The annex is a great idea, but not very well executed. Perhaps it's because they take half of all the sales, but the prices typically seem way too high for fairly-worn gear and clothes.
I'm really surprised that they sell used helmets and used climbing gear. Helmets have a life span, and some of the helmets I've seen are already older than should be used, much less sold. Bike helmets especially should not be sold used. The way they are designed to mitigate impact is to self destruct, and even just dropping it can damage it to where it won't protect your head. And used CLIMBING gear? No way. I'm not even talking chocks and nuts - but harnesses and ropes. Wha?
But then there's the ski thing. I took a pair of telemark skis in to consign. I had bought them there the previous year, but they were too short. They said that they would not take them. They told me they were not selling three-pin gear anymore except boots. I showed them another pair of three-pin skis they were currently selling, but they still said no. Again this is the place that sells used bike helmets and climbing harnesses, so it's not about safety, and there's nothing less inherently safe with three-pin bindings versus NNN-BC bindings. Even AT bindings don't actually have a DIN setting, so it's all a guess. Well, I went back in last week, and guess what? There were several pairs of three-pin skis for sale that weren't for sale when I took mine in. So apparently they DO sell them, but they would not take mine for consignment even though I had bought them there the previous season.
What's up with all that?
Actually, what's up with ME for keeping going back in there? At least that's one thing that I can control, so I'm going to try not to go back in. I always leave frustrated.
I do so wish Les & Bob's and Andersen's hadn't gone out of business all those years ago. They valued their customers and gave good service. We miss 'em.
If you're looking for used gear, stick with Craigslist. You still might be disappointed. You will be disappointed if you try to buy or sell at the Annex. read more