I wanted to point out to those who are just getting started and or those who need equipment. Check out your local colleges. For instance New Mexico State University has an auction every month. They sell off furniture, electronic equipment, to include computers, transcription equipment, keyboards, mouse, calculators, laptops, televisions and cars/trucks.

I receive a list of inventory every month and if I see something on their I need I place a bid, then wait to see if I won it.

At NMSU a pallet of computers and televisions average about $50. I have spent as much, on a pallet, as $25.00.

So check out your local colleges, if your near one, and find out when they hold their auctions.

Have a great weekend everyone

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

The last college I worked at also sold computer equipment and office furniture when they were updating the school. Great idea!!

The University of Minnesota used to have a used computer store, but they shut it down last year, I don't know why .

Fortunately, before they closed their doors, I got my MAC G4 800 Dual Processor "Mystic"; aka - my baby!

Over the years my husband and I bought 3 or 4 computers from the UofM Computer Services Store - we bemoan it's passing.

It should be noted, most colleges will sell to students first and foremost, a community college I took some classes at was selling off Dell P4 computers for $100 each - but only current FULL TIME students were eligible to purchase the computers.

My brother once got my kids a Dell P3 from his employer at the time, HealthParthers. Many large corporations often have times when used equipment is made available to employees. So another strategy would be to ask your friends who work for corporations to keep an ear and an eye out for their company's next sell off of used equipment.

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Susan Davis ~ EcoGreenREVA

Yet another great tip, Andrea! Thanks for posting.

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Anjanette
Precise Assistance

I love the tips on discounts and freebies! It's rough starting out new and jumping in! Thank you!

Originally Posted by Action Jackson VA

I wanted to point out to those who are just getting started and or those who need equipment. Check out your local colleges. For instance New Mexico State University has an auction every month. They sell off furniture, electronic equipment, to include computers, transcription equipment, keyboards, mouse, calculators, laptops, televisions and cars/trucks. I receive a list of inventory every month and if I see something on their I need I place a bid, then wait to see if I won it. At NMSU a pallet of computers and televisions average about $50. I have spent as much, on a pallet, as $25.00. So check out your local colleges, if your near one, and find out when they hold their auctions. Have a great weekend everyone

AJ,
This is a great tip about colleges. I would not have thought of that. Since I am setting up my business this is good to know.

Our state government has monthly surplus auctions of everything from staplers to heavy equipment!

Auctions can be fun, but buyer beware! You never know the *true* condition of what you may get. And, you may end up receiving a lot of junk just to get the laptop you were eyeballing! Many auctions will throw together lots made up of one really juicy item and 12 junky things.

Attend a couple before every bidding. Understand how they work! And arrive early so you will have time to check things out before it starts.

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Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
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