How to define "Electrical"?

[Jerry.Tan]

The local Goodwill store had a HALF PRICE on all Electrical items yesterday. The sign read: "Everything Electrical is Half Price Today - Anything that plugs in".

I got: Lamp timer with a 120V cord on it. Computer mouse with PS2 cord/plug A 6 foot A/V cable (3 wire RCA cable for a VCR or DVD player) A USB to Mini USB cord for my cellphone.

When I checked out, the clerk said that the only item that plugs in, was the timer. I explained to her that the computer mouse PLUGS IN to a computer, the RCA cable PLUGS IN to a TV and VCR or DVD, and the USB cord PLUGS IN to a computer and cellphone.

She called the manager. He asked her what the problem is. She said this stuff dont plug in. He looked puzzled, when I said "It dont say what it's supposed to plug *INTO*", and told hom the same as I told the clerk (above).

He agreed with me, and said it all looked electrical, and told the clerk to give me the half price. But said if anything needed batteries, that would not qualify.

I'm not complaining, but that really is stupid and very vague wording. Just saying "Electrical" should suffice.....

[J Burns]

I'll have to side with the clerk. "Electrical" means "operated by or producing electricity."

[Ralph Mowery]

Aren't things at the Good Will donated ? In that case they should be glad to get rid of whatever someone wants to buy. It is really 100 % profit minus what they pay the people. I would say if it has a wire or contains batteries it would be electrical.

Don't try to ask the government. Friend in high school joined the airforce to learn electronics around 1970. They put him up in Alaska painting radar towers. He asked the base commander about how that was electronics. Commander pulled out the book (think it is called a MOS Book). Went down the list, Electronics, Radar , Radar Towers, Painting of radar towers, Commander said ' yep you are in electronics, now get your butt back out and start painting'. He spent most of his time painting.

[philo]

"Electrical" implies that it's something that runs on 115v "house current" so to speak.

The lamp timer would be such.

Items for the computer etc, would be considered "electronics".

The clerk was technically right. but it could be subject to interpretation and in a store such as Goodwill...I agree that they should just be happy top get it out the door...sold.

[bob_villa]

I would say you are being a dick...Goodwill is not for profit and promotes teaching and employing the handicapped. Shame on your tight wallet. (Did you also go on senior citizen discount and ask for that besides?)

[trader_4]

I don't see why "electrical" strictly means that it has to run off 120V AC. I think the strongest argument is the next part, where it says "anything that plugs in". I think you could reasonably construe the two taken together to mean that they meant anything that plugs into an outlet. But it's a poorly worded offer.

[Jerry.Tan]

Thats how I feel about it too. Yes, its donated, and most workers are volunteer. It's a program for handicapped and those are the workers. I guess there may be a paid manager (just a guess). I have shopped at Goodwill for most of my life, but in the last 5 or 10 years, their prices have gotten way too high. Some stuff is more than in a retail store. For example, a pair of used blue jeans for $9. I can buy a pair of NEW Rustler jeans at Walmart for $11.

At half price, I paid about $8 for these 4 electrical/electronic items. I would not have bought the stuff for $16. For example, The mouse was priced at $5. That's a lot for a used PS2 microsoft mouse, but for $2.50, I'd buy it, since I wanted to have a spare.

I've seen used VCRs priced at $40. Come on, thats robbery.

[bob_villa]

Who cares about "strictly"...cut them some slack, take it for the price listed or put it back. Who are you trying to screw here?

[bob_villa]

All workers are paid, and most are not handicapped. Prices will vary by area...more affluent, and you with pay more (larger cities too).

[clare]

And in this application, means anything "mains powered" - not "electronic" or "battery powered"

[clare]

And you expect to get a pair of vintage Lee Riders, or GWG , or Levi's red tabs for $9???.

Generally thrift shop prices are VERY good, and only a cheapskate would chisel on prices at a store that is a charity fundraiser. The stuff is donated with the expectation that it will be sold at a reasonable price, that will provide funds for the charity involved.

[clare]

Hey, don't bring his nationality into it. Stupidity knows no borders. Just going by the ratio of american residents to canadian residents, there are roughly 10 times as many american idiots as canadian idiots

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[Stormin Mormon]

Nitwit! What does the manager think batteries do? Fart methane?

- . Christopher A. Young learn more about Jesus .

. .

[Stormin Mormon]

What is your position on battery power devices? Are they electrical?

For example, is a flashlight electrical?

How about a dustbuster?

How about a battery power AM / FM radio?

- . Christopher A. Young learn more about Jesus .

. .

[Stormin Mormon]

So, my 12 volt DC car doesn't have an electrical system?

- . Christopher A. Young learn more about Jesus .

. .

[J Burns]

I took that definition from the OED. You mentioned the electrical system of your car. Anything powered by it is electrical.

I'd call a flashlight electrical when it's connected to an electrical system for charging.

Yes, half price.

Sorry, full price.

[philo]

Yep. Considering that the stuff sells for next to nothing, why try to get it for half-price???

[trader_4]

By OED, I assume you mean the Oxford English Dictionary? This OED?:

Definition of electrical in English: adjective

1Operating by or producing electricity: ?an electrical appliance?

?Since when did the average boat owner need a generator to operate the boat's electrical system??

1.1Concerned with electricity: ?an electrical engineer?

Merriam Webster:

elec·tri·cal \-tri-k?l\ : of, relating to, or operated by e lectricity

I don't see where either of those strictly limit "electrical" to requiring that it be intended to be plugged into an AC outlet.

You mentioned the electrical system

Is an electrical engineer also only electrical when he's plugged into an electrical system for charging?

[trader_4]

The man has a point. There are jeans and there are jeans, some costing $100, $200, even $300+ when new. And then there is what condition they are in. If it was a pair of jeans that normally go for even $50 and in excellent condition, they'd be a steal at $9. Actually, some folks pay *more* for used looking jeans. They call them "distressed" and Voila!, they cost 2X.

[bob_villa]

This puts you in the league with Moron and micky...and we are talking about cheating a charity, not "strict" lawyer-type semantics! If you can't see the difference...you need professional help.