I think it depends too on whether it is a national chain like Goodwill or if it is a local charity thrift store. I don't like shopping thrift stores that are in it to make a huge profit.

Prices at our local thrift stores are usually reasonable. I did talk to the shop manager about the price that was marked on a Featherweight sewing machine. They wanted $400, that same morning I had checked ebay prices on them and they were going for $200 or a few dollars more. The machine was not perfect, showed more than a little wear. I offered her $225 and we settled for $250. Most shops will discuss prices, especially if the item has been in the shop for long.

Our thrift stores have "bargain day" for example 50% off on Wed. or certain colored tags are 20, 30 or 50%. But I do agree the prices for their apparal are high and good clothing stores have great "clearance" prices plus use their store coupon for even more off.

Local Goodwill is expensive. I can shop at Belk's Dept Store when they have sale and spend less than Goodwill.
Salvation Army store is creeping up on prices. I was there yesterday and donations were being brought in one clerk was picking her choices before they got in the door. This is not the first time I have seen her do this.
Habitat for Humanity Store is more expensive that going to the mall. Another local charity store is a great place to shop.

I think everything is going up in prices

GWs here are expensive if you don't shop on 50% off days.

Guess which days I shop? LOL

You really have to look to find the bargains in most of them near me, but a couple towns away, there is one where I can get office clothes for next to nothing. Another has like-new appliances. Another near me runs specials nearly every week.

With rents going up, we did lose a few good ones, though.

Our Goodwill is pretty pricy, its almost a new building, so maybe thats why! Used shirts are 4.99...too much for me to pay, lol! Thats why I love garage sales, can find nice shirts for $.50!

DH and I were just in a Good Will in the Philadelphia, PA area and also noticed that the prices were all over the place. I did get some nice fabric pieces for a $1 each and and one 2 yard piece for $2. I did the burn test when I got home and I found that all of them were cotton! So, I figure that since the pieces were all larger than a FQ, $1 each wasn't too bad.

I know what it is!!!

They figures out QUILTERS are shopping there -
so they raised their prices.