RV traveling? Bargain shop at Goodwill outlet stores

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Ever wonder what happens to the stuff that doesn't sell at a Goodwill Store? Wonder no more. After a few weeks, things that don't sell make their way to an outlet store. Sometimes these warehouse-like places are called Goodwill Outlet Stores, or they may go by another name. But why should any of this interest you? Because if you like digging for real bargains (and "digging" is sometimes literal) then an outlet store is your bag.

A lot of the stuff sold in  the outlet stores are sold, not by the item, but by the pound. Take clothing, or "textiles," as they're listed. You'll pick up all kinds of clothing and other textile items, often for less than $2 a pound. And hey, it's not all junk, among the tons of clothing that Goodwill processes every week, there are plenty of "missed" designer items and fabulous bargains. If not by the pound, then Goodwill whacks off a huge amount of the original, already-pretty-low, price. We're talking 75% less than "normal" Goodwill rates.

Depending on the outlet location, you may find the items sorted, but most often, you'll just find BINS of items. If you have the "digging for treasure" personality, you'll love digging around in the bins. If you're more of a "Felix Unger" sort of shopper, you're probably best advised to stay away from the outlets.

If you're ready to dig, here are tips from the "Bin Shoppers."

* Wear gloves and bring hand sanitizer. You never know what might be lurking in a bin that might be disagreeable.

* Set aside plenty of time, at least a couple of hours, to make your search fruitful.

* If you're clothes shopping, be aware, there are no fitting rooms to try on your treasures. Experienced bargain shoppers say they wear form-fitting clothes like tank tops and shorts and "try on" their finds right over their clothing.

* Don't limit yourself to the front of the store. These are the most picked-over bins, as it seems folks tend to be a bit lazy. Starting at the back of the store and moving forward may be more fruitful.

* Keep your "treasures" close at hand. Aggressive bargain hunters have been known to grab other shoppers finds.

* Be sure you like what you found – Goodwill has a NO RETURN policy.

These Goodwill bargain outlets are found all over the country. Visit this site for a state-by-state list.

Too good to be true? Rent a motorhome for a buck a day?

Ever wonder how RVs get from the manufacturing plant to the dealer? Most times the manufacturer hires a "transporter," a person who drives (or tows) the unit to where it's headed, and gets paid for his time.

Here's a twist on the scenario. RV rental firm, Apollo, wants skips hired transporters and is making an offer it hopes you can't refuse: Travel to the manufacturing plant on your own dime, and then pay them to let you drive the rig back to one of their rental locations in the west. Depending on your situation, it might be worth the effort.

Although touting, "As little as a $1 per night," this time of year, your rental under the Apollo "relocation program" will typically run $10 a night when picked up in May, and jump to $29 a night for motorhomes picked up in June. A glance at the company web offerings does indicate some rentals for $1 a night -- if you jump on the deal in a hurry.

Customers choose from for motorhome models, ranging in size from 25 feet to 31 feet in length. All are “ready-to-go” and come with a full tank of gas, kitchen items, including pots and pans, dinnerware, silverware and more, plus two sets of bedding items, including bed coverings, sheets, pillows and towels. A full propane tank is provided, as well. Drivers are allowed up to 2,500 free miles with a  maximum rental period of 14 days.  Additional days will be charged standard fees per night. Run over your 2,500 "free" miles and pay 40 cents a mile for the extra miles. And the company adds, "Other fees and charges may apply." Just what those could be aren't specified on the web site.

Right now Apollo is looking specifically for folks who'd like to pick up rigs between May 1 to 4 and June 2 to 4. In some instances, the company offers to rebate up to $500 in fuel charges for your trip, based on receipts in hand. To sweeten the deal, they offer an allowance for travel expenses from the airport to the pickup point in Decatur, Illinois, up to $100. We checked with a local hack driver, he said he'd lug a passenger from the Fort Wayne airport to Decatur for $35.

Interested? Count your expenses and visit the website here.