Starting the Hunt for Buckeye Helmets
So I wanted an Ohio State helmet real bad but refused to pay that crazy $200+ official price. Grabbed my laptop and started digging like a squirrel hunting acorns before winter.
First thing I did? Checked all those big online marketplaces. Filtered by price – under $100 only. Most were either fake plastic junk or beat-up helmets missing face masks. Found one around $85 but shipping cost another $30! Nah man, that ain’t how this works.
Getting Sneaky With Secondhand Spots
Remembered my cousin talking about local resell apps where folks dump game day gear after season. Downloaded a few popular ones – you know the type. Took me three days of refreshing like a maniac until this popped up:
- Ohio State replica helmet with stand
- Used twice for watch parties according to seller
- Had small scratch near ear hole
- Dude wanted $120 firm
Messaged him straight away playing the broke student card. Said I only had $85 cash and could meet RIGHT NOW. He countered with $95. Told him I’d throw in a six-pack of local IPA beer if he took $90. Deal done!
The Sketchy Parking Lot Swap
Met outside some supermarket at 8pm. Felt like a drug deal – guy pulls up in pickup truck, pops the trunk. There she was shining under parking lot lights, beautiful scarlet helmet with that iconic O decal. Handed him cash and the beer. He grinned: “Go Bucks!”
Got home and inspected it properly under garage lights. That scratch was barely noticeable, and no funky smells either. Total damage: $90 cash + $12 beer = legit under budget at $102. Forgot tax on the beer though, damn it!
Moral of the story? Always negotiate in person and bring beer. Saved over 50% just by being annoying online and driving to some random lot. Now I’m watching replays wearing my helmet like a weirdo. Worth every penny!
