Anybody get any good deals lately?

[zach]

I haven't received yet. Tracked to Dongguan, China today.

I've had good luck getting a complete refund when product didn't match the description with Amazon. I received a 18 liter gallon milk can when the description said 88 liter. I received a complete refund and kept it. I hope wal_mart is the same.

[Tummydoc]

I noticed the candle script also but figured WTH and ordered 2. It’s not a bad price on a candle even if that’s what arrives!!

[cranky]

I just saw a mention of Amazon and sort of disreputable sellers...well...

Lately we've been less than thrilled about how a couple people at the doggie daycare workers have been treating our dog. In case you don't know, we are cat people but wound up with a pure bred Pembrook Corgi who is just the sweetest dog in the world with a personality so close to our deceased cat "Mouse" that at times I think Mouse may be possessing him.

The problem is, Corgis are very outgoing, energetic dogs and the cats we currently have at home aren't all that thrilled to be living with a dog. Day care is only $20 a for 5 hrs, so he has been going 3 or 4 days a week. He loves going and he burns off some of that corgi energy and gets to be around other dogs for a while. He has some very close friends there but his friends are showing up less and less and the newest employees don't seem to like him and keep doing things that piss off Mrs Cranky, so we have been taking him less.

This causes a bit of a problem because Mrs Cranky isn't really able to take him out and run him, so I wind up doing what I can when I get home from work. This usually comprises of going for a walk to a local park or beach. Sometimes I run a little but I can't do that much. So, a couple weeks ago Mrs Cranky surprised me with an electric scooter.

But there were some issues

First the scooter we received was not what she ordered. It may have been the same manufacturer as the one ordered but it didn't look the same and was branded differently. It was supposed to be rated at 300 lbs, which I am far less than, and it was supposed to be 650W. The one that arrived was only 500W.

I didn't realize the wattage was less than ordered until I came back from the first ride, but I quickly set it up, charged it and the next day took the dog for a nice run, with me on the scooter. At first everything went well. I got the dog up to 25mph, which I think is pretty good for a dog with 6 inch legs, and he absolutely loved it, but after only 1.8 miles the scooter quit going I pushed it the short distance to the house and thought maybe it ran out of battery juice even though it was showing only slightly under full charge.

The next day I tried riding it again and there was obviously something wrong. It wouldn't move at all without kicking with my foot and it didn't go nearly as fast as it did on our run. So, since it had a 30 day return policy Mrs Cranky went to do the return stuff and noticed the listing had been completely deleted by the seller, which gave us a clue that something shady was going on, but she was still able to fill out the return forms. We waited a week and there was no response from a seller that claimed returns would be processed within 24hrs, so Mrs Cranky got on the phone to Amazon, got hold of a real life person and explained the situation.

Then I told Mrs Cranky I think I'd be happy with a cheap bicycle that I could take to the park and run the dog on level ground, so she bought me an 18 speed mountain bike.

Two days later we got a notice that a full refund was issued and they didn't want the scooter back.

So, I now have a free broken electric scooter and a brand new mountain bike I took the scooter to work and consulted with the people I work with about it, some, like me, think the motor is bad, once you get it going by pushing it it's kind of jerky until it builds up some speed, which happens quite slowly. Others think it is probably the the controller.

I really liked that scooter for the 1.8 miles it worked so I'm considering if it's worth fixing, or maybe a different route possibly involving the battery pack and a bicycle...or maybe, possibly involving Mrs Cranky's new 3 wheel bicycle that I've spent 3hrs putting together and still haven't finished

[Kareltje]

Sad story: so much stuff and energy and human interest going to waste!

[NZChris]

None of my E-stuff has let me down, yet. I'm sure that there will be some flops while the technology is still young, so I'm a slow adopter. In not too many years time, a scooter like that will probably be my transport to the pub and back and I'm not looking forward to it. I'm still riding pushbikes for that, (and not my E-bike).

[NZChris]

I've just tested the element of a small hot water cylinder, 1000W, that I got free, loaned someone for at least five years, then got back. At a guess, it's around six gallons, a handy size for making up washes in my shed.

[ruminant]

This is agonizing: approximately 200 gallons of molasses for sale at an old rum distillery auction in Houston. Doing the math, there's no way I can transport 3000 lbs to my garage operation.

Current bid: $10!
https://www.bidspotter.com/en-us/auctio ... 7000252223.

Edit: closing bid was $140, which is about how much I'd have to pay WebRestaurantStore for shipping 10 gallons to me. Sigh.

[subbrew]

This is agonizing: approximately 200 gallons of molasses for sale at an old rum distillery auction in Houston. Doing the math, there's no way I can transport 3000 lbs to my garage operation.

Current bid: $10!
https://www.bidspotter.com/en-us/auctio ... 7000252223.

Wow, I have the room and the trailer but Houston is a long haul, several hundred in diesel

[fiery creations]

This is agonizing: approximately 200 gallons of molasses for sale at an old rum distillery auction in Houston. Doing the math, there's no way I can transport 3000 lbs to my garage operation.

Current bid: $10!
https://www.bidspotter.com/en-us/auctio ... 7000252223.

Edit: closing bid was $140, which is about how much I'd have to pay WebRestaurantStore for shipping 10 gallons to me. Sigh.

Holy shit. I’d have been tempted to rent a truck or figure something out

[NZChris]

I found two Glencairn glasses at a charity shop for a dollar each. I already have enough, so I left them for another lucky distiller to find.

[fiery creations]

[Yonder]

This is agonizing: approximately 200 gallons of molasses for sale at an old rum distillery auction in Houston. Doing the math, there's no way I can transport 3000 lbs to my garage operation.

Current bid: $10!
https://www.bidspotter.com/en-us/auctio ... 7000252223.

Edit: closing bid was $140, which is about how much I'd have to pay WebRestaurantStore for shipping 10 gallons to me. Sigh.

Holy shit. I’d have been tempted to rent a truck or figure something out

Wish id seen it sooner. I’d have run up in a few hours and split it with you!

[Bushman]

With computer software I am surprised people are still using drafting tables. Before CAD I had a classroom set of drafting tables that went out to surplus.

[NormandieStill]

With computer software I am surprised people are still using drafting tables. Before CAD I had a classroom set of drafting tables that went out to surplus.

When I did my carpentry course I spent a lot of time drawing A2/A1 plans. I can do everything on the computer but there's a visibility that you have when working on paper that you don't have with a screen.

[Pookie]

2 55gallon blue barrels to ferment in for 45 bucks... Back in the game!

[fiery creations]

With computer software I am surprised people are still using drafting tables. Before CAD I had a classroom set of drafting tables that went out to surplus.

I scooped it up to use as a new lab/firework making bench

[SW_Shiner]

With computer software I am surprised people are still using drafting tables. Before CAD I had a classroom set of drafting tables that went out to surplus.

I scooped it up to use as a new lab/firework making bench

IMG_0354.jpegIMG_0368.jpegIMG_0369.jpeg

Well that certainly gives a clear explanation of your user name. The massive amount of different professions and hobbies here never ceases to amaze me.

[juana_b]

With computer software I am surprised people are still using drafting tables. Before CAD I had a classroom set of drafting tables that went out to surplus.

I scooped it up to use as a new lab/firework making bench

IMG_0354.jpegIMG_0368.jpegIMG_0369.jpeg

That's f'ing cool af.
The only person on Maui with a pyro license agreed to take me as an apprentice, but I'm getting a little worried as he's getting old and only does private shows, so idk if I can get the 8 needed...

[fiery creations]

With computer software I am surprised people are still using drafting tables. Before CAD I had a classroom set of drafting tables that went out to surplus.

I scooped it up to use as a new lab/firework making bench

IMG_0354.jpegIMG_0368.jpegIMG_0369.jpeg

That's f'ing cool af.
The only person on Maui with a pyro license agreed to take me as an apprentice, but I'm getting a little worried as he's getting old and only does private shows, so idk if I can get the 8 needed...

You guys on the island have some pretty strict rules so this may not apply to you. But if your state law doesn’t prohibit it, you are allowed to produce up to 50 pounds of explosives per year federally Without a license. Provided you do not engage in commerce, and only use it for personal use on private property.

Believe it or not, this includes HE. But a lot of the states supersede that with more strict rules. Not advising you to do this as it’s definitely a way to get eyes and attention on you. But a fun little fact nonetheless.

ATF somewhat recently made some exemptions for fireworks. If you’re interested in it, you probably already have a copy of the orange book. I converted an old construction job box into an ATF approved type IV storage magazine for like 50 bucks using spray on bed liner for the non sparking inner surface.

[Yummyrum]

Un frigg’n believable

[Bushman]

It does show the diversity of the members here on the forum. When our son was small my wife was scared just having him close to any fireworks being lit. Thanks for making us a bit smarter!

[Biker24a69]

Scored 2 55 gallon blue hdpe and 2 15 gallon hdpe with locking rings and lids for 85 for all of em right by branson

[Steve Broady]

I wanted a small keg to take homebrew to a party.

Found these 5 liter stainless kegs for $6.50 each with tax and shipping at the wal_mart website. I got a six pack at that price, it's cheaper than glass jars for storing all kinds of things.


keg 5l.jpg

Well, my 10 5liter mini kegs arrived today…

And of course I also got this:

Buyer beware, I know. I’m not mad. I took a gamble. But I will say that this doesn’t exactly do much for my opinion of Walmart or my desire to do business with their website again.

[cranky]

Well, since you mention Wal-Mart...

A few weeks ago Mrs Cranky bought a 3 wheel bicycle from Wal-Mart.com. Of course it arrived fairly disassembled with little more than bad pictures as directions to put it together. To be fair, reviews did say it took a lot of time to put together so I was expecting spending some time but it took me no less than 5 hours to assemble the thing.

Then once I finally got it together it turned out that what the seller claimed was a bike for someone 4'11"-5'9" is actually almost too tall for me (at 5'10"). With the seat as low as possible it comes up just short of Mrs Cranky's boobs...and not just because they are old and saggy but the biggest problem is the cross bar is up to her knees and she can't get her leg over it, so even if the seat were lower she still couldn't ride it

The listing said we could send it back within 30 days and even though I wasn't thrilled with the thought of taking it back apart and repacking it I told her to go ahead and request a return.

The company wasn't thrilled with this idea and encouraged Mrs Cranky to keep it and "give it to someone else or sell it'' and they would refund us $40.

Well, that didn't fly and Mrs Cranky told them no, she wants a return label and we would send it back. The company responded the same way and offered more money, she said no, issue a return label. They offered more money back...etc.

This cycle went on for a while and the 30 day return time was ticking away with them refusing to give us a return label until Mrs Cranky got fed up and called Wal-Mart and was persistent enough to get a real live person.

She explained the situation and they took a look at the email exchange between Mrs Cranky and the company and told her that was the worst customer service they had ever seen and they scheduled a management meeting for review to discuss the companies customer service and their future with Wal-Mart. He then issued a full refund and said if they don't send us a return label within 48hrs we could keep the bike.

So, now we have a 3 wheel bike that's too big for Mrs Cranky for free and a broken scooter I'm considering trying to find smaller wheels to make it lower and cutting and re-welding the seat support bar to make it lower as well so Mrs Cranky can ride it and possibly seeing if I can cut and lower the cross bar low enough for Mrs Cranky and possibly adding a front hub drive motor so it has power assist in case Mrs Cranky needs that to get up some of the steeper hills. I also have 2 electric wheel chair motors and controller that I've always wanted to attach to a 3 wheeled bike. Mrs Cranky just wants to sell it to get rid of it and buy another one that is smaller

[Tummydoc]

I wanted a small keg to take homebrew to a party.

Found these 5 liter stainless kegs for $6.50 each with tax and shipping at the wal_mart website. I got a six pack at that price, it's cheaper than glass jars for storing all kinds of things.


keg 5l.jpg

Well, my 10 5liter mini kegs arrived today…
74216934482__8ED8176B-FA14-4A39-8B2E-FADFB030D954.jpeg
74216942805__077F1AE7-1E4A-4C3C-89B8-CC63460E4CD2.jpeg

And of course I also got this:
IMG_5667.png

Buyer beware, I know. I’m not mad. I took a gamble. But I will say that this doesn’t exactly do much for my opinion of Walmart or my desire to do business with their website again.

I got the same Steve. I initiated a return on the Walmart website, and selected the option to return it to a Walmart store. Once i selected that, the web site said " a refund has been initiated, no need to return the items". So hopefully I'll get my refund. The candles arent worth the price!!

[zach]

Well, my 10 5liter mini kegs arrived today…

Sorry guys, I've been traveling and hadn't checked my mail yet. I imagine they did the same for me. I guess I have presents for the neighbor's ugly Christmas sweater party.

[Kareltje]

This seems to turn into a bad deals thread!
I do some administration for an Afghan friend with a market stall. During the covid endemy the market was closed and his son and daughter got selling via bol.com. It turned out their sells went high up, but their profits dwindled to nothing or even less.
While doing business on the market he managed to earn a living, but doing business via bol.com only cost money. They had to purchase the goods, pack them and send them and than bol.com took about 30 % fee. Doing all the work and let somebody else profit from it? I advised against it.
Luckily the market opened again so normal business restarted and they stopped with the selling via internet.
I do not trust internet trade anymore, unless I see a genuine website.

[The Booze Pipe]

I just received a 5.8 gallon stainless steal fruit press directly from China, purchased through Amazon. The same fruit press was being offered from multiple "sellers" at varying prices.
I found this one $50-100 less then any other. total price shipped was $150! I plan to use it for straining/drying mash grains. If I end up with time and a grinder it'll be great for fruit.
It's actually really nice, heavy gauge steel, quality welds. Only thing I've noticed so far is a bit of rust inside the drain spout on the outer pot.
If anyone is interested I can pass on the info for ordering.
It won't get tested until winter.

[cranky]

I just received a 5.8 gallon stainless steal fruit press directly from China, purchased through Amazon. The same fruit press was being offered from multiple "sellers" at varying prices.
I found this one $50-100 less then any other. total price shipped was $150! I plan to use it for straining/drying mash grains. If I end up with time and a grinder it'll be great for fruit.
It's actually really nice, heavy gauge steel, quality welds. Only thing I've noticed so far is a bit of rust inside the drain spout on the outer pot.
If anyone is interested I can pass on the info for ordering.
It won't get tested until winter.

You know I am trying to find someone in the PNW that wants to pick a crap load of free apples and am willing to loan out my apple chopper to the right people

[fiery creations]

I just received a 5.8 gallon stainless steal fruit press directly from China, purchased through Amazon. The same fruit press was being offered from multiple "sellers" at varying prices.
I found this one $50-100 less then any other. total price shipped was $150! I plan to use it for straining/drying mash grains. If I end up with time and a grinder it'll be great for fruit.
It's actually really nice, heavy gauge steel, quality welds. Only thing I've noticed so far is a bit of rust inside the drain spout on the outer pot.
If anyone is interested I can pass on the info for ordering.
It won't get tested until winter.

You know I am trying to find someone in the PNW that wants to pick a crap load of free apples and am willing to loan out my apple chopper to the right people

Me and the lady have been contemplating taking you up on that for a while…