Rant: I used to think dumpster diving was gross until I found a near-mint espresso machine

Honestly, I was one of those people who thought anyone pulling stuff out of a dumpster was crazy. But last month I spotted a fancy espresso machine sticking out of a dumpster behind a coffee shop on Elm Street. Looked it up online and it retails for $600, so I grabbed it, cleaned off the grime, and it works perfectly after swapping a $15 hose. Now I'm hooked on curbside finds. Anyone else get converted by that one amazing score?

3 comments

3 Comments

jake_torres6820d agoMost Upvoted

Did your friend feel the same way before they found something good? My buddy Matt had that exact thing happen with an old record player. He was helping his sister move out of her apartment and saw this dusty turntable sitting by the curb with a sign that said "works great, just needs a belt." He almost left it but grabbed it on a whim. Turned out it was a high end model from the 70s worth about $400 after he put in like ten bucks and an hour of work. Now he checks the alley behind the thrift store every time he drives past. Funny how one lucky find can change your whole mindset on something you used to look down on.

amy_coleman2117d ago

Jake_torres68, you're right that one good find can really shift someone's perspective. It's amazing how a little bit of luck and effort can turn something ordinary into something special. Makes you wonder what else might be hiding in plain sight out there.

benclark20d ago

Nah, one lucky find doesn't make thrift stores worth the hassle for most people.