I'm often wowed by the generosity of the homebrewing community. I've picked up a bunch of stuff from various on-line sources (FB Marketplace, Offer-Up, Craigslist), and in most cases, the sellers weren't looking to make a killing, just clear out some equipment and help out a fellow brewer. I've been a casual brewer for years, but only recently started brewing in ernest and upping my equipment game. Some deals I got:
Guy nearby selling a grain mill for $50. Pretty good deal, but when I went to pick it up, we started chatting, and he says, "do you need an aerator?" I figured he meant that little plastic thingy that sprays the wort into the fermenter. I said sure. He hands me an oxygenator: SS stone the end of a stainless tube and oxygen bottle regulator ($60 setup new). Free of charge.
Blichmann Thermonator plate chiller: $30! Another FB listing. It was about an hour drive to his house, but worth it. He also wanted an honest opinion about his beer, so he sent me home with a sample, in a Grolsch bottle. So, hey... free fliptop bottle. (Beer was good)
I told this one in the "What came in the mail" thread:
Offer-Up listing for a couple of ball valves and handful of camlock fittings for $20. Listing said "I have more, let me know what you need." So I mention a couple more fittings and he says he has them. I asked how much, he said still $20. Deal. Then a big box (much bigger than expected) shows up in the mail. More ball valves and ton of camlock stuff. Had to be close to $150 worth!
Keggle with false bottom, diptube, whirlpool return, sight glass and ball valves. $50.
Three corny kegs: 2 ball-lock and one pin-lock that was converted to ball: $20 (total, not each) from the co-owner of a new brewery that opened nearby.
I love this community!