Why are thrift stores so expensive?

[disneysteve]

I know I'm not the only one who has noticed this, as it has come up in other threads, but thrift store prices have been on the rise. Goodwill used to charge $4.98 for jeans. The last time we were there, they were $6.98. That's a big jump and a lot to pay for used pants. Men's dress shirts that used to be $1.50-$3.00 are now $3.99 and $4.99. The most ridiculous thing is some brand new items that are dollar store merchandise that Goodwill sells for $1.99.

I don't buy a lot of used clothing (don't buy much clothing period) but I do always browse the houseware items, particularly looking for items I can resell on ebay. I used to get a lot at the thrift shops. Now, I almost never do. The prices have gotten even higher than what I could resell the things for. For example, they'll have a collectible plate, like from Bradford or Knowles, and they'll have it priced at $15.00. Those are antique store prices, not thrift store prices. I'd buy it for $2 or $3 but there's no way I'm buying it for $15. They get the stuff for free. The stores are staffed by volunteers or low-paid employees, they get tax breaks for being a charity. Why do they need to charge so much? Wouldn't it be better to do a much larger sales volume?

[zetta]

The profit from these stores funds their employment and charity programs. I imagine they charge as much as they can and still move the items in order to bring in as much money as possible for the programs.

[disneysteve]

That's true, zetta, but that doesn't explain recent price hikes. I hate to be cynical but I wonder how much of it is supply and demand. With the economy in bad shape, more and more people are turning to thrift shops to help make ends meet. Have they raised prices in response to that increased demand?

[irmanator]

I made a donation in my thrift store and in the back room there is a notice for employees that if certain things are donated off the list then they are to be set aside and tried on ebay before being set on the floor for sale.

[GoodBuyGirl]

I noticed that prices have risen on things that will sell on ebay. I wonder if they check ebay before they price the items.
On the other hand furniture has stayed rather cheap. I bought a desk for my daughter for $4 because some kid went after it with a crayon. I sanded it down and repainted it for less than $10. looks like new now.
If I had room to store it that's the route I would go. Just fix up furniture then have a garage sale. Furniture is always the 1st thing to go at sales around here.

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

Could it be due to ...

Health Insurance?

Goodwill offers its employees health insurance and this blogger says their costs are higher than those of other organizations.

What's John thinking?: Goodwill, Health Insurance and Privileged Liberals

I guess those actuaries can tell with one glance that the Goodwill employees are likely to need to use their insurance.

I don't think I've noticed a recent increase in Goodwill and other thrift store prices, but I did notice it a few years ago. That said I bought jeans for $2.99 and $3.99 at Value Village last week. The cheaper one was new with tags, but a Walmart brand. The more expensive was Lee's. Today they are having a Presidents Day sale, with everything 1/2 off.

Goodwill does have its own auction site. DH has bought things there for profitable resale on ebay.

[disneysteve]

Goodwill does have its own auction site. DH has bought things there for profitable resale on ebay.

That's interesting. I'll search for it, but if you can, please post the link in case I don't find it.

ETA: Got it. It is shopgoodwill.com - Welcome

[zakity]

It is to pay the Goodwill's CEO his huge salary. He makes a ton of money, like several hundred thousand or a million or something totally outrageous for someone who runs a charity thrift store.

I did pay $8 for a pair of men's jeans at a Deseret for my oldest son recently (the dang kid had the gall to grow again). I feel like they are really a charity. I am not mormon or anything (**snort** actually probably as far from it as you can get), but I have heard that they will help you even if you aren't in their religion. They have prices that are in line with a thrift store. My other favorite thift store is a church one also (seven day adventist). I buy most of my cast iron there.

[disneysteve]

It is to pay the Goodwill's CEO his huge salary. He makes a ton of money, like several hundred thousand or a million or something totally outrageous for someone who runs a charity thrift store.

To be fair, Goodwill does a whole lot more than run thrift stores. That's just how they get money for everything else they do.

[Goldy1]

There are quite a few Salvation armies in my area. They just opened one near a huge shopping mega street wheich has semi and some upscale malls and shops. They are trying to be a "department store" but I am not paying $8 plus tax for someone's used $40 mall brand jeans/pants they wore a couple years. Add to that, the fact I have to sort through hundreds of pants just to find my size anyway.
I can go to Kohl's and buy new for not much more than that (often less)off the clearance rack.
I understand them wanting to get as much as they can for the charity programs which I support fully, but isn't part of the reason they exist to offer lower priced clothing to help lower income people?
They do offer dollar days ie get 5 items for $5 of a certain sticker price color(they keep track of ho wlong an item is in the store by each week assigning it one of a few color price tags and putting the color longest in the sotre on sale) but I find these often picked through.
That said, there is another local sal. army that charges less and there are still SOME deals to be found

[Caoineag]

I used to shop thrift stores all the time with my mother but that stopped a while ago. Last time I went through a thrift store, I decided I was better off going to garage sales or department stores due to the prices. Scratch and dent stores are still a good deal though.

[LuxLiving]

This price jump happened in my area about three years ago disneysteve.

[Goldy1]

I enjoy an occasional thrift day, but I have to be in the mood to comb through items. I found them quite helpful for work clothing esp. some white lab coats, dress slacks, and blazers I woul dnot wear as street clothing tha tI found in like new and sometimes new shape.

I grew up an only child and NEVER had a hand me down so it was a shift buying some clothes at a thrift, but I revel in my deals! A friend of mine turned me on to it.

[SnoopyCool]

I am not mormon or anything (**snort** actually probably as far from it as you can get), but I have heard that they will help you even if you aren't in their religion.

This is true.

DH just went to Goodwill yesterday and spent $5 on jeans. I haven't shopped them in awhile, but am now interested to see if the prices of other things have increased.

[Goldy1]

IT can be a good deal if you have the time to "forage" lol
Most is junk, and the good stuff goes quickly. I Can go thru racks very quick ie. I look for pants and jeans that are low rise=trendier and nicer brands.