Saturday, January 11, 2025

I Help You. You Help Me.

When Hubby Tony and I moved into our condo five years ago, instead of signing up for traditional cable or satellite television we chose streaming service through an app. It has worked out well, but a couple of months ago the service provider sent an email that said the app would soon stop working with our television. They offered the use of a stream box for a year, but after that we'd have to rent it from them or buy our own. 

Neither Tony or I could remember exactly how old the television was. There is absolutely nothing wrong with it, but Tony convinced me that television prices had come down enough that this would be a good excuse to upgrade. He did some Consumer Reports research, came up with a short list of models, compared those to the Costco/Sams Club/Best Buy websites, then presented me with his top picks. Shortly before the year ended he made the purchase, and the set was delivered several days later.

Creazilla

Now we had a unneeded television to get rid of. There was no reason to recycle it, and even if I had wanted to there would be a fee. I checked with the thrift stores, but learned they had a glut of sets and a temporary moratorium on donations. I decided to post the set on my local Buy Nothing group.

In the next 24 hours multiple people responded that they were interested. I asked Tony to choose a random number, counted that far down the list, and sent the person a message asking when they would like to pick up their gifted television.

The next day I carried the set downstairs to the building foyer. Less than an hour later I saw a car stop in front of the building. Someone got out, walked into the building, and walked out carrying the set. Later I received a message that read "Thank you so much for the TV. It’s such a blessing!" I didn't tell them that they helped me at least as much as I helped them. 

Five years ago today: I Get It Now

30 comments:

  1. Glad that it worked out well for both you and the person who picked up the TV. It always amazes me just how many TVs are in thrift stores. And, as you said it can be difficult to get rid of no longer needed one.

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    1. With the quick pace of new technology there's always people upgrading to something else.

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  2. What did you get (brand and model number)? Is it internet connected? I assume it is. Does it have apps on the internet connection? If so, I have a couple of good ones for you.

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    1. It was a smart LG. I haven't taken the time to investigate everything it offers or can do.

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    2. But I would be interesting in your list of apps.

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    3. I have an LG. They have their own streaming channels. Boatloads of them. And then they have apps too!

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  3. My TV is ancient by some people's standards. About 15 years old, maybe 16. Not internet connected. Hope your new one is working out well for you.

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    1. We're not early technology adapters by a long shot, but I feel that just like everything else televisions were made better 'back in the old days'.

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  4. So happy you found a "taker." I hate when things like this have to go to the landfill. We were doing all we could to get our dryer fixed so it could stay out of the landfill for awhile longer. It was bad enough that we had a microwave oven go just a few months ago. Our living room tv was purchased in 1991. Still functioning just fine for us.

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    1. The last CRT television we had would have been about that old had it not died and been replaced with a flat screen.

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  5. We are having a similar issue with our TV. it really is not that old, but with all the updated technology on the newer tv's, there seems to be a problem. What a wonderful thing that you were able to Bless a family and God took care of you all as well....Great post.

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    1. When new technology is introduced we like to wait a long time before jumping on the bandwagon. However, it feels like manufacturers are turning things over quicker and quicker.

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  6. We only have one television and it’s fairly new. We had a similar issue, trying to get rid of it fortunately we found a private thrift store that helps support the animal shelter and they were more than happy to receive it!
    The televisions don’t last 20+ years like they used to. When we moved into my folks home after they passed in 2008, they had a 1985 RCA that was still working and in a beautiful cabinet. Of course we had to get a cable box. We kept it for quite a few years hoping it would take the hint, and give in to its old age. It didn’t. We replaced it - set the tv out in front with a free sign and 2 college guys studying electronics took it - just to fiddle with it.

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    1. I suspect the oversupply at the thrift stores had something to do with people receiving new sets for Christmas. I would like to think this is the last television we will need to buy, but as you say they don't last as long as they used to .

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  7. We bought a Sony TV in 2008 and it still works as good as ever (fingers crossed!) I'll agree with the thrift stores. At our local SA and Goodwill stores there are tons of TV's! Nice you found someone happy to get yours.

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    1. I've got MY fingers crossed that our new one can last as long as yours.

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  8. That was nice. I have my late husband's tv in my room but I don't use it. I should give it away.

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  9. What a wonderful outcome. We inherited a TV when my mother died in 2013 & she had it a few years prior. So far Roku seems to continue to work with it.

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  10. How great is that! I love a win win situations like this.

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  11. I post things on Facebook marketplace. Mostly it is a smooth transaction.

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  12. What a wonderful idea! I haven't heard of anything like this in Hawaii. I know my son did it in Maryland before they moved overseas.

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