.
To request a listing for your favorite store or swap meet, you need only E-mail me the details. The first thing that happens, assuming the entry meets the criteria shown above, is that an interim update will appear on the site indicating that the information was submitted by one of the site's readers.
Once I make a personal review, the listing will be updated accordingly and will (usually) include a storefront photo.
(Last update 02-Jan-23, by Bruce Lane)