Ski Boot Dryer: New or Used?

There is nothing worse for a snow skier or snowboarder to experience than cold and wet feet. In the 1970s, when I first started skiing, if my feet got wet and cold I would go to my vehicle in the parking lot, change into fresh socks, after having my toes warmed up by the floor heater inside my 1959 Cadillac that looked just like the one Elvis Presley drove in the movie "Viva Las Vegas." How times have changed.

You may have had a similar experience while staying at a ski resort where the snow was very damp. Every evening when you return to your chalet, your soaking-wet boots were placed in front of the freshly lit fire hopefully to dry out over night. Every morning when you checked the inside of the boots, sure enough; they were still wet. Another day of skiing the first run of the morning in wet socks. You vowed that before your next ski vacation you are going to buy a ski boot dryer.

New vs. Used

When you get home, you jump on the internet and do extensive research on the top five selling models. Based upon all of the reviews you have read and the input you have received from your skiing buddies, you make a decision on the model you want. As the price of a new one is not in line with your budget, you make the decision to buy used.

The key to making a great buy on anything used, including the ski boot dryer you are looking for, is to know what it sold for when it was brand new. With this information you are ready to start your search.

Now go back online and look for the ski boot dryer you have decided on in local newspapers, eBay, and craigslist. Try and find someone who is the original owner and still has the paperwork. That way, someday when you are in a financial position to purchase a brand new ski boot dryer, you will get top price for your used one because you have the original paperwork intact.

One final tip: Take cash with you to negotiate the best deal possible on that slightly used ski boot dryer that you have located. You would be surprised how much discount you might receive depending on whether you pay by cash or a check. Once you have inspected the ski boot dryer thoroughly, and decided this would be the one if I could get it at the right price, always ask, "Other than your asking price, what would be the lowest cash price you would sell it for?"

Good Luck keeping your feet warm!