12 Goodwill Shopping Secrets Revealed
Tips and tricks for shopping the best deals at Goodwill and thrift stores.
This post has been a loooooooooooooong time coming. Actually, there probably aren’t even enough Os in that word.
I walk through those automatic sliding doors of my neighborhood Goodwill and suddenly I’m a straight up boss. Macklemore style. (Did you really think you’d be able to read a thrifting post without that reference? Mission accomplished, friend.)
I sorta kinda maybe most definitely absolutely have a Goodwill addiction. But in a good way. Not in the way that you’d catch me on an episode of Hoarders; thank goodness.
In one year, we furnished the majority of our entire house by shopping at Goodwill and Craigslist. I already wrote ways to score on Craigslist a few months ago, but Goodwill can be equally as rewarding, if not more. Really thrift stores in general rock, but I’ve just been very lucky with the Goodwills in my area and have learned the tricks.
So here ya go. Goodwill shopping secrets revealed: (Pardon my low-quality cell phone photos.)
1. Visit regularly.
I visit my local Goodwill usually once a week, sometimes twice if I have the time. Ours is literally 5 minutes from our house, so it’s easy to pop in often. Some days I score big with incredible finds. Other days I walk out completely empty handed. But I’ll never know unless I stop in and check out the goods.
If you’ve never had any luck at Goodwill before, it might just be because you went on an “off” day when their stock wasn’t so great.
2. Stop in at prime times.
I’m not even kidding in saying I almost don’t want to reveal this little tip. But honestly, what kind of friend would I be if I didn’t? When the yard sales in your area are in full swing, chances are your local Goodwill will get a spike in merchandise too. (Winter can be a bit of a dud.)
Since most yard sales are on the weekends, I tend to have the most luck on Mondays after items have been donated. Most people usually clean out their closets and storage areas over the weekend. And if you hit up the store after a holiday weekend, you can expect an even bigger selection since most people have more time to purge their stuff.
I visited my store last week the day after Memorial Day and it was packed with all kinds of great furniture. Just the week before, there was hardly any furniture at all.
Visit early too. Some days I manage to get to Goodwill when they open and there is already a line 5-10 people deep at the still locked doors. It doesn’t happen often for me. But when I arrive at opening time on a Monday or Tuesday, I can pretty much guarantee an amazing find.
3. Know what you’re looking for.
I keep a list in mind of items I need to be on the lookout for. I have my route planned out and typically stop in at the furniture section first, followed by the frames/mirrors, home decor, lighting, and holiday sections. Yes, holiday sections. You wouldn’t believe all of the great Christmas decor I find smack dab in the middle of summer. I decorated for Christmas last year with tons of it for dirt cheap.
Do you spy what I spy? That ornate scroll mirror is way too pretty to be homeless. But I left it for someone else to enjoy.
I’ve found a vintage typewriter, desk lamp, and globe for our office, a lamp for Olivia’s room, a dome clock to transform into a cloche, and all kinds of books, sheet music, and prints to decorate with- so many little things get a new life at our house.
4. Think outside the box and get creative.
This could probably be a whole ‘nother post all by itself, but just know that so much of what you find can be repurposed and madeover for what you want with a bit of imagination.
I saw this dinged up coffee table for $5 last week. (It was already sold though…boo.)
It didn’t look like much, but with a little paint and some wood planks on top, it could end up looking like this:
Source: Centsational Girl
5. Don’t hesitate.
If you see something you like, snatch it up. Take that furniture tag and run. (Not literally out the door…you know what I mean.) As you shop, you can make the decision if you really want to buy it. You can always put the item back. But the best items aren’t on the floor for long, so don’t miss out while you are deciding.
I was actually standing and looking at a beautiful vintage birdcage sitting on a shelf the other day trying to decide if I really wanted one more. And a lady came along and grabbed it right from under my nose. I mean wow. It’s a ruthless jungle in there with some people.
6. Make sure the price is right.
Since thrifting has increased in popularity, Goodwill has taken notice. And sometimes they do seem a bit pricey. Don’t buy something just because it’s there. Chances are others won’t buy an item priced too high either and you can come back in a day or two when it’s marked down. This coffee table I madeover was originally marked at $50, and I managed to buy it at $20 a few days later. Patience pays off sometimes.
7. Donate something every time you go.
To keep my thrifting/hoarding tencencies at bay, I try to take at least something to donate every time I visit. It keeps the hubby happy. 😉 And makes our house look less like a crazy junk lady lives there.
8. Visit stores in higher-end neighborhoods and/or multiple locations.
I’m lucky to live on the outskirts of one of the wealthier neighborhoods in our city. I can’t even believe some of the expensive pieces of furniture I find for total chump change regularly. This dining table I spotted recently was a looker! Some liming wax could really make that yellowy wood sing. Those chairs had major potential too.
I don’t really find as many great things in the more impoverished areas. But I still sometimes get lucky, and it’s interesting to see how much the merchandise can vary. The more rural areas are more likely to have country style decor, and that can be fun. I’m still on the lookout for an old milk can though.
9. Only buy items you are truly excited about.
If you don’t totally love it in the store or aren’t excited about an item’s potential, leave it. Don’t buy something just for the sake of buying it. Walking out with nothing is okay. You’ll have better luck next time.
I so wanted to take home this china cabinet. That quatrefoil has come back into trend and would come to life with a fresh coat of paint on the piece. It was being sold at $65. Not too shabby.
10. Remember that paint can fix (almost) anything.
If you find a beautiful dresser with lots of scratches, chalk paint will fix it right up. Don’t like the color of some pictures frames? Paint those bad boys. Almost all of the frames on my gallery wall came from Goodwill and they were all different colors.
Transform an old brass light fixture into something that will match the rest of your lighting. I found our stairway light for $17 at Goodwill, luckily ready to hang. Paint would have been an easy fix if I had wanted to change the finish.
Even upholstery can sometimes be painted (just make sure the upholstery is still in good shape and doesn’t have a smell…ew.) Don’t let the color of something limit you.
11. Look for quality.
If you find a dresser with dovetail drawers, that’s a winner. If a chair is nice and sturdy, it has lots of potential. Brand names are a plus too. Our dining chairs were made by a high end company called American Drew that sold me on them.
This console table I madeover was made my Broyhill, a brand I knew, so I felt confident in buying it.
I even found a set of 8 Crate & Barrel white coffee mugs for 50 cents each a while back. They’re my favorite!
12. Know the sale days.
(Note: Sale days and discount programs vary by region, so check with your local store as it might be different from these.) Tuesdays are student/military discount days and you can get 20% off your entire purchase with your ID. On Wednesdays, seniors 55 and older can get 20% off the entire purchase. Goodwill has a Customer Value Program and Email Club with special discounts and coupons too.
There ya go. I just spilled all my secrets, and now I might have some fierce competition. But I always love passing on what I’ve learned. And who knows…maybe in another year, I’ll have learned twice as much. That I will, of course, share with you all over again.
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The goodwill near us is getting pretty pricey, too, but if you donate stuff before you go in they will give you a coupon for 20%!
Good to know, Tara! Thanks!
Another thing about donating something each time you go… At least here where I live, the “tax receipt” that you get has a 10% off coupon. So donate first, get the receipt, then go shopping!
Great tip, Beth! I don’t know if they have that where I live. I’ll have to pay attention to that next time I’m there.
Monday’s everything has been bought The weekend.at our goodwill store. I buy all my clothes there.people ask me all the time where I find all my beautiful outfits. When I say goodwill they look shocked.women donate their clothes when they buy new ones. I knew a young woman who sold all her clothes at yardsales at the end of the year and bought all new summer clothes.
I like to shop at goodwill and I love what I find.
Great tips! I always carry something around until I decide and it usually turns out to be my best buy! Can I add another tip? Go around at least twice. I always see the best stuff the second or third time around. I don’t get to stop by my Goodwill once a week but when I do I usually find something to buy. The picture of your Goodwill is A LOT nicer than mine! I do have some donations to drop off so I will be checking it out soon.
Yes! Totally agree! That’s a great tip. I hadn’t thought about that one, but you’re right. I find some good stuff the second time around sometimes. Our Goodwill really is nice compared to a lot of others I’ve been to. We got lucky.
Great tips! Shocker… I had never set foot in a Goodwill until a year or so ago. Now, I’m there all the time. Thanks for all the advice!
It’s addictive, right? 🙂
These are great tips! My husband and I are big thrifters. So many of the things in our home our finds from local thrift stores! I think the tip we’ve seen to be the most important is to visit regularly. Probably 75% of our visits involve walking in, exploring for 5 minutes, and walking out empty handed. But those 25% of visits where we find something we love? Totally worth it. 🙂 {and our favorite local thrift store is right next to Starbucks, so we might as well pop in and get a coffee, right?!)
Thanks for sharing!
I totally agree! I walk out empty handed most of the time, but those score days are sweet sweet victory. 🙂 I wish I had a Starbucks next to mine! Lucky!
These are great tips. I like your rule of donating something, too. Thanks for posting. Hello from Handmade Hangout.
Thanks, Melissa! Definitely. If I didn’t donate, I’d be a crazy junk lady. Haha
Lauren, these are such great tips! I have tried to go to goodwill so many times to get stuff for projects, but I never have luck! I think my biggest thing is I go at odd times, like end of the week. I am going to try on a Monday like you mentioned. Makes sense after garage sales, etc. Have you ever shopped goodwill online? I’ve heard people say they have done so before. Thanks for the tips! Have an awesome weekend!
Definitely try it on a Monday. First thing in the morning is even better, but I know most people can’t do that with work hours. Hope you have better luck next time around! I’ve looked around at Goodwill online but I never really had much luck there. I feel like the prices are better in store, and even then the pricing seems to vary by location.
Really great tips, Lauren. Thank for sharing!
Thanks, Cynthia!
Thanks for the tips. My mom loves shopping at her Goodwill. I’m sharing this post with my Facebook fans. Stopping by from The Weekend Retreat.
The Frugal Ginger
Yay! Thanks, Ashley! I appreciate the share!
I went to my local Keystone Goodwill in Exton,Pa to have my military discount put on it. He told me it was only 10 0/0 and I would lose my 55 and over 1/2 off on Monday discount. It’s different everywhere. I have a different card for Wisconsin and one for Michigan. wow!
Aw boo! That stinks! Seems ridiculous that they would deviate from what is listed directly on the Goodwill website. :-/
I stalk Goodwill. I try to get in there once a week. I love all your tips Lauren.
I do too, Michelle. I’ve started becoming friends with the workers…that might be a sign I have a problem. Haha
We have several Goodwill outlets in our area in NC. Their prices are much more reasonable than regular Goodwill stores. They charge by the pound: $1.25 for clothes, toys, and household items; $.59 for books; furniture and electronic devices are individually priced but are usually reasonable. I love to go there! I have found several items that I have resold on eBay for a profit! I usually come out with 2-3 garbage bags full for around $25-$30.
That’s amazing, Tasha! I’ve heard great things about the Goodwill outlets but haven’t had the chance to visit yet. I’m in NC too so who knows, you might see me there one day. 🙂
Where in NC, Lauren? I shop all over the state (live in Wilmington) I bet I could give you a tip or two on local stores in addition to GW;)…
We’re in the Charlotte area. 🙂
You are really good as seeing the potential in pieces. I would have overlooked some of your great finds!
Eilis@MyHeartLivesHere
It has taken some practice for sure. 🙂 Two years ago, when I first started thrifting, I wasn’t very good at visualizing. Thanks for the love, Eilis!
I love Goodwill too! I can find some great new stuff from Target too. And your right, paint can fix almost anything! I even just painted a pair of shoes! Thanks for the tips!
No way! Shoes?! I’ve never thought of that! I think Target has a partnership of some kind with Goodwill because I see new Target items there a lot too. I’m glad Target donates their unsold items rather than destroying them.
Thanks for the “shopping secrets”….I would love to shop at your Goodwill – it looks like a large store with a great selection! I am definitely a Goodwill shopper and have found some great deals! One thing that’s interesting in our Goodwill – one week the prices will be higher, the next week they will be lower – almost like it depends on who’s doing the pricing each week!? We don’t have the discount days with percentages off – our stores choose a color for the week and the items with that color tag are half price. Great “tips” – some of them I’m already putting into practice when thrift store shopping!
Have a great week!
Lanita
I’ve noticed that too, Lanita. I’m wondering if they price items lower when they have a lot of stock and are trying to push everything out the door to sell fast. And on the weeks they don’t have a lot of donations they probably price things higher to keep it on the floor longer and get the buyers who are willing to pay more since the store has the space. That’s just my theory. It could depend on who’s doing the pricing too though, I’m sure. Maybe the discount days is a regional thing? I was thinking it was all over.
I agree with Amy and Allison. Goodwill in particular has lost its way in terms of a non-profit mission. Their prices in no accurate way reflect the demographics of their core buyers. On top of that, our local Texas Goodwill store needs a serious overhaul. It’s dark, dingy, and downright scary to visit. I truly miss the Deseret Industries thrift store back in Idaho. These folks really know what they’re doing. They are brilliant at merchandising, lighting, and service. And while their prices did start to creep upward, they took measures to reverse the trend when the increases were met with opposition.
I can see what you mean, Ardith. And there was actually a false article circulated on social media for sometime that has since been debunked regarding the profit margin. Snopes.com has more information on the fact checking of it. I don’t like seeing the way they price things sometimes either. It’s hit or miss with their furniture for sure and doesn’t seem consistent, but then I’ve discovered great finds that keep me coming back. I’m lucky enough to have one in my neighborhood that is fairly new, clean, and friendly, but I definitely know there are some not-so-great ones out there. Demographics certainly play a part. I really wish I could find a great thrift store in my area and I try to visit one close to me that supports the Humane Society, but I haven’t been as pleased with their selection or pricing either. It seems like the increase in pricing has been across the board no matter where I thrift.
I’m gonna disagree with the “snopes” thing.its an ordinary man and woman that does a little “digging and quite frequently is wrong. When you look at the company portfolio, you do, indeed, find that the CEO’S are literally getting rich off the poverty level people of America. It makes me sick.
I agree
Most Goodwill stores follow the mission of giving persons a helping hand with employment. In our are they focus on mentally handicapped people job support.
They are well respected in the community. Yes prices have risen, but so have the wages they pay their staff. Far better than Value Village which is just a corporate company donating pennies to charity.
What do you mean, Snopes “quite frequently” is wrong? You don’t give examples in that, or backing up your statement that goodwill is getting rich off “poverty level people.” Stores that sell low-quality merchandise for 10000% profit (like Walmart, or Old Navy, or basically any big box store) are getting rich off poor people. Goodwill helped me furnish my home with quality furniture for literally 1/100th of what I would have paid to buy cheap crap made in China from Walmart. Please find a different soapbox to stand on.
Thanks for sharing your Goodwill shopping secrets!! I live 10 minutes from our local GW and go there often. A lot of my decorating décor is from there.
~Cindy
That’s great, Cindy! Bragging about those thrifty finds is always fun too, isn’t it? 🙂
I live in OHIO.I shop Goodwill almost daily.We get discounts daily.Seniors,AARP,Military,and so on.We have very good prices on everything.Our Goodwill does buy-outs from Department stores that are a little more on somethings.But,not on the clothing.The clothing is hung with all the other, at the same price.The store is set up like a Department store,very neat,clean.Just a week or so ago,they lowered prices on everything.These prices will not go up.I donate all the time.This store has alot of the same people, who started when the store opened.When I donate,I don’t care what store sells it.The Goodwill here in OHIO has schools to teach people how to better their life,by learning a trade.The people make at least over $9.00 an hour to start.Sorry, this is so long.But,I wanted to let people know ,not all thrift stores are alike.
I thought that Goodwill prices have been steadily going up – glad to know it wasn’t just me! Great tips here, especially going on Mondays…I’ll have to try that in about a week at my local thrift stores. 😉
It does seem inconsistent sometimes. But if they price things too high, people simply won’t buy it. After a day or two, it gets marked down. Even if they’re not always smart a pricing things, buyers are smart enough not to fork over that kind of money.
I find that the better the neighborhood the store is in, the cheaper the prices and the worse the neighborhood, the worse the prices. I love the Goodwills outside Beverly Hills, CA. Most of the Goodwills in CA have been awesome but I don’t go there to help charity. I just go for good deals. I know they aren’t helping anyone but themselves. For awhile, they were even asking for extra donations at the cash register.
Hi Kathleen,
I’m probably going to the same stores as you do. I go quite a lot, and have experience with labels, merchandise, and prices in general.
I purchased several great items recently, and it’s strictly because the person pricing the stuff wasn’t familiar with what they had. Like a Paloma Picasso handbag for $7.99 which I’ve found on Ebay for $500; a brand new Le Creuset bean pot for $4.99 retail $150; a French confit pot for 5.99 and it normally goes from $300 and up; a brand new perfume for 4.99 retails for $95, etc.
I moved to NM from Indy last year. The prices in NM are 3 or mores times higher than in Indy. Used Mr Coffee coffeemaker, for example, can cost up to $25!!!! They only have one day here when you can get a discount. They never mark things down. In Indy they dd the colored tag system. Every week a different color tag was 50% off. Here one day a week you get 25% off of items. But that is every thrift store in Albuquerque. It is almost impossible to find anything you want. One thrift store has a “Senior Day” on Tuesday. Sunday and Monday they don’t replenish shelves so that Tuesdays is the left overs they can’t get rid of. Wednesday morning the shelves are overflowing-but at least they have the colored tag system for the week-which is better than shopping senior day. It is pitiful how many seniors show up for this.
I have purchased online from the Indi Goodwill, and I do find everyone there I have spoken to to be professional. Since I collect dishes every thing in tableware I have purchased has always arrived in perfect shape and professionally packed.
It definitely seems inconsistent, but if you wait, the price will drop. For me, I’ve noticed it really varies by location. One Goodwill 30 minutes from me is always priced higher than the one in my neighborhood, so it helps to visit several until you find a winner. Other buyers aren’t likely to pay the higher prices either.
Amy, you took the words right out of my mouth. Same here for the prices at Goodwill. I do not shop there or donate there. I think they are beggers and thieves actually with all the trailers sitting along the road side to drop your donations off. And thieves for the outrageous prices, it’s terrible. That sounds harsh, but in my area it’s true.
I too have found other thrift stores and they go to a good cause like animal rescue. I try not to go too much, because I buy too much, my house is already full.
So, so smart of you to buy things and make them over for resale. It gives you spending money to decorate. And you are so good at it.
I’m thinking it really varies by region. The same thing I told Amy, there is a Goodwill 30 minutes from my house that always has higher prices than the one 5 minutes from me. I know there was an article that circulated on social media a while back about Goodwill’s profit margin that ended up being fabricated information and was fact checked my Snopes. I’m certainly no expert on where their money goes, but regardless if there is greed involved, I do know the workers there have disabilities or other needs and need the work to help with personal and economic independence. I visit other thrift stores as well, like one in my area that supports the Humane Society, but they don’t usually have much of a furniture selection. I’m still on the lookout for more not-so-well-known thrift stores too though. Just not much luck so far on my end.
Goodwill is a terrible organization. They hired my hardworking handicapped daughter. They required her to work 12 hrs a day for 7 days then 7 days off for 89 days. This was grueling for her but she needed a job so badly. A day before the 90th day, when she would have been eligible for health and vacation benefits, they laid her off and hired another young woman in the same circumstances. We investigated and found that they did this over and over. They keep a small core staff and cycle through others to keep from obeying labor laws. We consulted a lawyer but were told that in our state as a “free will state” they could fire you for no reason at all. So, then Steph had a firing on her record.
If you are just looking for a bargain without any social consciousness, do shop at Goodwill. But if you care at all about the scheming of this multibillion dollar ripoff machine, please shop at Salvation Army or somewhere. Did you know that Good SELLS all its’ clothing in war torn and poverty stricken countries such as Africa and Darfur? Please check and don’t patronize this evil giant.
Please note that as said before, all regions are run different. Most people do not realise that Goodwill is separated by districts and each district has it’s own policies. Also, in some districts, each store’s manager is able to make their own policies. In most stores this behavior is not condoned but I also have to say that most regions have gone to the majority of it’s employees being part time, so they don’t have to pay benefits. I do agree that the Salvation Army is better at community support. Also the clothing you speak of being sold in poverty stricken countries is normally sold for pennies a pound. And it’s the clothing that has been pulled to put in new. All items have a five week “shelf life” and then are pulled. Most stores have worked at figuring out new ways to keep as much merchandise as possible out of the landfills.
Why did you allow your handicapped daughter to work 7 days a week, 12 hours a day? I’m not handicapped and even my mom would have put her foot down and said no way was I working there.
I find this story very disturbing on many levels. Why would you allow your handicapped daughter to work 7 days a week, 12 hour a day? Not only does Good Will NOT allow this, it is against all policies. This is complete BULL CRAP! How do i know? Because i work for The Good Will
That is so sad. My friend worked at goodwill for about 5 years they said she had a felony on her record and fired her why did they wait so long should be able to sue them
I am so sorry you were treated that poorly. My son works there and he is boarder line special needs so he took the job, but I wish someone would make the company do the right thing, and it should be non profit right down the line. They do hire and train people who would otherwise be unemployable, but there is also a big push for profits, and the ceo makes a salary in the six figures.
I won’t go there anymore. Sal army is the lesser of both evils. Outrageous and nasty staff. Savers is better.
Great tips, Lauren! The Goodwill’s in our area have gotten so outrageously high with their pricing we rarely even look there anymore. Fortunately there’s a few other thrift shops in our area that have awesome finds and much more reasonable pricing. You’ve done some amazing transformations with the things you’ve found!
I’ve noticed it can vary. There is a Goodwill I’ve visited about 30 minutes from me that it always significantly higher in price than the one 5 minutes from my house. I haven’t had any luck with other thrift stores in my area yet. You’re definitely fortunate to have some good ones in your town. Maybe I haven’t dug around enough yet. Thanks for the love, Amy! I always love your transformations too.
Gee Lauren, wish you lived close to me (Arizona) I have 2 milk cans!
You should know I’m totally jealous right now. 😉
What brand of liming wax do you prefer? I’ve never used it before, and do you use this over chalk paint or just plain wood? thanks!
You can buy liming wax already mixed if you’d like. Briwax makes one that’s great. You can also make your own using 3 parts clear furniture wax (Annie Sloan is a good one) to 1 part white paint, mix well, and you’ve got your own DIY liming wax.
I had a horrible experience today at the Goodwill in Fresno, CA. today. I found a “Jones” coat I just loved at a very reasonable price. I am always thrilled when I find that one good buy. A young male employee was listening when I exclaimed over the good deal. When I went to check out he told me he could not sell the coat at that price and ripped the tag off. I asked what I could pay to get the coat. He refused to sell it to me. I was so disappointed and angry. I am still up because I can’t sleep thinking about it. Is that legal?
Hi Mona. . .I keep quiet when I find a terrific deal @ GW. I pay for it & skidaddle out of
there. I’ve purchased Longaberger baskets for $1.00-2.00 before. . .well, not anymore as
GW now puts them in the Treasure Chest section. At our local GW they have an antique dealer that comes in and prices vintage/collectibles, etc. It seems that they put dealer prices on the objects, but people still buy it. Your experience with the coat shocked me!
I’m not sure what I would have done except talk to the manager. Seems the employee
overstepped his job description. Hope you have some better shopping experiences.
That’s terrible! Employees at our Goodwills in Midlothian Va area are not allowed to purchase merchandise.I would of asked for the manager.
This same thing happened to me at a local Goodwill. I went straight to the top and reported the employee. I doubt she still even works there.
Yes, please keep quiet about any good deals you find at good will. My husband was in there and found a book that was valuable which he resold, he shot his mouth off and now they scan every book they sell.
you should have talked to the manager, if it was priced, or not marked up they should honor the price.
Not legal, but I don’t think there’s much you can do. I’ve had my share of tricky sales clerks in the past. They would manipulate the tag when I was at the register and not looking.
So just keep quiet next time if you find something good. Pay for it, and run…
I never say anything either, but it’s rare to find a super good deal anymore. I’m sorry you had that experience.
More collectible items no longer hit the floor in our stores, but are automatically added to the Goodwill website where they can command more money (I was told this by an employee). Kind of the way of “thrifting” these days. If you do find a prize, consider yourself lucky. Even clothing with any kind of “label” gets a heftier price tag. And books? Good grief. Most I can buy less expensively online.
At our stores, employees are allowed to buy, but items need to be on the floor for three days (or so I was told).
I too shop and donate to GW but I recently found out that Good Will is Not non profit. It changed how I donate but not how I shop.
Also, they ship to other stores. I asked one time why so many t shirt from so & so, they said they just a shipment from there.
When I first began a number of years ago, Tshirts were .99 and 1.99, now they are up to $4 and 5.
I have found the Salvation Army has tried to do better in pricing and their furniture is exceptional but they do admit. Antique dealers.
Back when I started hunting it wasn’t “shabby chic” and now its a trend. My GW has auctions for the good stuff. Like I said they are a corporate own enterprise and they hire folks in need but they are in business for personal gain not charity relief.
Goodwill is non profit they’ve helped over 300,000 people find jobs They pay for their training and schooling. People don’t understand that Goodwill has to pay rent on the building, power bill, water, sewer, garbage, supplies, the trucks that go miles and miles each day, then you have all the employee’s they have to pay and repairs the list goes on and on. Yes I work for Goodwill in I’m very proud of it. Thank you have a nice day.
I just decided last night to no longer work for Goodwill. After only 6 months I found out over and over that the good in Goodwill is not good at all to employees. They have poverty wages handicapped employees who should be allowed the employee handicap parking space are told handicap parking doesn’t apply to them. They let everyone park in the handicap space. I was given so much grief after I requested they follow the law that I no longer work for “Goodwill.”
The current President and CEO of Goodwill is Jim Gibbons, who in 2015 received a total reported compensation of $712,202. Yes they have to pay rent. They build beautiful buildings and the pay their CEOs alot of money.
Sadly, a lot of the donated items at our local stores end up at the bin store without ever seeing a shelf. I only donate to Goodwill on the rarest of occasions now, preferring to give to thrifts that truly appreciate the items, and price them reasonably, as opposed to boutique-y.
Goodwill gets so many donations they can’t possibly put everything out. There are many videos & news stories on it. Americans buy so much stuff & clothing & donate so much they along with most thrift stores can’t possibly sell everything. Most of the smaller thrift stores don’t want certain items or as Salvation Army in my area don’t want anything too old, any kind of markings, put together furniture, etc. We have many thrift stores where I live & their prices are higher than Goodwill & that includes Value Village (which is about double or triple on some things than Goodwill) & Salvation Army. The thrift stores in our area actually post online (if they’re active) & put up signs not accepting…..whatever they’re getting too much of at the time. It’s usually furniture, clothing, Christmas, books, movies, & baskets. I think we have about 50 thrift stores in a 30 mile range from my house including neighboring towns.
WOW!! This is interesting.
I luv your tips lauren. I must share a story with you…..I have been shopping at the “TREASURE” store for many, many years. Out of necessity really. And as you write, some days are filled with wonderful treasures and others, well, not so much! You must go at least once, sometimes twice a week to reap the benefits! I ran into a very “sticky” situation last year at my very favorite shop. I noticed that early in the morning the local Antique Dealers would come into the store and be given access to go in the back and get “first crack” at all the items before they were priced and put out in the store! I made it my mission to go back every morning for a week to make sure I wasn’t mistaken. Lo and behold…here were the “Dealers” getting away with some incredible bargains that you know they were going to mark up and put in their shop!!! How unfair! Pawing through everything like it was their own private little jewels!! I was on the phone so fast calling the corporate headquarters demanding that something be done immediately! I was so angry! What about us …the small little everyday person who shops here because they can’t afford to go to others stores? It is a shame because it continues to happen, so they raise the prices because they know the dealers are re-selling and who suffers?
Wow, I often wondered about that. I donate a lot since we own rentals and so many tenants leave behind a lot of stuff. Many times when I was donating to the back entrance, I saw some beautiful lamps, a bird cage which was so ornate and lots of nice quality items. Yet, I go often enough inside to our Salvation Army store and never see any of the things I see when I drop off items. I even asked if much of this goes to another Salvation Army store and I was told yes but not much. So that had me thinking am I going on the wrong days or not early enough. But it would make sense that these dealers if they donated some “cash” may get first crack at the inventory. Something to take notice.
I have found that I can go to Walmart and buy things cheaper then Goodwill.. I cant figure out why the charge so much?
I was surprised last trip there. Dollar store used items were 1.99. It’s fun to look around and I have found some stuff but they are getting higher priced.