Calling all thrift shoppers/yard salers/vintage audiophiles! Help needed!

[classiccaprice]

Hey Fellas,

I have a bit of a quandary. Earlier this week, I went to one of the local thrift shops and found this really amazing JVC Nivico stereo WITH record storage cabinet. I really like the unit and talked to the guy and settled on a price. However, they were closing and I decided to sleep on it to be sure. I told the manager that I would be back the next day after work.

When I came back, the record storage cabinet had been sold. I was disappointed, found the manager and told him that I was there to buy the set, but now... 'oh well.' I know this is nothing major, and I really shouldn't be, but I'm kinda p/o-ed.

Anyways, I now am debating on whether I want to buy the stereo or not. I really like the design. However, I feel aggravated with the store for splitting up the set, when they knew I was returning. I'm also kicking myself for just not just buying it in the first place. I also wanted to ask that if I did decide to, Could you keep an eye out for the record storage cabinet in the picture on the right? It has a JVC Nivico badge and opens like a door on the front. Inside it had four storage slots for records and one for reel to reel tapes. I'll gladly pay you back for the item, shipping, and your troubles... though the cheaper the better!

I'll let you know what I decide and if I buy it when I get back out there tomorrow.

 

[classiccaprice]

P.S. I'm also one of those people that if I buy it, I'll be looking for that record storage case for years until I find it. Do I really want that hassle?

 

[perc-o-prince]

"I decided to sleep on it to be sure."

"I feel aggravated with the store for splitting up the set, when they knew I was returning"

Hey,

Please excuse me, but I don't see the problem here. On one hand you say you were going to sleep on it to be sure. On the other hand, you're PO'd because they sold some part of it that hadn't been spoken for or paid for by you when you went back (assumedly) a day later.

Now, did you tell the manager that you'd be back the next day after work, 1) To buy the set? 2) To look at the set again? 3) To think about the set? You're not clear on what you told him. My assumption from what you wrote is that you told him you'd be back, and left it wide open.

In retail, we'd call that a "Be Back," and we NEVER count on those. I can't count the number of times I've heard, "I'll be back" from a customer. They generally don't return as that's a way (they think) for them to gracefully exit without committment.

Sorry to say, but they had every right to sell any part of that set that they could to anyone who offered them cash. Only if they told you they'd hold it until they heard from you would it be a different story.

This is not meant in any way other than to pass along a saying we have in retail... Money talks. Bullsh*t walks. I've been on both sides of it many times, so I do understand.

Chuck

 

[petek]

Now if you don't buy it you know what's gonna happen don't you.. The missing storage cabinet WILL show up and you'll feel doubly sick.

Had the snooze you lose thing happen to me a few times, no one to blame but myself.

 

[classiccaprice]

Yes, I understand money talks. I felt I was clear that I was coming back to buy the set (with relative certainty). It was just too close to closing time. He said 'it will be there.' While I understand their point of view, it's annoying and makes the set less desirable to me or anyone else. It also drives me crazy, because I'm going to start looking around for that stupid cabinet for the next 5 to 10 years until I find it or get rid of the set for something different. I know myself and I'm like a dog with a bone with stuff like this. I'm not blaming them for this, per say, I know it was a snooze you loose situation. I just feel that communication is a 2 way street, and I was lead to believe that it would 'be there.'

Also, I admitted I shouldn't be p/o-ed, but I was. I still am a little. That's why I left the stereo when I went back. However I've been thinking about it and I do really want the set. If he agrees to my new price, since he took a chunk of the desirability out of the set, I'll take the rest off his hands.

 

[mattl]

When I get in a situation like this, not sure if I really want something and want to think it over, then to me it indicates I really don't want or need the item. If this was something you really had to have you would have had your checkbook/CC out in minutes before you left.

It sounds like you went back and bought the unit, correct? If you did, you will have fun searching for the missing cabinet and I'm sure someday you'll find it, and it will make your day!

 

[bugsyjones]

That sucks! I'd be pissed that they sold it separately.

I find this alot at antiques stores. Breaking up sets. I've been on the look out for some vintage lamps and some vintage two-level end tables. I constantly find good prospects at great prices. Only problem....there's only ONE lamp or ONE table. Finding a matching pair here is extremely difficult. I was lucky when I found a matching blonde set of end tables AND coffee table for $50.

Please, if you have a pair of something that's MEANT to be a set. Sell it as a set. Don't break it up.

~Tim

 

[goatfarmer]

You can't really tell a store or person to not break a set.
Perhaps someone had 2 lamps, and they damaged one. They only need one to complete, and only wished to buy one. Do I not break up a set, and maybe have the set for years to come on my shelf? Or do I take waiting cash for one? As Mr. Businessman, I would sell them the one lamp they need.
As for the record storage, a little money down would have solved the problem. I used to put a "hold" tag on appliances, because someone said "I'll be back for it tomorrow". A week and a half later, the appliance with the tag is still there. Not anymore.

 

[classiccaprice]

Thanks for the imput everyone!

I can understand their logic and, in hindsight, I would have offered money down. I was literally the last customer in the store and they were trying to kick me out. I'm not sure but I think they may have even pulled the register already. They probably were just telling me what I wanted to hear.

Anyways, I did wind up getting the other two thirds of the console. It's sitting in my living room as we 'speak'. The radio works fine, though both the reel to reel and turntable need some adjustments. It should make a nice stereo when repaired. I'll take some pictures and post them tomorrow.

Thanks fellas and please keep an eye out for that JVC Nivico cabinet!

 

[tolivac]

Moral of this story--buy it when you find or see it!Neat Hi Fi system!Hope it didn't include that junky newer one sitting on top!