Yep, you went to stores, pawn shops, the LGS, shows, read the classifieds--lots of FTF; almost always cash in hand, too. Phones had dials; the newfangled ones had push buttons. Gas pumps had all been changed to add a dollar to the price. There were only three news networks, and they only broadcast news for a half hour in the morning, at supper time, and right at bedtime.
Now, were you getting a good deal? You never knew. There was a semi-mythical "Blue Book" that no one ever seemed to have a copy of, but knew the values within, somehow, despite the lack. Now, back in the day, being "gouged" was more like coming up $20 ahead/behind--and that double sawbuck was real money back then.
Much the same way people bought and sold cars before the intertuubs. And, you had to know someone "in the trade" to be able to peak into the NADA Blue Book, so the "going rate" was what it was.