Ridiculously Elated Over a Carseat
September 8, 2008
While driving home from food shopping last night I slowed as I saw two Chinese woman going through the trash a couple of streets from my house. They had picked up a carseat, which looked a lot like mine. I know it well because, 1) I “fully vetted” all the carseats on the market before opting for the pricey Britax Marathon, and 2) I am the only one in my house who knows how to install it, and since we only have the one, I switch it between our vehicles on almost a daily basis. Not only that, but I spent a lot of time deciding which fabric to order mine in, so I recognized the pattern. My husband and I have been debating for quite awhile as to whether to spend the money for another.
I kept driving while I watched in my rearview mirror as they turned it over to examine it, hoping they would leave it, and fearing if I showed my keen interest they would realize their find and snatch it up for sure. They put it down and moved onto a box full of clothes & toys, and I banged a U-ey in the middle of the street. As the pair of them hauled the large box across the street to their car, I pulled my van in between them and the coveted seat, jumped out, threw it in the back and sped off – I’m not sure I ever even put the car in park.
On the way home I cautioned myself about getting too excited. There was no way it could have all it’s parts, it had to be damaged, there had to be something wrong with it. I completely disassembled it at home, cover, straps, foam cushion, even the styro-cushions under that. It was crumby, but perfect. It was even the Platinum fabric that we thought would be the best for my husbands car. I scrubbed every last piece and they sit drying in the sun on my deck at this very moment. I still can’t imagine why anyone would have thrown it out, but I just found $279 on the curb!
Clearly this is the best thing I’ve ever pulled out of the trash. So my question to you guys – do you ever “trash-pick”? “Dumpster Dive”? What about garage sales? Any fantastic finds or funny stories?
That is a fantastic find! Chances are it’s not too old a seat, but I do caution you on the use of car seats discarded for unknown reasons. If I know you, you’ve inspected it thoroughly, but you may want to consider it the “backup” seat and not the primary. If it’s going in Chris’ car I am guessing that’s already the case.
Nope…not much dumpster searching here. But I’ve never quite had much of your bargain hunting eye!!! : )