Is Goodwill really Greedwill? Has Thrift Prices Become Retail Prices?

It laid on my heart to create this video since I’ve been seen my more videos on how Goodwill has raised their prices to surpass Walmart and Target prices. This is meant to have an open conversation to see if this was true and to have an objective assessment to see both sides of the story!! I never want to shame another platform but if I’m donating stuff to them on my platform, then I must do my due diligence on this subject. If you want to read more about Goodwill, please visit their website: www.goodwill.o...
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[@ediefolta9494]

My favorite donation places are the local thrift stores run by the animal rescue center, and the local hospice. Also Habitat ReStore for things like appliances, window frames and building supplies. Goodwill is last on my list.

[@ahoardersheart]

Thank you so much for sharing!!! I will look into other charities similar to yours ❤️🙏🏼❤️

[@MichelleLieven-nr2ik]

I worked at Goodwill. They treat employees horribly and people would be shocked to see how many things are tossed in the trash compactor. It was so sad and really bugged me. There are people with nothing that have lost everything in a tornado, fire, homeless, domestic situations, the list goes on and on. I can’t say how many times I recommended a storage facility or something similar to Red Cross to help people and no one cared. Just everyday tossing items in the trash compactor. What started out as a mission with good intent has turned into greed. Very sad. I would recommend finding a church that takes items. There are many of them and also by where I live there is a rescue mission for homeless.

[@katia.luna213]

Same. I regret ever working for them. Donating to those who need it is so much better. I realized this year how many families live in my apartment complex, so I started leaving stuff in the laundry center where I've seen the most kids go in. I've got a bunch of random stuff that's helpful. Next to go includes organization items, planners, a teddy bear, etc 😂❤

[@ahoardersheart]

This breaks my heart mistreating employees!! I’m so sorry you had to go through that and I will not be donating there anymore

[@mackimmy]

my parents grew up during the great depression and the salvation army was there for them so my donations (and my heart) go to the salvation army ♥️🔔

[@ahoardersheart]

Thank you so much for sharing your story ❤️🙏🏼❤️ It was beautiful!

[@michelleriggs5999]

I'm in southwest Michigan and the clothes are $5.99 each. Our local humane society has an attached thrift shop and the proceeds go to the care of the animals, that's where I donate to.

[@katia.luna213]

I think that that's how they do things in the U.K., which I like. If I was angry with humanity, I'd prefer to donate and shop at one where it's for taking care of animals in some way. They're called charity shops 😊

[@ahoardersheart]

Oh I love that!!! Thank you for sharing with me ❤️🙏🏼❤️

[@Stefunny82]

Prices at thrift stores are so high in my area that my preschool has bin where parents can donate clothes shoes and maternity clothes and also take what they need from ones we have washed and organized. Many families have said how this has helped and donations have been very nice gently used items. We all know how quickly babies, toddlers and kids outgrow clothes! 😊

[@ahoardersheart]

Yesssss, I much rather give my items away than have them marked up so high!!

[@ashleighvandermeulen1149]

I love to donate to the little church thrift stores in my area, I love that they have food banks and the money they make at their thrift stores go to that or to helping single mothers, summer lunch programs, community out reach etc.

[@ahoardersheart]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I will look for the same type of charities in my area ❤️🙏🏼❤️

[@karenstairs8273]

I donate to a program in my area called The Wish Project. What ever they don't give away to families, they put in their little Thrift Shop by the same name. The money from that buys supplies for the families they serve (Shampoo, Tooth Paste, and Dish Liquid etc.)

[@ahoardersheart]

I love that! Thank you for sharing!!

[@ashcraft555]

I donate to a local thrift shop that funds a vocational program for people with disabilities. I've seen first-hand how much that program had helped people and I'm happy I can support that work. They're also my go to when I'm thrift shopping.

[@ahoardersheart]

Oh I love that!!! Thank you for sharing!!

[@debbiekortyna7711]

It does depend on your local area. I now donate to our local charity shop since they keep prices affordable and they donate a lot of the items for free to people/families who need the items. Very friendly and compassionate place.

[@ahoardersheart]

I love that!! I have to find something like that near me!!

[@bonesareheavy]

I stopped shopping at my Goodwill several years ago because I find their prices too high. They also took took out the dressing rooms and they don't accept returns. I have several local thrift shops that have much better deals and dressing rooms and are not corporations for profit that I choose to support.

[@MsArtistwannabe]

Yup. I had a friend work at a goodwill. They were horrible to the employees. Also, my daughter thrifts all her clothes and she said there prices are higher than retail at Target etc for same items in many cases. Especially with women’s clothes.

[@ahoardersheart]

Oh my goodness, that is insane!! I’m so sorry the employees are treated that way 😭

[@KlingonPrincess]

I donate to our American Cancer Society thrift shop and the local humane society store. We don't have a Goodwill store. Rescue Mission and Salvation Army are in my town, just farther away. Its always funny to see things I've donated for sale when I go in looking. I mostly look for dvds and sewing supplies. Sometimes I donate dvds and books right back after use. 🌻🍄

[@emilycurtis4398]

@@KlingonPrincess in college I would buy VHS tapes for roughly $0.25 since it was cheaper than renting DVDs and I had a nice VCR/DVD player. I cried when my VCR started eating my tapes. That was the end of a beautiful era.

[@ahoardersheart]

I love that!! I definitely need to look around my area for a charity like that!! I know we have Salvation Army nearby!

[@kristietartar6522]

I have a heart for Goodwill because they train and employ people with special needs.. I saw the good they did when my school bus transported our students there. I also like shopping there with my autistic teen son because the employees are either special needs of some type, or they are understanding of special needs. Now I think that could be an issue with some of the strange pricing. Clothing all has set prices, it’s just the other various items that seem to be randomly priced by the employees. I’ve see the dollar tree stuff marked at $2 or $3 dollars. Today I saw two identical curling irons. One was $1.99 and the other was $2.99. At the same time, sometimes I see “valuable” vintage items for 99c because an employee obviously did not recognize what they had. It’s a little of both. Another thing too, I’ve learned with seeking vocational training for my son. If the employees make “too much” money they will lose their SSI. So these kinds of jobs make adjustments in hours, and maybe hourly wage too. Overall I don’t mind when I pay a little much for something, because it’s still cheaper than retail and I feel it is going to a good cause.

[@SageFlyBaby]

Goodwill (2024 in Florida) no longer has dressing rooms to try on clothing😔 Executives don't know their customer base because I cannot buy if I cannot try. The Sharing Center in Longwood, FL is my new thrift store. They feed and help the homeless.

[@ahoardersheart]

Oh I love that the Sharing Center does that!! So much better!!!

[@carypolakowski4817]

One thing that most folks don’t realize about Goodwill is : -The items are sold to support programs, not just job training but financial counseling, help for folks formerly in jail, etc and many other offerings behind the scenes -CEOs salaries are set by the board - the CEO in our area oversees over a dozen stores throughout a large portion of the state - Also I like to go regularly and watch for the half price color of the week. Full disclosure, my husband is a financial counselor for Goodwill. There are 10 people in his department that help folks learn to manage their money, refer them to special services and programs that can help and support them on their way to stability. Thank you for covering this subject so I could give my 2 cents. I realize everyone has to choose for themselves what is the right fit.

[@teresahayden6990]

They have raised there prices. And they price things as special finds for more than the other items. They are given these items.

[@katia.luna213]

Sure thing, but no one deserves doctor pay, and they would still do well, if not better, had they kept prices low. --me, a former employee who was treated horribly and has 20 years of experience

[@annbeth6730]

People need to realise that a lot of items that can’t be sold is forced onto third world countries. They are being overwhelmed by our stuff that should be put in our own land fill. Don’t donate clothes that you wouldn’t buy . I’ve seen really worn out clothes for sale in charity shops in the UK put them in the bin

[@ahoardersheart]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us! I do want to be objective and listen to both sides of the story ❤️🙏🏼❤️

[@carypolakowski4817]

@@ahoardersheart thank you for listening!

[@jodimurphy8440]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned here is that they take the most valuable items out of the store and post them on their website (generally speaking). Also, a common misunderstanding about thrift stores is that their goal is to offer cheap prices. Their goal is to make the most money possible and funnel that into their organizational mission. SOME thrift stores may have the priority of providing inexpensive items to the community, but it's uncommon. They are businesses and have that prerogative. With that in mind, I'd shop wherever you most agree with mission and can afford the prices. I like thrift stores that offer loyalty coupons and don't sell online (like Value Village/Savers, and some other local places).

[@volunteerworker]

Goodwill raised it's prices for multiple reasons most likely. One, resellers. Resellers would go into Goodwill buy a bunch of things for cheap, and then sell for their own profit. More and more people kept doing it for years and younger people would push the low prices and reselling as well. Goodwill loses money that way. Then, due to mass buying on top of it, they raised their prices to stop resellers. Inflation is just one issue. Also, Goodwill is selling more retail items as well that aren't used so whoever they collab with they have to get money off of that too. Now, Goodwill's in our area has a rack or two or area or two as luxury items that are crazy higher than normal. Most good items donated to Goodwill are sold on their online shops, so you aren't able to see everything donated. Store pickers will decide what goes online or not (my friend was one). Pants have doubled in price, t-shirts are too. Dresses are outrageous compared to what they were, sometimes tripled. Coats/jackets/hoodies are also tripled. Regular non clothing items generally are only a couple dollars more mostly unless they are in extreme good condition, rare, or unopened where price hikes you can tell. Furniture, it's hot and miss on prices but around the same for the most part. But, no, they aren't competing with target and Walmart. They are taking advantage of the clout/interest while trying to get rid of resellers. Goodwill is still a good option for people to donate to. Every charity has its issues. People were downing salvation army in the past. Local thrift stores are picky about what they take in so that can be a hit or miss. What you do already with buy nothing groups gets he best use out of items and helps people with low budgets. That's the best charity out there.

[@tgayer1]

I don’t think Goodwill loses money because people are buying items to resell. If anything, the resellers are helping, keep them in business, and resellers help keep items out of landfills. It helps them provide for themselves and their families, and it puts money back into the local economy. Also, Goodwill needs to remember that everything they receive is free to them, so there’s no need for them to raise the prices other than to help cover their overhead. Resellers are not depriving the needy from getting the necessary items that they need from a thrift store, but Goodwill has made the bad choice of raising prices.

[@christinequintana881]

What aggravates me are the resellers. I donate to Goodwill and other charities so that people who really need items can buy them at a deep discount. Most of the items I donate are like brand-new, and many are name brands. I could sell them myself and make money or put them on consignment. Resellers drive up prices, and it hurts those in need. I grew up poor and thrifting, and I remember getting bags of clothes from families at church. It was exciting to find a gem! I still thrift but not for resale. I'm all about the eco-friendly living and keeping good items out of the landfill.

[@katia.luna213]

I know exactly how you feel. I found out that one of the people I had been watching on here had made it her main job. I checked out her selling page and was DISGUSTED. Pants that she found for cheap were being put up for sale for around $150!!!! I was like girl, you are taking from people who need decent clothes, especially for work. She had moved to L.A. 🙄 She didn't need to.

[@doriann3826]

My favorite to donate used goods is a thrift store that helps support a local food bank. It is a good cause and the volunteers that work there are always very nice.

[@ahoardersheart]

Thank you for sharing! I need to look for local charities like yours!!

[@freckledcrafts86]

My thrift stores definitely have clothing priced higher, often walmart/target/old navy almost the same price as new

[@ahoardersheart]

That is crazy!!! Why are they charging so much!!

[@AmyWhoLovesFlowers]

I think the resellers who were taking advantage of the low prices to buy tons and resell at a profit ruined it for everyone 😔

[@tgayer1]

Well, you can look at it another way. The people that are finding the items for resale are saving items from being thrown out. Also, they are earning money that way, so they are able to provide for themselves and their families and put money back into the community. Another thing to remember is that they are not depriving anyone of necessities necessarily. Some are buying some clothes, but the vintage items and other unique decor items are not necessities, so they’re not depriving someone from getting those at a low price. I think Goodwill has made the incorrect choice in bumping up their prices, because they’re thinking of these resellers, but goodwill needs to remember that all of the items they get were free to them to resell. They shouldn’t be raising their prices to deter resellers. Resellers are helping keep them in business as well.

[@Shiryone]

I think it's that retail prices are so high, that thrift prices are right behind them. And they are on to the eco-friendly, saving shopping community and they are taking advantage. I stopped shopping and dropping of at Goodwill a few years ago. I'd rather donate to thrifts that are affiliated with charitable works, instead of a large greedy corporation like Goodwill.

[@karenstairs8273]

There is a Saint Vincent De Paul Thrift Shop in my area too. The prices are very low.

[@ApDiEr]

same!

[@darleneh608]

I'm currently in France and they have an excellent system for donating clothing in many areas. First, they have these thrift stores, proceeds of which fund assistance for the needy. Second, they have boxes all over town that you can drop your unwanted clothes in. The boxes accept all clothes, just must be clean. Someone sorts through what's donated and items that can be resold in the thrift stores are sent there. Worn out, torn, stained clothes are sent to a fabric recycler. Donating was easy there, even for someone without transportation.

[@janeorr3074]

So proud of you to "shop" without purchasing!!! This journey you are taking is truly an incentive to all who want to make changes in their lives. I do shop at Goodwill especially on Tuesdays (in GA) they have an over 55 discount. But recently I have started giving to a local charity my neighbor suggested. I think it is within the realm of your content to visit the thrift/charity store. Best wishes!!!!

[@megan2176]

I think the rise in prices is a good sign that more people are thrifting, which is great for the planet. Most stores seem to price higher closer to half price days too, so they still make a good piece of profit. I personally donate to a local community thrift shop, where you fill a garbage bag for $5, can't beat that! I also shop there, so it's a good give and take. 😊🌏❤

[@JBUHJBUH]

In the UK, we call them ' *charity* shops ' instead because that's what people are primarily looking to support when thrifting (buying secondhand) - I only buy from the ones whose mission I support. They tend to be cheaper than the 'big name' thrift stores.

[@ahoardersheart]

You’re so right!! I’m going to look around here and see if they have something similar here ❤️🙏🏼❤️

[@theurbanthirdhomestead]

I once bought a shirt at the ARC Thrift Store for $4.99, then found the shirt new at Family Dollar for $2.99. 🙄

[@wendymackenzie3937]

Yes things are higher for items from the dollar store

[@skylark1250]

As a customer at goodwill I noticed a particular woman was allowed to run a cartload of stuff to her car without paying. This happened several times, with the woman stealing mostly books without ever paying. When I reported the problem to the district manager, I was kicked out of the store and told not to return. Covering up organized theft is apparently something management does. It’s stealing of the worst kind. The fact that the store allowed this made me stop giving any donations to Goodwill.

[@lakbaydiva]

The Goodwills near me still have good prices on clothes. The prices are still good on most other stuff. I try not to shop there too often. I don't want to bring a lot of items in the house. I've decluttered a lot and have more to do. I did buy 2 sweaters, a dress, and a jacket for my husband recently for about $21

[@karenkouns577]

Appreciated this videos content. Years ago, we became disillusioned with Goodwill and started donating to the Neighborhood a nonprofit organization for those in need. Thanks for sharing!

[@elizabethlangheim7214]

The Goodwill I go to in Northern Kentucky prices clothes at $7.99. That is higher than some new items at Walmart. The housewares are crazy high and anything designer is whisked off to sell at their outrageously expensive boutique in Ohio. The only reason I donate there is all the other charity shops are much farther away and I know I wouldn’t get there. The Walmart is a hike too which is why I shop very carefully at Goodwill. They have 50 percent off a certain tag color every week. I bought what looked like a new pair of jean shorts for 1/2 price there last week. I’m kind of off the beaten path so I don’t want people coming to my house to pick up anything.

[@emilycurtis4398]

@@elizabethlangheim7214 is their expensive store called "Blue"? I think that was the name of the Goodwill in the wealthy suburbs by me. Bought my wedding dress there for about $100.

[@elizabethlangheim7214]

@@emilycurtis4398 Sorry, I don’t remember. I went there once and realized it was not for me. I went there because when I mentioned to the Goodwill worker I don’t find any designer stuff anymore she told me where it goes.

[@alanbirkner1958]

I buy stuff second-hand because I'm trying not to add to the landfill. I buy from Wings, St. Vincent de Paul, Sal Army and others as well as Goodwill. Buying brand new should be your last option. BTW, many of my clothes are from yard sales, family, or the neighbors. Tina, Al's wife

[@josephdaly2015]

They are called ‘Charity Shops’ here in Ireland. Way smaller premises than Goodwill. NCBI (National Council for the Blind of Ireland) is where I donate to mostly. That was very interesting. Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 🙇‍♀️👏💪👍🙏💐🐈

[@ashleysnedegar3268]

Thank you for being fair and giving a great video

[@lindamusser7370]

If prices are too high, people will go to discount stores and buy new instead.

[@stefs3460]

Goodwill prices must vary by state or region. They are significantly higher in the WNY area. You still CAN get good deals but you have to look much harder. They do give jobs to people who have difficulty finding work so that's something.

[@emilycurtis4398]

I still try to go to thrift stores because it's more eco friendly, and when I can't get rid of items through Buy Nothing groups, I definitely prefer Goodwill and AmVets than Salvation Army

[@amypoole30]

Let me open a few eyes. I managed a local nonprofit for over a decade. We were extremely successful. We helped people in many agencies. One happened to be the Goodwill Job Connection. Now why would my little outfit need to help out this big business? Because they sent those who went through the Job Connection to my store to get free work clothes and free job interview clothes. Yes, to me cause they would not give them free clothes for the jobs they were trying get through Goodwill's own job connection.

[@kimmykat6887]

That's terrible

[@laurysteinke865]

It doesn’t matter if people resell or not. What they do with their purchases is their business. Goodwill gets the stuff for FREE!! I only donate to charitable organizations now. Their prices are awesome!

[@lesmess.]

The problem is goodwill kinda blanket prices things. So you can find a great pair of jeans for $7.99, then find a stained crappy pair for $7.99. And it kills me when they price dollar tree stuff over its original price!! I shop at GW but I donate to our local charity store- that helps people get out of domestic violence situations.

[@carmencastro9823]

I'm in south jersey, and I donate to St Vincent de Paul charity. ❤ No regrets! 😊

[@annburnett9059]

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)

[@cynthiahoward2844]

I do not donate to Goodwill. I donate to my local metroplex women’s resale shop. All money made goes to help women in crisis pregnancies choose life. I absolutely love this ministry!

[@heathergruenberg3273]

I have found our Value Village has high prices. We donate our items to the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store. My husband actually named the store in a contest. It's called The Care Closet.

[@justusewater1]

Really interesting video! We are in the Midwest and some stuff is priced well and others are like come on thrift store. I hope you have a wonderful day!

[@andrearobbins9450]

I understand GW raising prices but they're really high in the atlanta area. Our alternatives are Habitat Restore -unfortunately, usually inconvenient, St Vincent dePaul and local charities you find thru word of mouth.

[@ronda176]

In the end it’s all about supply and demand. People complain about prices but don’t adjust their buying habits. So of course prices will go up and more stuff will be made. If we all made an effort to buy less and “do without” I would love to see the effect it would have. I get so overwhelmed seeing all this stuff and wondering where it’s all gonna go when it needs disposed of. I have embraced a minimalist lifestyle but this is a good reminder that I can still do better. Thrift stores are kind of used as an excuse to buy. We feel better donating rather than throwing away. We tell ourselves we are helping others.

[@kimberlyreiter3213]

In my community we have several thift shops that operate with proceeds going directly to the animal shelter, women's shelters or Vietnam Vet facilities. In some cases, they even pick the items up as an arranged appt day/time which makes it super convenient! I will still shop at Goodwill from time to time, but focus on local thrift shops primarily.

[@sandinmyshuz]

I no longer go to Goodwill. Their prices have skyrocketed just like in the photos you shared. Also the clothing in my stores have a very bad stench that does not go away with washing. I prefer to shop at the smaller thrift stores in my area.

[@DistanceTraveled]

Sometimes, there are local churches that have thrift stores or a Salvation Army store. There are also the classic options of donating based on the objects themselves. Like Habitat for Humanity for like new construction supplies or animal shelters for old towels and women's shelters and nursing homes for crafting supplies.

[@denisemarie6131]

Ignorance is Bliss ….. oh sometimes what I wish I didn’t know !!! Absolutely thrift stores can be relatively expensive when looking at the volume of items they have to sell. There’s Liberty Thrift where I shop their 50% sales! Great deals. So many folks shop thrift stores to resell as their income. Ugh. We have too many stuff!! Love you, Melanie.

[@MsArtistwannabe]

I like to donate when possible to a hospice stores.

[@dlsetaro]

The smell is still there at all of the Goodwills in my area. They also often price things from dollar tree higher than the original price. Another issue I’ve had is that they will cover cracks and chips with the price tag so you can’t see it until you’ve got half the price tag removed and then you can’t return it.

[@CynthiaMiller-cc3qj]

We have a local thrift shop that is staffed by volunteers. They use all their proceeds to purchase food for shut-ins. They are owned by the county Senior Center. My husband volunteers there once a week so that is where I send my purged items.

[@jacquig1939]

Idk what they pay their employees but the other main theift store was minimum wage and wanted you to make a donation from your pay. I take my clothes to my aunts church where people can just take things they like and neighborhood posts for bigger items.

[@michellewanner3921]

We don’t have a goodwill in my town but the thrift store we do have has crazy prices on most things for several years now.

[@remainingembers]

I believe a major reason behind prices going up at Goodwill is because of online resellers. In the last maybe 2 - 3 years the stores we go to have certain brands priced pretty high. Usually nicer, designer, or sought-after brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Lucky Brand, etc, have higher prices. Like a Tommy Hilfiger shirt I saw was marked $9.99. Other general stuff like Forever 21 or a Walmart brand shirts are still in the $3-5 range, though often most shirts are leaning towards 5 bucks. Also, now a lot of jeans are closer to 10 bucks where I think maybe even around 2020 they were mostly half that. I'm actually a seller on Poshmark (only selling old stuff from our closets like what I held onto from high school), so I'm familiar with that landscape and resellers definitely scope out thrift stores for certain brands and things to resell at a way higher price. I guess in a way Goodwill upping their prices keeps the resellers from buying up everything since resellers get less profit out of it, but in the end that also hurts the other costumers that just want a nice thrift find, or actually truly need inexpensive things because they have a tight budget. I think yard sales and giving directly to shelters or others in your community would be the best way to make sure those items go to those who need them or at least can really appreciate them and not get price-gouged in the process lol. 💌

[@Peanut1965]

We have goodwill and value village, Salvation Army. I haven’t been in the stores much to check prices here in Canada.

[@lisettehanson1589]

I stopped donating to goodwill a couple of years ago. I now donate to a thrift shop that the proceeds go to a local animal shelter.

[@ginagonzalez6547]

I usually take my stuff to the Salvation Army, Furniture, Home goods is good to take to Habitat for Humanity ReStore. I don't know if they take clothes, but for sure they take everything else. Unfortunately, there are other thrift stores that don't take donations.

[@joannafoster3423]

Our Goodwill isn't crazy priced, similar to yours. But there's very few nice quality items. Now that Goodwill sells on Ebay, many of the name brands end up there. I HAVE had very good luck at our Humane Society thrift store. So well organized, extremely well priced, and many nice quality items. Nike, Lands End, Vera Bradley all $5!! So helpful to my family and for a good cause. That's where we got our kitty.

[@sarabesson6790]

The Goodwills near me in Michigan started charging $2.50 for children's hardcover books when they used to be 99 cents. Seems astronomical when the locally based thrift store starts their books for children at a whopping 60 cents!!! I've stopped shopping at Goodwill unless it's the half off Sunday, and even then it's only one certain color on sale. Places like Goodwill are legitimately DROWNING in clothing donations and they will never be able to sell through everything that they receive - Goodwill throws thousands of pounds of clothing in the landfill every year and then wonder why things are selling less from the racks by charging higher prices and offering less sales?!?!

[@almariekuit56]

Thirst stores in Australia are out of control too. 😢

[@robyn-mareepenny2926]

In Australia, I choose Vinnies and small community based opshops (your thrift stores). Other places are getting too high and sell clothing at higher prices even when stained or torn.

[@patriciachicco9763]

For me I don’t care about donating because I just want the space in my home. But the prices at goodwill are ridiculous and some stuff is so used for the price. I don’t care if if an influencer gets it. I’m donating to get rid of my stuff. I don’t even claim a receipt. If you’re giving away things you shouldn’t expect anything back for it (like claiming it in taxes), if it’s from the heart.

[@fangirl365]

I’m glad you had a good experience with your particular store. Maybe the manager there is better, or maybe it’s a behind closed doors situation. That said, the fact that this is a widespread issue among many other stores is still something the company needs to address. That said, it couldn’t hurt to see what other shops are available in your area. I try to be super conscious about what ethical and non ethical things companies do so that I can choose the best option at the time, and I’m glad to see you look into it! That said, I have serious beef with Chik Fil A and Hobby Lobby 😅, but that’s just the tip really.

[@lisachaput2952]

I noticed that it depends on the item, if the price is skyhigh. If someone can make a profit on it, then they charge the highest they can. Some items have been unchanged. I like ceramic figurines that were $1-2 back in the day. Some sell for $39. 😯 Keyboards used to be $20, now much higher. But, things that are not sold online weekly, will come down in price sometimes. I heard that Goodwill has made a huge profit during this time.

[@ChristianAnneSmith]

I love my buy nothing group, as thrifting has become really pricey, everywhere in Bellingham, Wa. I do still feel that buying used is always better than walmart or target because it slows the fast fashion effects on our planet. Also, the new items that used to fall apart or pill after a few wears or washes get weeded out by shopping for second hand items. If it is in good shape at a thrift store, the clothing item has already stood the test of time and is usually better quality than new items.

[@janehickenbottom4558]

Here in Iowa all the stores have. I’m all for keeping items out of the trash bin but I am now looking at Ross and stores similar to them now.

[@jennyksslr]

I am so proud of you for not buying anything! I pray that I reach that level soon.

[@ucfhillcollege8296]

I will keep donating to Goodwill. They took all my items during Covid. They greet me with a smile when I donate. Any clothes donated that are not resalable are sold to salvage. One of their stores in my area are all electronics with a 90 day guarantee. Two employees I know were trained there for some time and later moved on to wonderful jobs at electronics stores. Also the prices here are less than the ones you showed.

[@keelienne]

It would have been so funny if you had said „Ok, so you know me.. here is my haul..“ and just put an empty bag inside out 😂 Because no, that you leave without the littlest of ging with glitter? I would not have gießt. But ma’am, that’s absolutely amazing!

[@sherileboeuf8699]

I go to my hometown second-hand store and drop off my stuff. So the money that is being made stays in my area. So, a small business second-hand store.

[@sevenjane1]

Im in the UK, and i try to always donate my items to a local hospice charity shop, being local they dont have the same structure of the massive charities we have here, and i believe more of the actual money made reaches the actual charity.

[@jordanvejtasa446]

Before donating I always post everything for free on Facebook pages and I rarely have to donate anything. So many donations just get thrown away. It’s better to find a home for your stuff than to automatically donate

[@susansmithey5317]

I’ve been shocked at how high their prices have become. I’ve recently purchased new clothing at places like Ross, Marshall’s and TJ Maxx for less than the Goodwill. My opinion is most of this is a “fall out from Covid. Nothing more than excuses. I rarely ever go into Goodwill for anything. I donate to places that help homeless women directly.

[@amypoole30]

Also, I think there is also a lack of training on pricing general merchandise

[@ArtyAntics]

In the UK the charity shops are also raising prices. It used to be that people could go to a charity shop (which are run by actual charities in the UK) to get affordable good quality clothing. Now they are full of cheap fast fashion at prices that are higher than fast fashion stores/sites. I think there are 2 issues here. No 1, the true cost of clothing is much more expensive on resources than companies that make fast fashion charge us. The quality is low and they have normalised the devaluating of clothing so we expect cheap prices. No 2 rent on store spaces, electricity costs etc are so high that they need to charge a reasonable amount for clothing to survive. But because people are only buying low quality clothing thats all that’s being donated! They aren’t worth the price on the tag. I know it’s a bit more nuanced with Goodwill as it’s a business but I’m sure they have the same issues.

[@kattykatty6848]

The Goodwill has probably decided they will sell the items for the same prices that the people shopping to put them in their internet shops are selling them for. Every time I go into a Goodwill for a mixing bowl, for example, there are people at a rack or shelf that behave as if you have walked into their homes uninvited. They are checking their phones for a price/value; they stay in the way and are rude. So, I have quit going to Goodwill because it has raised it's prices to internet prices and I don't care to shop at the internet sellers' warehouse! The employees were still nice and the stores were cleaner the last time I went. That's my take on a reason for higher prices.

[@jackceli1684]

The sad part is not only have their prices gone up so that people who really do need cheaper methods for shopping and can no longer do this; but just look at how much the people that run this company make. Meanwhile their employees are being treated terribly and are not making good money.

[@CoffeeLovingCatholic]

Even the Salvation Army has raised their prices! Everyone still has an electric bill to pay (and other utilities!) And yes, I can find brand new clothing on clearance at Walmart for FAR less than the thrift stores!

[@ngdelsol320]

I live in the Lehigh Valley, PA. I have been donating to Green Drop for several years. You have the option to pick the organization I choose the Purple Heart foundation. If I want to donate furniture quickly I will drop off at Habit for Humanity.

[@croccatcher]

Here in the UK we call them charity shops, where I live they over charge

[@SandraOgrodnik-wm4ph]

I always had donated to goodwill until my husband took a large picture frame with glass. The man at goodwill said we won’t take this and threw it in the dumpster! Of course the glass broke and it was trash. Instead of giving it back to my husband or asking what we wanted to do with it. Also I knew someone who worked at a goodwill location and said theyre job was to smash dishes bc they had too much. I will not donate there and find another place. I give on my buynothing group as much as possible

[@mindart237]

I think the issue is more that they try to sell clothes from shein at a higher price than they were brand new and i think that is reasonable to point out.

[@erinj9642]

I like to donate to Disabled American Veterans. Give it a Google. I've never checked out what their prices are but I support their mission. In my area they also come pick up the items, rain or shine.

[@Natalie.D]

Also many people who are upset that organizations throwing out clothing and goods, is because dirty, broken, and worn clothing is donated. Just because a donator thinks it’s still good, does not mean that someone wants to buy your dirty torn t-shirt. Oftentimes people with hoarding disorders place more value on their stuff than others. My friend is starting to declutter and wants to donate some things and I have to give her the honest truth that most of the stuff she wants to donate should go to the trash. Eg. 20 year old dirty worn-out sneakers. T shirts with stains that were threadbare.

[@katia.luna213]

😅 It's a mixed bag for me. I hate them because I used to work for them, but there's also really great stuff or just helpful items if you really comb over the store. They sell online in an auction way, but last decade in my area in Texas, they had actual auctions on a case of random stuff that would be on display. They'd pick out things that were worth more, and then you'd have to fill out your information and see when the auction would be taking place.

[@reginacornish3030]

This summer I've been a part of 45 day declutter event, I have limited energy levels currently, so I've been posting the donations on my towns page and people come get the items for a yard sale! Over 1,300 items!!!

[@underconstruction8040]

It is much cheaper now to purchase things on clearance at a retail store.

[@allalala9916]

So true and it's brand new.

[@allalala9916]

If you buy winter stuff in the summer and summer stuff in the winter it's the cheapest for children's clothes.

[@nolasavedmysoul]

The local thrift store chain in Utah that is run by the LDS church is still very affordable though I have seen some used items from dollar tree that were listed at $2.

[@regeniawilliams2965]

I don't do goodwill, I go to my local thrift stores to give back to our community. It's bad when they also tax everything that taxes have already been paid on.Goodwill is real greedy here where I live.The workers get what's worth anything for them an there friends an family for FREE,then raise prices on the junk that's left.

[@PattyRit]

I've seen the empty candle jars or sale too

[@cat3crazy]

Goodwill stores are not all run by the same organization. I'm not sure how it works but I know the stores can be purchased. I know that I'm not explaining things well. What little I know comes from a friend who has worked for Goodwill for many years. I use to shop at Goodwill and I've noticed that some stores will have items priced higher than other stores. An interesting fact, the salt and pepper shakers are not priced as sets. Usually only one of the shakers will have a price on it. It's when you get to the register that the good deal of $5 for a set of shakers is really $10.

[@cack121]

I stopped giving to Goodwill years ago. I consign and what doesnt go there gets given away on my Local buy nothing group. I have had very few things that dont get taken. I usually take those items to Salvation army or Veterans etc

[@sassyslsgrl]

The prices are different in every goodwill, as can be the quality of the experience..... some are taken good care of and organized and staffed with warm efficient people and are reasonable in price, some are a nightmare and weirdly expensive only a short drive away

[@tanya1863]

I don't donate anything to GW, I saw a man asking people for 5.00 for a cheap jacket(4 or so years ago , he was on foot and it got really cold , I had no cash so asked a worker taking in donations if they would mind donating him a jacket for his journey, they young man had to get a manager, and the manager said "no they don't donate like that, there were many to choose from inside he was welcome to come in and purchase one" the young employee went to his truck and gave that man his own personal jacket and I've never donated a thing to them since

[@contancesholl3833]

I donate to my local Mission store. Every city has them.

[@gigieyre]

I think for me it's hit and miss. When I go to Goodwill, I find that I sometimes find great stuff and other times, things are overpriced. It seems to me that there isn't a standard for their pricing. I will find a insulated coffee cup that 2 bucks and then pick one up that says 8 bucks. Crazy. It just takes time to pay attention and look for the best deal.