First visit to a used appliance store

[veg-o-matic]

And it may be my last!

Okay, so I've been looking for a gas double-oven range and located one in a store not too far from me. Walked in and almost walked right back out again.
Everything was GROSS. All the ranges and dishwashers 'n stuff looked like they had just been pulled out of condemned houses. Well, maybe not that bad, but close!
David, Kenny--you sell used appliances, no? Do you clean them up before putting them on the sale floor? I just can't imagine anyone buying that stuff. And the store's been in business for years!
Is this typical? I'm hoping it's the exception 'cause if it's not, I'm giving up my search here and now. Maybe they steam clean 'em before delivery? I didn't hang around long enough to ask!
Three words: ewww ewwww ewwww.

veg, who has low standards of housekeeping, but I mean, really...

 

[tolivac]

the used appliance places and swap shops around here clean and test the items before offering them for sale.

 

[dalangdon]

Personally, I don't mind messy places, because lots of times that's where you can find the really cool stuff at really cool prices (they don't know what they have, so they sell it cheap)

Plus, (and this is undoubtedly just a personality flaw on my part, lol) There's nothing I like better than getting something that is really trashed and giving it a good cleaning, and making it look as brand-new as possible. Although you do have to be careful with stoves, as roaches can nest in them.

If you do find a stove that you like, no matter how clean it looks, turn everything on full-blast as soon as you get it hooked up, and leave it on for a few minutes. That will either drive any critters that are inside of it out (so be ready with your can of Raid), or cook them so they won't bother you anymore.

Believe me, I know the ugly side of used stoves ;-)

 

[fixerman]

I sell used appliances. I clean the appliances the best I can. The problem is time. With the proliferation of cheap Chinese appliances it is not worth taking all the time necessary to clean a dirty oven or refrig. One gets a dirty refrig or range and spend 6 or 7 or more hours cleaning it and maybe get $150 for it if your lucky. Considering all the overhead this doesn't leave much room for profit. If I have a dirty machine on the floor that I haven't cleaned up yet, the reaction is not good. They will not buy them at any price. One place here in town sells clean it yourself appliances but I haven't had any luck trying to sell them.

 

[goatfarmer]

Exactly,Fixerman.The worst part is clean up,especially greasy ranges that have been neglected for a number of years.
I also check everything out thoroughly,and clean them the best I can. Most aren't perfect,but they are presentable. Many of my customers are landlords,who care about them working more than 100% cleanliness.
Been known to paint rusty 'fridges,or change a gold one to almond,but not very often anymore.

kennyGF

 

[drmitch]

Good Housekeping

I`m with Dangalang on this one. If I can find it cheap, I`d rather clean it up myself. Even if( and it uasually does) mean some disassembly to know its clean. I have more time than money! Good luck Veg!

 

[petek]

Doesn't bother me

really if it's something I'm coveting, then again I only fix and clean small appliances and vacs. I find it relaxing in a way to take a dirty looking whatever and get it back to as new looking as possible. Lots of degreasing sprays, mini bottle brushes , q tips and a steamer do wonders.

 

[partscounterman]

Ya gotta clean!

When you are selling used appliances, you must clean things up a bit anyway! The fridges have mystery goo in the bottom of them that smells really bad and the ovens need a squirt of oven cleaner. Its gotta look better than the bus' up crap they got at home. Also, I pretty much make sure I sell things complete. I don't sell fridges with broken door racks or stoves missing drip pans. After all, why shop a used appliance store if the stuff is as bad as what you can buy out of the paper?

 

[gansky1]

Exactly David - when I have someone coming to look at an appliance I've advertised, I make sure it's clean and have gotten comments from people like "this is the cleanest ________ we've seen today!" The problem is, I get carried away detailing and cleaning them and end up having way too much time into it for the money - but it's not my living, only to support my hobby so I guess it all evens out in the end for me.

 

[goatfarmer]

It also depends on what I'm selling.A $70.00 refrig doesn't get cleaned as good as a $150.00 refrig.I've sold some things that have been checked out,but not cleaned,usually in the $50.00 range.Of course,if it looks like a penicillin farm,or a can of Coke exploded in there,no one will even consider purchasing.Everything that's cleaned also gets a coat of car wax applied. Makes a world of difference.

kennyGF

 

[veg-o-matic]

Well. Heaven knows I don't mind doing some scrubbin', especially if it means there was a bargain involved (pic coming soon of a Presto Cook 'n Serv that got a good de-greasing). But I mean, really. This place looked like they didn't even bother wiping the stuff down first. The range knobs were covered with grease. I couldn't tell if the letters were worn off or if they were just covered with filth.
An electric fry pan is one thing, but a range is another. I live in a condo, so it's not like I have a garage or something where I can take 'er apart and give a good scouring.
Sigh. I might have to give up my search.

veg