REI garage sales for people who don't insist on buying only shrink-wrapped items

If you covet the high quality stuff at REI, but even Sports Basement (see previous post) is beyond your budget, try your luck on REI's used-gear sale. It's like a flea market with rabid shoppers. Avoid this event if you hate crowds.

They sell damaged goods that have been returned. Sometimes the damage is so bad, you pity the poor inexperienced fool who gets drunk with the low price; but sometimes they're so negligible, you can't believe the sweet deal that you are having.

Tips and strategies:

• Come before 10 am for the best selection. Don't bother going really early (like 9:30), unless you are going to Berkeley. It's all peace and unity with the hippies, unless we're talking about REI deals. You might get banged on the head with a Birkenstock. 
• The prices are fixed. Do not attempt to haggle. 
• Grab whatever looks interesting. You can decide later. 
• When you think you have the maximum amount of stuff your spindly arms can carry, go to a corner and think about whether they are actually useful to you.
• Inspect the goods really carefully. Inflate mattresses, check holes and missing poles in tents, look for tears and stains in fabric. They are sold as is; you cannot return them.
• Remember this is REI. If you are not sure, grab one of the knowledgeable associates and ask for advice. 
• When you've determined that you don't want the item, return it to the bin as soon as possible, so someone else can enjoy the deal. 

REI Mountain View is having a Used Gear Sale on November 7, 2009. The following Saturday, REI Fremont will have its own sale. For future events, check the calendar for your local REI.

If you aren't already a member, apply for membership. It's a one-time fee for your lifetime, but you get annual rebates. It's totally worth it. Grab a form from a friendly associate, so s/he can get credit.

I'm slipping this in before the editor catches this irrelevant link: Funny article about REI and camping.