You won't believe the prices at our thrift/goodwill store
#21
Originally Posted by jaciqltznok
Originally Posted by sewbizgirl
Our local charity store doesn't even price anything anymore. If you are interested in something you have to drag it to the checkout counter and after the clerk sizes you up, they make up a price to suit what they think they can soak you for. Definitely have different prices for different folks...
I used to donate nice clothes there a LOT, but the last time I was in the back (warehouse) part of the store where the bigger things are sold, I noticed this huge machine like a trash compactor-- it actually BALED UP loads of clothing into gigantic 'bricks'. I have no idea what they do with these (landfil?) but the back part of the warehouse was stacked to the roof with them. My guess is they don't even look at the clothes you donate... just throw it in the baler!
I go there to keep an eye out for used sewing machines and/or fabric, but they probably wouldn't sell it to me for what I could pay.
I used to donate nice clothes there a LOT, but the last time I was in the back (warehouse) part of the store where the bigger things are sold, I noticed this huge machine like a trash compactor-- it actually BALED UP loads of clothing into gigantic 'bricks'. I have no idea what they do with these (landfil?) but the back part of the warehouse was stacked to the roof with them. My guess is they don't even look at the clothes you donate... just throw it in the baler!
I go there to keep an eye out for used sewing machines and/or fabric, but they probably wouldn't sell it to me for what I could pay.
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Alturas, CA
Posts: 9,393
I believe it. About 3 years ago, I went into a goodwill store and found a couple handmade 100% cotton pillowcases, with no price, so I took them up to the register to see how much they were, $1.98 EACH, I said, no thank you and haven't been in there since. I think that Good Will has gone "up scale". I was in a different one than the above, and they had a decent looking hutch, $1700.00. People this is a thrift store, I think the head of the company is forgetting what a THRIFT store is.
#23
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 10,357
Here a lot of the larger thrift stores are getting really expensive too....sometimes it is cheaper to by new tops/shirts than to pay their prices. The smaller ones, church groups, Country Women's Association etc. have the best deals...and their stuff is clean and undamaged. I picked up a beautiful Janome 610 in it's case with accessories for $15.00.
#24
Super Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Merced, CA
Posts: 4,188
Gosh, I thought for a moment you were talking about the one in my town. We also have a more reasonable St. Vincent de Paul's here, plus one real good thrift store, the owners of which I've never been able to find out and keep forgetting to ask. But the prices are terrific, half price on Saturdays and some other days, so I keep on going back there.
In Modesto is a Salvation Army store that has reasonable prices, I stop there every time I'm in town. Usually find something that I love, need/and or will use some day or other.
In Modesto is a Salvation Army store that has reasonable prices, I stop there every time I'm in town. Usually find something that I love, need/and or will use some day or other.
#25
I believe the Goodwills overprice so when they have half price days - they at least get the lower price.
I've found 'better deals' at church or school run resale shops.
Bottom line is that if the price is too high - don't buy it or ask for a lower price - see if they'll work with you.
I've found 'better deals' at church or school run resale shops.
Bottom line is that if the price is too high - don't buy it or ask for a lower price - see if they'll work with you.
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: New England
Posts: 575
I admire the work that Goodwill/The Salvation Army does for the poor and disenfranchised in our communities and do not object to paying a fair price for an item I desire or might find useful. I am not adverse to offering what I consider a reasonable price for an item, and will negotiate if the manager is willing. If there is nothing in the store I find appealing...I leave, and return another day.
#29
Originally Posted by jlong
You are right, their prices are way too high. I've noticed that around here too. Since there are more thrift customers due to unemployment and pay freezes, their prices are rising. I still look for fabric every time I go near one.
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