MikeTech
patreon
Hardware sales!
🕑 Added 2024-02-16 23:21:19 +0000 UTCThe time has come... Time to start getting these systems and components out of my garage and into the hands of the retro computing community. Of all the posts and videos I've made, this one easily has me the most nervous... I wish it weren't necessary to sell them, but right now it's the best way to help secure the channel's financial viability. I want to create a rolling fund for future hauls. The next haul I'm eyeing is $12,500 before the costs associated with hauling it. That's actually not too terrible considering I have spent about $15,000 on the first two hauls (all in, including moving costs and hotels), but it definitely puts the channel's break-even point way out. Also, there are other investments I want to make into the channel. Chief among them is moving out of the garage and building a large 'studio shed' in my backyard. Lack of climate control and sound-proofing are the two biggest issues I want to solve with that. The projected cost for that is... quite high. In addition, I want to create some tangible benefits for your support via patron-only perks related to hardware purchases.
I'm still not entirely sure how this is all going to work, but here is what I currently have in mind: Patrons will get first-dibs on anything I decide to sell for at least 30 days before I make them available to the general public (which I currently have no means of doing, probably will have to create an eBay store or something). For all intents and purposes, hardware sales are available exclusively to patrons as of right now. The sheer volume of sales that would come from the general public combined with my inexperience in doing something like this is a recipe for disaster, so it's going to be quite a while before I announce this publicly. I also want to give my long-term supporters the opportunity to buy item(s) they may have been wanting before any newcomers swoop in and buy them.
Also, I want to create a unique benefit for all of you who have supported me thus far. For all current patrons, I want to offer a discount off the asking price. This is something that will only apply to patrons who have joined before the time I make this all public (whenever that is), so you'll essentially be grandfathered in. The discount will continue to apply for you as long as you're a member. It will also apply to all future items listed, which includes whatever public-facing thing I decide to list through (an eBay store, probably).
The aforementioned discounts are:
8086 Tier: 10%
386 Tier: 20%
486 Tier: 35%
Pentium Tier: Just send me a message. 🙂
I'm definitely not firm on any of these details yet, so please feel free to provide feedback. I've been pondering all of this for many months so I really want to know what you all think. I especially want to know if any aspect(s) make you unhappy or doesn't sit right. Please comment or message me. This should be considered a rough-draft, and I'll be making another post once the plan is finalized.
The asking prices are based on what I can find on eBay minus about 15%, but it can be difficult to find direct comparisons for certain things. I am not firm on ANY price, so feel free to make offers! All prices are in USD.
I also receive lots of donations to the channel. Some of the items I will only do a video on but will not keep for myself. It is not ethical for me to sell these items in my opinion, so there will absolutely be a 'free pile' in the spreadsheet for items which I'd like to send back into the retro community. It does not matter how valuable the item is. If I did not pay my own money to obtain it, it will go into the free pile. One example of this: A fellow sent me a NOS TRS-80 Model 4 that was never used or even powered on before. These sell for between $300 and $400 on eBay in used condition, and he sent it to me... He just wanted to make sure it would go someone who will appreciate it. I'll most definitely be keeping that particular item (because it's an unused TRS-80, how often do you find THAT?), I just want to use it as an example of the type of stuff people send me. Now, if someone were to send me another TRS-80, it would go into the free pile after the video was made. However, depending on the size/weight of the item I may still need to ask for help with shipping costs.
As for how the transactions themselves will work, currently I'm going to list the items in a Google spreadsheet (linked below). For purchases, just send me a Patreon message to reserve the item(s) (including at least your zip code or city/state/country for shipping estimate) and I'll immediately mark the availability as pending for the item(s). Eventually I'll work out a more streamlined way to do this.
Note that none of the prices include shipping, since that can vary wildly. Also, I must apologize in advance for any shipping delays as I'm figuring out shipping supply stock. Never have done anything like this before, so it could be a bit bumpy at first... Boxes, bubble wrap, packing peanuts (the not-annoying kind) etc are eye-wateringly expensive even in bulk, so I've only ordered what I estimate might be enough for what I currently have listed.
So without further ado, here is the spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_KENUBMVOAoyt9fudC6o8gpn_nhCrkouA9FpFrlGsl8/edit?usp=sharing
Note that the spreadsheet is by no means complete yet. I'm still in the process of figuring out which items I want to list versus keep (which is even harder than I imagined LOL). There are different sheets at the bottom of the page: Complete Systems, Motherboards, Cases, Peripherals and Free Pile. I'll likely be adjusting/adding to these. Complete Systems are going to be mostly manufactured systems (your Dells, Compaqs, small/obscure manufacturers etc) as I'm against parting these out unless they're in serious disrepair. For the custom-built systems, I'm parting out probably 90% of them so as to allow people to configure stuff the way they like. To help me identify which item(s) you're wanting, just reference the row number (all the way to the left) and which sheet the item is on. For example: Number 7 on the 'Motherboards' sheet.
Again, please feel free to provide feedback on any and every aspect of this as I want to make things work as smoothly and fairly as possible for everyone.
Thank you all so much!
Comments
Lionel L.
"Nutty" is actually election denying right wingers. Just putting that out there.
Michael Hall
It's probably been mentioned already, but get a U-Line catalog. The family that owns the company may be a bit nutty, but they know their stuff. Plus, even if you don't end up buying much from them, a good look through one of their catalogs will show you wonders of which you have never dreamed when it comes to shipping things — and then you'll have the right names with which to find cheap, knock-off versions if so inclined.
MikeTech
Yes I do. Send me a message with your zip code and I’ll get you a shipping quote. Thanks!
c00gr
Do you still have the Packard Bell Legend 81CD Supreme available? I'm struggling with a few PB Multimedia D130s that won't post or have damage, so would be nice to have one I know works!
David Surety
If you decide to come to the uk let me know I will pay for your ticket
David Surety
I know it’s only $70 but hope it helps
David Surety
I think you underestimate how likable you are. Look how you’ve gone through the Roof with subscribers.
David Surety
If you ever head to the UK, let everyone know so we can organise the meet up
David Surety
adrains digital basement just went full time
David Surety
I hope too that you could do it full time if only everyone was. On patreon
MikeTech
It helps tremendously! I really hope that soon I'll be able to do this full-time. It's going to be quite a while though.
David Surety
Haven’t sent you message in a while hope the money I send helps great to see the amount you get is on the up all the best Dave London uk
yata
Im def interested in the Baby AT case 4 !!
David Surety
Good luck with the sale I wouldn’t know what ones to sell and which to keep be strong
MikeTech
Sure! I'll mark them as pending for you. I'll send you a private message with more info as soon as I can.
Tony U Atkins
Thank you, Mike!!! May I please take these two cases? Baby AT 2 Baby AT 3 Shipping to zip code 97007 (Beaverton Oregon). I'm in the 386 tier! tonyuatkins@gmail.com
Peter Fleeman
Aw man. I’ve been buying stuff on eBay because I was excited about seeing it on your channel. I should have waited! WAY more fun to have the one in the video.
David Surety
Sorry to hear your not well but I am very selfish and need videos constantly only kidding
David Surety
Hope you are ok
MikeTech
Got hit with some kind of allergy thing that wrecked my voice. Mostly over it now. Just have one more system to record and edit.
David Surety
Any news on the next video I am having withdrawal
MikeTech
Thank you so very much! ❤
Drago95
i hope it runs well :)
David Surety
Hi Mike I have been with you since about 7500 subs and saw you get over that well deserved 10k line I live in the uk and can only help you by being a patreon so I will up my tier to 486 to help you the most I can hope it’s enough. If only more people supported you . I think only4% do shame I could watch your videos all day long wishing u all the best for the future u can count on my support
MikeTech
Honestly it feels so good seeing these get back into the hands of people who appreciate them. They've been sitting in my 'done' pile for way too long!
MikeTech
That HP Vectra is one I'm really dithering on whether or not to keep it LOL. I just may let it go though. Can't decide if it's cooler than my Pentium Pro powered Vectra. Ooh, I just might have to take you up on that offer! Thanks! My main haunt is in Nashville, but the next big one might be near Chicago. Both would be returning to Florida.
Stormcrash
For how derided Packard Bell is there seems to be a lot of nostalgia/interest in them, they're going fast
John Lasater
I am tempted to buy a Packard Bell 486 system, just for nostalgia's sake, aka "the feels." Speaking of which, do you think you might get your hands on a C64?
themoon
I ask this because I happen to be from the metro area, myself
themoon
Thanks so much for the opportunity, I have a hard time finding these kinds of gems. My only hesitation is shipping. You mentioned in one of your videos you used to go around with your dad in Philadelphia and collect PCs. Are you still anywhere near there? I wouldn't mind driving a ways to save a ton on shipping. Thanks in advance, Mike
Taylor Cuzela
This is a great idea! It’s like retro catch and release lol
John Hudson
I'm definitely interested in buying a Pentium 233MMX, like maybe that HP desktop machine you did a while back. I drive a semi and could possibly help you with the next haul. Lemme know.
Tom Bell
It would be crazy high if not impossible! I'm glad to see Mike working out a way to get restored system into the hands of retro PC enthusiasts.
MikeTech
😂 I should! Maybe when I finally settle on a new logo I'll get some printed up.
Graeme Melville
This is great! I imagine shipping to Australia will be crazy expensive, wish I was closer so I could grab a few of these systems. Hope you’re able to shift most if not all of it so you can get another haul!
Stormcrash
Awesome to see these systems and parts ready to make it to loving homes, especially knowing how much you work to give every part possible new life. Was just thinking you either need some MikeTech retro case badges or some replacement warranty stickers that just say "Oh no, my warranty!" in place of the cut ones on parts like cases or power supplies
MikeTech
For sure. I'll work on getting those added.
Stephen Fralich
Some more details like CPU and memory about the complete systems would be appreciated.
MikeTech
Thank you so much! Yeah that's kind-of the third reason for wanting the 'studio shed'. I'll have a garage again! 🤣
MikeTech
Oh that's one of the things costing me sleep for sure. I'm thinking about removing faceplates and wrapping them separately to help mitigate that. Shipping is from 32404.
Jeff Ef
Sent you a message about a motherboard. 🤪
Andrew Collings
One of my favorite parts of your channel is that the mountain of computers gets to be at your house and not my house 😂. I'll definitely bump up a tier to help out the financial solvency though. I didn't realize those hauls were so expensive.
Tony U Atkins
That's awesome, thank you! The only concern I have is the travel distance for the items to ship. I've purchased amazing stuff to have it end up smashed because it shipped from the East Coast all the way here in Oregon... Approximately where will these items ship from?
The Slice Factor
❤️
