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Section 4: Scrounging Vs Spending money

The conventional wisdom says that one either spends a lot of money on new parts, or one spends a lot of time scrounging parts. While there is a deal of truth to that, I don't quite agree.

I see scrounging as a skill, just like say, soldering. When learning how to solder, it can take a long time to get the results you need, but when once you have the knack, soldering becomes quick and painless.

So it is with scrounging. At first, you won't know where to look, or who and how to ask for what you want. You will spend lots of time with little result. Once you learn the art of scrounging though, the time to result ratio drops dramatically. I have a great network of people and places where I can find things, and can often get items just as easily as buying them new.

And another benefit of scrounging rarely discussed is the simple fact that reusing is even better than recycling! It is a glorious thing to take items destined for a landfill or recycling and keep them in use. They can always be recycled later!

So I always feel like I get a double savings on scrounged items, I save both money and the Earth's resources.

Scrounging Tips:

1) Don't be over enthusiastic in your approach. Introduce yourself, and give a reason for your request. I do demonstrations and science projects with local schools, so I usually say something like: "Hi, I'm Jonathan, and I do science education at local schools. I'm looking for XXXX…" and go from there. Invoking the name of science, education and kids opens a lot of doors and purse strings for me!

2) Beggars can't be choosers. Don't be picky. Gratefully accept all donations. Don't be pushy. If they don't currently have what you want, ask if you can return and check some other time. Always ask if they have any idea where you might get the item if they don't have it, or any other similar items they may know about.

3) Timing. Don't go at the busiest time of day, or if you see that the place is busy, give it a miss 'till later. Once you get a reputation as a pain, that's it, no free stuff for you!

4) Thanks. Of course one says thanks at the time, but sending a note or giving a phone call of appreciation later goes a really long way in paving the road for future scrounging.

5) Selective Speculative Acquisition. (SSA, also known as "Spousal Seperation Activities") If you have the space, buy or get quality stuff you don't need now but can use later whenever you see it. Have your next 5 projects in mind when scrounging. Of course, this way lays madness, pack rat syndrome and spousal/familial disapproval. However, building a stash of cool junk and keeping it organized can save much time and money.

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