I see that the big REI flagship store in Denver is having its garage sale on 1/2/10 starting at 10a. I've heard it mentioned several times on the forum from members in other cities where there's an REI. I've got my membership, don't have to be to work til 3p that day, but am concerned by this from their events site:

100 tickets per color group will be distributed. Example: If there are 500 people in line, 5 colors of 100 tickets each will be distributed. These tickets will be distributed at 9:00 AM near the store entrance. When the store opens at 10:00 AM, the first group of 100 shoppers will enter. Each group will have 20 minutes to shop. Purchases are limited to 5 items per membership. This process will continue through all the ticketed groups; after which, the sale is open to all REI members.

20 minutes . . . 100 shoppers . . . 5 items. Anybody done this? Is it worth it to burn a Sat. morning?

Yes, I have done it. Worth it? Not to me again but YMMV.

I have never seen that here in Austin. There have been some people lined at the door up when they open, but never what you are describing. I don't know if I would go through all of that to get in there, but I'm just not much of a "stand in line" kind of guy.

I would stay far, far away--most of the stuff they carry is too heavy for us lightweight folks, and anything good will be gone after the first 10 minutes.

I agree with scotty. I am just not a stand in line kind of guy. I would rather do without than to stand in line. I just won't do it !!!! Period !!!! Any way, I am not sure that the savings are that substantial and I can go in there any time that I want and I am a member too, so with that being said, I think that I would not dedicate my Saturday to some thing like that...sabre11004...

I have never been to one of these, at least knowingly. I can recall showing up at my local store during the fag end of such a sale and, out of curiosity,sorting through the leavings.

My sense is that if money for gear is short, so that you are willing to trade a fair amouont of time and trouble to conserve it, then it would be worth going to one of these sales. If you were the sort who gets deliriously happy at finding an unexpected bargain you wouldn't be asking our advice, you'd be setting your alarm clock.

I'll let those of you in the Portland, OR area in on a little secret--if you show up at the gear sale at the Clackamas REI on Sunday morning (Jan. 3) you might find the small NeoAir I recently returned. It's in perfect condition, but I had (like an idiot) tossed the box, so it will probably turn up at the Sunday sale rather than back on the shelf. I'm curious as to what they'll sell it for, but not curious enough to go brave the crowds!

OM:

I remember when you said you returned that neoair -- wish it had been to the big store here in Denver; that would have made me go.

scottyb:



Neither am I. But I might make an exception on the off-chance I find myself in a long queue at the Pearly Gates.

I will definitely go to the REI in Clackamas now! Thanks.

Don't get me wrong, I have been to the sale and found some deals. I just wandered in late and found what I was looking for. My wife needed some hiking poles and I found a pair of REI Carbon Peaks for $11. Since I wasn't there early, I don't know what I missed, but I found what I needed.

Standing in line at 6:00 am. Making new friends. I did it in St. Louis two times.
I snagged:
1. my backpacking sandals for $30
2. 1500ci bike pannier for $25
3. An REI sleeping pad for which I sold at twice the price on eBay.

So I will probably do it again.
-Barry

If you find the NeoAir, let me know what they charge for it. I got it new for a 20% off coupon, so I hope they take more than that off the used price (used 10 nights including home testing).