The Ultimate Data Hoarder’s Quest: Flying Across the Atlantic for Hard Drives

In the ever-expanding universe of data storage, where terabytes are the new gigabytes and storage enthusiasts push the boundaries of what’s possible, one intrepid individual has taken the concept of “shopping around” to an entirely new level. This is the story of how a simple quest for affordable 28TB external hard drives turned into an international adventure that would make even the most seasoned travelers raise an eyebrow.

The Spark of an Idea

It all began in the UK, where a Redditor known as cgtechuk found themselves staring at increasingly outrageous prices for 28TB external hard drives. What started as casual observation quickly evolved into a full-blown obsession as prices continued their upward trajectory, seemingly with no ceiling in sight.

“I’ve been watching the prices of 28TB drives go literally ridiculous in the UK,” cgtechuk explained in their Reddit post. “I decided to book a short trip to New York just after New Year to stock up on some 28TB drives. And given that the prices were only going up, I decided to buy 10 of them.”

The Logistics of Madness

What followed was a masterclass in strategic shopping and international travel planning. The challenges were immediate and numerous:

• Stock Availability: The drives were constantly fluctuating in and out of stock at both Best Buy and B&H Photo
• Purchase Limits: Both retailers had a maximum purchase limit of 5 drives per customer
• Timing: Finding a day when both retailers had stock simultaneously

The solution? A carefully orchestrated shopping spree across two different retailers on the same day, maximizing the purchase limits while ensuring availability.

Trust Issues and Documentation

In the world of high-capacity storage, scams are unfortunately common. Stories of smaller drives being repackaged and sold as larger ones are legendary in data hoarder circles. cgtechuk wasn’t taking any chances.

“I was worried about being scammed, so I recorded every part of picking up the drives,” they explained. “I filmed the opening and testing of the HDDs in their hotel room for good measure. This involved running several software programs and performing file copies to confirm that the drives were 28TB units, and not smaller, swapped-out drives.”

The Return Journey: A Hard Drive Odyssey

Getting ten 28TB external hard drives back to the UK presented its own unique set of challenges. The solution was both ingenious and slightly absurd:

“Turns out 10 drives was a mistake. I should have picked 8 as that would have been much easier logistically,” cgtechuk admitted. “It took up pretty much all of my hand luggage space. However, I must admit the foam inserts from inside the retail boxes helped the drives fit better.”

The strategy involved:

• Hand Luggage: All ten actual 28TB drives
• Checked Luggage: Cardboard boxes, power packs, and other accessories (just in case warranty issues arose)

The Numbers Game: Did It Actually Save Money?

The moment of truth arrived when cgtechuk crunched the numbers. The results were nothing short of spectacular:

• US Purchase Price: £244 per drive
• UK Import VAT: 20%
• Total Cost Per Drive in UK: Approximately £300
• UK Retail Price: £568 on Amazon UK
• UK Refurbished Price: £420 on eBay UK

The math was clear: a saving of £268 per drive, totaling £2,680 for the entire purchase.

Points Make Prizes: The Ultimate Optimization

What made this venture even more impressive was cgtechuk’s use of loyalty points:

“I used points to book both the hotel and the flights, so without that the saving would not be as great as the expenses would be higher.”

This strategic use of points transformed what could have been a break-even proposition into a genuinely profitable venture.

Airport Adventures: Security and Beyond

The journey through airport security was surprisingly smooth, thanks in part to TSA PreCheck:

“I have TSA Pre and they didn’t even get secondary screening, just straight through with no issues,” cgtechuk reported.

However, the return to the UK presented some expected challenges:

“They did get stopped and swabbed in the UK, which is to be expected given it’s large metal objects in a suitcase. But all in all, no real issues.”

The Verdict: Worth Every Penny

In the end, cgtechuk’s assessment was unequivocal:

“Anyway, it can be done. Bit of a crazy idea tying up so much money in external drives, but was worth it in the end.”

The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Data Hoarders

This story isn’t just about one person’s quest for affordable storage; it’s a testament to the lengths that data enthusiasts will go to in pursuit of their passion. It highlights several important trends:

1. Global Price Disparities: The significant price differences between regions create arbitrage opportunities
2. Consumer Ingenuity: Creative solutions to logistical challenges
3. The Value of Loyalty Programs: Strategic use of points and rewards
4. Community Knowledge: The importance of shared experiences in niche communities

The Future of Data Storage Shopping

As storage needs continue to grow exponentially, we may see more of these international shopping expeditions. The combination of:

• Rising storage demands
• Regional price variations
• Advanced loyalty programs
• Online community support

Creates a perfect storm for creative purchasing strategies.

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This extraordinary tale serves as both inspiration and instruction for data hoarders everywhere, proving that with enough determination, creativity, and strategic planning, even the most ambitious storage goals can be achieved.

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