Goodwill too Expensive!

[vanyel]

These are the exact sentiments I have been saying lately. I do poke into the Goodwills every once I awhile, although rarely, if ever, get clothing -what a ripoff! Unfortunately, it seems others do buy the clothing though.

When I asked about an item that had a goodwill tag on it higher priced than the Target sale price I was told by any employee that Goodwill actually buys these things from vendors! I always thought everything was donated...including the new store stuff that the company would write off as a gift to charity. I guess not!

The only thing I get is new stuff (household decorations still in package)clearanced from Target. I've found these prices ok. Why on earth would anyone buy a used anything for more than the store sales prices?

I was just going to jump in with a comment about the Target items at GW when I read your post. I too saw Target stuff that was marked more at GW than at Target. Some of it was damaged and they were still asking way too much. I asked an employee who told me it was donated by Target and that GW set their own pricing. The local Salvation Army gets donations from Walmart and I've found their prices to be better.

 

[mickman1962]

maybe it has to do with how much money the employees make. The man in charge of a GW in Colorado had a salary of over $600K

 

[babiesX2]

maybe it has to do with how much money the employees make. The man in charge of a GW in Colorado had a salary of over $600K

That is outrageous for someone working for a charity to make that kind of money!

 

[PaulaSue]

This is why I donate to the local Salvation Army, they do not sell but give away items to needy family's.

Sorry but the SA sells clothes here too, just like GW. They are almost just expensive.

 

[babiesX2]

Sorry but the SA sells clothes here too, just like GW. They are almost just expensive.

Our local SA does both -- they use some items to give away to needy people, and some stuff they sell in the store to fund their charity operations.

 

[svalencia1]

My BF is constantly on my case about buying the kids clothes. He's like "why do you always buy the kids brand new clothes. I never had anything new growing up. It all came from Goodwill, but my mom looked hard to find brand name things, so I was never out of style." I always try to tell him I won't buy it unless it's on clearance. Yes my kids get a lot, but they need it and it's so much cheaper than at Goodwill. They used to have a day where you could buy kids clothes 4/$1.00. It was great. I'd go on that day and look at everything. I got my son 2 polos from WDW with a small mickey on the upper corner. They were nice and I know how much they would have cost there. but, they took that day away and prices are just crazy. I'd much rather buy it new if it's going to cost the same or less than at GW.

 

[vhoffman]

Maybe I'll try SA instead. Honestly, with sales, markdowns, coupons, etc., one can find excellent prices on brand-new clothing cheaper than at charities. Also, if the new clothing proves defective, you can return it (I always save receipts!). I recently returned some jeans to WalMart when the zipper broke after one use, and returned a shirt that shrunk up two sizes. Try doing that at a thrift!

Also, it does become a matter of pride. My kids know we donate old clothing to charities, I call it the "Goodwill" bag, however, it goes to various charities. Yesterday I bought dd a shirt at the Goodwill. She then asked "Mom, are we poor?" When they were younger and not "store conscious" it was different, but how can I tell them to put stuff in the Goodwill bag, then shop there? Yesterday was the first time in ages I've shopped at a Goodwill and it was just an impulse thing--saw one on the way to do another errand and decided to see what they had. Also, dd commented that she always thought that Goodwill gave our used items to poor people. She was quite upset to find out that GW sells them. DD said "how do they think they're helping poor people? Even we can't afford to buy this stuff!" I tried to explain to dd that GW and other charities sell donated items then uses the money to help those in need, but she is disillusioned now. She suggested that we sell stuff at a garage sale instead of donating it, since that's all the charities do, anyways. Can't fault her thinking there, especially with charity directors making $600,000! (Wonder if they buy their clothes at thrift shops?)

 

[Disney Ontario]

Hi Even here in Ontario, Canada,our large thrift store is called "Value Village" prices have gone up. I will still send all my unwanted less exspesive stuff thier though. I was in one today and noticed all merchandice with new tags and higher prices. I still bought a good brand of jogging pants that will go to caprees and paid $5.99 .

 

[Liliyana]

ughh our goodwill is sooo nasty and totally overpriced! we walked in once and walked right out. i don't get why people shop there when you can scour the sales at malls and get way better prices!!

I can't speak for others, but personally, it's to buy things that can't be found at malls. My two main things are vintage linens and vintage lingerie. Also, I tend to have good luck at finding new-with-tags Victoria's Secret items priced the same as all the used stuff (say, $2.99 compared to the $35+ VS stores charge).

 

[babiesX2]

Maybe I'll try SA instead. Honestly, with sales, markdowns, coupons, etc., one can find excellent prices on brand-new clothing cheaper than at charities. Also, if the new clothing proves defective, you can return it (I always save receipts!). I recently returned some jeans to WalMart when the zipper broke after one use, and returned a shirt that shrunk up two sizes. Try doing that at a thrift!

Also, it does become a matter of pride. My kids know we donate old clothing to charities, I call it the "Goodwill" bag, however, it goes to various charities. Yesterday I bought dd a shirt at the Goodwill. She then asked "Mom, are we poor?" When they were younger and not "store conscious" it was different, but how can I tell them to put stuff in the Goodwill bag, then shop there? Yesterday was the first time in ages I've shopped at a Goodwill and it was just an impulse thing--saw one on the way to do another errand and decided to see what they had. Also, dd commented that she always thought that Goodwill gave our used items to poor people. She was quite upset to find out that GW sells them. DD said "how do they think they're helping poor people? Even we can't afford to buy this stuff!" I tried to explain to dd that GW and other charities sell donated items then uses the money to help those in need, but she is disillusioned now. She suggested that we sell stuff at a garage sale instead of donating it, since that's all the charities do, anyways. Can't fault her thinking there, especially with charity directors making $600,000! (Wonder if they buy their clothes at thrift shops?)

Goodwill's mission is to provide otherwise unemployable individuals with jobs and the self-respect that comes from having a job and earning money. Their motto is "A hand up. . . not a hand out." They sell the donated merchandise to be able to provide their employees with paychecks. You can read about it here http://www.goodwill.org/page/guest/about/whatwedo

I regularly donate to thrift shops and shop in them. These organizations use the money from items sold to do wonderful things. I regularly buy DD13 expensive name brand clothes and shoes that are like brand new for $1 at our local SATS. When she is done with them I donate the clothes back to SA. I find thrift shopping to be highly enjoyable. Shopping there is giving to a charity. It is a recurring sentiment that I've seen here on the Disboards -- thrift shops are there to provide "poor" people with "things." This is not true at all. As far as I know if the merchandise was designated for "poor" people then they would give it to them and not make it available for sale to the general public.

 

[Kay1]

Liliyana, there's a fun book out there called "Thrift Store Score." The woman who wrote it likes the thrift stores because at malls and big retailers you get what the buyers pick out, while at the thrifts, the sky's the limit.

 

[babiesX2]

Liliyana, there's a fun book out there called "Thrift Store Score." The woman who wrote it likes the thrift stores because at malls and big retailers you get what the buyers pick out, while at the thrifts, the sky's the limit.

You have me curious. Do you know the author's name to help me find this book? I'd love to read it.