Why I'm STRUGGLING With Charity Shops...

[@CarBoot_Chris]

What are your thoughts and experiences with charity shops?

[@bezzle123]

Always think it's ironic when people teach people how to fish and where to fish and then moan when no fish left lol

[@CarBoot_Chris]

I think that only accounts for a tiny percentage if any. If that were the case there would be nothing left at boot sales, wholesale suppliers, vinted and online sniping. There’s plenty.

[@bezzle123]

@@CarBoot_ChrisThen what you moaning about

[@rosieraver1]

@@bezzle123 so right in what you have said,these KZbinrs are creating monsters whether they choose to accept it or not,more resellers and more clued up charity shop sellers!

[@bezzle123]

@rosieraver1 I can't say it's all you tubers fault but won't be helping

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Covid truly changed the game for charity shops in my opinion, they were forced to close their shops and sell in a different way and they found the grass was greener there. You should stop watching those terrible KZbinrs.

[@georgiahumphreys3881]

I took 2 big bags to my local high street the other day. There's about 6 charity shops and only 1 was accepting as the others were too full. If they reduced the prices they would get through the stock and make more money for the charity

[@CarBoot_Chris]

If I ever took donations and they were refused I would never return.

[@cjjjones8123]

Totally, they just don't seem to understand basic cash flow either. Think about all the great stuff they could be declining. I saw,a charity shop worked say to a,woman who tried to donate a bit bag of new clothes,with tags on that she didn't want the items and that no other charity shop would take it either! How ridiculous. If they just sold items at lower prices they would find they would sell so much. I only donate to the,few,shops I know don't exploit their customers. It particularly makes me cross when children's charity shops sell kids stuff for high prices, its,so unethical.

[@maddog273]

@@CarBoot_ChrisThere not a dumping ground for your cast offs

[@garyballared2077]

i think without resellers charity shops would struggle

[@CarBoot_Chris]

I think so too

[@belindasharrock6493]

Hi Chris, I used to visit a charity shop in Golborne at least 3 times a week, it was brilliant lots of vintage items at very reasonable prices it was always very busy and popular, I have found great items there in the past. Unfortunately it had a refurbishment in summer and has been totally spoilt, it is now classed as a boutique charity shop and sells mainly clothing at tremendously high prices. I paid a visit there last week and the shop was deathly quiet with no customers. The volunteers who have worked there for years are lovely and are trying their best , but unfortunately this once great shop has lost all of its curiosity and charm. I can see it closing down soon after so many years of a once thriving shop. I really miss how it used to be.

[@CarBoot_Chris]

A similar story in many places I think.

[@Chenzo-sb6zu]

Lots go like this unfortunately. I've known two great ones by me. I used to go into one of them sometimes twice a day as they were always restocking great bargains! They then had a refurbishment and change of management and is now one of the worst in the area. The other one was good as well and they had refurbishment and has also gone down the pan.

[@valpilgram3734]

I’m a part time reseller and I mainly buy from charity shops. Yes prices have gone up, but I still find quite a few items I can make good profit on. I don’t drive so don’t travel to other areas. Only recently started going to local car boot which has been a game changer, but get taxi to and from

[@CarBoot_Chris]

That’s good, every area is different. Fingers crossed yours stay good.

[@marlowbulldog6033]

Was this week browsing in a local CS and it was full of the usual overpriced tat. A lady came in with a new Kenwood blender and the manager said they were full up and not accepting donations. I asked the donator, "how much?". And the lady was very happy to give it to me for free. It's madness the CS was turning away decent stock, and it's because they are full with overpriced old stock and tat. Don't think the Manager was best pleased, even though she had first refusal and said no!

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Fairs do’s, I’m surprised it didn’t kick off

[@cjjjones8123]

Well done you! Better than going in landfill. People are just fed up going all the,say there, just t be told no, often in a haughty Way.

[@margarethenry7928]

As a charity shop volunteer - this is a pretty accurate assessment Chris Its a business - with targets to raise the most money for the charity Google lens has revolutionised identifying valuable items Donations are less in quantity and lower quality than when I first started 6 years ago - like you say - a lot of supermarket clothing plus primark , boohoo , shein etc It doesn't matter to us who buys , personal or reseller we need money in the till. We do have our own online store though for valuable items . It's in a low socio economic town and online gives a wider audience to people who have year round disposable income. Things are still missed though and bargains still to be found in the shop

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Thanks so much for commenting Margaret. Interesting to hear your view point from a volunteer perspective.

[@eddiehewitt5529]

@@CarBoot_Chris A charity shop volunteer would make a cracking podcast guest eh Chris? 🤔 (unless you've already done it?)

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Good idea…. @margarethenry7928

[@margarethenry7928]

No chance I've a real Lancashire accent 😂

[@CarBoot_Chris]

@margarethenry7928 all accents welcome

[@BenManuell]

Everything you've said here regarding Charity shops and people turning their nose up at resellers is BANG on. Everything I was thinking while watching you said in the next sentence. Even the way you navigate a Charity shop and gloss over Womens clothing is identical to my approach. I want to get a better knowledge of womens clothing but i dont even know where to begin!

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Problem is I don’t really want to do women’s clothing so I’ll hold off unless I have to. I still pick up coats, footwear and sweaters/hoodies.

[@Planet_Passey]

There are definitely still bargains to be had from charity shops, BUT it takes a lot of persistence and knowing the more obscure brands which pass the staff by. I totally agree with the statement of the quality of stock decreasing. There's definitely a correlation between shops with an active eBay account and the shop stock resembling the dregs. I'm all for paying up for things if there's still money to be made, but sifting through endless rows of high street fodder does get boring pretty quickly!

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Ye exactly that

[@thats_flipping_retro]

I think charity shops are still a good source of stock but I find it largely depends on which shops you go to. Some are still reasonably priced where as others are crazy expensive! Always helps to get to know the staff in there as sometimes they will let you know when they get particular items in. Great video as always :)

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Very true!

[@halcyon_hound4524]

My local charity shop's toy corner, 2019: load of action figures, good & bad, old & new lumped in together in a rummage box. 2025: action figures 99% cherry picked using ebay to guage value and better ones for sale at £10-£25 per figure in a glass cabinet.

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Sounds fairly typical unfortunately

[@TourneySteve]

I was in one of our local towns charity shops (the dearest one in our town by far!) a month or so before last Christmas, I don't buy much in there, just the odd item now and then, and I overheard a conversation between the manager and a young lady probably from their head office (she was wearing one of the charity's logo'd fleece's). The young lady was giving the manager advice about their local Facebook page and how to encourage more people to shop there and all I could think was just lower your flippin' prices, it's not rocket science! They're always turning donations away, but the stuff on the rails doesn't change much!! It's like when a failing restaurant raises it's prices thinking it will help it survive and all it does is put even more people off!

[@CarBoot_Chris]

It’s the same story everywhere, refusing donations but stock sits on the rails for weeks. If I ran a charity it would be booming!

[@cjjjones8123]

Spot on!

[@retrobootdisc]

charity shops used to be about 30% of my sourcing. but gradually the local shops i used to go in everyweek, got new managers and staff and the amazing deals dried up. they started scanning all media (which was one of my main niches) and would sell them to media buyers before they even hit the shop. also the newer staff are more online savvy, and im sure loads of stuff is getting skimmed off. i only go in local small (non chain) charity shops

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Sounds about right

[@zebuuu7196]

I feel so much is going to change with charity shops. Its easier and easier for them to list online and achieve much more £. Props to you bargain hunters

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Probably right, the retail shops probably only break even at best.

[@stefan8303]

A few years back I could go on a charity shop route and find at least 2-3 items per shop. I'd go about 5 times a week, it was a great way to source. But it's become much harder, Today I went to 15 charity shops and found 2 decent items, it's not worth the time it takes. What I find odd is there's always someone coming in to donate that gets turned away. They're told there's no space out back, yet there's still the same stock on the shelves that's been there over a year. Sometimes they'd just be better off pricing a little lower and turning things around quicker. Of course they can charge what they want, so really it's become a game of catch them slipping. Knowing more obscure brands or differences within categories, maybe it's ralph lauren purple label instead of normal ralph lauren etc.

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Ye totally agree with all that

[@cjjjones8123]

Loads selling themselves,especially on ginger because its,so easy, they need the cash and its hard to donate.

[@MasterofPieces]

Interesting topic Chris... I would say though that most of my reselling stock comes from charity shops, they are definitely my best form of sourcing!

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Do you have secret access?

[@MasterofPieces]

​@@CarBoot_Chrisnope. I got maybe once or twice a week. It's always a different shop each week that'll have something in tho :)

[@trugman1]

If it’s primark, supermarket or cheaper high street labels, they need to just do £1 an item, maybe £2-5 on coats and shoes, and actually sell some stock. Instead of the no more donation signs they need to put a 50% off everything sign or everything £1 sign and make some room!

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Totally, you do see some cheap rails but not enough

[@earnestlad1872]

One suspects the charity shop staff etc skim off for themselves the cream of items that come in as donations-They might give a token amount for an item, but in effect the stuff actually left for shoppers is the dregs only

[@CarBoot_Chris]

I’m sure it happens but most just goes to their online sites

[@Kirsty-wu4pu]

I think a big change happened with charity shops during covid when shops were shut and many set up ebay stores which taught them they could get higher prices for things, so as you say why wouldn't they if they can make more money and in return less goodies make it onto the shelves in actual shops. Having said all that I'm very lucky with my local charity shops, there's plenty of them and they serve me well.

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Defo a big change during Covid

[@Chenzo-sb6zu]

Charity shops have become terrible lately. I barely find a thing these days. Just a couple of years ago used to find loads. Definitely changed a lot.

[@CarBoot_Chris]

That’s a shame

[@nafanify]

look for the local independant ones on the outskirts or villages, the chains tend to mostly be a waste of time but a few are good, i get most of my stock from charity shops now, i've got such a huge backlog i can pretty much just source when stuff is next to nothing in the regular charity shop sales so can be much cheaper than the car boot

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Ye good shout

[@dan19752008]

I'm in the lucky position of having my partner listing full time, Andrea worked in a shoe shop for years, so she does all our footwear, I concentrate on the other items, charity shop prices have gone up but we are still finding a few bargains

[@CarBoot_Chris]

That’s good!

[@lincolnseller9828]

Am fairly lucky where I am. Most of the independent ones are great. Its the chain ones near me that are over priced and you see the stock sitting on shelves for weeks on end. Only a couple of the chains in my area will reduce the price if the stock doesn't sell.

[@CarBoot_Chris]

That’s great!

[@hamptonwick4962]

EBay resellers have been around since day one… yes with the advent of social media video platforms like KZbin and TikTok that has caused an enormous interest however in that time all charity shops have done is raise their prices inline with retail inflation and retail sales interest they have yet to really do anything about competition with eBay. Do I see stuff that has high demand like a Tommy puffer and has been priced competitively yes ofc every day but I also see a lot of limited edition Italian vintage for £10 that I’ve sold to museums for 100s. This idea that charity shops are causing problems (not u Chris) is just a bit of an oversimplification, they are adapting to cost of living and running a charity and also adding a sprinkle of competition. They are still our friends and us as resellers should build relationships with them and respect boundaries. I donate stale stock sometimes to make space but also so they know i respect and appreciate what they mean to me. Let’s face it not every pick is a winner. Donating stale stock is tax efficient but pays for a healthy relationship with your supplier (charity shops). They tend to give you more insight into stock if you supplement back to them

[@woowoo7649]

Great discussion om charity shops spot on, also when resellers are now on tv or in papers showing how easy it is .

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Maybe but most people can’t be arsed or try it and realise it’s not that easy.

[@danielharby3433]

My local chain of hospice charity shops now have a list of clothing brands that they have to put to one side and once a week the ebay person comes and collects them all to go on eBay, the retail manager has said she only wants high st brands on the rails in the shops because they can make the money on eBay with the other stuff. The problem is though it's now effecting the shops figures and they are struggling to hit their targets

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Sounds like the charity I used to work for!

[@davewhiteman8353]

Why can't charity shops put there stock straight on to eBay and Vinted. How hard can it be to research items that come through the door.

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Its probably going that way, when their shops start making a loss

[@Andygb78]

Faith, Hope and Charity (shops). Yes, I'm finding less and less in them these days. I wasn't sure if I was becoming more selective in what I pick up, or that people were donating less things than they used to. I think almost all charity shops check prices online before putting stock out these days as well. Anything decent I find has usually been priced up.

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Very true

[@MikeFrances]

Let’s be honest here. The only reason resellers are crying about charity shops is because, at one time, items could be bought dirt cheap and sold for an excessive profit. Those days are gone but you still have avenues to source your stock.

[@CarBoot_Chris]

No ones crying Mike, its just observation and discussion. Things change and reselling evolves.

[@Peterwrayadventures]

There too darm expensive. They just need to run sales and turn over the stock quicker rather than items sitting on the shelves for weeks possibly months

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Very true, so many I hear refusing donations

[@linlinjefferys9921]

As you know I'm not a reseller but I find most of the "RETAIL" shops on the high street are all geared up for YOUNGER people. I have often looked for an outfit on the high street without success and found some something in charity shop for less than half price. Must admit they are getting quite expensive £2.for a paperback book DISGRACEFUL!!! Good sales though Chris😘

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Thanks linlin

[@garyballared2077]

agree with you about charity shops 100% - they exist to raise money.

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Their main aim

[@Thebearscave81]

I am in a village with 3 chairty shops within a 3 min walk of my house. Sadly, 2 of these chairties have Ebay/Local distribution centres within a 15 min walk... I bet we know where the top stuff goes. You can get the odd bargain on the items they aren't running thru the Ebay app. Too many coats and jumpers atm. Not keen on getting stuck with them

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Coats and jumpers are good if they are decent ones

[@jayleedallas9858]

I'm quite lucky, I live relatively close to 3 clearance charity shops - £1 for everything/anything but it's quite rare anything really amazing gets to that point, but it's very good for the daily fodder stuff... But most of my best sales are silly things that slip through the cracks at the stores like a £5 plush toy that sells for £100+ or a retro cookie jar for £3 that sells for £40 - £60. But I do also go charity shop sourcing daily for about 4hrs so a lot of people probably wouldn't like doing that to then go home and list for a further 6hrs after updating the stockfile for an hour or so 😂😂

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Lucky to have those stores nearby

[@Dirlewanger44]

There’s 5 charity shops near me that I use only one is what I call an old style shop. One of the Main Street chazzas I’ve got to know the manager and tells me she has to take £3k per week she says she usually hits or close to the target but gets pushed by her area manager. I do still find so good stuff in there and she does show me stuff before it’s put out but like majority of chazzas she checks eBay and I keep telling it’s sold not asking prices she needs to check lol Another chazza they get a lot of bric a brac donated from a local auction house items haven’t sold as they still have the auction house stickers on lol The charity shops by me aren’t badly priced and I usually visit them once twice per week

[@TheUntypicals]

Charity shops do not raise health or other issues awareness to their customers. Charity shops are Ebay's biggest customers by far. They are working at incorporating Artificial intelligence to sell their donations, they attend and speak at ecommerce trade shows...

[@caroleharris8376]

People on lower incomes can't afford to buy in charity shops these days , the prices are ridiculous 😒 for high street brands. Im not a reseller , I loved going in the charity shops over the years to get some designer items at good prices , not anymore !! The designer items are on their Ebay stores. I think they would not survive without all resellers buying from them and spending substantial amounts. Great vlog 👍 😊

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Wait until you see a price on an item in next weeks charity shop run…. Mental.

[@cjjjones8123]

Yes, I used to go with my kids but now its,a no go as my kids can longer get things,as so expensive

[@kapkone]

I don't go to charity shops anymore. They are full of low quality fast fashion.

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Some truth in that

[@LindaHarding-v5x]

Charity shops have become over priced there clothes stock is dearer than the original shop I am a former senior manager and have set up charity shops I often go to charity shops and come out with nothing like a lot of customers I watch and see how many walk out without buying shows how overpriced there goods are

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Yes very true

[@cjjjones8123]

Yes totally and what they forget is the stuff they are,selling isn't usually on trend like new,shops sell and also it can be bobbled, stained etc. They even try to sell Shein and Primark for £5+.

[@christopherbaker5448]

I think people's intended margins don't help. I see something for £1 that i can sell for £8-10 on vinted quick and i will buy it, others wont bother. Currently making more on Vinted selling lower priced items than i am on Ebay with the more quality stuff

[@CarBoot_Chris]

If it works for then keep doing it!

[@Vintagesupermarketstore]

Your neighbors have stuff give them your business card

[@CarBoot_Chris]

They already know

[@anpj2006]

If you’re looking for £20 plus profit items you’ll definitely struggle in chazzas.

[@CarBoot_Chris]

True indeed

[@Dirlewanger44]

I’m like you I don’t know women’s clothing so don’t look at it. Some charity shops are going down the vintage shop route to aim at the younger buyers Some are getting too expensive went to one with my gf the other week looking for a new wardrobe for her they had done priced at £200 😮

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Hate dealing with women’s clothing

[@olwynbaldock4365]

Your money is as good as any ones . I Think they charge too much

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Indeed!

[@TheUntypicals]

Charity shops are a poor experience for their customers. I use to find interesting books there a long time ago, now they sell the good ones themselves online or to direct to online book sellers like worldofbooks

[@CarBoot_Chris]

Well I guess they want to make the most for their charity, that’s the idea. But if that’s the case might as well close the high street shop.

[@TheUntypicals]

Perhaps stop lining their pockets, management at charities get paid a fortune... ​@@CarBoot_Chris

[@hamptonwick4962]

EBay resellers have been around since day one… yes with the advent of social media video platforms like KZbin and TikTok that has caused an enormous interest however in that time all charity shops have done is raise their prices inline with retail inflation and retail sales interest they have yet to really do anything about competition with eBay. Do I see stuff that has high demand like a Tommy puffer and has been priced competitively yes ofc every day but I also see a lot of limited edition Italian vintage for £10 that I’ve sold to museums for 100s. This idea that charity shops are causing problems (not u Chris) is just a bit of an oversimplification, they are adapting to cost of living and running a charity and also adding a sprinkle of competition. They are still our friends and us as resellers should build relationships with them and respect boundaries. I donate stale stock sometimes to make space but also so they know i respect and appreciate what they mean to me. Let’s face it not every pick is a winner. Donating stale stock is tax efficient but pays for a healthy relationship with your supplier (charity shops). They tend to give you more insight into stock if you supplement back to them

[@CarBoot_Chris]

All good points